{"id":2408,"date":"2026-09-11T02:16:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T02:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-salon-or-barber-shop\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T02:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T02:17:12","slug":"choose-hair-salon-barber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/choose-hair-salon-barber\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Hair Salon or Barber Shop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Published: September 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bad haircut grows out in six weeks. A bad colour, a chemical service done on hair that could not take it, or an allergic reaction to dye are different problems entirely \u2014 they can take months to correct and some of them are avoidable only before the appointment, not after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers how to find a salon or barber that matches what you actually want, what the consultation should look like, the safety steps a good salon insists on even when you would rather skip them, and the signs worth walking out over.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-hsqtoc10      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat&#8217;s in this guide\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#match-the-place-to-the-job\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Match the Place to the Job<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#check-the-licence\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Check the Licence<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-consultation-predicts-the-result\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The Consultation Predicts the Result<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-honest-answer-test\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The honest-answer test<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#colour-the-safety-step-most-people-skip\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Colour: The Safety Step Most People Skip<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-a-good-salon-will-refuse-to-do\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What a Good Salon Will Refuse to Do<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#hygiene-and-the-basics\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Hygiene and the Basics<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#reading-reviews-and-portfolios\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Reading Reviews and Portfolios<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#money-booking-and-policies\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Money, Booking and Policies<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#red-flags\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Red Flags<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#once-you-find-someone-good\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Once You Find Someone Good<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#sources\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Sources<\/a><\/ul><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Match the Place to the Job<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most disappointing appointments are a matching problem rather than a competence problem. Decide which of these you are actually booking before you search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A maintained short cut.<\/strong> A barber shop, booked with the same barber, every three to four weeks.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>A restyle or a big change.<\/strong> A salon, a senior stylist, and a booked consultation rather than a walk-in.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Colour, especially a lightening or correction.<\/strong> A colour specialist. This is the service where the wrong choice costs the most.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Curly or textured hair.<\/strong> Someone who specialises in it. Cutting curls dry versus wet is a genuine technical difference, not a preference.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Children.<\/strong> A shop that is comfortable with children and does not rush them.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Weaves or extensions.<\/strong> The AAD advises choosing lightweight options and going to a salon that specialises in them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A salon that is excellent at one of these may be ordinary at another. The question is not &#8220;is this place good&#8221; but &#8220;is this place good at this&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check the Licence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that all states require barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed, which means completing a state-approved program and passing an exam with written and practical components. Some states also require health and safety training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Licences are usually displayed at the station or near reception, and your state board of cosmetology or barbering publishes a searchable register. It takes a minute and it is the only check that a good website cannot fake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-hsqimg01 uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stylist-selecting-colour-from-salon-shelves.jpg\" alt=\"Stylist choosing a hair colour from organised shelves in a salon\" class=\"wp-image-2406 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stylist-selecting-colour-from-salon-shelves.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stylist-selecting-colour-from-salon-shelves-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stylist-selecting-colour-from-salon-shelves-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stylist-selecting-colour-from-salon-shelves-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Consultation Predicts the Result<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than any review, the five minutes before scissors come out tells you how the appointment will go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Did they look at and touch your hair<\/strong> before agreeing to anything? Density, texture and condition decide what is achievable.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Did they ask what you do with it day to day?<\/strong> A cut that needs 20 minutes of styling is a bad cut for someone who has five.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Did they ask about your hair history?<\/strong> Previous colour, box dye, relaxers, keratin \u2014 all of it changes what colour can safely do.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Did they manage expectations honestly?<\/strong> &#8220;We can get you two shades lighter today and the rest next time&#8221; is a better answer than an unqualified yes.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Did they quote the full price<\/strong> including any toner, gloss or extra product, before starting?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring photographs, and bring one of hair you do not want as well as hair you do. The second picture is more useful than the first, because it eliminates the ambiguity in words like &#8220;shorter&#8221; and &#8220;warmer&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-hsqib100\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">The honest-answer test<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">Show a photo of hair two or three shades lighter than yours and see what happens. A stylist who explains how many sessions it would take, what it would do to your hair, and what they would do today has just shown you how they work. One who says &#8220;no problem&#8221; without touching your hair has shown you something too.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colour: The Safety Step Most People Skip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hair dye can cause allergic reactions, and the FDA&#8217;s guidance is specific: do a patch test <strong>before each application<\/strong>. Rub a small amount of the dye on the inside of your elbow or behind your ear, leave it for two days, and do not use it on your hair if a rash develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Before each application&#8221; is the part people are surprised by. Sensitivity can develop over time, so having tolerated a colour previously is not a guarantee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes a practical selection criterion: <strong>does the salon offer a patch test before a colour appointment?<\/strong> A salon that books you in for one 48 hours beforehand is following the guidance. One that waves the question away is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FDA&#8217;s other points for hair dye are worth knowing as a client: follow the package directions and the caution and warning statements, do not leave dye on longer than instructed, gloves should be worn during application, products should never be mixed, the scalp should be rinsed thoroughly afterwards, and hair dyes should never be used on eyebrows or eyelashes \u2014 the FDA warns this can cause blindness. If a salon offers to tint your brows or lashes with hair dye, that is a hard no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-hsqimg02 uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/gloved-hands-applying-hair-dye.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of gloved hands applying hair dye during a salon colour service\" class=\"wp-image-2407 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/gloved-hands-applying-hair-dye.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/gloved-hands-applying-hair-dye-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/gloved-hands-applying-hair-dye-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/gloved-hands-applying-hair-dye-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a Good Salon Will Refuse to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with any trade, the willingness to turn down work is the strongest signal available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Two chemical services in one visit.<\/strong> The AAD advises having only one chemical treatment at a time. If you are combining, relax or perm first and colour two weeks later \u2014 not both in one afternoon.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Touch-ups too close together.<\/strong> The AAD suggests spacing chemical touch-ups 8 to 10 weeks apart in winter.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Lightening hair that cannot take it.<\/strong> A stylist who suggests a staged plan over several appointments is protecting your hair, not upselling you.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Colouring over an unknown history.<\/strong> Box dye and henna can react unpredictably with salon colour, and a good colourist asks before mixing anything.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Working on an irritated or broken scalp.<\/strong> That is a &#8220;come back when it has settled&#8221; situation.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Heavy extensions on fine hair.<\/strong> The AAD advises lightweight options, worn for no more than two to three months, with the scalp kept clean and styles alternated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of these refusals are good for the salon&#8217;s takings that day. That is exactly why they are worth looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hygiene and the Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hair work is lower-risk than nail work, but the same principles apply and they are visible from the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A clean cape or a fresh neck strip for each client<\/li>\n\n<li>Combs and brushes cleaned between clients rather than pulled from a pile<\/li>\n\n<li>Clipper blades cleaned and disinfected between heads, which is the main one in a barber shop<\/li>\n\n<li>Hair swept from the floor between clients, not at the end of the day<\/li>\n\n<li>Gloves worn for colour, and a tidy colour bar rather than a shelf of half-used tubes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a razor is used on your neck, it should be a fresh blade taken out of a wrapper in front of you. That one is not negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-hsqimg03 uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/applying-colour-with-brush-and-foils.jpg\" alt=\"Hairdresser applying colour to a client's hair using a brush and foils\" class=\"wp-image-2405 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/applying-colour-with-brush-and-foils.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/applying-colour-with-brush-and-foils-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/applying-colour-with-brush-and-foils-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/applying-colour-with-brush-and-foils-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reading Reviews and Portfolios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look at the individual stylist, not just the salon. Most salons post work credited to the person who did it, and that is who you book \u2014 a salon&#8217;s reputation is an average of very different people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for hair like yours in the portfolio: your texture, your density, your starting colour. A feed full of blonde balayage on fine straight hair tells you little about how they handle thick curls, and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In reviews, read for patterns rather than verdicts. Repeated mentions of running late, of prices differing from the quote, of colour needing correction, or of not being listened to are structural. One furious review among many measured ones usually is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Money, Booking and Policies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Settle these before the appointment rather than at the desk afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The full price for what you are booking, including any toner or gloss on colour.<\/li>\n\n<li>Whether the cut is included with colour or charged separately.<\/li>\n\n<li>Whether long or thick hair carries a surcharge.<\/li>\n\n<li>Which stylist level you are being booked with, and what that column costs.<\/li>\n\n<li>The fix policy \u2014 if the colour is not right, is a correction free and within what window?<\/li>\n\n<li>Cancellation notice and whether a deposit is taken.<\/li>\n\n<li>How long the appointment will take, so a three-hour colour does not collide with your afternoon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/haircut-cost\/\">what haircuts and colour typically cost in the USA<\/a> sets out the published ranges if you want to check a quote before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No consultation.<\/strong> Straight to the chair without anyone looking at your hair.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>&#8220;No problem&#8221; to any request,<\/strong> however drastic, without touching your hair first.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Dismissing a patch test<\/strong> before colour.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Willingness to do two chemical services in one visit.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Offering to tint eyebrows or lashes with hair dye.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Prices that only appear at the till.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Not listening,<\/strong> or talking over your answers in the consultation.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>A used razor blade,<\/strong> or combs pulled from a pile of used ones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Once You Find Someone Good<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Book with the same person and rebook before you leave the chair. Good stylists fill up weeks ahead, and the appointment you take today is cheaper than the emergency one you need in six weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell them honestly what happened since last time \u2014 what grew out badly, what you could not recreate at home, what faded fast. And take their aftercare seriously: the AAD&#8217;s advice for chemically treated hair includes deep conditioning and UV protection, and following it is what keeps the next appointment from being a repair job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-hsqfaq10 uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ypages.us\\\/blog\\\/choose-hair-salon-barber\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Should a salon patch test me before colouring my hair?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The FDA advises a patch test before each application of hair dye: a small amount on the inside of the elbow or behind the ear, left for two days, and not used on your hair if a rash develops. Sensitivity can develop over time, so tolerating a colour before is no guarantee. A salon that books a patch test 48 hours ahead is following the guidance.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I have colour and a perm or relaxer on the same day?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAD advises having only one chemical treatment at a time. If you are combining them, it recommends relaxing or perming first and colouring two weeks later. It also suggests spacing chemical touch-ups 8 to 10 weeks apart in winter. A salon willing to do both in one visit is not doing you a favour.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I know a stylist can actually do what I am asking?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Look at their individual portfolio rather than the salon's, and specifically for hair like yours in texture, density and starting colour. Then use the consultation: a stylist who touches your hair, asks about its history and explains what is achievable today versus over several sessions has shown you how they work.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are hairstylists and barbers licensed?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that all states require barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed, through a state-approved program and an exam with written and practical parts, with health and safety training required in some states. Licences are usually displayed, and your state board publishes a searchable register.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is it safe to have eyebrows or eyelashes tinted at a salon?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not with hair dye. The FDA warns that hair dyes should never be used on eyebrows or eyelashes because of the risk of blindness, and restricts certain colouring ingredients for those areas to professional use. If a salon offers to tint your brows or lashes with hair dye, decline.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I ask about the price before booking?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The full price for the service, whether the cut is included with colour or charged separately, whether long or thick hair carries a surcharge, which stylist level you are booked with, and the fix policy if colour needs correcting. Also ask how long the appointment takes, since colour can run to several hours.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where should I go for extensions or a weave?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAD advises choosing lightweight options and going to a salon that specialises in them rather than one that offers them as a sideline. It also suggests wearing them for no more than two to three months, keeping the scalp clean, and alternating styles so the same areas are not under constant tension.\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa1 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Should a salon patch test me before colouring my hair?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The FDA advises a patch test before each application of hair dye: a small amount on the inside of the elbow or behind the ear, left for two days, and not used on your hair if a rash develops. Sensitivity can develop over time, so tolerating a colour before is no guarantee. A salon that books a patch test 48 hours ahead is following the guidance.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa2 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Can I have colour and a perm or relaxer on the same day?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The AAD advises having only one chemical treatment at a time. If you are combining them, it recommends relaxing or perming first and colouring two weeks later. It also suggests spacing chemical touch-ups 8 to 10 weeks apart in winter. A salon willing to do both in one visit is not doing you a favour.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa3 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">How do I know a stylist can actually do what I am asking?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Look at their individual portfolio rather than the salon&#8217;s, and specifically for hair like yours in texture, density and starting colour. Then use the consultation: a stylist who touches your hair, asks about its history and explains what is achievable today versus over several sessions has shown you how they work.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Are hairstylists and barbers licensed?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that all states require barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed, through a state-approved program and an exam with written and practical parts, with health and safety training required in some states. Licences are usually displayed, and your state board publishes a searchable register.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa5 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Is it safe to have eyebrows or eyelashes tinted at a salon?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Not with hair dye. The FDA warns that hair dyes should never be used on eyebrows or eyelashes because of the risk of blindness, and restricts certain colouring ingredients for those areas to professional use. If a salon offers to tint your brows or lashes with hair dye, decline.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa6 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What should I ask about the price before booking?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The full price for the service, whether the cut is included with colour or charged separately, whether long or thick hair carries a surcharge, which stylist level you are booked with, and the fix policy if colour needs correcting. Also ask how long the appointment takes, since colour can run to several hours.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-hsqfaqa7 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Where should I go for extensions or a weave?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The AAD advises choosing lightweight options and going to a salon that specialises in them rather than one that offers them as a sideline. It also suggests wearing them for no more than two to three months, keeping the scalp clean, and alternating styles so the same areas are not under constant tension.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/cosmetics\/resources-consumers-cosmetics\/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US Food and Drug Administration \u2014 Cosmetics Safety Q&amp;A: Hair Dyes<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/everyday-care\/hair-scalp-care\/hair\/habits-that-damage-hair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Dermatology \u2014 Hair Care Habits That Can Damage Your Hair<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/personal-care-and-service\/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US Bureau of Labor Statistics \u2014 Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article covers choosing a salon or barber shop. If you have a reaction to a product, a scalp condition or unexplained hair loss, see a dermatologist or your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to choose a hair salon or barber shop: licences, the consultation that predicts the result, patch testing before colour, what a good salon refuses to do, and the red flags.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"normal-width-container","site-content-style":"boxed","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Choosing a Hair Salon or Barber: What to Check First<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How to choose a hair salon or barber shop: licences, the consultation that predicts your result, patch testing before colour, and the red flags worth leaving over.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" 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