By Lauren Green-Vega

Finding the right hairstylist can be hard. If you’ve recently moved, had a stylist retire, or even suffered a recent break-up with a former stylist, you know the struggle is real. Follow these four steps to find the perfect hairdresser with the right skills and personality type that complements you, and enhances your style:

1/ Research Local Salons and Stylists

One of the best ways to find a stylist these days can be through word of mouth, and social media. The top social media platforms used by stylists and salons to share their work include: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Log into your account and search different hashtags or keywords to find a stylist near you. As you scroll through the images that flood your feed, select pictures that catch your eye, and click on the ones you like. This should take you to the stylist’s profile or bio page where you can view his or her portfolio in detail. You may also be able to read any comments or reviews by their current or former clients. General search engines like Google, Yelp, and the StyleSeat app are also great resources.

But while online media platforms may be considered “the new word of mouth,” don’t forget there’s still the original word of mouth, which is perfect for those that aren’t big on technology. Chatting with friends and coworkers happens naturally. You never know what great resources or ideas they may have. Also, if you see someone’s hair that speaks to your hair goals, stop her or him, offer a compliment, and ask what salon they go to. Most people are honored to give out their stylist’s information.

2/ Schedule a Consult

Once you’ve done all your homework and research, schedule a consultation. This is the best way to determine if a stylist is right for you. Make an appointment for a conditioning treatment or blow out. This step allows you to personally meet the stylist and gauge his or her skills without breaking the bank (or potentially ending up with a bad hairstyle).

Use this time to ask questions about his or her expertise and accomplishments. And most importantly, get a feel of their personality to see if it fits with yours. Education, accomplishments, years of experience and portfolios play key roles, but a stylist’s personality will either make or break the deal.

3/ Ask the Right Questions

Again, years of experience counts when deciding on a new stylist, yet that may not be everything. Seeing their professional credentials highlighting years of practice can grant a sense of peace and comfort, but this mentality doesn’t necessarily mean higher skill levels in the stylist world.

Although your first thought might be to ask, “How many years have you been cutting hair?” years spent behind the chair is not equal to a Ph.D. in hair coloring, cutting, styling or weaving. Experience aids in wisdom and knowledge, but a stylist should also be continuing his or her education by learning about new technologies and techniques to keep up with the ever-changing trends in order to provide clients with the best possible services and treatments for their hair.

Ask about the stylist’s educational background, how often the stylist enrolls in educational experiences, courses or events. My rule of thumb is the more the better. If the stylist you’re visiting cares about his or her clients, career, and industry, then it would be in their best interest to stay “in the know” in regard to all of the latest innovations, trends and technology. After all, you want dream hair…not dated hair!

4/ Now, Make It Official

The last step is to formally establish a stylist-client relationship. The best relationships are formed when each party’s personality complements each other. The reason people stay twenty years with a stylist is because they like how their stylist makes them feel, and look. If I’m ever away and a colleague takes care of my client in my absence, I can trust them to do a great job. However, when I return, my clients always say things like, “I loved him!  They did a great job but he’s just not you!”

This article was originally published in the Passion, Purpose, and Joy Issue of VERGE Lifestyle & Urban Culture magazine. 

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Lauren Green-Vega believes passion and education are the keys to success in the industry. Best known for her color and technical cutting skills, Vega also brings over a decade of experience. As a Matrix Educator and certified Color Master, she empowers stylists to create and learn to their fullest ability. To get a head start on finding your perfect stylist, visit: matrix.com/salonfinder

Photograph by Giorgio Trovato