How to find a good hairdresser in the U.S.?

Hairdressing is a low-paid profession in the United States and Europe. Hairstylists undergo shorter training in the United States, which may explain why many American women look-alike.

I am not a picky person, and I am very fortunate to have long, strong hair that doesn’t need much care. After washing my hair, I don’t need to put any styling products or to blow-dry. My natural hairstyle is sufficient under one condition: a good haircut. Those of you who have followed me for a while (thank you for subscribing and commenting!) know that I moved to the United States two years ago. Since moving, I’ve been looking desperately for a good hairdresser in Northwest D.C. or in Montgomery County.

Honestly, I am a good customer for hairdressers. My hair began graying when I was 15. I didn’t really care at first, but in my twenties, I decided that I was too young for gray hair. Over the next 10 years, I dyed my hair with henna and with other hair-color brands. By age 35, I gave up: constantly coloring my hair was too much work. Since that time, I’ve gone once a month to color the roots. So, yes, I am a good customer, spending a lot of money each month on hair-coloring and blow-drying. Twice a year, I spend an additional amount for haircutting. When I lived in Germany, I used to spend 100 EUR per month at my hairdresser, which was part of the French chain Mod’s Hair. Today, I pay about 30% more.

So, how to find a good hairdresser in the U.S.?

Short training for hairdresser in the U.S.

Generally, hairdressers in the United States must be at least 16 years old and have graduated from a cosmetology school or a state-licensed barbershop. After graduating from a program of nine or more months, students take a state-licensing exam with a written and a practical test. In contrast, hairdressers in France must spend two years of training and two more years of licensing to open a salon. The same process in Germany takes three years.

Is the brief American training program the reason for the poor quality of haircutting and hair-coloring in the United States? This may sound rude, I know. And my American proofreader may recommend that I use less forceful words. But I am fed up with paying $150 a month with tips for a bad hair-dye. I do appreciate the American quality of service, one which I have not experienced elsewhere. In Germany, employees are often rude and unhelpful. However, my current hairdresser is rude enough to make even German hairdressers look polite. Sorry, I am rude again…

I’ve gone for six months to the same hairdresser, and I have not communicated successfully to her that I am not satisfied with her work. I never receive the same color because she does not archive the information properly. She also blow-dries my hair while I am sitting with my back to the mirror because her blow-dryer’s cable is too short. I eventually asked her to stop blow-drying my hair after the coloring because she uses a flat-iron to make my hair look unattractively flat and sickly.

Similar low salaries for hairdresser in the U.S., France, and Germany

A few years after graduation from beauty school, a French or German hair-dresser will receive around $2,400 per month. The majority of American hairdressers are self-employed, and many work part-time. According to U.S. News, “In 2013, hairdressers had an average salary of $27,530”, which equals a salary of about $2,300 a month.

It took me three years to find my hairdresser in Germany. How long will it take me to find one here? I have the impression that American hairdressers can only do three different styles for women. I know the Jennifer Anniston look: flat, long hair with layers. Then there is the Hillary Clinton look: shorter and rounder. Finally, there’s the Halle Berry short cut. All remaining cuts are deemed failures. I don’t want to look like Jennifer Anniston, Hillary Clinton, or Halle Berry. I just want to be my own unique, individual self.

To look like myself, I need a good hairdresser. Now that I’m in the U.S., I miss Mod’s Hair in Germany. I love their haircuts and natural styles. Their hairdressers are well-trained; in Germany, they go to Paris at least once a year for training. Many European hairstyles have a French touch without being elite. The results are pricey but worth it. I miss you Isabella, my young Italian hairdresser! Thankfully, I’ll see you at Christmas for a good haircut.

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Photo credit: © Jessmine