Moving can be a hellish experience. The stress of packing your life in boxes, tucking in the cat in a carrier, and even leaving behind some stuff because ‘there’s no space.’

Such an experience can be devastating. But not as devastating as trying to find the best hair salon for hair and beauty, especially in places like New York, or worse still, if you’re picky. 

I’ve spent two different days of my last six months moving my life, so I know how (horrible) it can feel trying to keep a hair looking dope while adapting to the new environment – a new life. 

That said, here’s how to make the most from a professional hair salon in New York. 

Get every detail from your stylist.

If your current look excites you and you would love to maintain it, follow this step. Write down all the processes your stylist went through to make your hair. If you have a good rapport with your stylist, ask her/him to send the details to you via text or email.

My stylist at salon west whipped up a personalized color for me and shared the color and gloss used. 

If your stylist is doing something special, ask them to share the ‘special formulas’ with you. 

I usually keep them in handy in a text file on my phone, so even if I try a new salon, I already know what to present. Less time, less worry! 

Come with photos 

Sounds obvious, right? But it’s still something to talk about. If you can’t even remember the last time you style your hair, you might want to bring a photo of your previous hairstyle (always snap after coiffing your hair to the gods). 

Talk about how you’d like the stylist to handle your hair. If not, they may just do what they want, which can be horrible for you. 

Trust your instinct

Talent is not the only thing you look out for in a stylist. Do you vibe together? Are you comfortable airing your opinion with him/her? If you speak up but felt like your stylist doesn’t listen, their service may come out unsatisfactory for you. 

When you’re visiting a salon for the first time, tell them you’ll like to speak with their stylist (make sure you get there early) 

If both of you don’t seem to connect, or they just rushed to starting your hair without trying to feel the texture, canceling their service will be the right decision. 

Find a professional stylist for your style. 

I’m faux. I always hop on salon websites for the stylist that is an expert at red shades.

I go for stylists who are experts at straight hair cutting (I won’t refer a colleague with curls to this stylist). 

A good salon website has a dedicated page where stylist expertise is listed, so check this page before booking an appointment. Be sure to spot someone who is an expert in your hair type. 

The beauty of a salon is for you to look good. 

Vibe with your stylist, speak with them, and you’ll end up looking like the beauty you are.