Finding the right hairdresser is a bit like finding a good dentist. When you’ve got one, you don’t think about it. When you haven’t, it can feel like a gamble every time you book.
We’ve been doing hair in Northampton since 1992, and we hear the same story in the chair all the time. Someone moved to the area, or their old stylist left, and they spent months trying salons that never quite got it right. So we’ve put together what we’d tell a friend who asked us how to find a good one, even if it isn’t us.
Read the reviews properly, not just the stars
A 4.9 on Google is a good start, but the detail is in what people actually say. Look for reviews that mention a stylist by name, describe what they had done, and talk about how they felt afterwards. “Lovely salon” tells you very little. “Gemma listened to exactly what I wanted and gave me honest advice” tells you a lot more.
Look at how recent the reviews are too, and whether the salon replies to them. A salon that takes the time to respond, even to the odd less glowing one, usually cares about getting things right.
Book a consultation before you book the chair
Any good salon will be happy to sit down with you before they pick up a pair of scissors or mix a colour. A consultation is your chance to see whether a stylist really listens. Do they ask about your routine, how much time you spend on your hair each morning, and what you’ve liked or hated in the past? Or do they just nod and get started?
If you’re thinking about a big change, a new colour or anything technical, a consultation isn’t optional. It’s how you avoid disappointment. We’ve written more about the questions worth asking in a hair consultation if you’d like a list to take with you.
Ask about experience and specialisms
Not every stylist is the best at everything. Some are known for precision cutting, some for balayage, some for blondes, some for curly hair, some for bridal. It’s completely fine to ask a salon who they’d recommend for what you want.
A salon with a bigger team usually has more depth here. If your stylist is off or moves on, there’s someone else who can pick up your hair without starting from scratch, because your colour history and notes are kept on file.
A good salon will always ask for a patch test
If you’re having colour for the first time at a new salon, or even the first time in 6 months or more, you should be asked for a skin test at least 48 hours before your appointment. It takes two minutes and it’s there to keep you safe.
If a salon offers to skip it, that’s a red flag rather than a favour. You can read more about why a skin test before colour matters.
Look at what goes on your hair
It’s worth asking which colour brand a salon uses and why. Professional colour varies a lot in how it treats your hair, how long the tone lasts and how comfortable it feels during the service.
Northampton has particularly hard water, which is tough on colour and can leave hair feeling dull between visits. A salon that understands that will talk to you about aftercare, not just what happens in the chair. You’ll find more on this in our post on hard water hair in Northampton.
At MAJOR, all of our colour is now carried out using Davines, a family-run Italian brand and a certified B Corporation. It was a decision we took our time over, and we’re really glad we made it.
Understand the price before you sit down
Salon prices in Northampton vary a lot, and cheaper isn’t always better value, especially for colour. A cheap colour that needs correcting costs far more in the end.
What matters is that the price is clear before you start. A good salon will have a published price list and will tell you after your consultation roughly what your appointment will cost. If you’re unsure, just ask. No one should leave the salon surprised by the bill. You can see our full price list here.
Think about how easy it is to get there
It sounds obvious, but it makes a real difference. If your salon is awkward to get to, or parking is a nightmare (if there is a time limit as in a lot of town centres), cost of parking, you’ll put off booking and end up going longer between appointments than you’d like.
We have two salons in Northampton, at Abington Grove and Weston Favell, both have free (no restriction) street parking, so most of our clients can pick whichever is closest for them, or has the most suitable stylist for their hair type. Your notes and history are shared on our central system, so you can switch if you need to.
Notice how you feel when you walk in
This is the one no checklist can really capture. Do you feel relaxed & welcome? Does the team seem happy? Is the salon clean and calm? Does anyone offer you a drink?
Having your hair done should feel like time for yourself, not something to get through. If you leave feeling rushed or talked down to, however good the cut, it’s probably not the right salon for you.
A quick checklist before you book
- Recent reviews that mention stylists by name and describe real results
- A free consultation offered before any big change
- A stylist whose experience matches what you want
- A patch test before your first colour
- Professional products and clear aftercare advice
- Transparent pricing you know before you start
- Easy to get to, so you’ll actually keep booking
- A team that makes you feel looked after
Why so many people in Northampton choose MAJOR Hairdressing
We’re a family-run salon group and have been since 1992. Our team includes some of the most experienced stylists and colour specialists in the town, and we’ve been voted one of the best hairdressers in Northampton by readers of Northants Live, and in the midlands by SME News.
But honestly, the thing we’re proudest of is how many of our clients have been with us for 10, 15, 20, and some even 30+ years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from a single great haircut. It comes from listening properly, giving honest advice, and making people feel like themselves again every time they visit.
If you’re looking for a new hairdresser in Northampton, we’d love to meet you. Book a free consultation at either salon, or call us on 01604 708228 for a chat.