Before booking an appointment to have braids or twists installed in your hair, there are a series of questions you will need to have answered.
These questions apply whether you’re getting your hair done in a store or in-home salon.
1. Get referrals: When you are out and about, if you happen to see a person whose hair you like, ask her (or him) who their stylist is for a referral directly to that person. Take note if you see tiny white bumps around the base of where the extensions are connected. It could be a sign that she pulled the hair too tight.
2. Sample Work: Many braid stylists have a portfolio of work they’ve done in the past. Some even have them online but if you walk in for a pre-appointment inspection, you can ask to see if the stylist has a physical photo album you can comb thru.
3. Discount Code: A lot of stylist do NOT provide the extension hair, if you will be having any added. Several shops that sell hair offer stylists a discount code for their customers. Ask if the stylist has a preferred beauty supply store and, if so, if there is a discount available.
4. Hair Provided : Some stylists get a bulk wholesale price from online merchants and then offer hair, especially for popular Styles. Then, then they incorporate the price in final price for the work.
5.Type of Hair: Ask what type of hair or brand are used: synthetic, human, wavy, kinky, coarse. It’s best to get a style that matches close to all your own texture. Otherwise, you may have to process or straighten your hair or treat it so it matches the texture of the hair. If not, you should get a style that hides your roots.
6. Pre-Shampoo: A lot of the shops expect you to come with your hair washed, conditioned and dried. Some offer the service to shampoo your hair first. Also ask if the shop will detangle as they shampoo or would you need to detangle it yourself before coming in.
7. BlowDry: Some styles require your hair to be dry to the point of almost being brittle because it allows the stylist to get a better grip on your hair as she braids. Ask if blow drying before styling is preferred or not and if so, if you’d have to do it.
8. Self-styling: Ask if the stylist does her own hair. That could be a sign that she is an expert stylist because that takes extra skill.
9. Assistants: Inquire if the stylist has assistants to help braid your hair. This may be offered for styles that entail very tiny braids or twists or that are intricate and take a list of extra effort to install. They usually take longer and not everyone wants to be sitting down that long.
Hopefully, with these questions answered, you’ll be best informed to make a decision on getting your hair styled or not by the salon or braid stylist.
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