How to find a good hairdresser?

[BATherapy]

Hi geeks, hope someone can give me a little advice.

I need a new hairdresser, I have lovely long hair that is naturally dark blonde. I have yet to find a hairdresser that I have been happy with the results, having to go back and have it fixed a fair few times. I'm talking wonky cuts, highlights that have bled out of the top and left me with Zebra stripes down the back of my head, ginger highlights... I'm a bit mistrustful now I'm afraid - perhaps my aversion is why my hair has grown so long! I fancied going lighter and dyed my own hair with packet dye... Yes I know, silly, silly me. Lesson learned, and now I need someone skilled to make it lovely again!!

I wanted to know what kind of questions a good hairdresser would be able to answer, and signs to look out for that they might not be the best! I would be looking for someone to colour or bleach it to a light blonde and a straightforward trim.

Any tips would be appreciated TIA!

 

[Nearlyme]

Word of mouth
All good salons skin test
All good salons do free consultations where they ask about not just how you want your hair but your lifestyle
They should look busy when you go in
You should receive amazing customer service, even on the phone
They will sit down and talk face to face with you, not through a mirror
They will recommend products and aftercare


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[AcidPerm]

All the points Nearlyme suggests, plus word of mouth is a very good indicator. If I'm served by someone in a shop who has great hair, I'll ask them where they had it done.

Also, don't go to a salon with a great reputation and choose the cheapest stylist on the menu. They're probably less experienced.
If you're fussy about your hair, choose a mid priced or more expensive stylist.

 

[ColourGirly]

Where are you? So someone on here might be able to recommend.

I agree with all of the above, except the busy thing, we have a small team and sometimes you might walk in when 2 people are working. Our clients like the quiter atmosphere, we are busy just a small team. Watch out for 15 staff all gathered round the reception desk with nothing to do.

Also our 'cheaper' stylist is a whizz and one of the busiest. Don't be put off by that, I've seen worse £100 haircuts.

Key thing is consultation, who you feel you relate too and comfortable with.

 

[BATherapy]

Thanks guys, brilliant tips

I'm based just outside Bath. I have asked around for a quality hairdresser, unfortunately people have a habit of recommending people they know, instead of basing it on skill! That's how I ended up with Zebra hair...! Think I'll do a little ring around a few salons and ask for a consultation, see what they say. Thanks again!

 

[Missy106]

Also if your nervous about having someone new cut/colour your hair, book in just for a free consultation or even for a blowdry first so you can get a feel for the place before they are let loose with scissors lol
Xx

 

[vividamnesia]

Having curly hair myself as a stylist, alot of people with similar hair would just come in & chat me up about their hair. Don't be shy & ask a stranger on the street whom has the look you want who they see. Like the other suggestions which are great here, a knowledgeable stylist will also ask what you DON'T want & will be empathetic to your lack of trust. They will also be at ease explaining what they would do for your services & why & most definitely understand the bounce-up factor of cutting curls wet! A good inch off when dry is typically a half inch off wet.

 

[AcidPerm]

Thanks guys, brilliant tips

I'm based just outside Bath. I have asked around for a quality hairdresser, unfortunately people have a habit of recommending people they know, instead of basing it on skill! That's how I ended up with Zebra hair...! Think I'll do a little ring around a few salons and ask for a consultation, see what they say. Thanks again!

If you're prepared to travel, I highly recommend Sean Hanna salon in Bristol, Quakers Friars.
My stylist was Kalyan (or something like that).

Here you go, 40% off cut & blow dry.

http://www.seanhanna.com/next-generation-more/

 

[jiff!22]

Also if your nervous about having someone new cut/colour your hair, book in just for a free consultation or even for a blowdry first so you can get a feel for the place before they are let loose with scissors lol
Xx

I was also going to suggest something similar, a client of mine (I don't do hair) used to have a blowdry firstly to get a feel for the salon and stylist etc.
You sound like you know what you don't want, I am often the same with my hair so don't be afraid to talk about the bad things you have had done and what you don't want as that can help the stylist too. 😊

 

[BATherapy]

View attachment 71802View attachment 71803View attachment 71804

Thanks for the advice guys, I found a recommended local salon, spent ages discussing with the lovely lady who owned it about what I wanted. She really made me feel comfortable, answered all my questions, checked off the list you guys came up with and we came up with a plan to fix my poor orange hair... There were highlights, hi-lift, ash blonde, baby blonde, toner, the lot! Excuse my scruffy self, it was my day off... But here are the before and afters. Not quite the blonde I was hoping for, but 100x better, and next time she says we will get it spot on now the orange has mostly been fixed. I'm a happy customer

Now for the ultimate test... Will my other half notice...!!

 

[BATherapy]

Bloody computers... Hope here are the pics!