Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A Sunny's Girl Guide to Finding the Right Stylist


To me... you are not really a woman until you have found the right hairstylist.  An amazing hairstylist is like a portal to the world of fabulosity and a life long friendship.

Yet I see so many women who are held in what could only be described as an abusive relationship.  They suffer crippling damage to their hair and hairline, are constantly waiting and unable to predict what their day would look like the second the step into the salon...and to top it all off have horrible hair...that they themselves know is horrible but they don't speak up.

So.... as someone who has lived in 5 cities in the past 15 years I can offer some insight into finding the perfect hairstylist.

1. Know what you need:  
Not everyone's hair requires the same needs.  For some women, they haven't had a true haircut in a decade.  They just need someone to maintain the health and shine of their hair.  Other women need color that looks like it has been painted on by the hands of an angel.  Once you know what you are really looking for in a stylist then you can start out on your search.

2. Ask and be bold:  
Look to trusted sources to get their recommendation on a hairstylist.  I think the staff at Sunny's or any high end beauty boutique is a great place to start.  Also look around at malls, events and people you walk by on the street.  Don't be afraid to start with a smile, compliment their hair and ask who does it.  This has been the sure fire way that I have found some of the best stylists.

3. Use Concrete Examples: 
Once you have the name of the stylist don't just make an appointment.  This guarantees that you will just be treated as another client in the day.  You need to make yourself stand out and start out on the best foot with your new potential stylists.  This is an interview.  You should arrive looking like the best representation of you day in...day out.  If you wear Louboutin's everyday don't show up in sweats and vice versa.   Schedule a consultation and bring examples of your hair in the past and examples of celebrities WHO HAVE HAIR LIKE YOU to the consultation.  Please do not show up with Jennifer Aniston's picture if people always tell you you look like Kerry Washington!

4. Speak Up
If something doesn't feel right...speak up. It's your hair. Don't apologize...don't hedge your words just directly say... please don't shampoo my hair too strong etc.   Practice lowering the tone of your voice and speaking directly in the mirror before going to your appointment. Role playing is a great way to harness your strengths and prepare yourself for success with your stylist.  

5. Be Patient  
While this sounds contradictory.  Give your stylist two or three times to get doing your hair down pat.

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