The number one thing that you can do to guarantee that you always receive the best hair cuts, latest professional techniques and stellar service is to choose the right hair salon. Granted, that is easier said than done. With hair salons on practically every street corner, narrowing down your options to find the right hair salon can be confusing.

Getting a referral to a hair salon by family and friends could be a good way to begin your search. But do not stop there. As you may already know, no two hair stylists take the same artistic approach to their work. That means that a particular stylist or hair salon may do a fantastic job on your Cousin Suzie's long layers and still not be quite able to pull off your short textured crop. That does not mean that your cousin's hair salon is inferior in any way. It just means that you need to find a hair salon that is more suited to your particular style and needs.

The easiest way to find a hair salon suited to your needs is to ask people with hair styles similar to what you want for a referral to their hair salon. These may be people you know or complete strangers that you see while you are out shopping. Do not be shy. If you see a cute style that you have been unsuccessfully trying to achieve, ask the person which hair salon they go to. You may never get a chance to do so again.

Another thing that you can do to make sure that you choose the right hair salon is to schedule a consultation. A consultation allows you to "feel out" a hair salon before making a commitment to a stylist that you may regret. During a consultation, you can observe the different techniques that the staff at the hair salon is using and how they interact with their customers. A consultation also gives you the chance to vocalize what you want and receive feedback from a professional, all before the first snip is made. Most hair salons also have a portfolio that you can look through of before and after pictures, which can give you a sense of what kind of work do.

During your search for the right hair salon, there are some red flags that can be easily detected that can warn you of impending disaster if you choose a particular hair salon. Here are just a few:

" Dirt and grime. A clean hair salon is mandated by the state, but some salons still tend to push the envelope where cleanliness is concerned. Look for sanitary procedures such as the use of clean combs and brushes, sanitary neck strips and a clean work station. If a hair salon feels dirty, do not frequent it. Look at it this way, if the stylists of a particular salon do not take enough pride in their hair salon to keep it clean, why would they take pride in the work they put out the door?

" Professionalism. The hair salon is a professional place, and you should feel like you have stepped into a den of luxury not one more suited to the Saturday nightlife. Again, it's all about pride. Professionals who take pride in their work will strive to create the right atmosphere for their customers.

" Communication. Communication is vital in a hair salon. Observe how the stylists interact with their customers. That is how they will interact with you.

In the end, it may take a little trial and error to find the right hair salon, but you can make your search easier by following the above advice. Always keep in mind, though, that choosing the wrong hair salon is not a death sentence. Simply brush yourself off and keep looking.