Help, I need to find a new salon!!!

There are many reason why people look for new salons,  you may have just moved to the area, your friend may have an incredible new look, your stylist may have moved, or maybe you're just unhappy with your current stylist. Whatever the reason, choosing a new salon or stylist can be a very scary adventure. Here are a few tips to help you find your new forever stylist!

FIND A SALON that suits your needs. If you have curly hair, look for someone that specializes in your hair type. If experience is what your after, look for someone that has been working with hair for a few years. If color is your thing, make sure the colorist has credentials. Not all stylists are colorists.

SEARCH ON-LINE for local salons and stylist. Keep in mind the type of stylist you are needing and plug those key words into a search engine.  For example: If you want someone that specializes in 'short hair' type in short hair specialist.  Same thing for color,  search for hair color expert or specialist. Another great way to help you find your new stylist, is to use social media. Searching #leaguecitycolorist on Instagram you will find hair colorists in the League City area. You can see work that different stylists have done. Almost a try before you buy. If you find a stylist your interested in don't be afraid to check them out on social media. Try using your own town and see who is there.

ASK YOUR friends and family members for their recommendation. If you love you friends new look, ask her where she went.  Be sure to get the name of the stylist that did her hair and the name of the salon. Don't forget to ask where the salon is located. Is it local to your area or do you have to consider travel time?

NOT ALL SALONS are created equal. Make sure to check out  the ratings and reviews of salons.  If you see that a salon has a 4.7 out of 5 score, check to see how many clients have rated or reviewed the salon. If it has a lot of  people leaving ratings or reviews, then that is a good indication that most people had a positive experience at that salon. Now if a salon has a high or low score but only a few ratings, then that is not a reliable indicator of the quality of the salon.

VISIT THE SALON website. By visiting the salon website you can find out what services they offer. A specialty service such has hair extensions will likely be on their website. Many time you can find a price list for the services they provide. You might even find bios on the stylist, helping you choose one or more for your needs. Don't forget to check the salon website for any promotions they may have available.

CALL THE SALON and ask questions. For example if you need a family salon that suits the needs of many ask them "Do you cut children's hair?" If you need a stylist that specializes in color services, ask them "What type of color services do you offer?"  Most salons are happy to answer any question you may have.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS schedule a consultation.  Consultations are usually best when
scheduled in advance of the service.  This is a great risk free way to see if you want to do business with this salon and they're usually free. Make sure that you arrive at your consultation prepared to tell the stylist exactly what you want. Bring a list of prepared questions. You'll also want to make sure you bring pictures. Pinterest is a great resource when your searching for your look. Be sure you have different views of the cut or color.  Be prepared to tell the stylist what you like and don't like about the pictures. This is also your time to interview the stylist. Are you comfortable with this stylist? Did the stylist 'listen' to you and discuss your hair type and challenges? Also don't be afraid to book a consultation with more than one salon or even stylist in the same salon.

DURING THIS TIME, you want to take an opportunity to inspect the salon. How clean is the salon? Are your state sanitation laws being followed? You also want to take this time to observe the other stylist in the salon. How do they greet you? Are they professional? What type of music and how loud or soft is it? What is the over all 'vibe' of the salon and does it meet with what you need? Are your favorite hair products available for purchase? This is your time to evaluate the salon to see if it fits your needs. If you decide this isn't your salon, then don't be afraid to look elsewhere. Thank the stylist for taking the time to consult with you and keep looking.

Always keep in mind that finding a new hair salon is easy, the challenge is in finding the salon that fits you.