What To Look For When Deciding On A New Salon

We know the drill. Your last salon closed down, or your stylist left the salon and moved out of state. Better yet, you moved out of state. Or maybe you are simply fed up with sitting in the salon all day on Saturday when you could be out at brunch with friends or spending time with your family.

Whatever the reason, the stress around searching for a new salon is all the same. It can be agonizing. Not to mention how crazy you look in the meantime. Not everyone knows how to maintain their hair at home.

When you find yourself in this predicament, what can you do? You have to find a salon because going without a fresh hairdo is completely out of the question.

There are a few things you can do to get the ball rolling. Ask around. Go to Google. Try Yelp. Or become that creepy woman who lurks around the aisles in the Beauty Supply Store looking for someone with a decent head of hair. And when you do luck up and spot someone, you go over to them feeling a bit weird as you ask if they’re a stylist and hope the answer is yes and that they are taking new clients.

Whatever method you choose, there are some basic things to keep in mind while you search. Before desperation sets in, try to remain calm and note the tips below.

Location

If you visit the salon regularly, location will play a big role in your choice, in the long run. Nobody wants to drive an hour out of their way if they don’t have to. Besides, drive time will have to be added to the amount of time it takes for you to receive your service. Although it can seem minor initially, do take the location of the salon into consideration when you’re looking.

Professionalism

A professional salon can make your experience 1,ooo times better. The difference between shopping at Walmart and Publix is obvious. Although it takes some time to truly gage the level of professionalism within a salon, you can get a feel for things early on.

Set up a consultation and take note of how you’re treated. Look for things like timeliness, attitude and general care and concern while you’re in the consultation.

Did the stylist look at your hair when going over what services you were interested in? Or was she on her cell phone texting while you explained what you needed done?

Pay attention to the atmosphere as well. It can be an indication of the overall culture of the salon. Is there loud trap music blaring from every speaker? Are clients and stylists eating while getting their hair done or while doing hair? Are friends and family allowed to linger in the service areas?

These things will be helpful when you make your decision. Keep in mind that you will be giving over your hard-earned money to someone who has your hair in their hands. Make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of your experience in their place of business.

Cleanliness

This is a big one. It is also one you can pick up on immediately. Some things take time to feel out, but how clean an establishment is or is not, can be determined by a quick scan around the place.

Pay attention to their hygiene practices when you visit to set up an appointment or a consultation. You are welcomed to stop by a salon when deciding on whether or not to book with them. Be courteous and let the host know that you’re interested in finding a new salon and that you have an interest in possibly booking an appointment. Take the opportunity to scope things out.

Professional and well maintained salons are usually open to new clients and are helpful when they know you are interested in making a decision about booking an appointment.

Prices

This is the kicker for a lot of women. Don’t let yourself be immediately put off because a stylist’s price list seems a bit steep for you. Take the time to inquire about exactly what comes at a particular price point. There may be extras that justify a heftier price.

Also, understand that master stylists are going to be compensated accordingly for their experience and expertise. If a stylist charges more than you are comfortable with, ask if there is a different stylist available who can perform a similar service for a price that is more in line with your budget.

You are the only one who can make the ultimate decision regarding how much you can and will spend for any service.
Understand that it can be tedious, but it’s not impossible. You just have to know what to look for when deciding on a new salon.