To the ladies who have NOT sworn off stylists...

[balisi]

What do you want in a stylist? I ask because I am an up and coming stylist who basically gives my clients what I would want: respect for my time and knowledgeable, quality hair CARE and professionalism, at the very least.

I never overbook so I am always available when my clients arrive, even when they're early. I never eat or take phone calls when I'm working, I provide a clean, comfortable environment, high level of professionalism, do consultations and strand tests, keep good records, use good products and professional tools, etc. I regularly attend hair shows and classes, and research all I can on the business and art of hair to keep myself in the know.

I may not win any hair wars at this point in my career, but my goals are to keep my clients' hair in optimal condition, thereby keeping their hair on their head and helping them to achieve greater growth. I provide honest tips and advice customized for each client, since no two are alike. That's all I can think of for now, so let me hear from you.

Just describe your dream stylist. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

 

[Legend]

You sound like an excellent stylist to me!!

I took a long time to find a good stylist, visiting many salons. The stylist I've been with for years I feel is excellent, and I will give a few examples why. One thing that I believe very important is listening to your client. For example, there are many occasions I may not want my hair trimmed. My hair grows in very unevenly--tails everywhere!!!! My ends look crazy all the time, but they are very healthy--absolutely no splits. I don't mind uneven ends, so I ask my stylist not to trim them. I love that fact that she listens to me.

However, though it is important to listen to your clients. I must say, if they are harming their hair or want you to do something that may harm their hair their hair or scalp, steer them right. Educating your consumer is important. I love the fact that my stylist took the time to instruct me good haircare when I am not in her chair.

Also, stick to your principles! If you only wish to use organic hair products, no heat use...whatever it is, stick with it! Believe me, there are customers waiting for your special kind of hair care. My stylist actually refuses to do certain treatments because of her principles. In all my years going to her salon, she has never used a heated appliance or blow dryer on my hair. Ever. She does not believe in excessive use of heat. She has actually turned customers away wanting blow-outs and flat ironing. But there were always 2 customers waiting to take their place. So, stick with what you believe is good hair care. Your customers will thank you it and will come to you as "The Specialist".

Just my two cents!! And I wish you great good luck!!!!

 

[balisi]

Thanks Legend! Like your stylist, I would turn someone away rather than do a service that I know is bad news. ITA on the importance of listening and really hear what your client is saying. She sounds like a great stylist!

 

[Shimmerwink]

I have been to gazillions salons and I am still looking for the "one". My ideal stylist would listen to my request and not try to change my mind. They always seem to want to do something other than what I ask for.
The sylist would not make me wait 30-60 min (what's the point of making an appt??) When I ask for a trim it does not mean a haircut!

And lastly the stylist would be polite, courteous and realize I am a paying customer and not act like they are doing me a huge favor!!

 

[Sistaslick]

What do you want in a stylist?

. . . you

 

[blackbarbie]

Balisi,
Seems like you covered everything to me! You are so there!
I think the main thing for me is when I see stylists that overbook to the point of "well you're here now and you have to get your hair done, so you may as well wait." Not a good attitude to have b/c if I am on time, I expect my stylist to be as well. Also, a stylist that respects their clients wishes and is willing to listen. Stylists seem to "be on stage" if you will, when they are doing your hair, so I have seen some people afraid to ask a stylist a question b/c they are afraid that the stylist will put them on blast in front of other people in the shop. I look for professionalism in a stylist and a stylist that is going to offer up advice about good hair care and how I can maintain my style even when i can't make it to the shop. I would also suggest to stock some of the very products that you use on your customer's hair so not only can you make additional income, but the customer feels that the style that you just did on their hair is something they can recreate and maintain at home with the right products........

I really don't have any additional advice but from reading your post, you sound like an excellent stylist already even without our two cents!

BB

 

[senimoni]

I think communication is key. The products that you are using and why, what types of things they should do and products they should use at home....if they can't afford professional products having substitutions are good. I always felt like the beautician didn't want me to know what she was using so I was forced to come to her.

 

[africa]

Balisi,

You sound great right now and I wish you were in Chi-town erplexed. I've only been to a salon once in 3 years, and if I found someone who was into healthy hair, and knew how to handle coarse-kinky hair, I would go to them.

 

[MrsQueeny]

You sound good to me. I think it is a great credit when a stylist is knowledgable in natural and relaxed hair and is not negative toward neither but provides their client with information to make the best decision for them. Also always making them feel like their business is appreciated and no just another number. Far too many times I have seen stylists get brand new when business picks up and they forget about the ones who supported them when they were starting out. Be understanding as far as money is concerned and not try to put them down or belittle them. Meaning I know of stylists who get offended when people wash and blowdry their own hair and just want to pay for a trim and style. Some people may not have the full $30 or whatever that day but still want to look nice and have things done professionally, so charging them for the actual service shows that is not about the money. Plus I think that will bring in more business because they will feel like hey I trust her and will probably tell others. My stylist does this because she knows there are a lot of struggling college students that come to her. Or she will just give them a student discount (although there isn't one) so they can get the wash etc. Just my 2 cent Q.

 

[Legend]

What do you want in a stylist?

. . . you

That's the truth!!!!

 

[balisi]

I have been to gazillions salons and I am still looking for the "one". My ideal stylist would listen to my request and not try to change my mind. They always seem to want to do something other than what I ask for.
The sylist would not make me wait 30-60 min (what's the point of making an appt??) When I ask for a trim it does not mean a haircut!

And lastly the stylist would be polite, courteous and realize I am a paying customer and not act like they are doing me a huge favor!!

Shimmerwink, this is so on point. Stylists need to realize that the customer is the boss.

 

[balisi]

. . . you

Aww shucks! :Blush2:

 

[balisi]

Thank you blackbarbie, senimoni, africa, Queeny20 and Legend. Your input is appreciated more than you know. Even though I believe I'm already providing great service, I want to make sure that I'm not missing anything, as well as look for ways to improve. It's always important to know, not guess, what is important to clients and potential clients. I will be asking my customers to evaluate my service every six months just to be sure that their needs are being met. My personal goal is to exceed expectations.

Keep it coming ladies.

 

[cutiebe2]

. . . you

I agree with sista. I might consider going to college in ATL so that you can do my hair.
I want someone who listens and doesn't rip me off. Is a trim really worth 50 dollars???? no! That's why I like the lady I go to now. She knows what she is doing and I'm not affraid to tell her what I want and how I want it. And she has realistic prices.

Finding a GOOD hair dresser shouldn't be so hard

 

[atlien11]

Balisi is an EXCELLENT stylist! I have gone to her myself. Any ladies in atlanta, please give her a call. It definitely put me at ease to have someone on the forum handling my hair. Shout out to Balisi!

 

[Supergirl]

What do you want in a stylist? I ask because I am an up and coming stylist who basically gives my clients what I would want: respect for my time and knowledgeable, quality hair CARE and professionalism, at the very least.

I never overbook so I am always available when my clients arrive, even when they're early. I never eat or take phone calls when I'm working, I provide a clean, comfortable environment, high level of professionalism, do consultations and strand tests, keep good records, use good products and professional tools, etc. I regularly attend hair shows and classes, and research all I can on the business and art of hair to keep myself in the know.

I may not win any hair wars at this point in my career, but my goals are to keep my clients' hair in optimal condition, thereby keeping their hair on their head and helping them to achieve greater growth. I provide honest tips and advice customized for each client, since no two are alike. That's all I can think of for now, so let me hear from you.

Just describe your dream stylist. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

It sounds like you are already great at what you do. I would want someone that does all that you've mentioned.

I guess I would also want someone that wouldn't complain about how meticulous I am about my hair. (I had a stylist complain about it, I left her)

I would, of course, want someone who is not scissor happy. I would want someone that could admit that they made an error and offer complimentary services to help fix the error.

Last, but not least, I would want someone that respects my knowledge of hair care and doesn't treat me like an "ignorant" customer. I had a stylist that would constantly tell her clients that she was the professional hair stylist and to let her do her job. She wouldn't even let clients choose their own hair style, because "she knew best."

 

[simplycee]

I saw this thread last night and I had to think on it ans come back.

My dream stylist would not be a "stylist" but a healthy hair specialist. She would realize my time is as precious as hers and do all she could to not have me waiting 45-60 mins when I have an appointment and I'm on time.

She would realize that I was a paying her for a service and act accordingly. She would listen to my concerns and actually be interested in how she can help me. When I'm in her chair her focus would be on my hair and not the tv, other stylists or customers.

The products she would use on my hair would not be a secret because she would understand that healthy hair needs to be maintained outside of the salon as well. Because she is a professional she would want to see me continue the healthy practices she willingly shows me at home.

She would know the difference between a trim and a cut. Her recommendations would be just that, recommendaions and she would not take my decision not to follow them as a personal attack.

Last, but not least she would see my healthy hair a success accomplished by both of us and not take all the credit.

Good luck to you Balisi! HTH

 

[pyxis777]

If you don't wash the client's heads and have some volunteers, or younger apprentices do it - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE have them do a practice run on YOUR head first before you unleash them on clients! Make sure they do NOT have fake nails that scrach the scalp (esp harsh after a fresh touch up) and they know how to rinse a head without soaking a client's clothes. Also make sure they know the correct temperature, and how to rinse the back of the head well.

As a stylist, please have consideration for clients that aren't regulars. Please don't give us the the short shrift just because you don't see us every 1-2 weeks. We still want healthy hair too. And if our hair is a mess coming into the shop, don't annonce loudly to the whole shop that it's seriously damanged, and accuse the woman of being a horrible person for not keeping up their head. Just be polite and make suggestions.

If the woman really does need her hair to be cut (not trimmed) b/c of damage and she doesn't want it cut, then please respect her and don't dis her infront of everyone. Just say ok, and do the best you can. She's wrong, but she's still a customer (I've seen people get dogged out by stylists but the stylist still expects a 20% tip).

Other than that, I think you have covered everything in your first post. I wish I lived in ATL. Maybe you have a stylist friend in Philly who could help me out?

 

[Plenty]

Reasons I have avoided stylist

• Kept trying to sleep with me, and other extremly unproffesional manerisms(Although, the boy could do some hair. I left.
• Got mad and relaxed my texturizer to a bone-straight relaxer
• Could do this, but couldn't do that
• Thought having clients wait more than 1-hour was something that was ok
• Practiced Double Booking

You sound great. I wish I could find a stylist like you in my city

 

[HoneyDew]

Reasons I have avoided stylist

• Thought having clients wait more than 1-hour was something that was ok
• Practiced Double Booking

These are my main reasons. Also, I am tired of hearing suggestions that I know are bad for my hair.

 

[nissi]

Balisi,
This is what I experienced that turned me off:
- Trying to fulfill YOUR vision for my hair instead of MY vision
- Rough handling, snapping hairs out of my head
- Unprofessional, inconsiderate, rude conduct (tv, food)
- Slipping friends in before me
- Overcharging/price-gouging me so that I don't want to come every week; i think there are people who agree that if the price is right and the service is good, i will come to you regularly (this is major).
- Scissor happy!
- It seemed a shame to me that I never got compliments on my hair until I took it over.
- Disregarding my wishes while acting like you are trying to fulfill them.
- Giving off weird vibes like you doesn't want me to look good, or better than you. (sigh...,not you balisi, but you get the point...)

Hope that helps!

 

[divinefavor]

. . . you

My thoughts exactly!!!

 

[wyldcurlz]

What do you want in a stylist? I ask because I am an up and coming stylist who basically gives my clients what I would want: respect for my time and knowledgeable, quality hair CARE and professionalism, at the very least.

I never overbook so I am always available when my clients arrive, even when they're early. I never eat or take phone calls when I'm working, I provide a clean, comfortable environment, high level of professionalism, do consultations and strand tests, keep good records, use good products and professional tools, etc. I regularly attend hair shows and classes, and research all I can on the business and art of hair to keep myself in the know.

Just describe your dream stylist. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

that sounds perfect so far! i wish my stylist would do all those things. he doesn't even keep his tools (combs, brushes, flat-irons, pressing combs) clean!! since you're here, you obviously know how to keep your clients hair healthy! i just want a stylist who respects my desires even if it doesn't fit into the stylists vision for my hair. and i would LOVE to find someone who had major styling/cutting and coloring skills! where i could feel safe to go there because i know that that stylist knows how to keep my hair healthy and isn't scissor happy. as for the cutting, my guy can do two cuts only! either all one length or "face framing layers" (welcome back Pebbles of 1991.) i wish i could find someone who could cut, style, color, keep my hair healthy, not be scissor happy and keep their tools and environment clean, professional and fun!

 

[Suri]

I think the obvious complaints are double booking, waiting for an appointment, leaving to pick up your child, eat, etc.
I also agree that if you cannot wash your clients hair, you should have someone learn from you how to wash.
Communication is very important, understanding what your client's needs are is a must. Keeping a chart would be so cool! (my stlyist tried to start this and I was so disgusted to find grammatical errors everywhere , and she never followed up with it)
The ultimate is having a healthy hair stylist, having LHCF is a must, having a love for hair is a must and being able to care for both natural and relaxed hair is a plus. You sound like you're well on your way! GL to you.

 

[manethang]

If you don't wash the client's heads and have some volunteers, or younger apprentices do it - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE have them do a practice run on YOUR head first before you unleash them on clients! Make sure they do NOT have fake nails that scrach the scalp (esp harsh after a fresh touch up) and they know how to rinse a head without soaking a client's clothes. Also make sure they know the correct temperature, and how to rinse the back of the head well.
As a stylist, please have consideration for clients that aren't regulars. Please don't give us the the short shrift just because you don't see us every 1-2 weeks. We still want healthy hair too. And if our hair is a mess coming into the shop, don't annonce loudly to the whole shop that it's seriously damanged, and accuse the woman of being a horrible person for not keeping up their head. Just be polite and make suggestions.

If the woman really does need her hair to be cut (not trimmed) b/c of damage and she doesn't want it cut, then please respect her and don't dis her infront of everyone. Just say ok, and do the best you can. She's wrong, but she's still a customer (I've seen people get dogged out by stylists but the stylist still expects a 20% tip).

Other than that, I think you have covered everything in your first post. I wish I lived in ATL. Maybe you have a stylist friend in Philly who could help me out?

OMG, get outta my head. You NAILED this one!!!!!!!! I agree with EVERYTHING you said, but bolded the one that pisses me off the most. How u gon drag nails through my scalp after a relaxer while washing? And stop using the hard, plastic, pointed tip of the bottle on my SCALP to part my hair when you're supposedly basing it for a relaxer. Can u spell defeats the purpose? How 'bout BURN BABY BURN? Please test drive the assistants. If Boomquesha has not done your hair, why let her do the PAYING customers?!

 

[mscounselor]

What I want in a good stylist are:

~Somone who TAKES suggestions as well as she gives thems.
~Someone who will help me get my hair goals NOT to her goals for my hair. (i.e. the stylist who wont help me transition because she thinks Im just following a trend)
~Someone who cares more about the health of my hair and not trying out the lastest tools in it.
~Someone who will know the balance between talking to me and doing my hair. Some either talk too much or are too quiet.
~If she owns her own place, pick stylist who you dont have to bad mouth to me. Thats so unprofessional.
~Someone who doesn't try to push expensive products to me because her stock isn't moving.
~Someone who doesn't call a colleague over to look at my hair and comment while she is there.

I think you are a wonderful stylist just from your description of your business practices, Balisi!

 

[balisi]

Thank each and every one of you ladies for taking the time to reply. This is wonderful feedback! If there's more, let me know.

 

[FloridaSunshine]

Assuming that because of my profession that I deserve to pay a higher price than the next client.

Assuming that just because I am married I should pay a higher price because my "husband" should make sure my hair is looking good.

Assuming that because I drive a certain car I should pay double because I can afford it.

All of the above are why I currently do not have a "stylist" and go to the salon when I want to treat myself.

A good stylist knows how to pamper the client and customer appreciation would be nice. For instance Everytime I spend over $50.00 with you I work my way toward a discount of some sort after spending like $500.00 a free hair wash or eyebrow wax, just so folk know they are appreciated.