Important Things to Look for When Choosing a New Beauty Salon

Today we have a guest Blogger to give us some tips on choosing a beauty salon.

The average woman spends nearly $2K a year on salons, and that’s just hair and nails. That’s why it’s so important to know you’re spending your beauty dollars wisely. Everyone wants to look their best, and there seems to be a salon on every corner that claims they can make you look beautiful. So how can you be sure you trust your locks and skin to the right one? Budget is always a concern, of course. Some salons will be happy to charge you an entire paycheck for their services, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get your money’s worth. Let’s take a look at some things you should look for to help you chose the right salon.

Services

First, check out the list of services they provide. Some only do hair and nails, while others offer more holistic spa experiences and skin care treatments. Figure out exactly what services you want and need and then you can begin making your shortlist.

Location Matters

Obviously, you want to find a salon with a location or locations convenient to you. This can mean close to work so you can grab a lunch hour trim, or close to home. Keep in mind that although a salon close to public transportation may seem perfectly convenient to you, you should also consider the services you're interested in. Some of them may not work well with having to go home on a bus or train.

Recommendations

Don’t be afraid to get recommendations and feedback from friends and family. If you’re not shy, you could even compliment strangers who have hairstyles you love and ask where they get their hair done. Review sites like Yelp can also be helpful. Always check out any salon you are interested in thoroughly.

Experience

Most salons these days have websites, so check them out, especially the sections that give background information on the stylists. It's important to know what their education and experience are like so you can choose the right one for the services you want. If the salon doesn't have a site or it doesn't provide this info, don't be afraid to call and ask. They should be happy to provide it for you.

Do a Test Visit

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule a consultation and a simple service like a trim so you can get a feel for the place and the stylist. Take everything in. Is the stylist friendly? Is she willing to listen to what you want? Is the place clean and comfortable? Are combs and scissors being properly sterilized? Is the atmosphere relaxed or can you cut the tension with a knife?  A visit will help you answer all of those and make certain it’s the right salon for you.

Choosing the right salon can be the start of a long and successful relationship with your stylist. By taking the time to do your homework before making a choice, you will go a long way toward ensuring you’ll look your best at the price you’re willing to pay.