How-to: find the right hairdresser
01 Mar 2011 12:00 PM |
Posted by Editor
Ever been in need of a new hairdresser but just don’t know where to start your search? Or passed a cool looking salon on the street, but are hesitant to try it out in case they’re no good? Finding the right hairstylist and colourist can be a pretty tough task – which is why the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) is doing its bit to make the job a whole lot easier for us.
Through its ‘Salon Select Pilot Program’, the AHC assesses salons nationally (taking into consideration things such as customer service excellence, career and training opportunities, design distinction, artistic integrity, management and operations leadership, and environmental sustainability), and awards special accreditation to those that are found worthy.
To date, the AHC has accredited over 70 professional hair salons nationally, so the next time you see a new salon you’re interested in, check out if it has AHC accreditation – if it does, the stylists and colourists are guaranteed to be the best in the business. And who would want their hair left in anyone else’s hands?
Click here for a list of Australian Hairdressing Council accredited salons...
WIN! We’ve teamed up with the good people at the AHC to give you the chance to win a cut and colour consultation at an accredited AHC salon, plus salon services to the value of $300! And the good news is we’ve got eight to give away – so there’ll be one winner per state and territory, hoorah!
For your chance to win, simply click through to our Oscars 2011 ‘Star-studded styles’ gallery and follow the oh-so-easy instructions to enter!
Click here for more information on the Australian Hairdressing Council...
How do you go about choosing a new hairdresser?
Member Comments
(49)
Posted by:
Jenniqua
(Australia)
I normally choose a hairdresser through referrals from friends and family. You want to know that you are going to get a quality cut and style.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 12:46pm)
Posted by:
softness
(Member since 2007, Australia)
This is AHC is a very exciting concept for people like me! It's just what I need to put me on the straight and narrow with getting my next cut/style. I do exactly what you said in the article - I walk past a salon, think it looks okay but then I chicken out because I'm not sure about who's really behind those scizzors!! Lol - that's why my hair's so long!
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 1:00pm)
Posted by:
Stay C
(Australia)
I'm a bit of a spur-of-the-moment type and will suddenly decide that I need a change so I ring my hairdresser and away we go.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 1:13pm)
Posted by:
Soozie67
(Australia)
My hair is absolutely dreadful at the moment. I haven't been near a hairdresser since before my sons wedding last September. I have split ends, regrowth, no stlye at all, and you can even see how awful is is when I tie it up. I guess the main reason it is so neglected is financiial, but I also suffer from salon nerves. I have had many a rotten experience over the years and sometimes what looks great on the outside is a foul surprise by the time you leave. So this is a great idea and should inspire more confidence and help motivate a choice.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 1:29pm)
Posted by:
jatz
(Member since 2008, Australia)
Choosing hairdressers can be so stressful, especially when you have had mishaps in the past with them. I haven't been to a professional salon for over 2 years but only because financially I cannot afford to go. When I used to go to a salon I would say to them, I want it this length and told them what colour and they were the ones that worked out the colour for me and I have to say, leaving it in their hands, they were brillant. It was the cut that undid some of the trust in them.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 1:37pm)
Posted by:
Jannz
(Australia)
One of my good friends is a hairdresser so a few years ago I started going to her salon. Otherwise I would just ask a trusted friend for a referral and have had good results with that. When I moved here six months ago I had a look on the net and managed to find a brilliant one straight away.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 1:52pm)
Posted by:
kireina
(Australia)
Sometimes they have been recommended, and others have just happened to be located near work or home and one used only Aveda products which was the main attraction.
Some of the trendiest place have been a real letdown because the staff were only very attentive to friends or frequent regulars which put me off....once I was left sitting in the chair for ten minutes while the stylist chatted (it was catch up, not hair related)with another customer, it was really poor service from one of the most exclusive salons in my area and needless to say I haven't been back there.
I also don't like feeling like I get lukewarm treatment because I don't have my hair done every week or can't afford to have all the treatments and extras(additional costs) that seem to be a given at some 'exclusive' salons.
My favourite hairdresser was a one-man show in a small regional town who listened to my concerns and requests and didn't try and push products on me. He had had a great deal of experience having moved from a large city and was very talented. Unfortunately I moved away, otherwise he'd be cutting my hair to this day!
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 1:55pm)
Posted by:
Roxymisha
(Australia)
Always referrals.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 2:02pm)
Posted by:
GoddessMagick
(Member since 2007, Australia)
Budget unfortunately has a lot to do with restricting my choice of hairdresser. I like to ask friends/family for suggestions and look at look books of hairdressers work which can help choose a great one, sadlt that often comes with a price tag I can't match. I generally end up at my local one because of that. Love the idea of what the AHC does, its reassuring to see they are accrediting and monitoring salons :) I'm off to check if any one near me is on the list!
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 4:15pm)
Posted by:
Shazam
(Member since 2008, Australia)
Defintely recommendations by friends and family. I don't mind trying hairdressers for the first time, and if I'm satisfied with the service and results I'll return. I also like trying salons that offer specials. I'm a sucker for deals :)
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 4:21pm)
Posted by:
jpandkt08
(Australia)
Have to agree with goddessmagick, we havent got a load of money so my hair usually gets a home colour and a cut by my mother... lol. But we've been saving really well and hubby is treating me by sending me to a nearby hairdresser (Next international) to have it done this time. and I so need it!
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 4:31pm)
Posted by:
emzaau
(Australia)
I ask for recommendations from friends and also check Google and online feedback in forums etc.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 8:40pm)
Posted by:
melmeko
(Member since 2007, Australia)
It is so annoying living in QLD, which is one of the largest States in Australia, when everything is only ever available to those who live right on the southern boarder, hello there is a whole state here that is constantly forgotten, permanently. With major towns scattered all the way up the coast, but nope if you live in QLD it is Brisbane or nothing, ahh makes me slack sometimes, I think I need to move to Sydney just to have access to the basic things most women long for, lol.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 9:49pm)
Posted by:
ToorookaDeb
(Australia)
When I moved from Sydney to the country I didn't know what to do. My neighbour who was also new went to a couple of places in town and was horrified. I was then told about a lady that has a salon on her property. I went armed with a photo of what I wanted. She is brilliant ! And she has a huge clientele and is a master at everything hair. I won't be changing now, I struck gold.
Posted on:
March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 11:41pm)
Posted by:
emilyhollywood
(Australia)
Erm, I'm still looking. I haven't found one that I'd trust to do my wedding hair yet...
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 9:53am)
Posted by:
southcoastclare
(Australia)
When I relocated back to the South Coast from Sydney, it was a scary task finding a new hairdresser. I found I relied heavily on friends recommendations.
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 11:20am)
Posted by:
blackmagic
(Australia)
I usually just test them out myself by going there and having a cut and seeing what its like. I may walk out gorgeous or downright ugly hahah But by doing that I've actually found quite a good one that's budget worthy :) I haven't had a cut in ages though, best get there soon!
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 12:20pm)
Posted by:
Fabb22
(Australia)
through referrals from friends
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 1:33pm)
Posted by:
Jhyt0914
(Australia)
I need to check this out.. since moved over from NZ. I have tried few hairdressers, but not happy with the service. That's almost 10 yrs now :( not even the recommends work :( I need to find a good hairdresser.
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 1:37pm)
Posted by:
MaxPower
(Australia)
Often barbers cut my hair and don't really get it how I want so I often have the hairdresser do it as it turns out better (especially since I have a few natural waves in mine) Clever idea this AHC.
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 3:16pm)
Posted by:
Kity Kat
(Australia)
I've NOT been to salon almost 10 years ago as my experience with a hairdresser was a disaster. He made me look like a guy and it took over 2 months to grow my hair back. I was reluctant to go anywhere.
Finally AHC is doing the right thing to make customers like me easier to to make a informed decision in finding the right hairdresser.
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 5:17pm)
Posted by:
chiara-louise
(Australia)
I find it so hard to find a reliable hair dresser. any suggestions for sutherland shire region?
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 7:19pm)
Posted by:
GraceyS
(Australia)
My hair dresser works privately from home, but she is wonderful!!!! i get so many compliments on my hair and considering what she does it isnt very expensive. My aunty paid a fourtune at Maurice mead anly to go to my hairdresser and get her hair re-done. sometimes finding a good hair dresser is hard, but going off what friends and family say is a good idea, and just cus it costs heaps doesnt mean its worth it.
Posted on:
March 02, 2011 (Mar 2, 2011 11:06pm)
Posted by:
Platinum Ms
(Australia)
Hairdressers can be trial and error I look at the whole picture and see how the salon surroundings look and then the staff and hope to build a repore with them .
Posted on:
March 03, 2011 (Mar 3, 2011 10:11am)
Posted by:
Katja
(Australia)
Vibe, price and trend. Im a bit of a gypsy when it comes to hairdressers
Posted on:
March 03, 2011 (Mar 3, 2011 12:20pm)
Comment on this article
Posted by: Jenniqua (Australia)
I normally choose a hairdresser through referrals from friends and family. You want to know that you are going to get a quality cut and style.
Posted on: March 01, 2011 (Mar 1, 2011 12:46pm)