So you're new to the area, or maybe you just need a new hairstylist? When there’s a salon on every corner, how do you choose? I have been a hairstylist, make-up artist, lash-extension artist and trainer for over 18 years, and a salon owner for over five years. With my experience, I can say there’s no secret formula, but here are six helpful tips to get the most out of your salon visit.

1. HOW’S YOUR HAIR? 

First, figure out what kind of hair you have and what your goal is. Is your hair thick, coarse, does it hold curl or only lay straight? Are you trying to cover gray or blend it? How often are you willing to go to the salon and pay for these services? How much time are you willing to put into styling your hair on a daily basis? Clients often come in with photos of celebrities and/or photos from Pinterest, but please remember their hair was professionally styled for those photos, and it takes time and effort to achieve that look daily.

2. ASK YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS, CO-WORKERS. 

Is there someone you see often that you just envy their hair so much? Ask them where they go! It’s important to remember that your hair might be completely different from theirs. Try to find someone with similar hair that you like and ask them who styles theirs. Then you can look them up on social media and check out their work which brings us to the next helpful tip...

3. SOCIAL MEDIA

Every good stylist likes to display their work and is usually active on sites like Instagram and Facebook. You can search local salons, or search some hashtags like #cantonsalon #massillonsalon etc. Check out some of the photos, and try to find one that most looks like your hair and what you want. If you come to the salon with their photos in tow, you know it's achievable. Most stylists are posting trendy colors and styles, so if you prefer something more traditional, make sure to ask if they are comfortable with that as well. You can always message them on social media or call the salon to inquire further.

4. PRODUCTS MATTER! 

What does the salon or stylist use? There are hundreds of product and color lines out there – is there one that worked for you in the past? Maybe you want to try something new that you heard about? Most product and color lines have a “salon locater” on their website. Plug in your city or zip code, and it will tell you which salons nearby carry what you're looking for. A lot of my clients winter in Florida and want to be able to get their hair done there if they need to. I suggest looking on Kevin Murphy’s website salon locater because if they carry that line, then they are usually experienced and keep up with the current styles. At Shine we use All-Nutrient organic color, Kevin Murphy, Loma organic hair-styling products and Eminence Organics skin-care products. I chose these specific products that align with my lifestyle goals. It is important for me to offer safe and effective products not only for my clients but for my staff as well. We are using the products and breathing in the air, so I want it as “clean” as possible. When using beauty products you want to make sure they're safe, since they can absorb directly into your body. These product lines aren't just amazing because of how effective they are, they also care about our environment. For example, Kevin Murphy is now using all ocean plastic waste for their packaging, and Eminence plants a tree for every product sold! Loma hair care products are made in the U.S. and have an aloe vera base and they work wonders on any scalp and skin issues, such as eczema or psoriasis. Loma is very affordable too! Our All-Nutrient color line is also made in the U.S. and has beautiful, rich colors and tones that 100% cover gray hair. It leaves your hair soft and silky, and there is no need for concern since it’s organic! We also recycle 90% of our waste at Shine and use as many natural, non-toxic cleaning products as possible for a safe and comfortable and clean environment.

5. TYPE OF SALON

Another thing to consider about the salon you frequent: What type of salon is it? There are two main types of salons, employee-staffed salon or a booth rental. Employee-staffed salons operate with the ownership/management providing products, space, front desk staff and support and much of what a technician might need, along with training and continuing education opportunities. The technician is then paid by the salon a percentage of total services plus their tips. Why it matters: Depending on what your needs are, there can be pros and cons to either type. An employee-staffed salon will typically have a more team-oriented feel, which can be beneficial to you if your stylist is out of town you can be comfortable working with another stylist. They also offer more opportunities for the staff with training and support and can frequently offer superior product lines. It is common for employee-staffed salons to have assistants to the senior staff. This is a great way for technicians fresh out of school to get extra training, experience and support to be fully ready to take on their own clients. They are usually preforming tasks such as shampooing, mixing and applying color, blowdrying all while watching and learning how to provide a great experience for the client. Beauty schools are only required to teach you how to pass the state board exams and the salon that hires them has to take it from there.

6. TRY AGAIN. 

My final piece of advice is to try again if you weren't “wowed” the first time. It takes time for a stylist to learn your hair and how it reacts to certain colors and styles. Color is always fixable and the stylist definitely wants you to be happy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with calling and asking for a tweak in the haircut or a couple more highlights or whatever it is you need. You will get the best results if you’re honest and open about your hair past and letting the stylist know what you like AND what you don't like during your consultation. Then just let them do their thing. Beware of any technicians that don't ask questions about your hair or that don't provide a thorough consultation. Overall it might take a few trial and errors to find the right place and technician. Pay attention; when you walk into a salon, how does it feel? If you're not feeling it, then leave; you're allowed! In my 18 years of experience, I've found that most people expect a salon to be a catty place full of gossiping women, that is not how a salon environment should feel to anyone. At Shine, I will not tolerate toxic behavior, and we value our team culture. We are always helping each other succeed. That helps us all! I always say “you spend more time at work than any other place, so make sure you feel good about going there!” If your stylist enjoys being at their salon, then chances are you will too!