How To Find A New Hair Stylist

I’ve never been a girl with a go-to hair stylist. Over the years I’ve gone to many different salons — I found a few I really liked when I lived in NYC (figures) but since it’s been a struggle to find someone who can achieve the highlights and color I want and actually tell me what will look good on me. After a recent botch job on my hair — think chunky, circa 1990’s highlights I was in desperate need for some help and had the opportunity to try out the David Alexander Salon & Spa in Annapolis. I’ve heard good things about this salon over the years since I’ve lived in Annapolis and was excited to try it out! 

I immediately fell in love with my stylist — Zack who came highly recommended — which is key when trying a new salon let alone stylist. Do your research whether it’s reading online reviews or talking to friends, find someone who you know at least a little something about! 

Next spend the time chatting with your stylist about different options that will work for your face shape, hair type and conditions. I found in the past I would plop down in the chair, show a few pictures, my stylist would say “ok great!” and that was it. I spent a good 10 minutes with Zack having a consultation on what I wanted to change, what I liked and most importantly what I wanted to avoid! Bring as many photos as you can of both cut and color! 

Don’t forget to talk about your hair problems and products. I usually get annoyed when stylists try to sell me a bunch of products but I appreciated the effort Zack took to explain a handful of products (Kerastase  & Shu Uemura) and what would work specifically for my concerns: something to help with frizz when I air dry, something to help with split ends and breakage due to heat and a shampoo & conditioner for color treated hair. Let me tell you, it’s worth it to invest in a handful of hair products. When using a high quality product (like the Shu Uemura’s Color Lustre set I left with) they are so concentrated and powerful that you only need a tiny portion, so they last a long time. Zack also convinced me to scale back on how frequently I wash my hair — therefore allowing my pricey products to last even longer. 

You know how you always love how your hair looks the moment you step out of the salon, but know you’ll never be able to do it yourself at home? Bring this up while your stylist is drying and finishing up your look. Talk about realistic options on how you can take care and maintain your hair style at home — let’s be honest I’m not going to blow dry in 12 sections! 

Finally — don’t leave until you’re totally satisfied with your look –– it’s your first time with a new stylist so it may take a few takes to get the perfect cut and color. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you aren’t totally happy! Your stylist will appreciate your honesty and it will help lead to a long term relationship. 

Photos of my new hair by Anna Reynal. Thanks to David Alexander Salon & Spa for my cut and color and for introducing me to my new hairstylist!