Tips on finding new hair stylist needed....?

I just moved to a new area and do not know many people. My hair is in dire need of a cut and color, yet I find myself hesitant just to walk in a place chosen from the phone book. Should I choose a couple of prospects, then call and make an appointment for a consultation? Do stylists get upset if you just come in to get the vibe of the place without an appointment? We have moved to a small town, so I am sure I will be running into those not chosen, so I don't want to offend anyone while conducting my search. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Tips on finding new hair stylist needed....?

I know how you feel. I'm VERY particular about my hair. Keep in mind that you're the customer and you have a right to get what you want. Just walking into a salon that you've never been to before and expecting to get what you want could end up being a very bad thing. If you're younger and want a more up to date, maybe trendy style, you really need to "interview" a stylist first. If you walk in and there are a bunch of senior citizens sitting in the chairs with rollers in their hair, that might be a good sign that you'd want to look elsewhere. Stylists have the opportunity to attend workshops that keep them up to date on the newest cuts and colors...ask the stylist if she takes any. If you're going to go in just to talk to a stylist, you're going to want to tip her for her time. Not a lot, maybe just 3-5 bucks.

Tips on finding new hair stylist needed....?

I had this same problem when I first moved for college. I made the mistake of just calling some place out of the phone book. Big mistake. My hair looked awful and I had to immediately find another place to fix the first. I did find a great place the second time around. I drove by and went in and had a consultation first with the second place and explained the problem. They were very understanding and put me at ease. I ultimately chose this place and I'm glad I did. When I moved after college to the town I am in now, I chose my new salon based on the products that the previous salon used...Aveda. I went to Aveda's website because I like their products and found salons in my area. I then went and checked out the new salon by walking in and talking to some staff. I set up a consultation and have been very happy since!

Good luck. I know it can be daunting, but the last thing you want to do is pay for a very bad cut or color.

Tips on finding new hair stylist needed....?

Hairdressers do not get offended at all when you come in to check out the vibe of a place. They would probably rather you do, so if you set up an appointment, they get an idea of what your hair will entail and how much time to mark off. I would start by asking people you work with, who they go to. Or if you see someone in a store or mall, and like their style, ask who does their hair. Most people are more than happy to give you that information. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. I would definitely stay away from Supercuts, Regis, Penny's, chain salons like that. They generally hire students fresh from beauty school. And that is one stress people don't need to have. I am from a small town, and if I see someone out and about that I have done their hair before, but haven't done since, I still talk to them. There is no need to ruin a friendship by a business decision. Good luck with your search!