It can take our clients years to find the right stylist for them. You know the one, the hairdresser who gets it just right, every time. Here at Barbarella Hair, we have clients who’ve been with us for years, making sure they always see their fave stylist while we get to work on creating them the usual, or something totally different.
How do we keep getting it right for you? We ask questions. Do you want a quick and easy cut you can style before you feed the kids and dash out the door, or are your mornings more leisurely? Do you want something traditional or on-trend? Are you outgoing with colour, or do you like something more subtle? These questions all help put together the puzzle.
But what questions should you be asking your hair stylist? We think there are five that need to be on your hit list before you let those scissors near your hair.
1. What are your qualifications, and what experience have you had?
All hairdressers should have the right training, but if you’re looking for something a bit more creative, accolades at some of the world’s best training schools can be an indication of a stylist’s drive and determination. Award nominations are hard to gain, let alone win, so the fact a salon or stylist has been nominated for an industry award is a great sign.
2. What cut will suit my face shape?
A good hair stylist will know exactly what works on you and what wouldn’t. It’s not really a trade, it’s a craft, with stylists working on experience and years of instinct to give each client the look they want. So question them relentlessly about styles you’re interested in. If you fancy being cheeky, ask for their opinion on a style you know won’t suit you and see what they say. If they whip out the gown and lead you to the washing station, you know you may need to find somewhere else. A good stylist will never give you a cut you’ll regret.
3. Will I need to buy the products?
We’ll always rave about the products we stock because we believe they can make a good hairstyle look great. But with budget being a big part of the hair routine, from in-salon to at home, we realise not everyone can warrant spending salon prices. If a style really does need that texturising powder, you need to know. So ask whether you’ll need to buy the products used to replicate the look at home, and get a good idea of cost beforehand. If you can’t afford it, ask your stylist to pick another cut for you.
4. What’s included in the cost?
Do you get just a wet cut, or the full works? Most people assume they’ll get a wash, cut and blowdry, but you’ll be left feeling short-changed if you traipse out of a salon with sopping wet hair after being told styling is an additional cost. Always ask what you’ll get, from tea and wine to blow dries and straightening treatments (and styling lessons too). Each salon prices differently, so to avoid disappointment make sure you know what you’re getting.
5. What colour will suit me?
You may want to go platinum blonde, but if it’s going to make you look as pale as a flu victim your stylist should tell you. Ditto with a red that’ll leave you looking flushed. It’s sad to say, but not every skin tone can take every hair dye colour. So when asking what colour suits you, you’re really asking what colour will make your skin look positively glowing. A good hair stylist will know the colours that will work for you and steer you away from dyes that’ll make you look washed out.
So these are five important questions to ask your hair stylist before you allow them near the scissors. Are there any questions you’d like to ask us? Pop in to our award wining Northampton hair salon for a free, quick chat about us, and how we can make you look amazing.