Hey Curlies,
How to choose a hair stylist:
At some point we all get tired of doing our own hair. We want someone to scrub our scalp for once, wash our strands and give our arms a rest from twisting for hours. If you feel like this, as I do sometimes, you may need to search for a stylist in your area.
When I got my hair straightened a year ago, I put in lots of effort and thought into who I would allow to handle my hair. After doing my hair on my own for four years, I was convinced no one could do it the way I could. This may be especially important if you're trying a style you've never worn before, such as an iron out.
Here are a few things I took into consideration when choosing a stylist:
- How long the stylist has been practicing their craft?
- How long has the stylist held their license?
- What is the quality of their work? (What do their photos look like?)
- What experience do they have with natural hair?
- What type of products do they use?
- What tools do they use to detangle/what are their detangling methods?
- How much heat is used throughout the visit?
- Are you allowed to bring in your own products?
- If installing braids, how tight do they braid?
- If using heat tools, what temperature do they use?
- If getting a trim, are they a "scissor happy" stylist?
- How many clients do they schedule at once?
- What is the estimated time to complete the style?
These aren't all of the questions you should keep in mind, but they are a place to start. You may want a stylist that only schedules one client at a time so your hair care can be the primary focus.
Once do do find a stylist, I would speak with them before your appointment about your expectations and what the process will be like. This way, there shouldn't be any surprises.
