One of the hardest things to find after relocating to a new area is a good doctor, a new school for the kids, and your new hair stylist. Most people want something close to work or close to home. They all check out hair salons on Google, or Yelp and decide on that one salon that has a lot of good reviews.

It has been my experience that you need the name of someone at that salon or else you will get the new talent girl with no clientele, hanging on her phone yapping or on snapchat or twitter, or changing her Facebook relationship status.

Every salon has one of these employees. I spent my twenties working in large upscale name salons in New York City and I saw good work and was very surprised to see bad work as well. If you call for an appointment it is highly likely you will be booked with new talent, AKA the new person fresh out of beauty school. Chances are you will be disappointed with your service.

Now what you need to do is a reconnaissance mission. You need to go in and look around. Does this salon feel right to you? Ask questions about who works there. Ask who is the best choice for curly hair, for Color, for Cutting. Do you see a stylist who is very busy, producing very nice work? That’s your man.

Set up a free consultation. Bring in photos of your desired look so you both can be on the same page about what you are looking for. Also bring in color photos so he or she can show you color swatches and determine what color service you need and what color family you are looking for. If a hairstylist who won’t look at photos or show you color swatches … RUN! This means they can’t reproduce what you are showing them. Remember it may take a few times with the same stylist to get exactly what you’re looking for. When you have the look that flatters you and your satisfied with the salon services you’re getting, your work is done. You found your new home salon. There is no better feeling than being relaxed and knowing you are in the right hands.