Choosing a Natural Hair Stylist: 5 Questions To Ask
By: Lauren Francis-Jackson
One thing I hate is hair drama!! The drama I am referring to is searching for a new stylist or new hair salon when seeking that salon treatment. Our necessity for a hair stylist in the relaxed days is very different than the one we have as a natural diva. We may not go to the salon as regularly in the world of natural hair whether we have loose natural hair, locs, or sisterlocks! BUT when you need to go, you want to make sure that you are going to someone who is knowledgeable about natural hair care and regimens. Here are some questions that you may want to ask to see if the stylist or loctician is worthy to touch your hair:
Is this a natural salon? And what does that mean?
Now I know this a really basic question, however an important one because a salon can advertise theselves as a "natural salon", which could mean many things. It could mean that "we do natural and relaxed hair", "we have a few natural customers and do mostly presses", or "we have all natural stylists and locticians". You need to know where the salon you have chosen fits in on the spectrum.
What is your experience with styling natural hair?
Just because a stylist says that they "do" natural hair does not mean they know how to care for natural hair in a healthy way or style natural hair. Hopefully, the stylist will mention how they have styled natural hair for previous clients. If all they can do is "press it out", I would be a little weary. Natural hair is more than just blowouts! Also, some locticians or sisterlock consultants will say "I am not a stylist". So if you like funky styles, be sure that your loctician or consultant can meet your need for style.
What products or product lines do you use in your salon?
If I am very committed to using only natural products, that does not mean that this salon is committed to the same thing! You need to inquire about the products they use so you can make an informed decision about what's going into your hair and on your scalp.
Are you also experienced with color and natural hair?
If you love color like me, you want to know if they have skills with color if you want to get a professional color job. Especially with locs and sisterlocks, I want someone skilled in dying locs or sisterlocks because it is different than dying loose natural hair.
What are your prices for individual services?
Some salons have their prices listed but not all! You want to be clear what your service should cost you. If you want a trim, and two strand twists (no specific style) or a retightening and style, you want to plan your financial costs before walking into the appointment not at the end of the appointment. I like to be aware of what I will be spending from the beginning!
Some of these seem like common sense, however one should not make certain assumptions about a stylist or salon because it is called "Natural X". Why? One time, my graduate school advisor at George Washington University suggested I go to her stylist at "Natural Motions Hair Salon". She was natural and had a short TWA like me. I made an assumption that this was a natural hair salon and the recommended stylist was one of many natural stylists. So I showed up and it was the typical hair salon with this one natural stylist!! So be advised if natural is in the title-- does not make it a natural salon!
~The Sisterlocked Diva
