If you’ve got a residential move in your future, you’re probably really looking forward to a variety of new experiences. However, if you’re like most people, the one place where you don’t want to encounter any unfamiliar surprises is your hair salon. Fortunately, you can hedge your bets against this occurring by following these six simple steps.
1- Do Your Research
The first step to finding a new hair salon after moving to a new community is to do your research — and that’s easier than ever to do these days thanks to digital technology. Check online reviews and inspect their social media profiles for examples of their work. Remember that pictures speak more loudly than words, so tread carefully if a salon’s social media doesn’t include lots of current and relevant photos.
2- Seek Recommendations
Even if you don’t know many people yet in your new location, you can still ask for recommendations from your new neighbors, coworkers, or even someone working in a local business whose hair you admire. Neighborhood social media groups are also good places to ask for advice on selecting a new hairdresser.
3- Consider Your Individual Needs and Preferences
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to hair care. A stylist who excels in cutting-edge, trend-driven styles may not be the best choice for someone seeking to achieve a professional appearance. You should also ask yourself what you want from a salon — do you simply need an occasional cut-and-style, or are you interested in more complex services such as color, straightening, or extensions? Different salons may have different specialties, so pinpoint your needs to narrow down your search as much as possible.
4- Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve compiled a short list of possible salons, consider scheduling brief consultations with a few stylists to discuss your needs and expectations. A short visit also provides you with the opportunity to check out the atmosphere of the salon. Is it clean, relaxing, and comfortable, or does it tend more toward loud and chaotic? There’s also an indefinable element of chemistry involved — if you and the stylist don’t click on some level, it may be best to continue your search.
5- Check for Certification and Training
Good salons are upfront about the credentials of the stylists that they employ, and they do not hesitate to invest in their ongoing training and education. A salon that places a high value on education is more likely to provide clients with state-of-the-art, high-quality services. This is particularly important if you’re going to be needing chemical treatments or other potentially complex procedures.
6- Try a Low-Commitment Service
Once you’ve found a salon that you think might be a good fit, consider scheduling a simple trim or a wash-and-style session as a way to become acquainted without risking major transformation. It’s also a good way to evaluate the overall salon experience, such as wait time, how you’re received when you arrive for your appointment, and whether the immediate neighborhood seems like a reasonably safe environment.
digitaleditor 
Melissa Williams 
Brooks Reynolds