How to Find a New Stylist in a New Area
Starting fresh in a new place is exciting, but it also means rebuilding your go-to crew—from discovering your favorite coffee shop to tracking down a hairstylist who truly gets you. Let’s be real: having someone who nails your hair and vibe is non-negotiable. Don’t worry, though—here’s your ultimate guide to finding your perfect hair guru in your new neighborhood.
1. Research Online
Utilize Review Sites
Online reviews can give you an inside scoop on local salons and stylists. Sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and even Facebook are great for seeing who’s getting rave reviews and why.
Look for salons that consistently score high ratings and have positive feedback.
Check for reviews that mention specific stylists and the kind of services they’re known for, like color work or curly cuts.
Use Social Media
Instagram is your best friend when it comes to seeing a stylist’s work before you even set foot in the salon.
Search hashtags like #hairstylist, #haircut, or #salon followed by your new city or neighborhood.
Follow local salons and stylists to get a feel for their style and portfolio.
If something catches your eye, don’t be afraid to leave a comment or message them with questions about their services or specialties.
2. Ask for Recommendations
Reach Out to Your Network
Sometimes, the best recommendations come from people around you—think coworkers, new friends, even neighbors.
Ask around to see if anyone has a stylist they can’t live without.
Local community groups or forums (online or offline) can be a goldmine for suggestions. Join groups on platforms like Facebook or community apps where people share insider tips.
Use Community Resources
Your new area is likely full of hidden gems that locals can tell you about, so don’t skip this step!
Check community bulletin boards at coffee shops, gyms, or libraries—many stylists leave business cards or flyers in these spots.
Apps like Nextdoor let you connect with neighbors for personal recommendations and reviews.
Local Facebook beauty or hair care groups can also give you insights and sometimes even special discounts for trying new places.
Visit Salons and Observe
Make Preliminary Visits
Sometimes, just walking into a salon can tell you a lot about the vibe.
Visit a few salons to get a feel for their environment. Check out cleanliness, ambiance, and how professional the staff is.
If you feel comfortable, ask the salon manager for a quick tour and chat about their services.
Observe how the stylists interact with their clients. Do they seem friendly? Are their clients leaving with smiles and gorgeous hair? These are all good signs!
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve found a place you like, the next step is to meet a stylist one-on-one.
Book a consultation and bring photos of the styles you love. Talk about your hair goals and past experiences to see if they’re on the same page.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their specialties, experience, and any tips they’d have for your hair type.
4. Evaluate Their Work and Compatibility
Review Their Portfolio
A stylist’s portfolio is like their résumé, so take a look and see if their style aligns with yours.
Ask to see photos of their work, whether online or in person at the salon.
Look for styles that match your own hair type and preferences. If you’re big on color, check out their coloring work, and if you need someone who’s great with curls, see if they’ve got a lot of experience with curly hair.
Assess Communication and Comfort
Y’all this is a big one! You want a stylist you feel totally comfortable with—someone who listens and makes you feel heard.
Pay attention to how well they understand your needs and how they respond to your questions.
A stylist who communicates well and makes you feel comfortable is priceless. This connection is key for a successful, long-lasting relationship.
5. Make a Trial Appointment
Start with a Simple Service
Instead of diving right into a major haircut or color change, start small.
Schedule something simple, like a haircut, blow-dry, or conditioning treatment. This lets you see their technique, professionalism, and how they handle your hair.
Notice how they follow your preferences, and if you feel comfortable enough to ask questions during the appointment.
Provide Feedback
Giving feedback can help you gauge whether this stylist is a keeper.
Let them know what you liked and any tweaks you’d like to see. This helps establish good communication right off the bat.
See how they respond to your feedback—do they seem receptive and eager to make adjustments? If so, this is a great sign that they’re invested in meeting your needs.
Conclusion:
Finding a new stylist in a new area might take a little extra legwork, but with some savvy research, a bit of help from your new community, and a keen eye for details, you’ll be on your way to finding the one. Booking a trial appointment is the perfect way to test the waters and see if they’re your hair soulmate before fully committing. Cheers to this exciting new chapter—and to hair that makes you feel like the absolute best version of yourself!
