You spend a lot of time researching the right foods to eat for your health and beauty routines, what supplements to add, how to adapt your fitness routine to get the most out of it. Your health and your appearance matter to you.

When you think of all you do to look and feel your best, it seems silly that you stick with the same hairstylist when you really don’t like the results anymore. If you feel like you’ve outgrown your hairstylist and want one that’s more in sync with the latest trends and an all-natural approach, then these tips can help you create your new look.

How to interview a new hairstylist

Before you start interviewing, make sure you know your hair type and its characteristics so you can ask the right questions. You’ll also want to have an idea of what you’re looking for. 

Do you go in for maintenance trims, or do you like to totally change your look and color on a regular basis? Your questions will need a bit of customizing to be truly effective.

Question: How do you cut my hair type? And why?

Whether your hair is super fine, curly, thick, natural, etc., hair types respond better to different techniques. If you loved the way your last stylist cut your hair, then look for someone with the same approach. If you want something new, listen to their explanation and see if you like it.

Question: Which cut is most popular with your customers?

This might seem like an odd question, but it gives you a little insight into the styles they’re doing most often. If they’re doing a lot of pixie cuts and that’s what you want, then great! But if they do a lot of sets for older women, and you’re a hip twenty-something, then it’s not the place for you.

Question: Which coloring technique do you think will be most popular this season?

Do your research, so you know what the trending techniques are, but don’t stop there. Have them explain why they think this is the new wave of hair color. The explanation may tell you more about the stylist than the answer.

Question: Will this work for my face shape and skin tone?

If you’re meeting in person for a consultation, bring along a photo and ask them how to make that cut or color work for you. You can pick a style or color you want, or one that you know wouldn’t work with your hair. You could even bring in two photos and ask which one they’d select for you and why. Again, it’s the explanation that tells you the most.

Question: Do you have a hair-health philosophy? What do you do personally to keep your hair healthy? 

This can tell you a lot about their approach to hair, and you can decide if it lines up with yours. Some stylists just want you to look great walking out the door, so you tip big and are happy at the moment. Others are concerned about the health of your hair and the long-term effect of products that you use. See which approach matches up with your philosophy.

Question: What maintenance do you recommend for my hair type?

Some salons only recommend certain brands, some don’t recommend any maintenance and leave it up to you. Maintenance is an important part of keeping your cut and color looking fresh and sharp. Listen to what they recommend and why, but you should never feel pressured to buy their products exclusively.

Aftercare Tips

Speaking of maintenance, finding a great stylist is the first step in your quest to have drop-dead, traffic-stopping hair. Keeping your hair looking incredible after a cut, color, or treatment requires some maintenance and diligence on your end. It also requires using all-natural, nourishing products that compliment your hair.

Your hair will maintain its color if you use products specifically designed for colored hair. Purple shampoos are a must for people who want to keep and brighten their new blonde locks. Likewise, blue shampoo is a must for brunettes. 

Dry hair and long locks require tons of moisture to ward off dry, brittle ends. Using the Hair La Vie Masque weekly will fuel your hair with nutrients that add moisture and lock it in. Bolster this with daily use of N°77 Leave-In Conditioner, and your hair will grow and hold the style better. 

If your new cut requires blow-drying and curling iron, then you need to start thinking inside out. Hair La Vie Revitalizing Vitamins work at building strong and healthy hair by nourishing your scalp with critical ingredients like collagen, borage oil, and bamboo. They’re good for your body and work miracles on your hair.

Final thoughts

While asking the right questions can help you find a new hairstylist, it’s listening to their answers that really gives you insight. If they don’t have a good reason for why they cut a certain way, why they like some color techniques over others, or how they approach maintenance, they might not be the right stylist for you. 

Your look is important to you, and you want someone who not only puts thought and skill into the process but understands that a hairstyle should last longer than the time you’re in the salon. 

Of course, finding the stylist that’s going to help you look your best is key, but your work isn’t over once you sit in that chair. Maintaining a cut and color requires healthy habits and products designed to work specifically with your hair type and style.