Our beauty editor invites a local talent to dispense advice this month
Last week, while doing makeup on Valerie Bertinelli for her appearance on the “Rachael Ray Show,” I ran into the talented Scott Reynaud of Jupiter Salon, New Orleans. It made me think, “We have so many talented artists in our city, I should introduce them to our readers!” Look for more of our local NOLA talent in the weeks to come!

How to choose a hairstylist By Scott Reynaud Your hairstyle is one of the most important parts of your overall appearance; it’s the only accessory you don’t change daily. Do you want a “look” or a certain style? Skillful hair stylist’s can offer you a complete polished look. A great cut won’t lose its shape—no matter how long since your last service—and superior color doesn’t fade in a week. Although the prices range significantly, most times you pay higher fees for more-experienced and higher-educated stylists.

GATHER INFO ON THE STYLIST
The craft of hair is more than just picking it up and cutting it. The industry has a high turnover rate, so be wary of a stylist with a just a couple years of experience. Can the stylist help by suggesting hair shape and colors that can complement your skin tones, eye color and face?

Training: There are different levels of training, starting with the choice of cosmetology school. Add to that, hair shows, seminars and elite private classes. Hair shows are fun but seldom the best learning environments. An advanced stylist will pay top dollar to train with the best designers in the industry. Some stylists can only do one haircut or one style; a well-trained stylist will provide more versatility.

EVALUATING THE SALON AND STYLIST
Consultation: I like to find out what the client likes and dislikes about their hair both that day and in the past. I offer suggestions then to work on creating a “look” rather than just a cut.

Hair should be trimmed every eight to 10 weeks. Wait any longer and pesky split ends will appear; once split ends start they will continue to run the length of your hair until cut off. Keeping a consistent appearance? Four to six weeks is the proper recommendation for color and many cuts.

Products: Can the stylist offer you the correct product advice? There are different levels of quality in professional hair care products; a stylist with product knowledge is key.

Cleanliness: Hair services directly contact your body, so be aware of the environment. Notice the scissors, other cutting tools, combs and brushes. Are they clean? This is considered basic maintenance within the industry, but many times it is not taken seriously enough.

Versatility: Can your stylist create different looks, or are you still wearing that ’80s bang with bad highlights because you have become friends with your stylist? A well-trained stylist provides versatility and keeps current on fashions.

The Razor: I am not a fan of the razor or thinning shears, so watch how your hair behaves if one is used on you. Many times your hair looks good walking out of the salon, but the truth is, certain tools can leave your hair in worse condition than before you got there. Why? Thinning-shear blades are dull, which smashes the hair follicle. Razors slice down the length of the hair, creating split ends in the hair strands. Thinning shears do not cut even layers, but often an inexperienced stylist believes this is a technique. My opinion is that these tools are like fast food—they get the job done but are certainly not the best for your health.

With a good stylist and a great cut, you should be able to see a definite shape to the hair even when it’s wet; it should only get better as it is styled. If you lose the shape of your hairstyle in the first week, you are not getting your hair cut by the right person. Your hair should not be damaged from a color service, even for high-lift blonds! It’s also important to feel comfortable with the stylist; you need to be able to share your thoughts. If you don’t feel good about your look, find someone new. Most important, make sure that you are getting a good response from those who surround you daily. After all, if you don’t look good, we don’t look good!

Scott Reynaud has been licensed since 1994 and has studied in New York City and London. Jupiter Salon is located at 1101 Tchoupitoulas St. For more information about Scott or the salon, visit jupitersalon.com.