My Beautician Story And A Complete Guide On How To Pick The Right Hairdresser For You

When I first went natural back in October 2012, I was still learning about my hair. I did not know exactly where to start with products, regimen, or styles. So I called up my long-time beautician I had gone to for years, and I asked her if she could hook my natural hair up with a cute style. Unfortunately, the stylist I have had for so long told me that she did not do natural hair. Ouch!

I was disappointed in her, but I was not disheartened at all. I took the reigns in my own hands, and did my own research – the rest is history.  After about a year of doing my own hair, I became tired and overwhelmed, and I really wanted to get my hair pampered like I did before.

I was ready to look for a beautician who would be happy to do my natural hair. So I asked around, and finally found a hair salon that claimed to cater to natural hair. The beautician said she would be glad to do my hair, however, when I went to her salon, all I saw were relaxed and texlaxed clients.

Knowing what I know now, I knew I should have left, but I stayed and kept my appointment. Wanting my hair flat ironed, she did a few trims here and there along with some tugging and pulling. Two hours later, my hair was done – but not cute! I was very upset with the beautician.

As a matter of fact, she’s not a beautician; she is a stylist! Beauticians and hairdressers care for the health and well-being of your hair, whereas stylists only style your hair. Yes, there is a difference!

She literally butchered my natural, and I should have known that by the burnt smell coming from my mangled tresses. And what was worse: my hair reverted as soon as I stepped outside, and looked worse than when I first went to her salon! I deleted her number from my phone, and have not been back since.

A few weeks later, I realized that my hair was permanently altered. I had no choice but to cut the damaged ends, and revive my hair back to life. I made the conscious decision not to go to another hair salon, until now, two years later.

My hair has flourished and grown to from ear length to shoulder length. I found another beautician, who claimed to do natural hair, but this time I was completely prepared with questions, comments, concerns, and anything else I could think of, much of which I plan to share with you now.

Think of your beautician as your employee. That’s right, you go in with interview questions to see if he or she is completely qualified to do your hair.

Before you get your hair done by a new hairdresser, always have a consultation first to see if you like him or her, and so he or she can get to know your natural hair

Interview Questions for Initial Consultation:

Are you licensed? Where did you receive your credentials?

It’s always nice to know that the beautician you are interested in has a license. Being trained in caring for natural hair would be a major factor in making the final commitment.

Do you have a portfolio or a collection of styles you have done?

You really want to check if they can do your hair, and look at the vibe of styles that they tend to do. If you go to a hair dresser, you go for the intricate styles, or styles you just can’t do. Make sure you go through every picture they have, because you might just find something you did not see before, and might like it.

How long have you been natural?

This is definitely a matter of opinion, but if you are natural, wouldn’t you go to a natural hairdresser who knows what she is doing? I am not saying that those who wear flat ironed and relaxed styles wouldn’t know how to do your hair. But I know I would feel much more comfortable with a naturalista because she knows the journey, and can give you better advice, and answer your hair questions.

What kind of products do you use for yourself and your clients?

This is one factor we tend to not ask about when getting our hair washed. It’s important to know what is going in your hair for the health of  your tresses alone.  Also, if the hair dresser knows her products – and what’s best for your hair – then you can ask for a recommendation of products you can use at home.

What is your pricing for “this” style?

Before you get any style, you need to know what you are paying for. Simple as that.

Any strengths or weakness you have in styling? Any specialties?

There may be something that the hairdresser you are interviewing just does not know how to do. The beautician may know about natural hair, but may not be an expert in all things of natural hair. Therefore, in the conversation, make things easier for the both of you by talking about it.

How many clients do you have?

Oh, you need to know this answer. You need to know if the customers are satisfied with the work provided to their hair. Or even the ethic of the hair dresser. Are they late? Do you double book? Things like this will determine if you will be put in the chair on time, or if you have to clear your Saturday schedule for a press and curl.

Answers you should have during your hair appointment and at your consultation

You may know your natural hair, and you may be in the position where you are just getting to know a few things about it, but it’s important to know the answers to these questions, so that you can respond to her questions as well.

Is my hair dry/oily?
Is my hair porous?
What is my curl pattern?

Questions After Hair Appointment

There are certain styles you will get (flat iron*, up do, pin curls, etc) that require extra care during the period you will keep the style. Make sure you go through the step-by-step process on how to care for the style effectively, so that you are not just paying your money, and getting out of the salon.

What steps do I need to maintain it?
Anything you want to suggest to me for the week/two weeks?

Finally, I will say that that you should be hesitant of a hair dresser’s advice if their own hair does not look cared for, or healthy. Don’t even go through with the consultation.

When in the chair, have an idea of what kind of style you want – even bring pictures. Don’t say, “Cut it however you want”,  because he or she may go Edward Scissorhands on your hair, and you might not be happy in the end. Beware what is going on with your hair at all times, especially in other people’s hands.