According to the National Hair & Beauty Federation, there are more than 48,000 hair and beauty businesses in the UK. So, when it comes to searching for a hairdresser, there is no shortage of options.
But just because a salon is local it doesn’t guarantee that it is going to be good. And because your hair is so important, you need to be able to trust the people you are paying to take care of it.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a short guide on how to find a good hairdresser, so you can make a decision that’s right for you.
How to search for a good hairdresser
It’s always helpful to carry out some initial research as this can go a long way to helping you find a good hairdresser.
Recommendations are great, as this gives you a first-hand account of the salon, the quality of cut and the level of customer service.
Alternatively, you can always use Google to search for local hairdressers, as most also come with customer reviews and a rating out of 5 (for example, try typing in “best hairdresser in Colliers Wood”).
Take a look at their social media channels for before and after examples (of real people, not models) and for customer feedback in the comments.
What makes a good hairdresser?
A good hairdresser is somebody that takes the time to learn about your hair and what you want to achieve with it.
Creativity is important and it’s helpful to have a hairdresser that can suggest trendy and exciting ideas, but they should be appropriate and suitable for your hair and lifestyle.
Your hair is the number one priority, and you should only entrust it to someone that you believe will treat it with the care it deserves.
Another example is with colour treatments. Your hairdresser should always suggest a patch test before using it on all your hair, as this ensures they are thinking about your welfare. This should take place 1-2 days before your appointment so the results can be reviewed properly.
Although it is rare, some people do react badly to colour dye and a patch test can isolate any potential issues before they are allowed to affect your hair and scalp.
Are hair consultations worth it?
A good hairdresser should always offer a free, no-obligation hair consultation. Some important points to consider include:
1. The consultation should be booked in advance of any appointment, as this helps you to avoid feeling rushed into agreeing something you are not happy with just because you want something done quickly..
2. During the consultation, the hairdresser can help to manage expectations (particularly with hair colouring) and give you an idea of how long the cut may take.
3. If you do want hair colour, a consultation allows the hairdresser to check your hair’s elasticity, how easily it absorbs colour and the percentage of grey, as this can all affect the final colour.
4. The hairdresser can give you a long-term view by advising how much maintenance the cut will require and how often you may need to return to the salon.
5. Skin colour and the type of make-up you wear should also be considered, as these also need to be balanced with your hair colour.
Just as importantly, a hair consultation gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have and to see if you feel the hairdresser understands what you are looking for.
It also allows you to spend time in the salon and its environment to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed – which can make all the difference to your experience.
Get in touch
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
We do everything possible to ensure you have a first-class experience, taking time to understand your needs in a relaxing environment, with cuts provided by experienced and caring hair professionals.
And keep an eye out for regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
