The search for a new hairdresser can be one of life’s more stressful experiences. All you want is to find a stylist who listens to what you have to say, suggests new styles periodically, lets you know what is flattering to you personally and, ultimately, does your hair the way you want it done. Sounds easy, right? Wrong.

Women will stay with an unsatisfactory hair stylist for years just because it can be a disastrous experience trying someone new. Finding the great hairdresser is not easy, but with a little patience and some prior planning, the process can be rewarding.

• Rule one: Don’t rush. Do your homework. Find someone with a style you like, an acquaintance or even a stranger and ask them about their hairdresser. They will be flattered. Be brave. Keep searching. Get several referrals. Then you are ready to go for the Consultation.
  
  • Consultations are free. This is where you just talk to the hairdresser. You explain what you are looking for in a style and you also size up the hairdresser. She should ask questions about your history with your hair and how much time you want to spend styling it. Don’t dress up or dress down for the visit. The hairdresser needs to know your personal style. The only indication she has is the picture you present and through what you tell her. It is essential that the two of you have an understanding here. Also expect some suggestions. Beware of the stylist who insists on his or her own idea of what you should wear. Be certain that you are in agreement before the actual haircut appointment.
    Observe the hairdresser. Is her hair stylish and well kept? An ultra-trendy style is not always the best indication of an educated stylist. Though it might be just the thing if that’s the kind of look you are going for. Is it stylish, flattering to their features and appropriate for their clothing style?

• Rule two: Be Prepared. Before your visit to the salon, find pictures of styles you like. Look in fashion or other magazines. Collect pictures of stars and personalities. Any style that strikes your fancy. You can also take along pictures of partial styles, if you like the back of one and the front or the crown of another. The salon will also have stylebooks available for you to look at. If you plan to do this, arrive at least twenty minutes in advance of your appointment. A busy stylist will only have a certain amount of time allotted for you. You will not want to waste too much time trying to make a basic decision.
  
• Rule three: Don’t relax yet! Now you are sitting in the chair, ready for the cut. Sit up straight. Don’t fidget or cross your legs. Feet flat on the footrest. If you lean to one side, even slightly, and your hairdresser doesn’t notice, the balance of the cut can be thrown off. Fidgeting is irritating as well as apt to cause mistakes in the line. By the way, keep your head still while you are talking. This is one occasion when it is not the rule to look into the eyes of the person you are talking to. You may talk to her reflection in the mirror.

And one last piece of advice, examine your motives. Be careful about being impulsive. Times when it is not wise to change your style are;

• when you have just broken up with your boyfriend
• when you have had a fight with your husband
• when you have just changed jobs.

It’s best to be calm, cool and of sound mind. If you are not; opt for a trim.

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