How to Pick a Stylist

In order to reach your hair growth goals, you have to look at all areas of your hair care—this includes WHO is caring for it.  Maybe you have a stylist that you love, or that you’ve been going to for years because they’re reasonably priced.  Whatever the reason, you should step back and as yourself, “Is this person helping or hurting my progress?”

First of all, in most states, the stylist’s license must be prominently displayed.  Make sure that it is current.  There are exceptions.  Here in California, a license is not required to do braids.  So a braider may not have one.

Anyway, on your next visit, announce that you are trying to grow your hair.  Gauge their reaction.  I’ve had stylists laugh in my face in the past when I mentioned that I wanted to grow my hair.  Why?  Because they thought it couldn’t be done.  I’m glad I ignored the giggles and kept it pushing.  Even if they don’t know whether it can be done, but they are willing to support you, that stylist may still be a keeper.

Also, many stylists don’t have a problem with wasting your time… meaning you go in at 11:00 a.m. and come out at 4:00 p.m.  NOT OKAY unless you’re getting braids or some other service that takes a long time.  I have a general rule.  “If you take longer to do my hair than I do, you can’t do my hair.”  Your time is valuable.  Don’t let anyone’s overbooking have you sitting around waiting unnecessarily.

You should have a consultation with a new stylist, just as you would a new employee.  Here are some questions to consider asking:

• “Do you believe in trimming every six weeks?” If they say yes, they’ll probably cut off all your progress on a regular basis.  Tell them you only want modest, occasional trims.  If they have a problem with that, keep looking.
  
  
• If you have a relaxer, ask how they apply it. If they say from root to ends, keep looking.  Relaxers should only be applied to new growth.  You WILL experience damage long term if they do it from root to end.
  
  
• If you want braids, ask if they know how to braid kind of loosely. You don’t want the braids to fall out after a few days, but you don’t want traction alopecia either because they’re too tight.

The main thing is to see if they listen to and value your input.  It’s your hair.  No matter how long they’ve been doing hair, they don’t know your hair better than you do.

Whether you've already got a great stylist or will start looking soon, also purchase the Quench & Drench Starter Kit to help you reach your goals.  Use LAUNCH at checkout for 10% off.