First, pull up a list of nearby hairstylists on Thumbtack, and read their profiles to get an understanding of what they specialize in — hair coloring, cutting, extensions, wedding hairstyles, etc. Then, start searching for stylists who have high ratings and customer reviews. You should also spend some time looking at photos that showcase their work. That way, you can determine if a stylist has the experience and skills needed to achieve the look you want. 

When you’ve identified at least three hairstylists you like, ask them for a cost estimate and make sure they have the proper credentials.

After you find a few hairstylists you’re interested in, you need to decide who to hire. To figure this out, ask yourself these questions when evaluating each candidate:

• Does the hairstylist have mostly positive customer reviews and high ratings?
• Is the hairstylist charging prices that are reasonable and within my budget?
• Does this person specialize in my hair type and texture?
• Can the hairstylist achieve the look I want?
• Does the hairstylist have the proper training?
• Can the hairstylist come to me (i.e., are they a mobile hairstylist?), or do I need to go to their place of business?

Many hairstylists have the training and skills to do the following:

• Shampoo and condition hair
• Blow-dry hair
• Cut and trim hair
• Color, dye and bleach hair
• Straighten, braid and curl hair
• Install hair extensions and weaves

The best hairstylists can recommend styles and advise you on how to properly care for your hair type. Some may specialize in a certain treatment, or they may focus on hairstyles for events, such as a wedding.

A good rule of thumb is to tip your hairstylist at least 20%. Of course, it’s OK to tip more or less than 20%.

If you decide to tip 20%, here’s a quick guide on how much to tip your hairstylist:

If you believe your hairstylist messed up, bring it to their attention. Talk to them about what you expected and why you’re not happy with the end result. Because many professionals rely on positive customer reviews and word of mouth to keep their business going, they’re often willing to make adjustments. For more advice, read our guide on how to resolve issues.