I usually cut my own hair. Well, I have been for the past two years. It’s hard being a hairstylist and letting other people do your hair. We always want it done our way. We envision what we want to see and we know the way that we would achieve the look. This past week, however, I decided that I wanted to be pampered, and I got my hair cut by someone else for a change. I chose a stylist I work with at the Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in New York City. I have observed her work over the past year and I like it. She has fun with her cuts, so. . . I let her go to work. It took everything in my power to just sit there. It came out a little shorter than I wanted, but I needed it and it is VERY CUTE.

Now that I’m happy with my hair let’s get back to you and your hair. Here are six things to consider when you look in the mirror:
Are you unhappy with your look?
Do you feel your hair isn’t responding to your current stylist’ s hands?
Do you and your stylist speak the same language? (even literally-ha!)
Do you feel your hair has been the same as far back as you can remember?
Do you and your stylist set goals for your hair?
Or (and this one is my favorite), your stylist has been your hairstylist since you were a kid.
If any of these apply to you, it may be time to find another stylist or at least a second stylist. Break-ups are hard to do. They’re never fun, especially if your stylist has become “a friend,”

You don’t necessarily have to “run” from your current hairstylist. Perhaps your current stylist may do very well with your hair’s health, but can’t achieve a style you like and you have to go home and figure it out. Maybe you just need a second stylist to give you a new cut or color. But it can also be the other way around—your hair color is to die for, but your hair is falling out or breaking off and he or she can’t figure it out.

When shopping for a new hairstylist, do your homework. Just as you would or should with anyone else providing you a professional service, you should get a referral. Hairstylists should be licensed by the state in which they work. Yes, even a kitchen beautician. They provide services that can involve heat, chemicals or products that can if done incorrectly cause temporary or permanent damage to your scalp that then could result in hair loss. So always think hair health first, style, second.

The best way to get a referral is by asking someone who you think has great hair where she goes. Only ask a woman that has healthy-looking hair. And I’m not talking about the weave hair, look at the real stuff too. Once you obtain a name and contact information, call and set up a consultation. ALWAYS set up a consultation first.

Prior to the consult, know what you want from the session. Health and style (I know, I repeat this often). Get knowledgeable about your hair and scalp. Does your scalp always itch; is it dry, oily? Does it flake? If you get chemical services, does your scalp burn? How often do you get chemical services? Is your hair breaking? If so, when and where do you notice the breakage?

The consultation is the time that you and your prospective hairstylist discuss your hair, scalp and style—and get to know each other(wink). They need to know everything about you that will affect your hair. Here are some quick reference points on what should be covered during a good consultation:

About you
- Home life i.e. if you have children
-Workout regime
- Hobbies or activities (i.e. swimming)
- Career
- What you have time to do in the morning
- What you will do for home maintenance
- What you can honestly afford in salon maintenance
- The time you liked your hair the most, the least
- What you love about your hair and what you hate

If the stylist is not asking the questions, tell them about you and your hair and ask for their recommendations. You will know immediately if you feel they are confident in what they are saying. If you have any doubts don’t make an appointment.

If you have decided to give someone the opportunity to work with your hair, you should allow three sessions with a hairstylist to decide whether or not they can work with your hair. It takes time for both of you to get acclimated to the new relationship.

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!