Dear Just Be: I need a new haircut and stylist. Where do I start?

To many of us our hair is our best feature. Getting a bad cut can be horrific even though you know your hair will grow back. It is the waiting and trying to figure out how to style your hair until it grows back. Well, here is how to avoid the bad cut and find a great haircut and stylist.

First do research. Look at other people’s cuts and styles. When you find a cut and style you like, approach the person and ask where they got their hair done. Because of this compliment they will gladly share. Be sure to get the person’s name so you can refer to them when setting up an appointment.

Another place to do research is go with a friend or family member when they get their hair cut. While waiting for them observe how the salon is run and how the stylists behave. Are the stylists talking and goofing around with each other and not paying attention to clients? Are the stylists just talking about their dramas and not listening to the client? These can all be tell tale signs of the sort of service and cut you will receive.

When you do see stylists listen to what she/he has to say. Don’t rush in answering their questions, take your time. You don’t want to walk away having spent big bucks and for a cut and style you don’t like. When you discuss the style you think you want, listen to what he/she says about the cut on you. It is important that there is communication between the two of you. If he/she just says ok and doesn’t give feedback, walk away. You are paying them for their expertise and 97% of the time there is some sort of modification or suggestion that can be made for the style you like because of the texture of your hair, shape of your face, etc. A point about picking out a cut/style is that it should be easy to do at home and upkeep even six weeks after the cut and style. Lastly, when a style is mutually agreed upon and the scissors are brought to your head, make sure you aren’t sitting with your legs crossed. This will make the cut uneven, because your body is uneven. If you are satisfied with the cut, style and service, tip your stylist. Industry standard is just like in the restaurants, you should tip around 20%.