When you are needing hair services whether it be a one time service like bridal hair, a full on expensive visit like a keratin treatment or just your regular self in need of a new hair cut, there’s a few ways that you can assure that you are getting the best service possible. Here are a few tips for doing just that:

See the Same Stylist All the Time
Think of your hair like a canvas. The treatments, colors and other hair services are being piled on top of one another. If you see a different stylist every time, they can never be sure of what is underneath. However, the same stylist knows his or her own work, keep records of what’s been done to your hair and will be able to more easily predict the outcome. No stylist wants to paint on someone else’s canvas, that’s for sure. It makes it impossible to know if their own work is going to turn out as they envisioned it. You’ll also begin to build a relationship with the stylist which will help them to determine the types of styles and colors and treatments that you might benefit from. As you get to know one another you’ll be able to better communicate regarding your hair desires.

Tip Your Stylist Well
Tips say a lot. The standard, acceptable tip is 20%. When you tip your stylist less than 20% for hair services, you are saying ‘I know I have to do this but I didn’t like your work that much.’ If you tip right at 20% that’s acceptable and appreciated. However, if you go above and beyond 20% you are really expressing your appreciation and are motivating the stylist to always do his or her best, knowing that they will make more money, the happier you are.

You might think that people in the service industry should put their best foot forward despite the tip and while in an ideal world, that would be great, people are human and money is life. It’s not all about the money either though. Tipping is a show of appreciation. If the stylist feels that you are not appreciative of all their hard work, the next time you come, they’re probably not going to be able to find the motivation to put in so much work again. People in the service industry usually don’t make very much per hour and they live on tips.

Bring Pictures but Be Open to Suggestion
It’s great to bring pictures that represent what you want done with your hair. However, too many times, people bring in pictures of someone of a different ethnicity, hair type, skin tone, eye color, face shape, body type, etc and want their hairstyle. The problem is, it’s not going to look as good on you as it does on them. So many factors come in to play when you are looking for your perfect haircut. When you are looking for pictures, try and find someone with a similar hair type and ethnicity at least. This will make it easier for the stylist doing your hair services.

Once you get to the salon and show your stylist the picture, be open to suggestions that the stylist may make. If you are going to the same one all the time then they know your hair and will know if your hair will react correctly and if your coloring will work with your skin. In beauty school, up and coming stylists spend a long time studying the color wheel and hair textures.

Remember That They are the Professional
Believe it or not, I had a lady tell me the technique she wanted used to cut her hair and what tools to use to do highlights. It was offensive. The main thing you need to keep in mind is that they have spent several hundred hours in school, training to be a hair stylist. When you start trying to tell them how to do your hair, you are actually telling them that you don’t trust their schooling and ability and you know better. Find a stylist that you can be loyal to and trust, let them do their job effectively, take suggestions to heart and tip well!