How to find a hairdresser when you are new in town or new to the country


How to navigate the trauma of finding a new stylist when you change towns or country.

When you move to a new town or country, you must find a new doctor, dentist, and hairdresser. It's inconvenient, but you will likely find the whole process dramatic because of your fear of the unknown.

After 50 years of hairdressing, if there is one thing I learned, it's that the most successful stylists Listen and can put people at ease.

We tend to favour what we trust and are familiar with. In the case of hairdressing, the industry culture can be slightly different. Let me give you an example. I was in Central America recently, which incidentally has fantastic salons, but it's not so vital to make an appointment. This tends not to be the case in the UK, and It is always a good idea to try to call ahead or book online. Some countries are not adamant about skin testing for colour, but it is an insurance and manufacturer's requirement here.

When choosing a salon, I would suggest one that offers free consultations. Check the salon's reviews online, as these give a good indication of what to expect.

I always offer free consultations and will spend as much time as necessary to ensure our satisfaction before proceeding. I can also provide Zoom consultations for a nominal charge on Thursday and Friday each week. Please call or email to get details. 

So, what makes for the perfect consultation?

I want to know your target style and encourage you to bring a photo. I also need to know your target length; this is important as most people who don't go back to a salon get a haircut that is too short. I would say consultation on a first visit would last at least 5 minutes but probably 10.

We will proceed with the appointment when you feel comfortable that I understand precisely what you want.