Finding the Right Salon

Whenever I go past a barber shop/salon, there are always a couple of guys/gals with empty chairs. They look up as I pass by and their eyes ask, do I need a haircut. I think to myself, “I already got a guy.” I learned some secrets to my good hair cut. Here they go.

1. Go local.
I like going to the neighborhood shop. While those chains may be O.K. in a pinch, it helps to find someone who is a Barber, or a Stylist, or Both, and treats it as his or her craft (not just as a side gig). Also, while there are certainly some very good high-end Day Spas, they can be pricey. There are very talented people there and Day Spas target the retreat experience and discussion is traditionally kept at a minimum to prevent distraction. Shop around to fit your budget, without sacrificing the quality of the hair cut; Not too cheap, not to expensive, just right for me.

2. Always go to the same person.
If you’re new to the salon, the stylist doesn’t know your life story yet, perhaps you might start with quick meet-and greet blow-dry appointment. That way, you can ask a few important questions, like, “How might you cut my hair if I made another appointment?” Your hair has a personality, in our Salon, we strive for excellence the first time, but it may take a barber/stylist a couple of  times before he or she can get it just right. Once you find a haircut that suits you, and your hair care needs, your barber/stylist won’t even need to ask you what you want. Also, it feels good to “have a barber/stylist,” a person whose job is to make sure you are well groomed.

3. Speak up!
Before the scissors come out, tell the stylist your recent hair routine. Like how much time you have (or don’t have) to spend on your hair and how you usually wear it. Don’t be afraid to admit you wear it in a ponytail every day or you don’t own a hair dryer—there’s a cut for every customer.

4. Come prepared. Photo prepared.
I walk in the Video Games store with a picture of exactly what my daughter wants for Christmas, so why should the salon be any different? Pictures tell a thousand words. And in the case of hair styling, they tell a hundred thousand hair follicles. If you’d like, come 20 minutes early for your appointment time and search for a photo in the lobby of the salon. Got the time to search on your own? Bring copies with you.

5. Just like buying anything else, ask questions.
When it comes to your hair, no question is out of the question. Before, during and after the cut, keep talking to your stylist. Ask about upcoming trends. And most important, be sure to find out how they styled your hair (what tools did they use?) after it was cut so you’ll know how to rinse and repeat. Always ask what they used to shampoo, condition, and style your hair with if applicable. This is key to repeating the style at home. Are they running any sales?

Discuss your particular hair type challenges and try some of these solutions:
Damaged, dry, or dull hair:
1) It's a "10" products work synergistically to rebuild, reconstruct, strengthen and protect damaged hair.
2) NEW: Forever Blonde quenches overly dry hair attributed to the environment, chemical services or genetics.
3) Color Treated Hair: Color Care Product Line to prolong color longevity and tonal integrity.
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5) Fine, Limp, Dry Hair: The Extra Body line speaks for itself. This unique volumizing and thickening line targets fine, limp hair by actually increasing the diameter of each hair fiber without added weight.

Last, but not least, During these winter months, to avoid that nasty static cling hair, Towel blot hair to remove excess moisture, never rub with a towel, and try the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist, (available in a non aerosol, or aerosol formula,) as a leave in for your hair, static remover on your combs and brushes, moisturizing body spray, and/or static remover for your clothing.

Come see us. Hair Care is our business. When you look good, so do we. 703-491-HAIR (4247)