The Client-Stylist Connection: Finding "The One" for Your Hair

We’ve all been there. You move to a new city, you’ve finally unpacked the last box, and now the real challenge begins—finding a new Hair Stylist. You do a quick Google search, only to be bombarded with endless options. Balayage specialists, curl experts, vivid color wizards—where do you even start? It’s enough to make you want to throw your hair into a messy bun and call it a day.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you. As a stylist and salon owner with over 20 years of experience, I know firsthand that finding the right stylist is not always easy. It can even feel a little like dating. Sometimes, you meet, and there’s an instant spark—you just click. Other times, the vibe is off, communication is unclear, and you leave feeling less than thrilled but wish them well on their journey. The good news? There are ways to narrow down the search before ever stepping foot in a salon chair.

1. Stalk Their Work (In a Non-Creepy Way)

Gone are the days of blindly booking a hair appointment based on a salon’s fancy signage. Thanks to social media, most stylists have a digital portfolio on Instagram or TikTok, showcasing their work. This is a goldmine! Look for:
✅ Styles similar to what you’re looking for
✅ Before-and-after transformations
✅ Client hair types that match yours (curly, fine, thick, etc.)
✅ A glimpse of the stylist’s personality (Are they fun and chatty? More low-key?)

A quick scroll can help you decide if they align with your vision before even making that first call.

2. Do Your Homework on the Salon Itself

Beyond the stylist, the salon environment plays a big role in your experience. Some salons specialize in lived-in color and effortless waves, while others are all about precision cuts and high-fashion styles. Check out the website, give them a call, and—if they have a front desk coordinator—ask for recommendations. They know the team inside and out.

For example, at my salons, we have stylists that excel in different services. If someone calls inquiring about double-process blonding at my Minneapolis location, I immediately send them to Andie, our resident platinum hair expert. Finding a stylist who loves and excels at what you need is key!

3. Read the Reviews (With a Grain of Salt)

Reviews can be incredibly insightful, but keep in mind—no stylist or salon is perfect 100% of the time. Look for patterns. If multiple reviews rave about how well a stylist works with curls, that’s a great sign. If several complain about rushed services, that might be a red flag.

4. Ease Into It With a Low-Commitment Service

If the idea of trusting someone new with your hair gives you anxiety (totally understandable!), don’t dive straight into a drastic cut or color. Start small—book a blowout, a gloss, or a conditioning treatment. This gives you a chance to test the waters, see how they handle your hair, and get a feel for their communication style.

5. Ask for Referrals (A.K.A. Compliment a Stranger’s Hair)

One of the most reliable ways to find a great stylist is through word of mouth. If you see someone whose hair you love, don’t be shy—ask them where they go! Most people are flattered and happy to share. If you’re new to town and don’t know anyone yet, even asking a coworker or barista with great hair can be a solid lead.

6. It’s More Than Just Hair—It’s a Relationship

At the end of the day, finding a stylist is about more than just technical skill. Yes, we want someone who can deliver the perfect cut and color, but we also want to feel heard, understood, and at ease in their chair. A great stylist-client connection is built on trust, communication, and a little bit of hair magic.

So take your time, do your research, and when you find “the one,” hold onto them—because good hair days start with the right stylist.

The Hour Rose Blog.

A Tale of Two Cities, One Mission

Eight years ago, I set out with a simple goal: to create a space where people could look and feel their best. What started as a cozy 4-chair salon in the heart of Brooklyn has blossomed into a thriving community with a second home in Minneapolis. Today, as I celebrate this milestone, I’m reflecting on the journey that got us here, and the incredible clients who have made it all possible.

Brooklyn and Minneapolis might be separated by over 1,000 miles, but they’re united by their vibrant energy, unique style, and amazing people. Opening our second location in Minneapolis wasn’t just a leap of faith and a dream of mine—it was an extension of the love we’ve felt from our Brooklyn family. Now, we get to share that same passion for hair and beauty with two incredible communities.

The Magic Behind the Chair

The idea of a blog for the salon at first never occurred to me. How many people would actually be interested in the ins and outs of a salon. especially from a one-sided perspective? The truth is, there are so many aspects to a salon and its environment, and as stylists we daily get asked questions about our industry. And our lives. Being a Stylist comes with so much more to it than just doing hair. We don’t “play with hair all day”, as one person said to me once. We are your Hairapist. Your stylist, your therapist, your friend, your human connection. We are the ones you trust with a big change in your appearance, and we are often the first you tell of a big life event. And when I think about that, and all there is to talk about the complexities of the subject (and the not-so complexities), a blog seemed like a great idea.

When meeting someone for the first time in my salon, I often get asked this one question: Where did the name “Hour Rose” come from? Is your name Rose? Is it your middle name? No, it is not my name. The idea for Hour Rose came from days of research and coming up with brand names. I really wanted to find a name for the brand that was unique, memorable, and something that called to me personally. If you know me, you know I love the arts, so I turned to my art books to get inspired. I look at painting after painting, sculptures, and drawings, and their titles. Some were quite literal and other titles were very abstract.

I then came across a sculpture by artist, Carl André, called ‘Hour Rose”. It stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. If don’t know this sculpture, it is a red geometric piece that conveys the essence of time in the shape of what appears to be an hourglass. The title of the piece had me thinking about the symbolism within the piece and how it connected to time and beauty. The symbol of beauty is a Rose (I love roses, who doesnt?), and a haircut is about an hour. So, an “hour to a Rose” came to mind. HOUR ROSE. It seemed to work so well and felt almost serendipitous. And through time we change and grow, just as we change our appearance or play around with our appearances. The possiblities are endless. And with that, a salon and a brand was born.

HOUR ROSE SALON.

Looking Back (and Forward!)

In eight years, we’ve really seen it all: the bold, the classic, the experimental, and yes, the occasional at-home dye job rescue mission. Through it all, our mission has stayed the same: to make every client feel confident and cared for. Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep growing, learning, and helping you express your unique style.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our incredible clients: Thank you. Whether you’ve been with us since our first year or just discovered us, your trust means the world. You’re the reason we’ve been able to do what we love for eight+ wonderful years.

So here’s to you and to many more years of fabulous hair, great conversations, and unforgettable moments. Stop by and see us in Brooklyn or Minneapolis—we’ll have the scissors ready (and the coffee brewing)!