Think of your beautician as your employee. That’s right, you go in with interview questions to see if he or she is completely qualified to do your hair.
Before you get your hair done by a new hairdresser, always have a consultation first to see if you like him or her, and so he or she can get to know your natural hair
Interview Questions for Initial Consultation:
Are you licensed? Where did you receive your credentials?
It’s always nice to know that the beautician you are interested in has a license. Being trained in caring for natural hair would be a major factor in making the final commitment.
Do you have a portfolio or a collection of styles you have done?
You really want to check if they can do your hair, and look at the vibe of styles that they tend to do. If you go to a hair dresser, you go for the intricate styles, or styles you just can’t do. Make sure you go through every picture they have, because you might just find something you did not see before, and might like it.
How long have you been natural?
This is definitely a matter of opinion, but if you are natural, wouldn’t you go to a natural hairdresser who knows what she is doing? I am not saying that those who wear flat ironed and relaxed styles wouldn’t know how to do your hair. But I know I would feel much more comfortable with a naturalista because she knows the journey, and can give you better advice, and answer your hair questions.
What kind of products do you use for yourself and your clients?
This is one factor we tend to not ask about when getting our hair washed. It’s important to know what is going in your hair for the health of your tresses alone. Also, if the hair dresser knows her products – and what’s best for your hair – then you can ask for a recommendation of products you can use at home.
Regina Phillips-Thomas says
Referrals. . Always
nubiennze says
This–I wanted to add an asterisk under the “How many clients do you have?” question.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has been styled by the beautician in question, s/he should at the very least be able to provide you with phone numbers for 2-3 of her/his clients.
nubiennze says
This–I wanted to add an asterisk under the “How many clients do you have?” question.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has been styled by the beautician in question, s/he at the very least should be able to provide you with phone numbers for 2-3 of her/his clients.
That said, this is precisely why I find DIYing/bypassing the salon altogether to be the least stressful option, lol. No one will ever care for my hair as much as I do.
Cynthia Tucker-James says
good article – I had some of the same experiences – lol