In 1888 the very first hair salon was createdToday there are approximately 904,718 hair salons and 285,980 hair stylists in the USHairstyles change every six to twelve monthsThat is a lot of hairstyle changes! Your hairstyle and search for a hairstylist usually depend on the reason for a style change.
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How To Find A Salon
With so many hair salons in the US, how can you conceivably choose one that is best for your needs? Can there really be a best hair salon? Do you go through a list, and whichever one your finger lands on is where you go? Do you go to whichever one you see and hope for the best? Those are not very good solutionsHere are a few things to consider:
- Reason for changing the style
- Type of hairstyle wanted
- Budget
- Location
- Atmosphere
- Customer service
Reasons For Change
With hairstyles changing every six to twelve months, it is safe to say there are several reasons for these changesUsually, a woman changes her hairstyle to make herself feel better, feel empowered, feel beautiful, or celebrate a life eventTypical reasons for a change in hairstyle:
- Bored
- Getting married
- New job
- Relationship status change
- Lifestyle change
- Keep it healthy
- Want to try a trend
- Want to look like a celebrity
- Boost self-esteem
- Cover grey hairs
- Special event
Hairstyle Type
There are 41 different hairstyles in trend right now in August 2022You have decided you want to change your lookBut with so many styles trending, how do you know which one to choose? It is more than short or long, bangs or no bangs sometimesWhen it comes to dramatic changes here are some ways to find inspiration for that new look:
- Go through magazines and see if you find something you like
- Look online and search for something you have in mind, utilize websites like Pinterest or Instagram
- Read reviews online
- Look at current trends
- Decide if you want long or short
- Search for one that best suits your face and body shape
- Decide if it will be appropriate for your place of work
- Look at how much upkeep the hairstyle will require
- Get a suggestion from your stylist
- Ask your friends
Whatever you decide, make sure you are aware that hairstyles may take time to grow out, and hair dye will take time to fade or require more hair color to changeYou may have to cut your hair shorter later to change your lookBut remember, it is just hair, hair will grow back! So do not be afraid to try something new.
Budget
Creating a budget for your hair care expenses is smartA budget will help you decide how much you want to spendFor a simple trim or basic cut, a low-end shop might be what you needBut if you need a complicated style that requires extra time and knowledge, you will want a high-end salonThings to account for when creating your hair budget:
- The type of hairstyle
- The maintenance- products to maintain the hairstyle
- The level of care- shampoo, condition, blow dry, cut, style versus haircut or trim
- The length of time between visits
- Stylist tip
Location
When it comes to finding a salon, sometimes the one you want might be on the other side of townYou will want to decide how far you are willing to go each time you see your stylistMake sure you will be comfortable going into the neighborhood the salon is inDo some research on the parkingSee where the parking is near the salonBe prepared for the possibility of paying for parkingFigure out if it is street parking or a parking garageFind out the cost of parking, so you are prepared.
Atmosphere
Going to a salon should be a relaxing experienceYou want to feel cared for, the center of attention, and top priorityYou want to be pampered, sometimes head to toeThe type of atmosphere a salon has will determine some of the experiences you may haveMost salons will have soft music playing, soft colors painted on the walls, and comfortable chairsThe type of service you have could determine some of the atmospheresIf you are getting a massage there will be a private room, a covered table for you to lay on, maybe some aromatherapy brewing, dim lights, and soft musicMost salons that offer services such as waxing will have a private roomThe salon will be cleanThere is usually a separate area with sinks and chairs that lay back for hair washing.
If you walk into a small salon, you want to see perhaps foot spas and manicure tables on one side of the room and the salon chairs along the opposite wall, with the sinks in the backYou will not be comfortable stepping into a salon where everything is cluttered and crampedYou may want to browse the products available for purchase while you wait your turn, so it would be best if the products were on display at the very front of the salonIn a small salon, brighter colors will make you feel like the space is larger than it isYou will not want to see a salon that is big and emptyYou will expect to see plenty of salon chairs, maybe foot spas, manicure tables, blow dryers, and products in different places throughout the salonYou want to see beautiful linens, lighted stations, elegant, inviting colors, and cleanIf going to a high-end salon you will expect to see luxurious lighting and decorationsYou will also expect to see some of the latest hair care products and styling equipmentSome higher-end salons that provide spa services may also sell clothing, candles, aromatherapy, and skin care products.
Customer Service
How the staff engages with clients will help determine if this is the right salon for youCustomer service includes the phone to be answered, the staff being polite, they provide accurate information, and you can understand what they are sayingUpon entering, the staff should greet the customerPrompt service should be provided for clients that have an appointmentOnce with the stylist, they should ask questions about what style the client wants, and how they would like it, and give suggestions if you seem unsureThe stylist should respond positively and be attentive to the client’s needs.
High End versus Low End
Though high-end and low-end salons offer some of the same services, there are differencesGoing to a low-end salon does not mean the service will be negativeYou can get positive service at both types of salons.
| High End | Low End |
| Appointments can be hard to get right away | It is easier to get an appointment |
| May offer products like candles, aromatherapy, clothing, and skincare products | Most take walk-ins |
| Can afford the latest technology and equipment | The prices are lower for the different services provided |
| Higher-end, reliable hair management products such as shampoo, conditioner, styling products, styling equipment | Lower prices for hair management products such as shampoo, conditioner, styling products |
| Stay trained in the latest trends and techniques | Low-end salons are more likely to take kids |
| Spend more time on your hair and other services | You are more likely to find discounts |
| Offer specialty services | Limited services |
Specialty Services
When selecting a salon, decide if you want any specialty servicesHigh-end salons tend to offer a variety of specialtiesHair specialists have expertise in particular areas.
- Color Specialist
This stylist can provide any hair coloring trend and styleFrom ombre to highlights, they will have the training to color your hair.
- Blowout Specialist
This type of style uses curlers and hair dryersThe specialist will know exactly how to place the curlers, how long to place you under a blow dryer, and how to style it properly.
- Barber
Men typically go to barbers because they specialize in men’s haircutsA barber will use razors, and shears, and shape short hair to near perfection.
- Senior Hair Care
Seniors tend to be particular about their styleTheir hair has a different texture that requires extra careA senior hair specialist will have experience and knowledge of hairstyles from the past to the present.
- Kids Cuts
When it comes to kids they squirm, wiggle, talk, and cryA stylist that specializes in kid’s cuts will have the ability to calm the kid, work with the hair while they wiggle, and do their best to make the experience as least scary as possible.
- Hair Extension Expert
Hair extension placement requires specialized training, knowledge, time, and patienceHair extensions are becoming a popular trend.
- Curly Hair
This stylist will have the training and knowledge to handle curly hairCurly hair can be drier, frizzier, and require special care.
Besides the knowledge and training required to handle different types of hair and styles, there are services that salons offer that might interest youThese services include:
- Manicure
- Pedicure
- Artificial nails
- Nail enhancements
- Waxing
- Eyelash extensions
- Massage
- Tanning
- Facials
- Skin treatments
Conclusion
There are many different trends, different environments, and different options availableYou could use more than one salon depending on what your needs areSometimes it pays to take time to find the right salonDo your research, search around, and take a chance.
