Can anyone recommend a good hairdresser / colourist in Chiswick (West London) or Richmond?

...for highlights %26amp; cutting difficult fine hair.Can anyone recommend a good hairdresser / colourist in Chiswick (West London) or Richmond?
Go to Regis in Brent Cross Shopping Mall in North LondonCan anyone recommend a good hairdresser / colourist in Chiswick (West London) or Richmond?
How to Choose a Hair Stylist or Colorist


I recently received a request from a visitor for some advice in finding a senior colorist in her area. Since I have had years of experience searching for both stylists and colorists, I have developed my own approach to the ';search.'; So, I'm sharing with you the tips I shared with her.





Starting the Search: do your homework





Today the web is a great tool to use as a starting point. There are a number of sites that offer either opinions about salons or single out individuals that they consider the ';top'; in their field. This is particularly true in the larger cities. (As an example, check out our own site's salon and spa ratings.) In addition, many salons (and spas) have websites some of which include biographical information on the people who work there. Another way is to get a recommendation from someone whose color or cut you admire. I've even stopped people in the street, elevator, stores, etc. to ask who does their hair. Usually people are flattered and are glad to tell you.





If you've heard of a salon or two that interest you but don't have the name of an individual stylist or colorist, check their website to get some information (if they have one) and/or call the salon and ask both the price range for the service you are looking for and a recommendation of someone who specializes in what your looking to have done. (i.e., cut curly hair, highlight brown hair, etc.) If they ask when you want to come in, before giving you a recommendation, tell them you're not sure. They may be trying to fill in empty slots rather than giving you advice. Once you get the name of someone, ask what he or she charges for the service you want. This will give you some guidance in regard to how junior or senior the individual is. If a salon gives you a hard time about anything before you walk in the door, just cross it off your list -- it is unlikely that the service will get better.





The Consultation: consider it a must





Once you have narrowed down your choices, call up and make an appointment for a consultation. My experience has been that most any salon will accommodate requests for consultations and some encourage it (which I consider a plus for the salon). My experience (in Manhattan) has been that consultations are free and the colorist or stylist doesn't expect a tip. However, I always check with the receptionist on both of these issues before I book the consultation. (Actually, if they do charge, I would probably put it at the bottom of my list, but I'm not sure what local custom is in various areas. Also, I have had stylists who have done a little work on my hair during a consultation. (In these cases I always tip.) During the consultation I usually start off by asking the individual his or her recommendation for my cut or color. Listen, ask questions, and, if you know what you want, I would suggest you pose it as an idea and ask what he or she thinks of it. If (s)he is totally opposed to your idea, it's not going to be a happy fit. (However, if you get a negative reaction to your idea from several experts, I'd carefully consider if the look you think you want is a good one for you after all.)





The Post-Consultation Blues: don't feel pressured to book an appointment





Some salons (or individuals) may pressure you to book an appointment there and then. Not a good sign. Tell them you have to check your calendar, you're going away, or anything else you want. If you aren't sure don't book. Rather, go home, mull over the consultation, and consider having a consultation with someone else (which I would strongly recommend in such a case.) Since your haircut and color are so important to your looks (and can take a big bite out of your checkbook as well) think about having two or three consultations before making a decision.





Good luck in the hunt!!!