Author: Hbconnection

Finding the right hair salon is not easy. With one on nearly every corner, finding the hair salon that is right for you can be confusing. The best way is through word of mouth. But that does not mean just asking people to recommend a hair salon. A salon that did a great job with somebody’s long flowing locks may not be good at handling your short crop. Ask people who have will styles hair in styles similar to yours where they go.

Once you have a few places short listed, visit each hair salon for a consultation. This will allow you to get a feel of the place, see the kind of styling they are doing and most importantly, talk to the stylists. Tell them what you are looking for and see the kind of feedback you receive. If there is a communication gap between what you are say and what they are offering, move along to the next hair salon on our list.

Ask to see the salon’s portfolio. Most will have photographic records of the work that represent the kind of styling work they do. If you find their work is the kind you are looking for, you should be okay.

Before you decide to go ahead with a particular hair salon, one more thing you need to note is the level of cleanliness and hygiene they maintain. Keep an eye open for the tell tale signs of a lack of hygiene like dirty towels, greasy scissors and combs, cut hair on the floor after a client leaves, etc.

Find a great hair salon near you at www.hbconnection.com - the only health and beauty search engine!

About the Author:

HB Connection is an innovative web community designed to categorize and simplify business listings for all companies, goods and services associated with the health and beauty industry in the United States. The first and only one of its kind, the site connects professionals and consumers via powerful search filters that are at the same time comprehensive and simple.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Find A Good Hair Salon

What's the latest rage for women's hair in 2009?  If you want to be in fashion's spotlight, extreme is the way to go. Whether your hair is short or long, there are a few different ways you can pull this off.

The Pixie Bob is an extremely short cut. Think Nathalie Portman. This hairstyle is extremely low maintenance and can be worn in a variety of ways. Cut in some textured layers  and add some mousse on wet hair, then blow-dry with a small round brush towards the face.  Want to be really extreme? I recommend going peroxide blonde!

A Cropped Bob, like Reese Witherspoon, is another easy hairstyle and can be worn a couple of different ways. For a messier look, cut in some textured layers with a razor cut. Add mousse to wet hair and let it air dry. For some added height on the crown, pull up with your fingers and use a flexible hairspray.  To achieve a smoother, classier look,  blow dry your hair with a large round brush curling your hair under as it dries.

If you can't stand to part with your long locks, have no fear! Long hair is still in, and you can wear it pretty much however you'd like to. Part it down the center, and wear it straight and sleek like Gwyneth Paltrow. If that's too extreme for you, you can wear it in loose waves like Sarah Jessica Parker for almost the same effect.

Long hair can also be worn in updo's and there are a few new things hitting the runways here also. The newest trend everyone is wearing are milkmaid braids! Worn around your head almost like a crown, these braids are both romantic and simple, and are a simple way to add some texture to your updo. Like chignons? Change it up and wear it to the side of your head.

Hair colors have also gone to extremes this season. Peroxide blonde, big blonde hi-lights, and auburn reds are very popular. If these colors don't go with your skin tone, talk to your stylist. They can help you find an edgy color that would be just perfect for you. This season is not for the shy, so don't be bashful when it comes to your hair this year, go for something new and have a fashionable summer!

Are you in the market for a new hair stylist because you've just moved to a new city? Or perhaps you're tired of getting your hair cut at the same bargain salon that cuts you're children's hair and want to upgrade to a stylist with more...well, style?

You can find a great beauty salon without going through the trials and tribulations of getting a bad cut, or a great cut in a salon setting you hate. If you know what to look for and what questions to ask your stylist, you should be able to find a great beauty salon without difficulty.

Where to find one?

You can look in the phone book, but the best way to find a great beauty salon is to ask friends, family, and even co-workers who are sporting nice hair. If they are thrilled with their beauty salon they'll be more than happy to offer the name of the salon and their stylist. Keep in mind, though, that you may not find the salon to be a good fit for your needs, even if your Aunt Bertha raves about it.

There are other things you should take into consideration besides excellent reviews.

Services:

The first thing to look for in a great beauty salon is services. Do they offer what you need? More and more salons are expanding their list of services to accommodate today's busy lady, but not all offer what you may want to accomplish in your day of beauty.

Not only can you expect to get your hair done (cut, styled, processed and hair extensions), but you can also have unwanted hair waxed, indulge in a manicure, pedicure or facial, or even splurge for spray tanning. Some salons are even offering cosmetic processes under the hands of a medical professional, such as laser hair removal or Botox injections.

So, what are service options that you should think about?

Well, if you like to have your hair done and your brows waxed at the same time, then the perfect salon for you will offer both services. Or perhaps you'd like to have a manicure and a color touch-up regularly. In either case, a great beauty salon will take care of your needs, as basic or complex as they may be.

If you're looking for a very detailed service, such as hair extensions or special weaves, you might want to do a little more research to find the perfect salon that can give you the look you want. Going with a nearby salon with only marginal experience could end disastrously.

Location and Hours:

A great beauty salon will have a location and hours of operation that fit your busy schedule. If you work late and the salon rarely has appointments when you need them, it's not a good salon for you, even if others rave about it.

You also want a salon that's easy for you to travel to and from. If you have to travel many miles or a half hour through dense traffic, you're either not going to enjoy your time at the salon, or you might not get your hair cut or styled as often as you need.

Price:

Some of the product brands may think you're worth it, but if you have to rob a bank to pay for your hair color or other salon services, it's not the best beauty salon for you. When inquiring about a salon ask about prices for services and don't be afraid to call around.

However, don't jump at the first salon that offers you a cheap price on a hair cut. You definitely get what you pay for, especially for the more involved processes like hair color and perms. Look for a fair price for good services and you'll be good to go.

Environment:

Beauty salons come in a variety of different environments, and they may or may not be to your preference. For example, some cater to a family environment, others are more upscale to the point of bringing you a latte while you wait for your nails to dry. You may find you're more comfortable in one setting than another. Knowing what atmosphere you're looking for will help you choose the best beauty salon for you.

Your First Visit:

Once you decide on a salon, instead of jumping in with both feet and going for the haircut which could be disastrous if the salon offers a free consultation. At this point, a stylist will evaluate your hair, its health, and what style would look most flattering with your facial features.

You'll want to take note if the stylist listens to your questions and needs instead of trying to give you a cut that's easy for them to do. For instance, if you draw the line at blow drying your hair, then a cut that requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance isn't appropriate, even if you'd look totally gorgeous with it.

If the salon doesn't offer a consultation session then go for a minor process, such as a blow dry and style, or a brow waxing. During this time you'll be able to get a feel for the salon and the stylist's expertise. Again, the stylist should listen to your needs and concerns as well as offer you excellent service.

Go Prepared:

In either case, you'll want to bring pictures of your dream hair style with you. See if they're able to do a certain cut, or are familiar with a hair processing technique that you'd like to try. If not, or if they steer you a different way because they lack the skills, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, be truthful about what you do to your hair. If you permed or colored it yourself, admit to it so the hair stylist can help you undo the damage.

Cleanliness:

When you visit a new beauty salon it's important to take a look around at the environment. You deserve to have a positive hair experience, where the environment is clean and safe, and where you can also get a skilled cut or style.

Does the salon sweep up loose hair regularly?

Do they utilize sanitizing methods for scissors and combs?

Does the staff look professional and clean?

Is the bathroom neat?

If not, change salons right away.You don't want to end up with an infection of some sort because you stuck with an unclean salon.

My Stylist Quit!

It happens every once in awhile. You find the perfect salon and stylist and she quits!

Have no fear, there's hope. First, if it's a good salon you could try a different stylist. Chances are they will offer you the same skill and quality of services as your last stylist. If you're unsure, ask where your favorite stylist went. Most salons will understand your need to stay with the familiar and will tell you which salon she's working at now, so you can ring her there.

In Closing:

Finding a great beauty salon doesn't have to be a trial and error experience if you know what questions to ask and what to look for. If you assess each salon by desirable qualities such as location, price and services, then take it slow and go with a consultation or minor service, you'll end up with great hair without the stress.

By: Julie Davidson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Now you're armed with all the questions to ask and things to look for in a great beauty salon--so where should you start your search? Try Start Local, Australia's fastest growing local search engine and business directory. Find your next beauty salon and a stylist perfectly suited to you at => www.startlocal.com.au/other/beautysalon/

There are some things you should consider before doing your own perm at home. If your hair is color treated, fine and fragile, damaged, doesn't have good elasticity, or if you've tried perming your hair before and it didn't take well, I would strongly suggest that you go to your professional stylist to get your perm and not do it at home. If you try to do it at home, it could cause severe fading of your color and/or hair breakage if you use the wrong perm or time it incorrectly.

Once you've decided that your hair is healthy and you can perm your own hair at home, you'll need to decide what kind of a perm you'd like. Are you going for a completely new style? Do you just want to add a little texture to the style you have? Do you want something super curly?  A perm is great if you have naturally straight hair and you want to be able to do more styles with it. A perm makes hard to curl hair more versatile and easier to manage. You'll still be able to wear it straight if you'd like, but if you like to shake things up a little sometimes and go curly, the perm will make your hair more pliable and will help it to hold whatever style you can dream up. It also works well if your hair is too curly. Perming your hair using a larger rod will reshape your curls into something more manageable.

Now that you've decided how you want your hair to look, you'll need supplies! The things you'll need to do a perm at home are perming rods, wrapping papers, a plastic tail comb, plastic hair clips, old towels, a perming kit, and a good friend! Wrapping a perm can be challenging by yourself.  The type of perming rods you'll need depend on what shape curl you want. It's mostly common sense: A skinnier rod will give you tighter curls whereas a larger rod will give you bigger curls. If you're not sure what size to get, you can do some experimenting to get an idea. Pick up some perming rods in the size you think you'll like, and after shampooing your hair, add some styling product and wrap up a section or two of your hair. Let it dry and then remove the rod. The size curl you see will be a good indication of what your perm will look like. You can also do a test curl if you want to pick up an extra perming kit. Instead of doing your entire head, just do one rod and see how it turns out. You can adjust the size of the rod your going to use from there.

Ok! So you've decided on a style, you've got your supplies (and your friend), now where to start? Here is How to Perm Your Hair 101:

1. Start with freshly shampooed hair. Do not use a heavy conditioner on your hair before perming! This can keep the perming solution from absorbing into your hair. Section your wet hair into 4 sections by doing a part right down the middle of your head (like you're going to do pigtails), and then doing another part from about halfway back down the side of your head to the back of your ear. Clip up these sections with your plastic hair clips.

2. Starting at the top of one of the back sections, take a section of hair to wrap. Remember to never take a section that's larger then the length or the circumference of the perming rod. Doing so will cause your hair to overdirect and/or pull which can cause breakage. It's always better to take a smaller section than one that is too wide.

3. Comb the section of hair out straight and cover the ends of your hair with the wrapping paper by folding it in half around your hair. If you're having a hard time with this part, keep a water bottle handy. Spraying some water on the ends of your hair will help the protective wrapping papers "stick" where you want them. The most important thing to remember during this process is to make sure your ends are completely covered with the paper to protect them and keep them from splitting during the perming process.

4. Starting at the end of each protectively wrapped section, roll each section of hair around the perming rod. The most common way of doing this is to roll the hair under around the rod and secure it with the band when you reach the scalp being careful not to let the band cut into the hair. If the band is too tight or causing too much stress on the hair, it can cause breakage when the perming solution is applied. There are other ways you can roll your hair around the perming rod depending on what type of curl you'd like, but I would suggest sticking to this common procedure, at least for now. Continue this process until your entire head is rolled (or the section you want permed if you're not doing all of your hair to suit your hairstyle), starting at the top of each section and working your way to the bottom.

5. Now you're ready to apply the perming solution. There are basically two types of perms you can buy. One is an alkaline perm, and the other is an acid perm. An alkaline perm is for harder to perm hair, such as gray or resistant hair that isn't colored or damaged. An acid perm is a gentler perm and is recommended for easy to curl or color treated hair. Follow the directions in your perming kit as to how to mix and apply the perming solution. This process basically breaks the disulphide bonds in your hair that give it it's shape. Be sure and completely saturate all of the rods with the perming solution evenly and completely or you'll end up with an uneven perm. You may need to get two perming kits if you have a lot of hair.

6. If directed, cover your hair with a plastic cap and set your timer for the duration indicated in the instructions.  If you're not sure how long to leave the perming solution on, you can do the "S-Test". To do this, partially unwrap one section of hair from the perming rod. Gently push the hair towards the scalp until it bends. If you can see a prevalent "S" shape in the hair, then your done. Once the perming solution has processed, you're going to need to gently rinse your hair thoroughly. DO NOT REMOVE THE PERMING RODS.

7. After your hair is thoroughly rinsed with water, gently blot your hair in the rods until it's only damp. Paper towels work well for this step to soak up the excess moisture. Now it's time for the neutralizer. The neutralizer will reform the broken bonds of your hair into the new shape indicated by the perming rods. Following the directions in your perm kit, saturate the hair with the neutralizing solution. Save some of the neutralizer, you're going to need it in a bit. Normally this stays on for five minutes.

8. Once you're all neutralized, you can start gently unwrapping your hair. When your hair is completely unwrapped, apply the remaining neutralizer to your hair making sure every strand is saturated. Rinse your hair with cool water, and you're done!

Some things to remember after perming:

Do not shampoo your hair for 24-48 hours after perming! All of your hard work may be for naught if you forget and your perm falls out. If you have problems with frizziness, it's ok to apply a little gel or something to tame it down. Rinsing your hair with just water is also ok.

Once you start shampooing your hair again, be sure and use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to replenish what was lost after perming.

Try to avoid wrapping your wet hair up turban style in a towel and instead blot your hair dry. This will avoid stress and breakage on your new curls.

You CAN wear your hair straight after perming if you'd like. Although letting your hair dry naturally is best, it won't hurt your perm to blow your hair out straight and/or using a straightening iron. Just make sure and use styling products for dry hair that will protect it from the heat of styling aids.

Never color your hair before perming! Always perm first if you're going to do both. The perm will fade out your color. Also, it's best to wait 2 weeks between each procedure.

Your new perm should last you between three and five months before you'll have to touch it up. I hope this has been helpful! Remember, if you're not confident in doing this by yourself, you can always go see your local stylist!

So, you want to try something new with your hair, but you don't have the time or the money to go to the salon. No problem! Here are some great suggestions for things you can do to enhance your natural hair color at home!

The first thing you need to know is that you need to start out with healthy hair. The best way to do this is to start preparing by shampooing and deep conditioning your hair a few days before you plan on coloring it.  After doing this, don't shampoo your hair for a couple of days. It's best to apply color to "dirty" hair. Your natural oils will resurface and will help protect your hair during the coloring process, help the color to take, and will give you more uniform results. Once your ready, grab an old shirt and some old towels and get ready to have some fun!

There are a few organic methods of how to color your hair at home. If you're a brunette, you can use coffee to enrich your hair color! Just brew a very strong cup of espresso or a dark roast coffee. Let it cool and add it to your dry hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair. The coffee will add richness and shine to your dark hair. You can use this trick on natural or color-treated hair.

Another way to enhance your hair is with tea! A cup of strong, dark tea will add highlights to dark hair. Use the tea as a final rinse after shampooing. If you have lighter brown or blonde hair, apply a cup of strong chamomile tea to dry hair. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then shampoo as normal.

Believe it or not, nuts will add shine to your hair! Walnuts to be exact. You'll need to boil one cup of chopped walnuts with one cup of water for a few minutes. Let it cool and strain it. Apply the mixture to dry hair and leave it on for 30 minutes, then shampoo as normal.

You can also use fruit juices to enhance your colors. If you use cranberry juice as a final rinse when shampooing your hair, it will bring out your red highlights! It will also freshen up your all-over red hair color, whether it's natural or artificial. You can also use lemon juice to bring out highlights and lighten blonde hair.

If your going to color your hair with an at-home coloring kit, here are a few things to remember on how to dye your hair at home:

1.Remember to always start with "dirty" hair.

2.Have a friend help you! If your hair is long (or even if it's short), it's always helpful to have another pair of hands around to help you get those hard to reach areas.

3.Always apply color to the mid-section of your hair first and then work your way to the roots and the ends. Color will process faster near your scalp because of your bodies natural body heat, and it will process faster at the ends because your ends are more porous than the rest of your hair shaft. This is especially important when coloring long hair.

4.If you're coloring gray hair, remember that gray hair is usually more coarse and less porous. It's a good idea to prepare gray hair for the coloring process. You can do this by using a softening shampoo or developer for gray hair. Also, it may be a good idea to choose a color that's one shade lighter than what you want for your end result. Be sure to follow the directions in the color kit for how to color gray hair carefully! It usually requires a longer processing time.

Ok! So you've colored your hair and it looks great! How do you keep that color looking fresh? The most important thing is to replenish the moisture lost during the coloring process. To do this, always use a shampoo that's specially formulated for color treated hair. These shampoos are gentler on treated hair and help add that much needed moisture. If you use a regular shampoo, it will be too harsh and will strip the color and moisture from your hair.

If you don't have a water filter, it would be a good idea to get one. Tap water that isn't treated contains elements that will affect your hair color. Also, if you're going to be swimming, you'll need to take precautions. Chlorine can wreak havoc on color treated hair! Before jumping into the pool, wet your hair with spring water. If your hair is already saturated, there won't be any room to absorb the chemically treated pool water. A leave in conditioner works well here too as added protection.

After shampooing, always blot your hair dry with a towel. Don't rub it or wrap it up tightly. Use a wide tooth comb and not a brush to untangle your hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. All of this will help your hair stay strong and reduce breakage.

Condition, condition, condition!  On a daily basis, use a conditioner after shampooing. The leave-in conditioners normally contain a sunscreen which will help keep your color from fading. Every few weeks, use a color enhancing, deep conditioner to restore moisture and shine. This will also help blend in roots as your hair grows.

I hope this has been helpful! Have fun!

About the Author: Written by Lisa Earl. Lisa has been a licensed Cosmetologist for over 17 years.