Most of us spend a fair amount of energy on the things that matter: meaningful work, the people we love, a life that feels considered. And somewhere in that pursuit, if the timing is right, we find a hairstylist who simply gets it — who understands what we need before we’ve fully articulated it ourselves.
Those stylists exist. More of them than you might think. The challenge is knowing how to find one.
We turned to four members of the Aveda North America Artistic Team — the people who train and shape the industry — for their honest guidance on the search.
- Susan Ford — Aveda North America Artistic Team, Hair Cutting
- Morine Bangle — Aveda North America Artistic Team, Hair Color
- Lupe Voss — Aveda North America Artistic Director of Hair Color
- Dusty Rhode — Aveda North America Artistic Director of Hair Cutting
Here is what they said.
Ask the Front Desk
“I’m looking to ___________. Who is the busiest in your salon for the service I need?”
Busy stylists are busy for a reason. If you can wait for the appointment, you are more likely to get someone whose expertise has been tested and refined over time.
“Ask, ‘Who cuts the most short hair?’ Many salons want to say everyone’s excellent at it — but this is how you know which stylist really does it best.” — Susan Ford
What is the stylist’s energy like?
This matters more than most people admit. Ninety minutes of conversation can feel like a gift or an imposition, depending on the day and the person. Neither preference is wrong — but it is worth naming.
“Sometimes a stylist’s personality can be a bit much. If the guest is looking for a quiet experience, they should ask for a calm, quiet person. Or, if they need the energy and enjoy conversation, they can ask for someone more energetic.” — Lupe Voss
What is the stylist’s skill level and price point?
Most salons use tiered pricing that reflects a stylist’s level of advancement. That structure exists for transparency, not gatekeeping.
“Ask about pricing, specialties, and skill levels. Be sure the salon and the stylist are completely upfront about pricing — it’s not a secret. We don’t want the client to be surprised by anything unless it’s a good thing.” — Dusty Rhode
“We want to know what your main priority is. Experience? Specialties? Price? We have a range of service prices depending on skill level, from master stylist to fresh talent.” — Susan Ford
Ask the Stylist
“What is your Instagram?”
A stylist’s social feed is essentially a working portfolio — a record of the cuts, colors, and finishes they return to most often. It is worth a look before you commit to an appointment.
“Take a look at the stylist’s Instagram to see if they do the styles you’re looking for. It’s like having a pictorial business card.” — Susan Ford
“Can I come in for a consultation first?”
A consultation is not a formality. It is the place where expectations are set, chemistry is assessed, and pricing is made clear — before anyone picks up a pair of shears.
“A good salon will offer a consultation before your appointment. Bring pictures, but don’t be married to them — let the stylist recommend how they would customize the look to fit your face shape and coloring.” — Susan Ford
“A first-time guest should have a consultation — to meet their expectations and to see if the fit is right. A complete estimate should be given so there are no surprises at the end.” — Lupe Voss
“It’s important to be completely honest with your stylist in the consultation, especially where color is concerned. We want to know what you have done to your hair for the last three years — in a salon and at home. We’re not judging you. We want to get the chemistry correct. Hair color and treatment is a science.” — Morine Bangle
Ask Yourself
Am I making a significant change?
“Color changes take multiple services over the course of several visits — or a very long day. It’s important to talk to your colorist about the journey it will take to get the look you desire: how many processes, how much time, how much to maintain, and how much that will cost.” — Lupe Voss
Are my expectations realistic?
“If you’ve gone to multiple salons but still aren’t getting what you want, maybe the look you’re going for is not the look for you. If stylists are giving you an honest professional opinion, take it to heart. A good stylist will come up with something even better.” — Morine Bangle
Have I done my research?
“Do your research. Search the reviews — that can be huge. If there seems to be a running theme with negative reviews, or if the salon doesn’t handle bad reviews well, that’s cause for concern. And don’t be afraid to ask multiple questions. If they can’t answer them, you might want to keep looking.” — Dusty Rhode
If you are in the middle of that search — or simply ready to start one — Mint on the Avenue is a reasonable place to begin. We are an Aveda Concept Salon on Park Avenue in Winter Park, and we are glad to set you up with a consultation before any commitment is made.
Stop by at 228 N Park Avenue, or call us at 407.645.2264 to find the stylist who fits.