Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Finding a Great Hair Stylist

I tried a new hair salon yesterday. Every woman with a head of hair knows my pain. And anyone who's ever had a great stylist that you truly enjoyed seeing and talking with as you sat down and simply said, "Do what you want, make it beautiful!" knows that finding another one like that is near impossible.

Let's be honest. If I'm going to pay what they charge in NOVA for highlights and a cut. I want to meet someone I can at least make small talk with about People magazine. Because about the only time I get to read People Magazine is at the hair salon.

As I sat down yesterday the new stylist and I started the small talk. First about my hair and then on to getting to know each other. Was this going to be a talkative hair experience or would I read a magazine by myself? She found out I'd moved to the area about a year ago, that I had three children, and then she asked, "So what do you do? For work?"

"Well, I used to teach, but now I'm a stay at home mom," I volunteered.

And she replied...

"So................

......do you like...ummm...cook a lot???"

"Your kids are how old?"

"8, 10, 12."

"So, they're in school all day. What do you do all day? I guess you do whatever you want all day. Ha!"

As a dear said, "Well, she's off the list. I hope your hair doesn't look too great."

Notes to finding a good hairstylist.
  • Referrals help, but aren't fool proof. A hairstylist is a personal choice.
  • Technique is important. Can she actually maneuver the huge round brush and hairdryer without burning your scalp or whacking you in the head? Dropping the brush repeatedly is a danger sign.
  • Great color with a bad cut equals hair horror.
  • Does she listen to your color preferences? Does she do what you ask her to do. Getting to that you-do-what-you-think-looks-good-on-me point takes time and trust.
  • Most importantly, can you make reasonable small talk for 2 hours?

You're not looking for a friend. You're looking for an artist with conversation skills.

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday tips at Rocks In My Dryer.

6 comments:

Memarie Lane said...

OMG what did you say back???

I have found that I have the best success with male stylists. Not that all male stylists I've been to have been good, but all my best haircuts have been from men.

Susan said...

Geez, what a ditz. I only go by referral! I am soooo stinkin picky because it is way too much money to waste.

Anonymous said...

She is definitely off the list but I would be happy to give you the name of my gal. She is the first one that I have stayed with for over 5 years. I know my hair isn't impressive (I am boring that way)but I really like her and she is always a great person to chat with.

Kelly said...

As a fellow blonde, you gotta have someone who knows which of the many colors of blonde work for you and your skin tone. I have been going to Patty for about 8 years, during which time my hair has gotten progressively grayer and grayer. Coloring my hair is a VERY tough job and she is awesome!

As a bonus, she is precious and I always look forward to seeing her. I am going on Friday!

Unknown said...

Oh my dear!

What did you say?

Isn't it strange that people need cleaners and bring the laundry to others to care for it, and then tell a stay at home mom that she's doing nothing?

Well, doing nothing keeps me rather busy with 5 kids at home. LOL!

Anonymous said...

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