Tuesday, September 20, 2011

~FINDING THE RIGHT HAIR STYLIST~

It is said that "your hair is your glory."  Women who are serious about keeping their mane together are normally the "loyal" client.  These same women would probably vouch and say that finding the right hairstylist isn't an easy task.  The last thing you want is someone experimenting with your hair, so I've combined a few tips that may be helpful...

ASK.  See someone with a nice hairstyle?  Ask her who is her hair stylist, where the salon is located and what other styles the stylist is known for.


STOP.  Check for salons in your daily route.  With it being in your route, makes it convenient.  Stop in and advise the salon owner or manager that you're in search of a new stylist and you'd like a tour of the salon.  While you're there, it's the perfect time to ask about their best stylists for your hair type.  If you're not comfortable, it's okay to express that.  The manager may have a recommendation in the area.

RELATE.  Once you've decided to give a stylist a try, treat your first visit like a first date.  As we all know, in the dating process, you look for chemistry.  Look for connection in addition to talent.  Also, ask questions while in the chair (think of questions in advance and write them down).  A professional will be able to answer your questions with ease.

RELAX.  Your visit is over and you're now at home replaying it in your mind.  Take into account the total experience.  Was your wait time extremely long?  Did you enjoy your shampoo?  Is the environment inviting, comfortable or peaceful?  Did the stylist try to get to know you or did he/she just do your hair and take your money?  Are the services within your budget?  Location?  Payment options? And last but not least, do you LOVE your hairstyle?  If you can answer these questions and be at peace with your answers-- then RELAX...  this is the stylist for YOU!!!!

Beauty & Blessings in 2011
Tamar "PinkDymunz" Mott

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Salon Etiquette 101:

~IT'S YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME~

-YOUR STYLIST...
         Let's face the facts...  You not only chose your stylist because you love the way he/she styles your hair, but because you saw something in him/her that you liked.  I say that because I'm more than sure that there is 5 other stylists in your area that can create your hairstyle.  Maybe you are a referred client.  None the less, If your stylist is a good stylist, he/she will ALWAYS tell you the truth.  If a haircut is not fitting to your face or a color does not go with your undertones, you'll know up front.  If and when you're unhappy with your hair, say so immediately.  A stylist who takes pride in their work will do what is necessary to correct it.  This is the type of stylist you'd want to stay loyal to.  After all, you are their walking bill board!

-BE ON TIME...
        Arriving late for your appointment can throw off every other client scheduled after you.  In most cases, a stylist will reschedule for being more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment.  You pay your stylist not only for their talent and knowledge, but for their time as well.  Scheduling an appointment and not showing up is not only a waste of time for the stylist, but also a waste of money.  You then occupied a time slot that someone else could have had.  Cancelling your appointment at least 24 hours in advance is common courtesy.

-BE PATIENT...
         If the stylist is running behind (which can happen if your stylist does not have an assistant), politely ask for an estimated time he/she will be able to get to you.  Sometimes, a client can get in the chair and ask for more services than were scheduled.  Your stylist may offer you a discount or free product/service.

-YOUR VISIT...
        During your visit, you should try NOT to bring your kids to the salon unless they are getting serviced or it is an absolute must.  For most clients, their salon appointment is the only time they get out of their day to relax.  The last thing a hard working woman who has come to the salon after a long hard day of work wants to do is watch your kids run around the salon. 
         Beauty shops are known for a place to hear all the latest gossip.  This takes away from the relaxed environment.  This is the number one reason to limit your "shop talk."

-TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP...
         It is good manners to tip anyone who have serviced you, whether it is your waitress, bartender or yes, your hairstylist.  Your stylist provides you with a service, and if you keep coming back, that may mean that you are a satisfied client. 
        What's standard you ask?  Assistants  5-10 percent, Stylists  15-20 percent is the norm.  How satisfied you are should determine which percentage you are comfortable giving.

-REBOOK...
         Last but not least--  If you're satisfied and think that you'll be back, be sure to rebook.  Book your next appointment before leaving the salon.  Book a tentative date/time if you're not sure.  You can always reschedule or cancel if you must.

~Beauty and Blessings in 2011
Mrs. Tamara Mott