When you search for 'best hair salon near me,' you’ll likely encounter a mix of paid advertisements and your town’s most reviewed salons. While this offers a good starting point, it's important to dig deeper to truly understand what makes a salon the best choice for you. In this article, I'll guide you through the top five key factors to consider when searching for your new stylist. By the end, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision that goes beyond a basic internet search. 

Because a basic internet search for “the best hair salons in Springfield, Missouri” will generate pages of options for you, you need a solid checklist to consider when you’re looking for the best stylist for you. And that’s the key. Word of mouth is the most reliable way to find the best place to get your hair done wherever you live, but making your own connection with that stylist is another thing. Just because Aunt Nancy swears by her girl and a ton of people you know go to that big salon by the park doesn’t mean that they’d be the best fit for you.

There’s a clear formula that goes into creating a great stylist/client match and, once you know it, you’ll be better equipped than anyone else when searching for the best stylists and top hair salons wherever you live.

Do they create the looks that you like?

Take a look at the salon’s photo gallery and social media. You’ll be able to see their stylist’s work and, when you find a look that you like, you can head over to that tagged stylist’s page to see more. If you like their work, then there’s a good chance you’ll like what they create for you, too.

Something to consider:

• Does the stylist need strong direction from you or do they prefer to take your ideas and create something unique for you?

• If you’re looking for a specialized color, like blonde or red, then you’ll want to know what questions to ask and what to look for in a blonde specialist.

Do your schedules mesh?

It would be pretty frustrating to find a stylist that you like, have a plan of action you’re excited to get started on, but can’t find a time on the stylist’s schedule that works for you. It would be nice to know that ahead of time before you got excited.

Something to consider:

• If the salon takes walk-in appointments, they’ll be a lot more flexible with last-minute changes and people who run late. Just keep in mind that they will feel more relaxed making those last-minute changes and running late for you, too.

• If the salon is by appointment only, then the pressure is on for you to be respectful of their schedule and reliable when you book time with them. They aren’t as tolerant of last-minute changes and will have a cut off time for how long they’ll wait for you when you’re late. Keep in mind that they’ll run on time for you and will respect your schedule, as well.

Do they socialize like you do?

The human population is divided between the 60ish% who recharge their social battery while interacting, and the 40ish% whose social battery gets drained while interacting. If there is a mismatch between a stylist who loves to chat and craves social interaction and a client who gets overstimulated and drained by it, then the outcome is someone counting the minutes until the appointment is finished. Neither feels seen, and neither knows why.

Something to consider:

• If your social battery runs out when you’re socializing, then a stylist who loves to chat and keeps asking you questions to get you talking will feel like you’re being pecked to death by chickens.

  If your social battery gets charged when you’re socializing and you get antsy when no one is talking, then you and that stylist will hit it off like two peas in a pod.

• If your social battery gets charged when you’re socializing, then a stylist who is quiet-natured will make you feel like you’re dragging dead weight through the mud to try to get them to have a normal conversation with you.

  If your social battery runs out when you’re socializing and your stylist is quiet-natured, then you’ll both be blissfully vibing in a virtually silent appointment.

Do they have good professional boundaries?

This might be something you don’t even think about, but it plays into your entire experience at the salon from start to finish. Are they organized with their booking? Do they ask you to move your appointment? Do they double and triple book? Do they run on time? Do they leave you at the shampoo bowl for 30+ minutes? Are the conversations appropriate? Are their other clients respectful of the shared space or do they bring people with them or talk on speakerphone?

Something to consider:

• If you like to bring people with you to your appointments or Facetime friends while you’re processing then you’ll want a salon that’s more of a party or dance club vibe. The more the merrier, and maybe they’ll pull your friends into the chair and do their hair, too.

  It can be entertaining. There’s nothing like watching one stylist give their client a mock lap-dance and another stylist eating take-out while foiling their client’s hair.

• If that’s not your vibe, then you’ll want to look for a salon that mentions their culture and their expectations from the outset. This is a clue that they prioritize the client experience and have policies in place to keep it consistent.

  It can be relaxing. There’s nothing like feeling like you’re a priority as the staff goes before you to ensure your experience with them is smooth.

Do you vibe with their booking policies?

This is another one that you might not think is a big deal until it comes back to bite you. Some salons book through walk-ins, text, DM, a phone call, and online. Other salons have only one way to book. In the era of technology, a lot of salons are opting to include online booking as their preferred method. Not everyone is a fan of technology, so knowing how the salon books will impact your decision when choosing the best salon for you.

Something to consider:

• The more avenues for booking, the more potential for booking mistakes. If you choose a salon doesn’t have a defined booking policy, you may double check 24-48 hours before your appointment to make sure it’s booked the way you intend.

• Salons that use online booking only tend to have fewer booking mistakes because you’re the one booking it and you can usually log in to see your bookings to keep track of your schedule. The downside is if you struggle with using or trusting the technology.

Hopefully you’re a bit more informed about how to find the best salon for you. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to your preferences and what makes you feel the most comfortable. The biggest mistake you could make is assuming that all salons are the same. If you keep these five tips in mind, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for in your quest to find the best salon for you.