5 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Hairstylist
A great hairstylist is more than someone who cuts and colors your hair—they’re a trusted partner in how you show up in the world. Your stylist gets to know your preferences, your lifestyle, even your nervous habits with a curling iron. That relationship matters—and when it’s working, it can feel like magic.
But sometimes, even long-term relationships stop serving us the way they used to. If you’ve been feeling unsure, dissatisfied, or just a little off after salon visits lately, it might be time to explore something new.
Here are five thoughtful signs that it might be time to make a change:
Is your hair missing the magic it once had?
1. You leave feeling "okay" instead of excited.
Hair appointments should leave you feeling refreshed, empowered, and a little more like yourself. If you’re consistently walking out feeling underwhelmed—or putting your hair in a ponytail the moment you get home—it might be time to reassess.
Great hair isn’t about vanity. It’s about alignment—between how you feel and how you look.
2. You don’t feel truly listened to.
Your stylist should be your collaborator. If you’re bringing in inspiration photos, expressing goals, or trying to explain what you need—and it doesn’t feel like it’s being heard or honored—it’s frustrating. You deserve someone who takes the time to understand your hair and your vision.
3. The results are inconsistent or unpredictable.
Even with the best intentions, inconsistency over time can erode trust. If your hair sometimes turns out amazing but other times feels rushed or off, you may start to second-guess the relationship. A stylist should be someone you can rely on for consistent care and results.
4. You’re doing damage control between visits.
We’ve all been there—uneven bangs, a color that fades too fast, a cut that feels off balance. But when those fixes become routine, or you’re turning to tutorials to undo what was just done, that might be a signal that your stylist’s approach isn’t right for you anymore.
Just ask Alyssa S., who recently left this review after seeing Allen for the first time:
“I came in with a botched bob from SuperCuts, and he absolutely worked magic. He really listened to what I wanted, walked me through a plan to fix it, and executed it perfectly. I left feeling like myself again—and with a cut I actually love.”
5. You’ve grown—and your needs have too.
Sometimes, there’s no drama or damage—it’s just that you’ve evolved. You might want to try color for the first time, go shorter, experiment with extensions, or simply work with someone new who brings a fresh perspective. That’s not a betrayal—it’s part of honoring your growth.
Thinking about a change?
If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. Finding the right stylist can be deeply personal—but it can also be transformative.
Allen Wiggs is now accepting new clients at Thomas West Salon in downtown Chicago. Located inside the Mart and connected to the Brown Line, it’s an easy stop for both city dwellers and office-goers alike. With over a decade of experience and a reputation for listening first and delivering with care, Allen specializes in natural color, seamless extensions, and hair that feels like you—on your best day.
New client offer: Get a $25 off your first haircut with a full color service.
Because a fresh start doesn’t have to feel risky—it can feel like the beginning of something better.