What is your pricing for “this” style?
Before you get any style, you need to know what you are paying for. Simple as that.
Any strengths or weakness you have in styling? Any specialties?
There may be something that the hairdresser you are interviewing just does not know how to do. The beautician may know about natural hair, but may not be an expert in all things of natural hair. Therefore, in the conversation, make things easier for the both of you by talking about it.
How many clients do you have?
Oh, you need to know this answer. You need to know if the customers are satisfied with the work provided to their hair. Or even the ethic of the hair dresser. Are they late? Do you double book? Things like this will determine if you will be put in the chair on time, or if you have to clear your Saturday schedule for a press and curl.
Answers you should have during your hair appointment and at your consultation
You may know your natural hair, and you may be in the position where you are just getting to know a few things about it, but it’s important to know the answers to these questions, so that you can respond to her questions as well.
Is my hair dry/oily?
Is my hair porous?
What is my curl pattern?
Questions After Hair Appointment
There are certain styles you will get (flat iron*, up do, pin curls, etc) that require extra care during the period you will keep the style. Make sure you go through the step-by-step process on how to care for the style effectively, so that you are not just paying your money, and getting out of the salon.
What steps do I need to maintain it?
Anything you want to suggest to me for the week/two weeks?
Finally, I will say that that you should be hesitant of a hair dresser’s advice if their own hair does not look cared for, or healthy. Don’t even go through with the consultation.
When in the chair, have an idea of what kind of style you want – even bring pictures. Don’t say, “Cut it however you want”, because he or she may go Edward Scissorhands on your hair, and you might not be happy in the end. Beware what is going on with your hair at all times, especially in other people’s hands.
Regina Phillips-Thomas says
Referrals. . Always
nubiennze says
This–I wanted to add an asterisk under the “How many clients do you have?” question.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has been styled by the beautician in question, s/he should at the very least be able to provide you with phone numbers for 2-3 of her/his clients.
nubiennze says
This–I wanted to add an asterisk under the “How many clients do you have?” question.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has been styled by the beautician in question, s/he at the very least should be able to provide you with phone numbers for 2-3 of her/his clients.
That said, this is precisely why I find DIYing/bypassing the salon altogether to be the least stressful option, lol. No one will ever care for my hair as much as I do.
Cynthia Tucker-James says
good article – I had some of the same experiences – lol