Hairdresser Wanted

By Beth

My hairdresser is moving.  Not to the other side of the country or anything, just the next town over, but it is a little far to go for a hair cut.  And frankly, I've been thinking it might be time to make a change anyway.  Not that I don't like her, because I really do, and not because she doesn't do a good job, because she is excellent, but maybe time for a change anyway.  You see, I've been seeing the same hairdresser for a long time now.  I don't even remember how long, exactly, but I know I started going to her well before I got pregnant with my oldest, so I am guessing somewhere in the range of ten years.  

Just so you know (and can possibly offer better advice), I have had some longer or shorter version of this haircut for basically my entire life.

So, that's a long time, right?  Long enough that maybe I should investigate whether anybody else out there has any ideas what to do with my not straight not curly stubborn wanky hair.  I should really branch out, especially now that I have the perfect opportunity and the perfect excuse should I decide to return to the status quo in the future.  But, I have no idea how to find a new hairdresser.  Ask friends?  But then do I have to ask friends that have the same kind of hair as me?  And is it ok to ask said friends how much to expect it to cost, or is that rude?  Can I ask that question when I call to make an appointment?  I mean, I haven't been going to Hair Cuttery or anything, but I also haven't been getting $200 haircuts and I don't want to be surprised.

So, three questions:

1. How do you go about finding a new hairdresser?
2. How do you go about finding out ahead of time what it will cost?
3. How long do you tend to stay with the same hairdresser?  (I'm just really curious on this one.)

(Photo credit: my camera phone, obviously)

Comments

[Rebecca]

My hairdresser of 10 years did move across the country and it has been a difficult transition. I have been asking friends, strangers, and even e-mailed a local news reporter. I do feel comfortable asking my friends for a rough idea of the cost. As for the others, I think it is totally acceptable to call and ask for a price run down.

My husband stopped me at researching flight prices for a quick trip from Minneapolis to Florida for a cut and color. But me, I am not above it, oh no I am not.

[Hillary]

Yes, ask friends, but also ask strangers who have cute cuts. I know, it's awkward. But it'll be a compliment to them and might lead you to someone awesome.

You absolutely can ask ahead of time when you make an appointment.

I tend to be very very loyal to a hairdresser once I find one I like. My sister is a hairdresser and she was my person forever, which spoiled me. I then tried a bunch and grew my hair ridiculously long because I couldn't find one I liked. I've been with the same stylist for six years now.

[Lydia]

I have a good friend who is a hair stylist and who just opened her own salon. She is always our inside go-to soure on salon ettiquette. Call the salon and ask if they have someone who specializes in curly/wavy hair. It is 100% ok to ask for pricing over the phone, no one wants a shock at check out. I also feel totally comfortable when friends ask me about my hair and how much it costs, so I'd say it depends on the friend. But if you have someone with similar hair to you, ask them for sure. I love passing along my stylist/friend's info bc she is AWESOME and I want her to do well. If all else fails, ask on Facebook! People loooove to share.

[Ashley M.]

I always check living social or groupon for haircut deals when I'm looking for a new place. It's a great way to try something new at a discounted price. And if you don't like it or it doesn't fit you, you only paid half price.

[Nicole]

I'm a hairdresser jumper... I get very bored with my haircuts, so I tend to get a bit crazy sometimes and just chop it all off. Which I regret a few days later, only to chop it off a few years down the road.

I moved across the state a couple years ago, and I've been going to a few different hairdressers. When I just want a trim, I really don't mind stopping in the mall hairstylist places (*gasp*) and getting a trim. But I recently really wanted to dye my hair. So I checked out reviews on yelp.com. Then I will look for the prices on the hairdresser's website. Most of the places I've looked at have their prices posted!

And then I bite the bullet and go. My last experience I was very happy! I think I'll stick to this girl for a little while.

[auntie]

I'd recommend asking your friends for rec's and then checking out the salon's website for prices. You can usually also get a feel for what kind of place it is, other services they offer, etc. It's especially lovely if you can find someplace to go for all your beauty services - pedi's, massages, AND hair.

[steff]

I'm am not very committed to hair dressers, my Mom has had the same one for 30 years. I'm lucky to stick with one for an entire year. But I decided this week I am always pleased with the cuts I get from Aveda Salons. I bit the bullet and paid the extra $10 for a cut done right. Straight fine hair has to have a good cut or its a mess. Good luck.