Looking for a new hair salon can be frustrating because there’s usually so many to choose from, and it’s hard to discern if they’re a good match for you or not. You definitely want to feel relaxed and at ease at the hair salon, so it’s important that you don’t settle for a mediocre salon. Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for a new hair salon in your area:

1. First determine how far you are willing to travel. A good hair salon might be located just 15 minutes away from you, but an even better one might be located just an extra 5 minutes farther.

2. Check their salon hours. Are they a good fit for your schedule? For example, some salons are open every day but close early. Choose a salon whose hours are able to accommodate yours, so that you don’t feel the need to rush getting there.

3. If you have wavy hair, curly hair, afro hair, etc., you may want to check that the hair salon has experience with your type of hair. Some stylists aren’t trained to work with curly or kinky hair, and this can give you a bad hair salon experience.

4. It’s vital that the hair salon you choose uses only high-quality products on their customers. Harsh chemicals can damage your hair, so it’s best to avoid salons that are cheap on their products.

Going to the salon is a fun and relaxing way to pamper yourself and have some “me time,” so don’t settle for a mediocre salon. Keep these tips in mind as you look for a new hair salon in your area.