I am the Director of a Large Salon and Spa in CT. I think my background and knowledge of this industry may be very helpfull to consumers....So I started this blog..

Helpfull hints for your 1st appointment at a new salon. Always be 15 min early to ensure you have enough time for the Front Desk/Receptionist to get all your information. They may ask for things like your address, phone numbers, email address, birthdate etc. There are so many salons available to consumers that owners are trying to provide great customer service in order for you to keep coming to their salon. Plus arriving early allows you to look around and get a good idea of the atmoshphere of the salon. Consider the following: 1. Is it Clean? 2. Is it organized? Magazines Coffee Bar Retail Shelves? 3. How is the staff dressed? 4. Do the stylists maintain their "look"? 5. Customer Service when you arrive? Here's why I know many of you will think it's obvious to make sure it's clean...But don't over look lots of hair on the ground that may be a sign they are busy but it also means they are overbooked (which means you will be rushed) Organization: This is key..Do they care about your first impression of them? Do they understand how important your time is? If they are an organized clean salon they know your value. I have been everywhere from a size 3 to a size 14. What a stylist wears regardless of size or age will show you how proffessional they are. The way a stylist dresses shouldn't be distracting or flashy. Minimal Solid Colors Proffessional Stylish Clothes are the key. Last but not least...Does everyone in the salon maintian their haircolor and cut? We should all know why this is important. Stylists need to keep up with their education and trends. You don't want to go to a stylist who will keep you in the same rut with your look for years. Because they are just going through the motions themselves. You want a creative individual who customizes "the new look" into what your hair face and maintance schedule can accomodate.  

     Bring a picture....It always helps for you and your stylist to have the SAME idea of what you want. Be reasonable don't bring in pictures of some actress's hair that is thicker curler and longer than yours. That's not realistic. Make sure your stylist is honest with you. Ask them directly "Can I do this with my hair" "Please tell me the truth I would rather have you tell me no then promise me something I can't have" If you don't make this clear you will leave unhappy and your trust is now broken with that stylist. Which means you won't believe them when they say "only a half inch" " you need this product" or any other bit of advice they give you from that point on.

    Sometimes the best thing to do to get a feel for a salon prior to your first cut or color is going in for a Shampoo and Blow Dry. Observe and then choose if you want to go back. Also don't ever be afraid to book with another stylist you saw at the salon if the one you were given is not the right fit for you. The owner WANTS you to come back. They don't care to who they just want your business. They know you have to like who you are with and comfortable with the choice you made.

I have a brain full of knowledge with so much more information to come...Keep checking back on my blog... I have given sound advice that you can use to make the most of your salon experience.