Need help on how to find a great hairdresser

[soocool]

My friend has been cutting my hair for years and I always loved the way my hair looked. My friend was also diagnosed with carpal tunnel and had surgery on her hand, but it has been almost 8 months and she told me today that she is giving up her profession for good. I have tried 2 different hairdressers in the meantime and do not like either one. The latest works for a prestigious salon in my area (David Witchell) and his price is $70. I definitely do not feel that I am getting my money's worth.

My friend has even given written and illustrated instructions on how she cuts my hair, but these hairdressers just ignore these. I am just so fed up. This latest hairdresser used a razor on my hair and my hair feels thin now. I feel like letting my hair grow out and just wearing a hat all the time (DH suggested a wig..lol - though it doesn't seem so funny now).

Are all of you happy with your hairdresser and if you are how did you find the right one? I have not had to look for one in over 20 years and I don't have a clue as to what to ask or expect from them.

 

[ame]

My friend has been cutting my hair for years and I always loved the way my hair looked. My friend was also diagnosed with carpal tunnel and had surgery on her hand, but it has been almost 8 months and she told me today that she is giving up her profession for good. I have tried 2 different hairdressers in the meantime and do not like either one. The latest works for a prestigious salon in my area (David Witchell) and his price is $70. I definitely do not feel that I am getting my money's worth.

My friend has even given written and illustrated instructions on how she cuts my hair, but these hairdressers just ignore these. I am just so fed up. This latest hairdresser used a razor on my hair and my hair feels thin now. I feel like letting my hair grow out and just wearing a hat all the time (DH suggested a wig..lol - though it doesn't seem so funny now).

Are all of you happy with your hairdresser and if you are how did you find the right one? I have not had to look for one in over 20 years and I don't have a clue as to what to ask or expect from them.

I have gone to mine for about a decade, the salon was by my old office which isn't anywhere near my current one or my house, and I found her because for a brief time in college I took cosmetology classes (just long enough for color!) and she went to intern for a girl I went to cosmetology classes with. My classmate said she was awesome with color (she is!). So I had her do a touchup when I moved back from Pgh and do my highlight touchup. She was REALLY slow at first and anal retentive which is huge for me, I want anal retentiveness (are you shocked??) and she's gotten faster but is still REALLY thorough. She only recently started doing my cuts, because the girl that did them (aforementioned classmate) started doing a crappier job on my cuts and not cutting straight across the bottom anymore.

I tried a couple other places in the meantime that were nearer to my house because if I saw someone with great hair I'd ask who cuts it or dyes it and then I'd check them out, but one of them as great as she was required you to schedule like 4 months ahead or you could never get in, though you would always end up waiting 20 minutes after your appoitnment time because some other client walked in and asked for a cut and she would magically manage to make sure they got in before you. I had enough of it and went back to my regular person despite her being geographically undesirable.

I still want to check out the Paul Mitchell school for a cut, despite the fact it will take like 4 hours for a trim!

One thing I edited this to add:
I am very particular about the product lines used. If I can, I will call ahead of the appointment and inquire. I only allow certain color lines near my hair IF I let them do my color, usually the only place that does color is the one above, and usually only highlights after I do my own roots. If they use Matrix or Pureology, I immediately find somewhere else before they wash or use product. I have found both to be particularly horrendous quality wise, especially with my hair being this red, so I tend to consider them lower quality and lower skill salons. Perhaps irrational but my experiences in the past made that a pretty firm non-negotiable for me.

 

[VRBeauty]

Ugh. I just went through this as a result of a disastrous appointment with my prior hair dresser, so I can relate. I waited two months between cuts because I was afraid to take to the chair again!

In my case, I asked friends who had what looked like good haircuts for recommendations. What I found is that most will recommend their hair dresser - the trick is to ask questions and listen for why they like that specific hair dresser. I decided to go to a stylist recommended by a co-worker whose hair cut couldn't be more different than mine - hers is long and straight, mine is short and almost pixie-like. But she told me about the different styles she's had over the years, and one or two disasters her hair dresser helped her recover from - and convinced me that her cutter has the skill and knowledge to handle a variety of cuts, and to determine how best to cut my hair to get the look I was going for. When I got in her chair, she asked what I wanted and suggested several "tweaks" to my prior cut. I'm very happy with the cut, and will probably use her again even though she's quite a ways from where I live.

I trust you told the hairdressers you used recently that you wanted them to follow someone else's hair cutting "recipe" before you made the appointment. Personally, I would not want to tell a hairdresser what tools or methods to use, thought I would point out specific things I want - length and fullness, for example - and make a point of telling my stylists that I do not want bangs that might remind someone of Justin Bieber. I also make sure a new cutter is aware of certain pitfalls - like a cowlick that will emerge if some spots are cut too short. Other than that, I want them to use the tools and techniques that they think are best to achieve what I'm after.

 

[TooPatient]

I asked several ladies where we buy our cat food because I had seen their hair and liked it for a couple of years. They ALL gave the same salon and even suggested the same stylist! (they didn't all realize they used the same until I had asked)
When I got pointed to the same salon by a couple of other women (not from the pet store) I took a chance and scheduled with them.

Turned out great!

 

[oranges]

I had been going to the same woman for haircuts since I was 5 years old up until last year. I ran into her at a bar and after that, she quickly became unprofessional. She would talk about hygiene issues and armpit stuff and weird things about medication. I was getting uncomfortable so I switched and went to a new salon (Zanya Spa Salon-- in NJ) and have had the most amazing experiences there. It's all trial and error to see who you click with. As soon as I went to Zanya, I felt relaxed and they did a great job with both cut and color. Keep trying new places to see what clicks!!! Good luck

 

[JewelFreak]

Finding a good hairdresser is one of the most important things in life! No LOL either, it's true. One of the traumatic parts of moving is locating somebody you like -- I've done what a few others said: asked people whose haircuts I like where they get it done. Doesn't matter if they are strangers -- somebody in line at the market, whatever. Especially if they have hair type similar to yours, it's a help, but still worth asking if not. Get the person's name, not just the salon.

Usually I look up reviews before calling. If there's an Angies List in your area, that's useful; if not, google the name & add "reviews" & most of the time, helpful stuff will come up.

They don't seem to pay much attention to instructions from your previous hairdresser -- I've tried that for cut and for color & it's been ignored. If you have a photo of yourself when it looked the best, take that along to show her/him & say that's what you want. Sometimes it's not perfectly done at first so I don't hesitate to ask if they can make it shorter here, fuller there, whatever. If they don't listen, time to start searching again. Cooperation w/what you want is essential. Yes, good luck!

--- Laurie

 

[fleur-de-lis]

I've moved around quite a bit in my adult life, and have found the following method to be *excellent*:

STEP 1. Eyeball the various salons in the neighborhood; if there are many, look at yelp and drive by some of the top choices. You'll want to find one that's has many stations/hairdressers AND proudly displays an expensive line of shampoos which tend to be available as salon-only in the window (Kerastase, Pureology, etc.).

STEP 2. KNOW your hair type and style. Are you "long and thick, love lots of volume"? "Sleek and pin-straight"? "Short and structured"? "Beachy fresh"? "Curly and loving it"?

STEP 3. Call the top 2-3 salons that look promising from step one, and as (for instance), "Hi, I'm new in town, looking for someone new to cut my hair, and was wondering if you might be able to help me. I have --long, thick hair with layers-- and am looking for someone who specializes in this type of hair styling. Is there a stylist in your salon who specializes in or is really, really good with this type of style that you can recommend?" The front staff always knows.

STEP 4. Set up a consultation with the number one choice. The meeting will typically take only 2-5 minutes, and if you like what he/she has to say, set up an appointment. If not, lather rinse repeat.


-----
As an aside, I currently live in Los Angeles and currently see some of *the most coveted* celebrity colorists and stylists in town, and with whom are nearly impossible to get appointments, now that they're interviewed for Vogue, Marie Claire, and Allure as well as having A-list movie star clients. I also get rock-bottom prices for their services. Why? Because by using the methods above, I found each of them when they were young, talented and low on the totem pole.

 

[soocool]

Sorry I did not thank everyone sooner for their advice, but I took a little tumble the other day and sprained my ankle and had been happily on pain killers for the 1st 2 days. Now that I am somewhat lucid, my friend said that she will help me with my search for a new hairdresser. (Apparently I called her when I was on painkillers and cried about how awful I look in my new cut. I have absolutely no recollection)

In the meantime she is teaching me a great deal about products I can use in my hair to help me achieve some pretty interesting looks. I guess I should not expect hair to fall naturally into place without the help of either mousse or a texturizer, but I will continue doing this while on my quest for a new cutter.

I will carry a notepad with me and ask any woman whose hair I envy about where they go and who they use and will start on my interviewing quest for soocool's "Next Top Hairdresser".

 

[Autumnovember]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

 

[soocool]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

AN, thanks that would be nice and could you find out how much he/she charges.

I still am not sure how I feel about Witchells. It is noisy and not a very personal place if you know what I mean. I understand that the spa is great, but the people at the front desk can be rather snobby. Also when I was looking for a stylist I said that I would pay $60 max. When they recommended Jason (he charges $60 of course my max) I went to him and he did a decent job. The second time I went all of a sudden his price went to $70. I was not happy and they charged me only $60 telling me that next time it would be $70. My friend said that in this area I probably should not pay more than $50 because my hair doesn't warrant that much work. While she did my hair for free she had different prices depending on the type of hair and amount of work required. And to tell you the truth, I did not feel that I got my money's worth.

There are a few other salons in the borough I may consider, but people told me to stay away from Topper's (near Acme). I don't want to go into New Hope because they are very pricey there as well and it is a pain to park.

 

[tuffyluvr]

I found mine on Yelp. I did I search on local salons and when I was reading the really good reviews on one, I saw that an acquaintance gave a great review (and she has great haircut). The other Yelp bonus? The salon offered 20% off services for first-time customers. At my first appointment I stressed that I wanted her to be suuuuuper conservative and not cut off too much.

 

[Autumnovember]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

AN, thanks that would be nice and could you find out how much he/she charges.

I still am not sure how I feel about Witchells. It is noisy and not a very personal place if you know what I mean. I understand that the spa is great, but the people at the front desk can be rather snobby. Also when I was looking for a stylist I said that I would pay $60 max. When they recommended Jason (he charges $60 of course my max) I went to him and he did a decent job. The second time I went all of a sudden his price went to $70. I was not happy and they charged me only $60 telling me that next time it would be $70. My friend said that in this area I probably should not pay more than $50 because my hair doesn't warrant that much work. While she did my hair for free she had different prices depending on the type of hair and amount of work required. And to tell you the truth, I did not feel that I got my money's worth.

There are a few other salons in the borough I may consider, but people told me to stay away from Topper's (near Acme). I don't want to go into New Hope because they are very pricey there as well and it is a pain to park.

Ah, I see you. After reading that, I don't even think its worth giving another shot. I hate when receptionists are snobby....that alone would probably kill it for me. Just thought about it - my other friend goes to the salon right off of 2nd street pike & county line. Her stylist seems to do really good work. I'll find out the actual name of the salon and the dresser (I go to get my eyebrows done there but its separate from the salon so I don't know the name!)

 

[soocool]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

AN, thanks that would be nice and could you find out how much he/she charges.

I still am not sure how I feel about Witchells. It is noisy and not a very personal place if you know what I mean. I understand that the spa is great, but the people at the front desk can be rather snobby. Also when I was looking for a stylist I said that I would pay $60 max. When they recommended Jason (he charges $60 of course my max) I went to him and he did a decent job. The second time I went all of a sudden his price went to $70. I was not happy and they charged me only $60 telling me that next time it would be $70. My friend said that in this area I probably should not pay more than $50 because my hair doesn't warrant that much work. While she did my hair for free she had different prices depending on the type of hair and amount of work required. And to tell you the truth, I did not feel that I got my money's worth.

There are a few other salons in the borough I may consider, but people told me to stay away from Topper's (near Acme). I don't want to go into New Hope because they are very pricey there as well and it is a pain to park.

Ah, I see you. After reading that, I don't even think its worth giving another shot. I hate when receptionists are snobby....that alone would probably kill it for me. Just thought about it - my other friend goes to the salon right off of 2nd street pike & county line. Her stylist seems to do really good work. I'll find out the actual name of the salon and the dresser (I go to get my eyebrows done there but its separate from the salon so I don't know the name!)

If the name of the salon is Fresh, I heard good things about it. Southampton, I believe? Checked Yelp and there is a place in the borough called The Capelli Shop (near The Grapevine) that also got great reviews. I want check them out as well - consult (as someone suggested).

 

[Autumnovember]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

AN, thanks that would be nice and could you find out how much he/she charges.

I still am not sure how I feel about Witchells. It is noisy and not a very personal place if you know what I mean. I understand that the spa is great, but the people at the front desk can be rather snobby. Also when I was looking for a stylist I said that I would pay $60 max. When they recommended Jason (he charges $60 of course my max) I went to him and he did a decent job. The second time I went all of a sudden his price went to $70. I was not happy and they charged me only $60 telling me that next time it would be $70. My friend said that in this area I probably should not pay more than $50 because my hair doesn't warrant that much work. While she did my hair for free she had different prices depending on the type of hair and amount of work required. And to tell you the truth, I did not feel that I got my money's worth.

There are a few other salons in the borough I may consider, but people told me to stay away from Topper's (near Acme). I don't want to go into New Hope because they are very pricey there as well and it is a pain to park.

Ah, I see you. After reading that, I don't even think its worth giving another shot. I hate when receptionists are snobby....that alone would probably kill it for me. Just thought about it - my other friend goes to the salon right off of 2nd street pike & county line. Her stylist seems to do really good work. I'll find out the actual name of the salon and the dresser (I go to get my eyebrows done there but its separate from the salon so I don't know the name!)

If the name of the salon is Fresh, I heard good things about it. Southampton, I believe? Checked Yelp and there is a place in the borough called The Capelli Shop (near The Grapevine) that also got great reviews. I want check them out as well - consult (as someone suggested).

Yes!! It is called Fresh, just asked my friend! I will ask here the name of her stylist if you'd like =]

 

[soocool]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

AN, thanks that would be nice and could you find out how much he/she charges.

I still am not sure how I feel about Witchells. It is noisy and not a very personal place if you know what I mean. I understand that the spa is great, but the people at the front desk can be rather snobby. Also when I was looking for a stylist I said that I would pay $60 max. When they recommended Jason (he charges $60 of course my max) I went to him and he did a decent job. The second time I went all of a sudden his price went to $70. I was not happy and they charged me only $60 telling me that next time it would be $70. My friend said that in this area I probably should not pay more than $50 because my hair doesn't warrant that much work. While she did my hair for free she had different prices depending on the type of hair and amount of work required. And to tell you the truth, I did not feel that I got my money's worth.

There are a few other salons in the borough I may consider, but people told me to stay away from Topper's (near Acme). I don't want to go into New Hope because they are very pricey there as well and it is a pain to park.

Ah, I see you. After reading that, I don't even think its worth giving another shot. I hate when receptionists are snobby....that alone would probably kill it for me. Just thought about it - my other friend goes to the salon right off of 2nd street pike & county line. Her stylist seems to do really good work. I'll find out the actual name of the salon and the dresser (I go to get my eyebrows done there but its separate from the salon so I don't know the name!)

If the name of the salon is Fresh, I heard good things about it. Southampton, I believe? Checked Yelp and there is a place in the borough called The Capelli Shop (near The Grapevine) that also got great reviews. I want check them out as well - consult (as someone suggested).

Yes!! It is called Fresh, just asked my friend! I will ask here the name of her stylist if you'd like =]

Yes, thank you AN that would be nice. I just hope they cater to older women like me. I think I heard that the Eagle's cheerleaders get their hair done by them.

 

[Autumnovember]

Right before I read that you went to David Witchell, I was going to suggest it. My friend went there recently and had an amazing hairdresser there. I can get her name if you want to give it another go!

AN, thanks that would be nice and could you find out how much he/she charges.

I still am not sure how I feel about Witchells. It is noisy and not a very personal place if you know what I mean. I understand that the spa is great, but the people at the front desk can be rather snobby. Also when I was looking for a stylist I said that I would pay $60 max. When they recommended Jason (he charges $60 of course my max) I went to him and he did a decent job. The second time I went all of a sudden his price went to $70. I was not happy and they charged me only $60 telling me that next time it would be $70. My friend said that in this area I probably should not pay more than $50 because my hair doesn't warrant that much work. While she did my hair for free she had different prices depending on the type of hair and amount of work required. And to tell you the truth, I did not feel that I got my money's worth.

There are a few other salons in the borough I may consider, but people told me to stay away from Topper's (near Acme). I don't want to go into New Hope because they are very pricey there as well and it is a pain to park.

Ah, I see you. After reading that, I don't even think its worth giving another shot. I hate when receptionists are snobby....that alone would probably kill it for me. Just thought about it - my other friend goes to the salon right off of 2nd street pike & county line. Her stylist seems to do really good work. I'll find out the actual name of the salon and the dresser (I go to get my eyebrows done there but its separate from the salon so I don't know the name!)

If the name of the salon is Fresh, I heard good things about it. Southampton, I believe? Checked Yelp and there is a place in the borough called The Capelli Shop (near The Grapevine) that also got great reviews. I want check them out as well - consult (as someone suggested).

Yes!! It is called Fresh, just asked my friend! I will ask here the name of her stylist if you'd like =]

Yes, thank you AN that would be nice. I just hope they cater to older women like me. I think I heard that the Eagle's cheerleaders get their hair done by them.

Yeah, understandable. I'll get the name for you. I think you're right though - go in for a consult and see who they think is best. If they pick the same girl, great! If not - they'll pick someone who will be able to get you what you want

 

[oranges]

Soocool, I didn't realize that you lived near New Hope!!! I'm in Lambertville Was Zanya one of that places that you tried and didn't like? They have off street parking btw which is always nice! I wish I had more recommendations locally, but I've only been to two places to get my hair cut in my entire life!

 

[Autumnovember]

Soocool, I didn't realize that you lived near New Hope!!! I'm in Lambertville Was Zanya one of that places that you tried and didn't like? They have off street parking btw which is always nice! I wish I had more recommendations locally, but I've only been to two places to get my hair cut in my entire life!

You and I are close too! I'm right in Newtown

 

[soocool]

Soocool, I didn't realize that you lived near New Hope!!! I'm in Lambertville Was Zanya one of that places that you tried and didn't like? They have off street parking btw which is always nice! I wish I had more recommendations locally, but I've only been to two places to get my hair cut in my entire life!

Nope did not try Zanya's though I know exactly where it is - Laceworks building. I just hate going through New Hope to Lambetville most of the time because it is such a pain. Sometimes it has taken me 1/2 hour for a 5 mile trip because of the congestion..during the week not so bad until later in the day.

The other place I tried was called Salon Prive if I recall correctly. The stylist canceled last minute on me 3 times and then rushed me because she was so backed up with clients.

 

[soocool]

Soocool, I didn't realize that you lived near New Hope!!! I'm in Lambertville Was Zanya one of that places that you tried and didn't like? They have off street parking btw which is always nice! I wish I had more recommendations locally, but I've only been to two places to get my hair cut in my entire life!

Sorry forgotbto ad Howdy Neighbor!

 

[oranges]

Soocool, I didn't realize that you lived near New Hope!!! I'm in Lambertville Was Zanya one of that places that you tried and didn't like? They have off street parking btw which is always nice! I wish I had more recommendations locally, but I've only been to two places to get my hair cut in my entire life!

You and I are close too! I'm right in Newtown

Awesome!! Not to threadjack, but I was at the Gap in Newtown last weekend and bought the most amazing skinny jeans ever (1969 cropped legging jeans in a super cool aqua color!)

 

[soocool]

Soocool, I didn't realize that you lived near New Hope!!! I'm in Lambertville Was Zanya one of that places that you tried and didn't like? They have off street parking btw which is always nice! I wish I had more recommendations locally, but I've only been to two places to get my hair cut in my entire life!

You and I are close too! I'm right in Newtown

Awesome!! Not to threadjack, but I was at the Gap in Newtown last weekend and bought the most amazing skinny jeans ever (1969 cropped legging jeans in a super cool aqua color!)

I love their Long and Lean line of jeans. Gap is the only store that has jeans that fit me perfectly. While there you should have stopped at Bernie Robbins (Hearts on Fire) to try on some bling.