For beauty queens who love their hair, trying out a new hairstylist can be more stressful than going on a blind date. Finding a good hairstylist is far more complicated than doing a quick search on Google. Your hairstylist not only needs to have expertise in your hair type and style, but they also need to be someone whom you trust and feel comfortable around (you’re letting this person put scissors and chemicals near your head, after all!).
If you’ve already had some negative experiences with hairstylists, you may be ready to give up. Before you resign yourself to an eternity of bad hair days and awkward visits to the salon, it’s worth the extra time to find a talented hairstylist who makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Social Media / Internet
According to Hairstylist, Adenike Shakirah Ayomikun, when looking for a new hairstylist, the Internet can be of huge help. Online reviews and local business rankings can also be a great starting point for narrowing your options of which salons and stylists you want to check out. Don’t forget to use social media as a search tool as well. Instagram and TikTok are especially good resources for determining which hairstylists in your area are receiving a lot of praise.
Once you have a few potential candidates in mind, you can start researching each stylist. Most hairstylists these days have a strong online presence, whether it’s a website or a social media account.
Looking at photo galleries of their work and reading anything they’ve written about their experience and styling philosophy will give you a better understanding of what to expect during your appointment. If you want more information before trying out a stylist, you can always contact them through their website or social media accounts — hairstylists are typically happy to answer questions from potential new clients.
Use Referrals
Much like using referrals for finding a makeup artist, you can do the same for booking a hairstylist for your hair needs.
“If you loved a friend’s hair, then contact their stylist and ask for a consultation. You can also contact your personal stylist or stylists whose work you admire. If they don’t do wedding hair, they can probably recommend a few colleagues who do,” Adenike said.
Adenike Ayomikun also believes that if you create a list of the referrals and start at the top, chances are you will find a hairstylist that you love, and if not, keep reading.
Prioritize your styling needs
There are many talented hairstylists in the world, but no hairdresser is an expert in every single style and technique. When you’re looking for a new hairstylist, you should prioritize your unique styling needs. Even if a stylist gets excellent reviews and has the most popular salon in your area, they might not be the right fit for your hair type and style.
Fortunately, salons and hairstylists will usually specify their skills and make it clear if they cater to certain needs. For instance, stylists may share that their area of expertise is with textured and curly hair and will list the services they can provide. Similarly, some hairstylists are hair colorists as well and specialize in hair dye, while others have been trained in certain hair cutting techniques, such as French cutting.
Adenike urges that you keep in mind that your styling needs are about more than just your hair type. Your hairstylist and salon should affirm and celebrate your identity and self-expression and act as supportive collaborators for your hairstyle vision. Salons and stylists often share if they frequently work with clients from certain communities, particularly Queer clients. Looking for hairstylists who offer support for all of your needs will make your experience much more positive.
Factor Your Budget
If you’ve curated a list of stylists whose work you love, but have no way to narrow them down, circle back to your budget. Adenike Ayomikun insists this is by far the best and easiest litmus test: Does the price of their work fit the budget? If yes, carry on. If no, stick to your gut—and your budget—and move on.
Invest in Hair Trials
Finding the best wedding hairstylist takes trial and error. Gather a handful of stylists you like and start booking hair trials to test if they’re a match for your vision. “It’s important to always do a trial a few weeks before so you know you’re both on the same page,” Adenike Ayomikun says. “Also, you have time to replace them if you don’t like the way it’s going.”
Make Sure the Hairstylist Understands Your Vision
According to Adenike Ayomikun, it’s essential to have a variation of photos that showcase the styles you love, like, and don’t like. “Make sure you have pictures of your [outfit] so they know what it looks like to complement the whole look.” Adenike Ayomikun also notes that it’s a good idea to think about when you want to get your hair color done. “Don’t leave it till the last minute.”
Be Open to Changes
Even if you already have a look in mind, be open to suggestions from the hairstylist. While you don’t want a stylist to divert from your vision completely, they may have something to contribute. If you are working with a skilled and highly referred hairstylist, they are familiar with what will look and photograph best. You might even be surprised with their creative vision and love it.
Don’t feel pressured to accept the hairstylist’s suggestions. If you aren’t in love with your hair, then don’t commit to it—make your opinion heard.
Test Your Trial Hair
The last step in finding a hairstylist is to wear your hair throughout the day to see how you feel. If you aren’t 100 percent sure that you see yourself getting married with the hairstyle, then book a follow-up trial appointment or interview a few more stylists.
Another detail Adenike Ayomikun said should be tested is how the hair holds. Is it constantly falling? If so, check in with the stylist so they can alter it to last throughout the day. If they can’t, consider if the look is really right for you or schedule trials with other stylists on your list. Also, be sure that your hair is versatile and able to go from day to night. Chances are, your ceremony will be earlier in the day with the reception to follow. If that’s the case, your hairstylist should be able to give your hair some extra details and drama for the reception.
FAQ
How much does it cost for someone to do your hair?
The cost of professional hair services varies depending on the stylist’s level of experience, the complexity of the coif, and your location. Adenike explained that average prices range from $100 to over $350 internationally, depending on economic state of things wherever you are. “In Nigeria, for example, depending on hair details and location, cost for quality hair service varies between N25,000 – N250,000 or more.”
Do you tip for a hair trial?
Yes. You should tip your stylist for the hair trial (especially if you require more than one appointment to nail a look) as well as on the big day. A gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is standard, but be sure to carefully read the contract as some stylists include it in the final price, Adenike Ayomikun noted.