15-Point Checklist: How to Choose a Hair Salon in Delray Beach

Google Rating 4.5+ Stars

Look for salons with at least 4.5 stars on Google. Anything below 4.0 is a red flag. Pay attention to the NUMBER of reviews too - 4.9 stars with 5 reviews is less trustworthy than 4.6 stars with 200 reviews.

Example: Chris David Salon has 4.9 stars with 140+ reviews

Review Content (Not Just Stars)

Read the actual reviews. Look for specific mentions of what you need: "amazing balayage," "fixed my color disaster," "listened to what I wanted." Generic reviews like "great salon" tell you nothing.

Before/After Portfolio

Any good salon should have photos of their work. Check their Instagram, website, or ask to see photos during consultation. Look for work similar to what you want.

Stylist Credentials & Training

Ask about certifications and continuing education. Top colorists are trained by brands like Davines, Goldwell, or L'Oreal. They attend classes regularly to stay current.

Gold Standard: Chris David has trained for 5 major brands over 20+ years

Consultation Process

Quality salons offer consultations for major services. They should ask about your hair history, lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and show you what to expect.

Cleanliness & Atmosphere

Visit the salon or look at photos. Is it clean? Are the stations organized? A messy salon often means careless work.

Product Quality

Ask what brands they use. Professional brands like Davines, Olaplex, Redken, or Goldwell are good signs. If they use "whatever is cheapest," reconsider.

Transparent Pricing

Prices should be clearly posted or provided upon request. Beware of salons that won't give quotes - you could end up with surprise charges.

Specialization

If you want something specific (balayage, color correction, extensions), find a salon that specializes in it. A general salon might not have the expertise for advanced techniques.

Experience Level

How long has the stylist been doing hair? For complex services, you want someone with 10+ years experience. New stylists might be fine for basic cuts.