Yep. I'm one of the few who prefers going to a stylist for my relaxer touch-ups. I just don't trust myself with the chemicals. I know how I am and know I'll forget to rinse it out on time, or it will take me too long to apply relaxer and my hair would turn out wonky or even worse be damaged.
I've been searching for a good hairstylist for a few years now. A stylist who doesn't care that I stretch my relaxers, who won't relax my hair bone straight, will cut my hair how I like it and doesn't take forever to do it.
The search has gotten harder since I moved to Florida. It seems that hairstylists here don't care about customizing their services for clients and treat each head the same. I've also found they really don't like relaxer stretching and try to deter it by charging 20-30% more if you have more than 1" of new growth. And they don't tell you how much more it will be until you're in the chair and they can examine your hair. It's exasperating.
Reading blogs and articles on hair care and talking to others I've found It's not just relaxed gals like me who have a hard time finding a stylist. It seems to be a universal issue. Even my mother who is natural has had issues finding stylists who can cut her hair so it's even and apply her hair color correctly.
While I'm not saying I have the answers or am extremely knowledgeable in this area, I do have a few thoughts. Here are my four reasons why a good hairstylist is hard to find.
The search has gotten harder since I moved to Florida. It seems that hairstylists here don't care about customizing their services for clients and treat each head the same. I've also found they really don't like relaxer stretching and try to deter it by charging 20-30% more if you have more than 1" of new growth. And they don't tell you how much more it will be until you're in the chair and they can examine your hair. It's exasperating.
Reading blogs and articles on hair care and talking to others I've found It's not just relaxed gals like me who have a hard time finding a stylist. It seems to be a universal issue. Even my mother who is natural has had issues finding stylists who can cut her hair so it's even and apply her hair color correctly.
While I'm not saying I have the answers or am extremely knowledgeable in this area, I do have a few thoughts. Here are my four reasons why a good hairstylist is hard to find.
1. Clients have become more informed about hair care
I used to just believe that the stylist had all the answers and knew how to care for my hair better than me. I couldn't have been more wrong! I live with my hair and care for it every day. The stylist would only see it 4-5 times a year. After reading several articles and blog spots, and spending time building a regimen and experimenting with products I have a better understanding of things I should and shouldn't be doing for my hair, and want my stylist to adhere to those things.
Related read: Getting Started With A Healthy Relaxed Hair Journey
2, Stylists are slow to get on the healthy hair care train
As clients become more informed they are placing more emphasis on how healthy their hair is and not just how it looks. Stylists still seem to care more about whether the hair looks healthy whether it's healthy or not. Over the years only a couple of stylists have commented on how healthy or not my hair is. The rest just say it's thick and it looks pretty when it's styled.
3. Hair salons are less about hair care and more about hair styling
I believe there's a difference between styling hair and caring for it. I've gone to probably at least a dozen stylists over the years and can count on one hand how many have given me advice on how to care for my hair that didn't involve me buying expensive products from them. When I think of the terrible practices of several of the stylists I've gone to - using heat without a heat protectant, six weeks or less between relaxer touch-ups, etc. - I'm so surprised I still had hair on my head.
Related read: The Ins And Outs Of Relaxer Stretching
4. Stylists don't do consultations
I've found that several stylists don't offer consultation appointments prior to applying water or chemicals to my hair. When I asked for a consultation the hairstylist would book it. While the client can ask for one, I believe the stylist should automatically do one for first-time clients so they are on the same page with the client.
Doing a hair consultation helps the stylist know the client's hair needs, what has been done to their hair in the past, and what products have been used on their hair prior.
What are your thoughts on finding a good hairstylist?
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