How to Choose: For When Conscious Stylists are Hard to Find

Choosing the right stylist is a deeply personal decision, especially when you view hair as a sacred tool for self expression and personal transformation. Your stylist is not just someone who cuts or colors your hair, they are someone you entrust with your energy, confidence, and even your spiritual growth. It is already hard to find the right stylist and finding one that is conscious and respects this view even more so. I have written this guide to help you find a stylist who aligns with your values, protects your energy, and respects the sacredness of your hair. 

What to Look For in a Stylist

A great stylist embodies values and behaviors that instill trust, comfort, and empowerment. Even when looking for a stylist that is not spiritual, these traits will help keep you from being taken advantage of and losing touch with your power center. Look for these qualities:

Attentive Listening

• They prioritize understanding your needs and goals without trying to push their own agenda or trendy services.

• They ask thoughtful questions and confirm your preferences thoroughly before starting.

• They take into account your effort level and lifestyle when suggesting changes.

• They take you seriously when you state your beliefs or cultural traditions.

Respect for Your Energy

• They create a safe, calming environment where you feel at ease.

• They work with intention, respecting the emotional and energetic significance of your hair.

• They take your energetic concerns to heart and offer solutions like scheduling on a day with less salon activity, or separating you from the most active areas.

Open Communication

• They are transparent about techniques, products, and processes, ensuring you feel informed.

• They check in with you throughout the appointment to ensure you’re comfortable.

• They don’t mind questions and are willing to talk you through anything you have doubts or questions about.

Alignment with Your Values

• They understand and respect the sacredness of hair and may incorporate intentional practices, like energy cleansing or mindfulness, into their work.

• They use high-quality, natural products that align with your preferences.

• They may not be a spiritual individual but they accommodate your needs willingly and without judgement. 

Empathy and Adaptability

• They value your input and adapt their techniques to suit your unique hair type and needs.

• They offer constructive advice without judgment or pressure to conform to trends.

• They care about you and your hair, putting priority on your values and supporting your hair journey.

  
  

Red Flags to Watch For

To prevent a bad experience with a stylist be mindful of the behaviors that signal they may not be the right fit. These traits are a hard stop and signal to you that you should walk away before they touch your hair:

Not Listening: They dismiss your requests or try to push a style you don’t want.

Rushing: They treat you as just another appointment rather than an individual.

Judgmental Behavior: They criticize your hair, appearance, or past choices in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.

High-Pressure Sales: They focus more on upselling products or services than understanding your needs.

Negative Energy: The salon environment feels chaotic, or the stylist’s energy feels mismatched to yours.

Navigating Mistakes: What to Do If a Stylist Misses the Mark

Even the most talented stylists may need time to understand your hair’s unique growth patterns, texture, and needs. Here’s how to handle it if the results aren’t what you quite envisioned but the stylist isn’t giving red flags:

1. Give Them Three Chances

   • The first visit is an introduction. It takes time for a stylist to learn your hair’s growth, fall patterns, and texture. If the first attempt isn’t perfect, calmly communicate your concerns and allow them the chance to adjust.

   • The second attempt is the adjustment phase, the stylist will remember what they did and adjust their techniques to provide a better result. If this attempt is better but still not there, give them the benefit of the doubt as long as you feel comfortable energetically.

   • The third attempt is refinement. They will take all they’ve learned and refine the style into the one that meets your needs. If this is successful and you like the stylist, you’ve found a good stylist. They've demonstrated green flag attributes in a situation that some would not. If this is still unsuccessful it is time to move on and find a different stylist, they may have been nice but can’t meet your needs.

2. Trust Your Intuition

   • If something feels off—whether it’s the stylist’s energy or their approach—honor your instincts and listen to your intuition's guidance.

   • It’s okay to move on if you feel the partnership isn’t aligned. Not every stylist's energy matches with every client and vice versa. 

3. Speak Up Respectfully

   • Communicate your concerns clearly and respectfully. Most stylists appreciate constructive feedback and want to make it right.

   • It's your energy, culture, spiritual power, and self expression that is at stake, staying silent is accepting another's control over all of these things. You must have full autonomy and have the confidence to speak your needs.

4. Preserve Your Energy

   • If the salon environment feels overwhelming, consider seeking out a traveling stylist who can provide services in a more private, calming space. Even a booth stylist can provide a more calming environment than an open salon space and home stylists even more so. 

   • If you feel as though the stylist has taken something from you, are devastated by the result, or were energetically harmed, do not continue working with that stylist even if they need to fix their mistake. It may cost more money to go somewhere else for the fix but you should never use your spiritual power as currency and allow that same stylist to take more from you.

     
     

The Importance of Energy in Your Haircare Environment

High-Traffic Salons

• These spaces can carry a lot of competing energies, which may be overwhelming for sensitive individuals.

• If you’re energy-sensitive, look for smaller salons or independent stylists who work in quiet environments.

Traveling Stylists

• Many stylists offer in-home services, providing a safe, personalized space for those who prefer privacy or need additional accommodations.

• This can be a great option for people working with energy or spiritual practices.

  
  

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

1. Research and Reviews

   • Look for reviews that highlight the stylist’s communication skills, energy, and technical expertise.

   • Check their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision.

2. Share Your Intentions

   • Before your appointment, let the stylist know about your goals, preferences, and any spiritual significance you associate with your hair.

   • Ask if they are open to incorporating mindful or intentional practices into their service.

3. Set Boundaries

   • Be clear about what you do and don’t want. It’s your hair, your energy, and your choice.

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Closing Thoughts: Honoring Your Crown with Intention

Your hair is far more than just strands growing from your head, it is an extension of your energy, your identity, and your personal power. Finding a stylist is not just about aesthetics; it’s about aligning with someone who sees your hair as sacred and honors your journey.

Reclaim autonomy over your haircare experience by setting clear intentions, trusting your intuition, and seeking a stylist who aligns with your values. Whether you find the perfect match or need to advocate for yourself in a less-than-ideal environment, remember that your hair is yours alone to honor and protect.

Affirmation

“I trust my intuition to guide me to the right stylist, the right energy, and the right decisions for my highest good. My hair is my crown, and I care for it with love, intention, and gratitude.”

You can create a partnership with your stylist that uplifts, empowers, and aligns you with your higher self. Your crown deserves care, reverence, and empowerment—choose those who uplift it with the same intention you do. Take your time, trust your instincts, and honor your unique beauty.