How to Choose a Hairstylist: What to Know Before You Book

We've all heard the hairstylist horror stories.

Appointments starting hours late. Poor customer service. An install that looks nothing like the inspiration picture. Or a style that looked amazing on Instagram but didn't quite give the same results in real life.

Thankfully, I haven't personally experienced many hairstylist horror stories, but I realized there may be a reason for that:

I do my research before I let someone touch my hair. 😂

Knowing how to choose a hairstylist isn't just about finding someone who can create a beautiful hairstyle. You're trusting someone with your natural hair, your time, your money and your overall experience.

Over the years, I've developed a few things I personally look for before I ever sit in a new stylist's chair.

How to Choose a Hairstylist You Can Trust

1. LOOK FOR REAL REVIEWS

Before booking, I look for reviews — and I don't stop at the stylist's booking website.

I'll search their name or business on Google, TikTok, Instagram and even YouTube.

Social media makes it much easier to find real customers sharing their experiences.

And I'm looking for more than "My hair was cute."

How was the overall experience?

Was the stylist professional? Did the appointment start reasonably on time? Was the client happy with the finished result? Would they actually book again?

One negative review won't necessarily stop me from booking, but if I start noticing the same complaint repeatedly, I'm paying attention.

2. DON'T BOOK BASED ON ONE BEAUTIFUL PICTURE

This is probably one of my biggest rules.

One beautiful install is not enough for me.

I scroll.

And scroll some more. 😂

I want to see consistency.

I'll look through photos, videos and tagged posts and try to see several examples of the service I'm interested in booking.

I also look for clients whose natural hair texture, density or needs are somewhat similar to mine.

Someone can be an amazing stylist and still not specialize in what your particular hair needs.

The goal isn't just finding a talented hairstylist.

It's finding a talented hairstylist who's right for YOU.

3. CHECK LICENSING IF IT MATTERS TO YOU

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to this.

Some people don't mind booking an unlicensed stylist if they love their work.

Personally, I like to check whether the hairstylist I'm considering is licensed, particularly depending on the service I'm receiving.

A license alone doesn't guarantee that someone will be the perfect stylist, just like a beautiful Instagram page doesn't guarantee you'll have a great experience.

For me, it's simply another part of my research.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO COMMUNICATION

I ask questions before booking.

If I need clarification about what's included, how my natural hair should be prepared, what type of extensions I need or anything else about my appointment, I prefer to know before I'm sitting in the chair.

I also pay attention to how that communication goes.

Personally, if I reach out with a reasonable question and don't receive a response within about 48 hours, I take that into consideration.

That doesn't automatically make someone a bad hairstylist.

They simply may not be the hairstylist for me.

Communication and customer service are important to me, so I want someone's business practices to be compatible with what I need as a customer.

5. READ THE POLICIES BEFORE PAYING YOUR DEPOSIT

Please read the policies, beautiful. 😂

Before sending money, find out:

• What is the cancellation policy?

• What happens if you're late?

• Is your deposit refundable or transferable?

• Should you arrive washed and blow-dried?

• Is hair included?

• Can you bring your own extensions?

• Are there additional charges you should know about?

A few minutes of reading before you book can prevent a lot of misunderstandings later.

6. DON'T CHOOSE BASED ON PRICE ALONE

I don't automatically choose the least expensive stylist.

And I don't assume the most expensive stylist is automatically the best.

Price isn't my deciding factor.

I'm looking at the complete experience:

Quality. Consistency. Professionalism. Communication. Customer service.

If those things are there, I'm comfortable investing in good work.

Your hairstyle may only last a few weeks, but what's happening to your natural hair underneath that style matters too.

7. PAY ATTENTION ONCE YOU'RE IN THE CHAIR

Your research doesn't end once you've booked.

Pay attention to your hair and scalp during the appointment.

If something feels painfully tight, say something.

If you don't understand what's being done to your natural hair, ask.

And if something simply doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to speak up.

A beautiful hairstyle shouldn't require you to ignore what your natural hair is telling you.

Knowing How to Choose a Hairstylist Can Make All the Difference

There will never be a foolproof way to guarantee the perfect experience every single time.

But learning how to choose a hairstylist and doing a little research before booking can help you make a much more informed decision.

Look at the work.

Read the reviews.

Ask your questions.

Understand the policies.

And choose someone whose work, communication and business practices make you comfortable.

Because we're not just choosing someone to make our extensions look beautiful.

We're trusting them with the hair underneath them, too. 🤎

With love,BreeBelle Bree Hair

FROM THE SALON CHAIR

From the Salon Chair is where we talk honestly about extensions, natural hair, protective styling and everything I've learned from years in the beauty industry.

What's one thing you always check before booking a new hairstylist? Leave a comment and let's talk about it.