The Holiday Season is upon us and what else could you possibly need now that you’ve found that perfect party dress? The perfect hair and make-up look to pair, of course! Searching for a professional can be so overwhelming! With social media at the tip of your fingers, it would seem that there are artists for every look and style you can imagine. However, looks can be deceiving when the time comes to pick your pro. And because many stylists operate solo, you may not always have access to reviews. Here are five solid ways you can tell if you are choosing your most safe and reliable master stylist.
Get Hair and Make Up Referrals
The best place to start looking for your ideal stylist is closer than you may think! Usually “word of mouth” is key to kicking off the start of a reliable stylist-client relationship. Think of that soft, smokey-eye and boho braid your Aunt Tara rocked to that wedding last month. You can’t remember a time she looked so flawless. So you reach out and ask Aunt Tara for her stylist because you know you need to come correct to this party! Use your resources. Chances are, someone you know or someone they know has a referral for you. If this isn’t the case, google and social media are going to be your next best bet. Be sure when choosing a stylist based on their online portfolio that you read any available reviews. Check out their website and any other links mentioning their business. Read comments and/or responses online. This will help you get a feel for their artistic style and level of professionalism.
Do Your Hair and Make Up Artist Research
You may be asking yourself why you would need to “do research” on someone that you are going to use for ONE event! There are so many reasons why doing a little investigating can go a long way. Just like when you hire a doctor, a nanny or anyone else who is going to be working close to you, it is good to know a bit about their level of training and experience. Are there any licensing/certification requirements in your state for the services being provided? Does your stylist uphold those requirements? Do they participate in any continuing education courses? What specialties (if any) do they offer such as, airbrush, lash extensions etc. Does the stylist travel to your area? If yes, do they charge for travel? Or are you willing to travel to them. What is included in the service? Some stylists will include false lash strips, however some have lashes as an add-on. Does the rate match their end result, their products/tools used, and their service provided?
Communication Is Key With Hair and Makeup Clients
Communication is key in every relationship, including the client-stylist. Is your stylist responding in a timely matter? A lot of stylists run their business alone, which makes responding immediately next to impossible at times. Giving your stylist as much notice as possible, helps to increase your chances of getting your desired time/date! You can usually find a stylists preferred method of contact via their website/social media. If your method of contact is email or text, be sure to include all of the details you have available at the time of contact.
Can the stylist you choose execute your desired hair/make-up looks? Be sure to provide clear images of your desired looks for your event! Pinterest is every stylists go-to for hair and make-up Inspo! Be sure to check out any rates the stylist may have posted and communicate your budget, if you have one. Pricing should be made clear up front. Please don’t forget to verbalize any special needs such as allergies to products or medications that may interfere with services being performed. Any surgeries, chemical peels, etc performed prior to the service should be discussed with your doctor prior to booking. Your stylist should go over and instructions/ necessary preparations before the day of your appointment. If there are any hair extensions needed, they will need to be matched to the color of your hair and ordered prior. Hair accessories or any other adornments should be purchased by the client
Making Hair and Makeup Contracts/Deposits From Your Clients
This ensures both the client and stylist confidence in their secured appointment date. Contracts are usually only needed for larger events such as weddings, but can vary per stylist. In some cases, your stylist may include a timeline of services and names of each guest receiving each service. Timelines will keep everyone on time and your event running smoothly.
Arrival Day Of For Your Hair or Makeup Contractor Job
The big day is here! Now comes time for your stylist to make all of your dreams come true! If traveling, your stylist should arrive with enough time to set up and still be on track. All parking/valet expectations should be handled during the communication prior to booking. Stylist should come with their own clean, professional brushes and tools using disposable wands and scooping/ sanitizing products when necessary. Your stylist should be sure not to leave any mess behind as well as being respectful to any reasonable requests such as removing their shoes. Time is of the essence and in order to make sure that you’re at your event on time, all services should go according to schedule. The stylist/s should be packed and ready for a swift exit once all faces and heads are happy. At this point, you will be so elated with how you look and how professional your stylist was, you would say this match was a complete success! And you can’t wait to book for your next event!
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