Need a New Hairstylist?

Self Magazine
WWD
WWD

Amanda MacMillan

SELF
SELF



So, a ton of my friends moved here (from other countries!) at the beginning of grad school last summer and are majorly overdue for a haircut. But finding a new stylist is Really. Freaking. Hard. in a new place. In fact, one of 'em asked me how she even goes about finding a stylist. The truth is, it's pretty easy if you do a little research.

See more: Lose 2 Pounds a Week!

Word Of Mouth: My stylist, who I've been seeing for almost a decade (ewwww that makes me feel old), was recommended to me by a friend. And since then, I've recommended him to, like, a million people. And I've found that the friends who also love him are the friends whose hair is super straight, just like mine is. The lesson here: Find a friend whose cut you love, make sure her hair type is similar to yours and ask who she sees. So, if you have straight hair and your BFF has curly hair, she is not the right person to ask. Don't be afraid to ask random people, too. People are way more excited to tell you who their stylist is than you think.

Salon Research: If none of your friends have a stylist that works for you, start by researching salons in your area. Look at price point first (obviously), but also make sure you like the personality of a salon. A salon that's pumping Korn (Do people still even listen to Korn?) and has black velvet every where is a very different place (and thus experience) than a spa-inspired spot. If you don't feel comfortable at the salon when you walk it, their style of cutting probably isn't your jam. (Though, this is only true, like, 95% of the time. Sometimes, you CAN be surprised.)


 See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Small Talk: If you're researching spots, also take a sec to talk to stylists. Ask them what kind of work they do. See if you get a good vibe. I may be old school, but I'm pretty sure you should really like your stylist. They basically end up being your therapist (a friend of mine tried to cut two feet of hair off after a break up and her stylist refused because he knew her well enough to know she was just freaking out. Now that's a good stylist.)


More from SELF:
6 Moves for a Great Butt
Top Secrets of Beauty Pros
Lose 2 Pounds a Week!
How to Get Bombshell Hair