10 Tips for Choosing the Best Hair Salon

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Why Choosing the Best Hair Salon Matters

Hair is personal. Whether you are going in for a quick trim, a bold new cut, or a complete colour transformation, you are placing a lot of trust in your hairdresser. A great salon can make you feel confident and refreshed, while a bad experience can leave you disappointed—and sometimes with damage that takes months to grow out.

That’s why choosing the best hair salon is about more than just convenience. It’s about:

Finding professionals who understand your hair type and lifestyle
Ensuring clear communication about your expectations
Feeling comfortable, heard, and respected every time you visit

Use the guide below as a checklist to help you identify the right salon for your needs.

1. Define Your Wishes and Criteria First

Before you start searching, get clear on what you actually want from a salon. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid wasting time.

Consider:

Services you need: Just haircuts, or also colour, treatments, styling, extensions, or bridal hair?
Type of advice you want: Do you expect detailed consultations, haircare coaching, and style suggestions?
Appointment style: Do you prefer walk-ins, or are you comfortable booking in advance?
Budget range: How much are you realistically willing to spend per visit?
Location and convenience: Close to home, office, or somewhere in between?

When you know these criteria, it becomes much easier to choose a salon that fits your expectations instead of hoping any random place will work.

2. Start with Word of Mouth

One of the most reliable ways to find a great hair salon is through personal recommendations.

Notice a friend, coworker, or family member with a haircut or colour you love? Ask where they got it done.
Ask follow-up questions:
- How long have they been going there?
- Are the stylists consistent?
- How does the salon handle mistakes or adjustments?

People are usually honest about their experiences—good and bad. If someone has had a disappointing experience, they will often warn you, which can help you avoid salons that don’t value customer satisfaction.

Once you have a few names, it’s time to research online.

Check the Salon’s Website

A salon’s website can tell you a lot:

Services offered: Cuts, colouring, styling, treatments, and special services such as keratin, hair spa, or bridal packages
Brand image: Is the vibe modern and trendy, classic, luxurious, or budget-friendly?
Professionalism: Is the information clear, updated, and detailed?

You can usually get a sense of the salon’s concept and target clientele without stepping inside.

Read Online Reviews

Look at reviews on:

Google
Social media pages
Local listing platforms

Pay attention to:

Overall rating, but also recurring themes (e.g., “great with curly hair,” “always late,” “very friendly staff”)
How the salon responds to negative reviews—do they ignore them or reply politely and offer solutions?

Check Social Media and Photos

Scroll through photos of real clients:

Look at before-and-after pictures, haircut and colour results, and styling shots
Check if the work matches your taste—subtle, natural looks vs bold, high-fashion styles
See if they show a variety of hair types and textures

If you like their visual portfolio, it’s a good sign their style aligns with your preferences.

4. Understand the Price List Before You Book

Pricing can vary widely between salons, and “extras” add up quickly if you’re not careful.

Before booking:

Review the full price list on their website or ask for it via phone or WhatsApp
Check if services like blow-dry, styling, or hair treatments are included or charged separately
Ask about:
- Colour packages (cut + colour + blow-dry)
- Student or weekday discounts
- Memberships or loyalty programs

Having clarity upfront helps you avoid awkward surprises at the cash desk and ensures you’re choosing a salon that fits your budget.

5. Make a Quick Visit to the Salon

If possible, visit the salon in person before committing to a big service like a major colour change or a drastic cut.

During your visit, observe:

Cleanliness: Are the floors, tools, and stations clean and hygienic?
Ambience: Is the atmosphere calm, friendly, and professional?
Organisation: Do appointments seem well-managed, or does everything feel chaotic and rushed?

These small details can tell you a lot about how seriously the salon takes both hygiene and customer experience.

6. Pay Attention When You Make an Appointment

The booking process itself is often revealing.

Positive signs include:

The receptionist or staff asks: “Do you have a preferred stylist?”
They can recommend specific stylists for certain services—cutting, colouring, styling, or special occasion hair
They ask relevant questions such as hair length, texture, or what service you’re looking for

A salon that regularly works with repeat customers and knows their preferences usually delivers more consistent results. In some places, you can also look for mobile barbers or stylists if you prefer getting your haircut done at home.

7. Observe the Team and Their Own Hairstyles

On your quick visit, pay attention not just to the space, but to the team.

Ask yourself:

Do the staff seem friendly, approachable, and professional?
Do you feel comfortable asking questions or explaining what you want?
How do the stylists wear their own hair?

Hairdressers often cut and colour each other’s hair, so their own styles act as a live portfolio of the salon’s skills and creativity. If you love how the team looks, that’s usually a good sign.

8. Book a Consultation First (If You’re Unsure)

If you’re considering a big change—like going from long to short, dark to blonde, or trying a new technique such as balayage—start with a consultation and hair diagnosis.

During a good consultation, a professional stylist should:

Examine your scalp and hair condition
Ask about your hair history (previous colours, treatments, heat styling habits)
Discuss your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend styling
Explain what is realistic and what may require multiple sessions

This step helps you set clear expectations, avoid damage, and build trust with your hairdresser before committing.

9. Clearly Express Your Expectations

Good results depend on good communication—on both sides.

To avoid disappointment:

Be specific about what you want, rather than using only vague phrases like “just a trim” or “something different”
Bring photo references of styles you like (and even styles you don’t like)
Ask detailed questions:
- “Which type of bangs would suit my face shape?” (e.g., curtain, wispy, blunt)
- “How much daily styling will this haircut require?”
- “Will this colour be easy to maintain?”

A true professional will consider:

Your hair type and density
Face shape and features
Skin tone (for colours)
Your personal style and routine

The goal is not just to copy a photo, but to adapt it to what will genuinely suit you and your lifestyle.

10. Look for Ongoing Training and Qualifications

The beauty industry moves fast. New techniques, products, and trends appear all the time. The best hair salons invest in continuous education.

Positive signs include:

Certificates or diplomas on the wall
Awards or competition results
Photos from workshops or training events
Stylists who talk confidently about new techniques and know current trends

This shows that the team is serious about their craft and committed to staying up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Hair Salon

Q1: How do I know if a hair salon is professional?

A professional salon usually has:

Clean, well-maintained spaces
Clear pricing and service lists
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Stylists who listen, ask questions, and explain what they are doing

If you feel rushed, ignored, or pressured into services you don’t want, that’s a red flag.

Q2: Is it okay to switch hairdressers within the same salon?

Yes, absolutely. Many salons are used to clients trying different stylists for cuts, colours, or styling. If you feel more comfortable with someone else, it’s completely acceptable to request them next time.

Q3: Should price be the main factor when choosing a hair salon?

Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. A very cheap service might compromise on time, product quality, or technique. On the other hand, the most expensive salon doesn’t automatically guarantee the best results. Aim for a balance of skill, service quality, and budget.

Q4: How can I avoid a bad haircut?

Do your research before booking
Bring photos and be specific about what you want
Ask the stylist for their honest opinion on whether a style will suit you
Start with small changes if you’re nervous, instead of a drastic transformation on your first visit

Q5: What should I do if I’m unhappy with the result?

Most reputable salons want their clients to be happy.

Speak up politely and explain what’s bothering you
Ask if there is a way to adjust the cut or colour
Many salons will offer a complimentary fix within a certain period

Communicating calmly and clearly gives the salon a chance to correct the issue.

Q6: How often should I visit the salon?

It depends on your haircut and colour:

Short cuts and precise styles: every 4–6 weeks
Medium to long hair: every 8–12 weeks for maintenance
Colour touch-ups: every 4–8 weeks depending on regrowth and technique

Your stylist can recommend a schedule based on your hair and goals.

Q7: What if I have curly, textured, or very fine hair?

Look for salons and stylists who specialize in your hair type. Check their website and social media for examples of work on hair similar to yours. A stylist experienced with curls, coils, or ultra-fine hair will understand how to cut and style it correctly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best hair salon is about more than just proximity or price. It’s about trust, communication, and feeling confident every time you walk out of the door. By taking the time to:

Define your needs
Research online and offline
Visit in person
Ask questions and express your expectations

…you give yourself the best chance of finding a salon and stylist who truly understand you and your hair.