Hitting the Stylist Jackpot: Things to Consider When Selecting a Natural Stylist
This week we’re taking a look at the natural stylist, as a woman with natural hair I know how important it is to find the right person to help you manage your strands. I also know how difficult it can be to find a person whose skills meet your expectations when styling and caring for your natural hair.
A good stylist-client relationship is vital to helping you establish and maintain a healthy routine for the maintenance of your natural hair . Choosing someone to entrust your strands to is not often taken lightly. The next time you’re in the market for a stylist, consider the following things before you decided to hop in a chair.
Know exactly what you are looking for
The title of natural stylist can encompass a large range of services. Know exactly what you’re looking for so that you can be intentional when selecting a stylist. As someone who enjoys wearing her hair in its curly state my preference is for someone who has experience styling and maintaining tightly coiled strands. Finding someone who is able to style, cut, and color my hair in its naturally curly state is always the goal for me.
Check receipts
Knowing what you want allows you to better assess if the stylist provides what you need. Check reviews, both good and bad, to see what the clients were saying. Be intentional when looking at pictures. Don’t get caught up on the beauty of the styles. If it’s not what you’re looking for or they don’t have experience with your hair texture then move on.
Speak up
Always be upfront and specific when expressing your needs and desires for your hair. Don’t leave anything open to interpretation, unless you are comfortable with a little artistic freedom. Don’t be afraid to say no or push back if you don’t agree. Ask as many questions as necessary and make sure you are both on the same page before moving forward.
Make sure you have realistic expectations
Talented stylists can do some amazing things, but that doesn’t mean that they can work miracles. Making sure you have realistic expectations going into an appointment will help ensure that you don’t leave disappointed. Set hair care goals that you and you stylist can achieve together over time. Most hair transformations don’t happen overnight , realizing your hair’s growth potential is a process, and maintaining healthy hair practices between appointments will help you to achieve healthy hair success.
While I have currently hit the stylist jackpot, I have used this check list when looking for a stylists. When looking for a stylist it is beneficial to know what you want, what you need, and what you are looking to achieve before hopping in the chair and praying that it all works out.
I understand how difficult finding a stylist can be. Over the next few weeks I will be spotlighting stylists that have the skills to help you establish and maintain healthy hair care goals. If you have a dope stylist or know one leave their info in the comments. I would love to connect with them.
