Choosing the right hair stylist essential to having beautiful hair
SUN Spotlight On: Glamorama Hair Studio
Owner: Daisy Huggins
201 W. Grange Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Appts: Wednesday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday,
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM;
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Closed
Specialties: Hair Coloring, Hair Care-Treatments for Hair Breakage, Hair Cuts that include tapering and layering; Natural Hair Styling and Barbering Services; Offers Cosmetology and Barber Apprenticeships; Product Line—Designer Essential
Contact: 215-548-2200
By Leah Fletcher
Some might say that finding a good hairstylist is luck or being in the right place at the right time. Experts, on the other hand, will tell you it takes research and a fair amount of shopping around until you find the right one. Most people, they say, don't take the time to shop around and then complain they just can't get a good perm, color or haircut.
After more than two decades in the beauty industry, with licenses in cosmetology and barbering. Daisy Huggins said, it never ceases to amaze her that consumers will just walk into a hair salon, sit themselves down in the first available chair and expect great results. "For one thing, all stylist may be great, but they can't be great at everything," explained Huggins, the owner of Glamorama Hair Studio, located in the Oiney section of Philadelphia.
Stylists have their niches. According to Huggins, one hair stylist may be a color genius and then create a perm with more frizz and fuzz then a bad '70s wig. The point being: You have to go to someone who is not just good, but is good at what you need done.
Choosing the right hair stylist is essential to having beautifully maintained hair. "Many people try several hair stylists before they find the one who is the most suitable for regularly taking care of their hair," explained Huggins. Whether you are new to an area or have been dissatisfied with how your hair has turned out in the past, Huggins believes there are a number of things you can do to find the right stylist for your hair
To find your superstar stylist, Huggins suggested looking at salons that advertise expertise in your hair type, texture or service. Some salons advertise that they only work with natural hair, while others are color specialists. "Salons that cater to one type of service tend to focus their education and skills in that area,'" said Huggins, adding that their stylists are more experienced in specific techniques than a hair stylist that tries to tackle it all.
Speak to your friends and get referrals. Ask family and friends who their stylists are. "If a friend, co-worker, neighbor or even a stranger has a really nice haircut or dye job, ask her which hair stylist did it," said Huggins. Further, she recommended that you not only get the salon's name. Get the stylist's name as well. "Stylists vary greatly in talent even when they work in the same salon and this can be one of the easiest ways to find a great hairstylist" she opined.
Schedule a consultation with a hair stylist. Huggins advised that it is never a good idea to use a hair stylist before consulting about the specific hairstyle or services. " Don't be afraid to ask them for ideas," she said. "Watch the stylist work while sitting in the waiting area, and pay attention to the type of client the stylist attracts," she added. From simple observation you will learn if the salon is geared toward teens and young women. In which case the stylist is probably familiar with edgy hairstyles and color. If the stylist only meets with senior citizens and provides short and curly sets, she might not be the stylist for you.
Consider the relationship between the salon and stylist. During Huggins' career, she worked in upscale hair salons and department stores. She explained they often hire very talented hair stylists but they can be pricier. While chain salons offer lower prices, she explained, it might mean lower wages for a hair stylist. This means it might be uncommon the find a truly experienced stylist in one of these salons.
Above all, Huggins advised, match your needs with the right hair stylist. It might take a few tries to get it right. But, once you find the right one, stick with that stylist. Don't ever settle for the next empty chair.
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