There are currently 40,000 hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses in the UK.
However, registering under the Register of Qualified Hairdressers is entirely voluntary in thehairdressing profession.
The registration also helps to ensure that clients aren’t given poor service.
Alita Ong
No matter my desires, I seemed to come out each time with a few blonde highlights.
Then I foundChristopher Fox, who truly makes going to the hairdressers a delightful experience.
Chris always insists on a consultation and spends time at my appointments asking all about my routine.
This takes two years to complete.
Level 3 is the requirement for a senior stylist and takes a year to complete.
Similarly, if they have tried to change the colour themselves at home.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD HAIRDRESSER?
This can’t be rushed to simply get as many clients as possible through the door."
“If you are getting a colour treatment, you need a patch test beforehand.
If this isn’t mentioned, I would say demand one.
If a salon is not patching-testing, it, unfortunately, means they do not care about your welfare.
“He also recommends booking the consultation in advance so that you’ll experience a smooth visit.
He also says that a good hairdresser will also manage your expectations.
He advises clients how often they’ll have to come in to maintain a style.
“Some clients don’t realise what they want may mean coming for an appointment every month.
That can then factor into their decision,” Fox explains.
In the consultation, Fox looks at the hair as a technical analysis.
He examines the natural colour and depth then formulates a colour list.
This is the sort of service you should be looking for.”
If somebody has the right training, they won’t be offended.
When looking for a salon, Fox says, “Do your research.
Look for someone in the speciality of what you want and your hair bang out.
Look at reviews and images; before and after pictures are ideal.
That is probably the best evidence unless it looks heavily edited.
Fox also recommends viewing reviews on certain hair salons and hairdressers.
DOES A TOP SALON MEAN A TOP HAIRDRESSER?
“Not necessarily,” explains Fox.
“Just because it’s in the city centre doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good.
A good indicator is to look at the brands used in the salon.
BEWARE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGERY
Fox explains that the rise in social media may be deceiving some.
Again, this wouldn’t be what the human eye sees,” explains Fox.
Many hair imageries also omit to disclose the use of clip-in extensions.
Again this gives clients an unrealistic expectation of what they can achieve,” warns Fox.
Another thing to consider, Fox says, is the origin of the image.
“Alot of hair imagery used for inspiration is coming from the United States.
They have completely different colour laws and regulations to the EU.
You don’t want to be worrying about the time or panic your hairdresser into rushing.
That’s when mistakes are made.
Make the trip a pleasurable and relaxing experience.”
I then ask Chris if not knowing a price would be a red flag.
Fox tells me that hairdressers should charge according to how much time and product they’ll need.
This gives people a chance to think about what I’ve said, and it also stops any embarrassment.
Even with costs varying, Fox recognizes that not all clients can afford to get their hair done frequently.
He says, “I do appreciate that not everyone can afford to spend money on their hair.”
He notes that “100 to one person means something different to 100 for another person.
People will happily spend money on a night out or expensive perfume and not on their haircare.
But it’s such a central feature and one of the first things people notice.”
what ABOUT HAIR MODELLING?
Plus the educators will be there to look over the trainee’s work.
You should still have to go for a patch test and have one of the educators assess your hair.
For example, mid brown looking to go darker.
Only go if you fit the description.
WHAT IF YOU’RE UNHAPPY WITH YOUR CUT OR COLOUR?
Then they can look at what they can do.
Again, this comes back to a good consultation.
If you do a consultation well, this shouldn’t really happen.
I do say that after a colour, the hair usually needs about two weeks to rest.
That should be the case with any hairdresser offering their services.”
Get researching and reading reviews.
Remember that whilst Insta and Pinterest may give you inspiration, they may not be all that they seem.
Up next:Multi-masking for your hair is now a thing.
The Hair and Barber Council.Research Report Hairdressing and Barbering: the case for Mandatory Registration.Published September 27, 2017.
