Male or female stylist?

[BoySarah]

When you get your hair done, do you prefer a male of female stylist?  A neighbor of mine recommended a full service salon and  I am going to make my next appointment there.  They have both male a female stylists.  Do I just tell them which I prefer?  This is more or less my first time at a real salon.  Do I take my chances and hope for the best?  Friends tell me it's not easy to find a good stylist.

 

[ZeeOmega]

The gender of a hairstylist has no bearing on their ability. The only time it should be an issue is if you were not comfortable with having a particular gender stylist. While it's not the same level of intimacy as a doctor, people tend to build close connections with their stylists. It can be an awkward time sitting in that chair if you're not comfortable with each other. 

What's more important is asking for a stylist that is comfortable and capable with either your hair type or the styles you prefer. I have curly hair and have suffered under the scissors of those who really didn't know how to cut it. 

The best would be to ask any friends or acquaintances who have used the salon and ask for their opinions and recommendations on the stylists. One of the best recommendations I ever received was from a woman who got her blonde hair destroyed and turned green by a several-hundred-dollar visit to a Beverly Hills stylist. She popped into a strip mall salon and got it repaired and styled beautifully. I went to that stylist for years and still make a point of making an appointment to see her whenever I visit my parents. 

 

[BoySarah]

Thanks.

There are a few women that I work with that have beautiful hair  One does have naturally curly hair.  I am going to ask all of them who does their hair and then decide on their recommendations.

I have straight hair with just a little naturally wave so it shouldn't be to hard to find some one.  Yes I do want to be comfortable with the stylist I chose, because my hair has gotten more important to me now than ever before.

 

[ItsHollyAgain]

Quote: Originally Posted by ZeeOmega /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  The gender of a hairstylist has no bearing on their ability. The only time it should be an issue is if you were not comfortable with having a particular gender stylist. While it's not the same level of intimacy as a doctor, people tend to build close connections with their stylists. It can be an awkward time sitting in that chair if you're not comfortable with each other. 

Totally agree! I've had both male and female stylists at all types of salons (meaning the cheaper chain salons, inexpensive mom & pop type places, Ulta, fancy salons, etc) - and from these stylists I've had good, bad, and average experiences with both males and females. I think it's more about the individual stylist. When I started going to the salon I go now (and have been going for about a year), I called ahead to have a consultation. To find the stylist for the consultation, I mentioined  my type of hair as well as length and they paired me up with my current stylist.

Most salons I've gone to offer consultations for free, so perhaps the OP can call and see if they offer that. Then, OP, you can go from there if you are comfortable with that stylist.

Despite everything I just said, my husband greatly prefers female stylists. Since we've been together, he has had two very bad experiences with male stylists, and I think it's easier to find a female stylist