Finding the right hair salon is about connection, expertise, and experience, and yes, location. According to top stylists, choosing a new salon should involve researching reviews, assessing the vibe, asking the right questions, and making sure the stylists truly listen to your needs. ShearLuck Salon checks every one of those boxes—and then some. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re welcomed into a haven of beauty, confidence, and transformation. Our highly trained team takes time to understand your hair goals, lifestyle, and personal style before customizing your experience. With a reputation for delivering stunning results, trend-forward techniques, and next-level customer care, ShearLuck Salon is the go-to destination for discovering your best self. Discover more tips about what makes salons like ShearLuck the best!
Sometimes you just need to start fresh. Whether you’re planning on elevating your look or revamping your entire life, cutting ties with what no longer serves you is the first step. When it comes to dramatic cuts, finding a new salon or stylist to trust with your strands can be a difficult transition. Once the hair is chopped, it’s chopped. But quell your fears friends, because we’ve done the digging and come up with an expert checklist to help you spot the pros from the pretenders. Keep reading to learn how you can find a new hair salon, with top tips from pro hair stylists.
How Do I Find a Good Hair Stylist?
When searching for a new hairstylist, doing your research is key. “Ask people you trust who have hairstyles you admire. Personal recommendations are often the most reliable,” says hairstylist, Collin Ford. From there you can then search social media, look on Yelp, and even book consultations to find someone that’s good, and most importantly, someone that you trust.
Ask Around
It may seem like an obvious one, but word of mouth is a powerful tool, and a recommendation from a friend or just somebody with amazing hair is always a good start. “Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good stylist and will give you extra confidence in their abilities,” says hairstylist, Richard Ward. “If you’re always admiring a particular friend’s cut or color, ask where they go and give the stylist a call. Lots of salons operate referral schemes, so don’t forget to mention their name.”
Get on Instagram
Much like a word-of-mouth recommendation, Instagram is now a hive of genuine hair inspiration, especially when you can easily track down who’s responsible for the cut, color, or coiffing. With a simple search like ‘Los Angeles hair stylist’ you can easily find tons of different hair stylists in your area. “However, with the rise of AI use, you will want to be more aware of spotting a genuine post-service photograph or discerning if someone generated that image,” says hair stylist, Devin Graciano. To safeguard against this, check the salon or hair stylist’s profile, their tagged photos, and their Yelp page to make sure everything is consistent.
Read Reviews
Manage your own expectations by reading up on other people’s experiences with a potential hair salon or stylist. Some salons may post testimonials on their website, but know that this will likely skew in their favor. Google and Yelp reviews tend to be more democratic, but keep in mind that those with negative experiences tend to be more likely to take the initiative to post about their experiences. Instagram comments can also provide a lens into a salon’s relationship with customers.
Use the Consultation
Are you finally ready to commit to French-girl bangs? What about going for a trendy haircut like the mixie? The consultation is key for communicating what you want, but it can also be very revealing in terms of assessing your stylist, so use it as an interview of sorts—and listen carefully.
“Every appointment should start with an in-depth consultation, whether it’s for a color, cut, or hair extensions, and, of course, a patch test prior to any color service,” explains celebrity hairstylist Jack Merrick-Thirlway. “During a consultation, a good stylist will consider your face shape, lifestyle habits, and check for unusual growth patterns, and take into consideration how your hair looks when it’s natural. They should also prioritize the health of your hair and offer alternatives if your choice of cut or color just isn’t (safely) achievable on your hair type. They should discuss aftercare and maintenance with you, too, and not allow things to sound overly ‘technical’—clients need to understand how the result is really going to look.”
Start Small
Wish you could give a new salon or stylist a trial run? While you might not be able to stage a “practice cut,” there is one test you can carry out to get a feel for things. “Try a minor service like a trim or blowout to get a feel for the stylist’s work before committing to a major change,” says Ford.
Ward agrees and suggests using the rather genius “blow-dry test.” Here’s how it works: “Always book in for a blow-dry at any new salon before you commit to a cut,” says Ward. “This is a great way to get a feel for the salon and also establish a rapport with the hairdresser before allowing them anywhere near your hair with scissors!”
Try an App
Like most things in life these days, there’s an app for this exact dilemma—several in fact. Our favorites include StyleSeat, where you can search for salons in your area and read (often brutally honest) customer reviews before you book. If you have curly or textured hair, it’s worth keeping an eye on the website Swivel. The platform aims to help you find natural hair experts in your area easily.
Check Brand Websites
“Another way you can find a new hairstylist is through your favorite professional hair care brand,” Graciano advises. “Oftentimes, we find that we are aligning with our hair care products ethos and/or performance, which usually translates into the style of hairstylists they attract as well. Goldie Locks offers a salon locator where you can type in your zip code and find a stylist near you.”
Trust Your Gut
Ultimately, you want to choose a stylist who’s going to make you feel confident and comfortable. “Choose a stylist you feel comfortable with and who understands your hair goals,” says Ford. “Ensure there is good communication and that the stylist is attentive to your preferences and concerns.”
Communication is huge, especially when working with a new hair stylist. While speaking up can feel uncomfortable in the moment, a few seconds of discomfort is much better than hours (or even days) of angst because you hate your hair.
At the end of the day, your hair salon should feel like home for your personal style, your self-expression, and your self-care. ShearLuck Salon goes beyond expectations, offering expert stylists, a welcoming atmosphere, and a personalized approach that puts you at the center of every transformation. Whether you’re ready for a bold new look or simply want to maintain your signature style with confidence, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Book your ShearLuck moment today, because your dream hair is just one appointment away. Email us at Info@slshair.com and learn more about ShearLuck Salon on our website or via our IG community!
Reference: [https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-find-a-new-hair-salon]
