I recently received a
request from a visitor for some advice in finding a senior colorist
in her area.
Since I have had years of experience searching for both stylists and
colorists, I have developed my own approach to the
"search." So, I'm sharing with you the tips I shared with
her.
Starting the Search: do
your homework
Today the web is a great
tool to use as a starting point. There are a number of sites
that offer either opinions about salons or single out individuals that
they consider the "top" in their field. This is
particularly true in the larger cities. (As an example, check out
our own site's salon and spa ratings.)
In addition, many salons (and spas) have websites some of which include
biographical information on the people who work there.
Another way is to get a recommendation from someone whose color or cut you
admire. I've even stopped people in the street, elevator, stores,
etc. to ask who does their hair. Usually people are flattered and
are glad to tell you.
If you've heard of a salon
or two that interest you but don't have the name of an individual stylist
or colorist, check their website to get some information (if they have
one) and/or call the salon and ask both the price range for the service
you are looking for and a recommendation of someone who
specializes in what your looking to have done. (i.e., cut curly
hair, highlight brown hair, etc.) If they ask when you want to come
in, before giving you a recommendation, tell them you're not sure.
They may be trying to fill in empty slots rather than giving you
advice. Once you get the name of someone, ask what he or she charges
for the service you want. This will give you some guidance in regard
to how junior or senior the individual is. If a salon gives you a
hard time about anything before you walk in the door, just cross it off
your list -- it is unlikely that the service will get better.
The Consultation:
consider it a must
Once you
have narrowed down your choices, call up and make an appointment for
a consultation. My experience has been that most any salon will
accommodate requests for consultations and some encourage it (which I
consider a plus for the salon). My experience (in
Manhattan) has been that consultations are free and the colorist or
stylist doesn't expect a tip. However, I always check with the
receptionist on both of these issues before I book the
consultation. (Actually, if they do charge, I would probably put it
at the bottom of my list, but I'm not sure what local custom is in
various areas. Also, I have had stylists who have done a little work
on my hair during a consultation. (In these cases I always
tip.) During the consultation I usually start off by
asking the individual his or her recommendation for my cut or
color. Listen, ask questions, and, if you know what you want, I
would suggest you pose it as an idea and ask what he or
she thinks of it. If (s)he is totally opposed to your
idea, it's not going to be a happy fit. (However, if you get a
negative reaction to your idea from several experts, I'd carefully
consider if the look you think you want is a good one for you after all.)
The
Post-Consultation Blues: don't feel pressured to book an
appointment
Some salons (or
individuals) may pressure you to book an appointment there and then.
Not a good sign. Tell them you have to check your calendar, you're
going away, or anything else you want. If you aren't sure
don't book. Rather, go home, mull over the consultation, and
consider having a consultation with someone else (which I would
strongly recommend in such a case.) Since your haircut
and color are so important to your looks (and can take a big bite out of
your checkbook as well) think about having two or three
consultations before making a decision.
Good luck in the
hunt!!!
Carol
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