How to check a stylist's work before you sit in the chair

"Have they actually done this before?" That's the question running through your mind before handing over your hair to someone new. You can't rewind a bad cut, and a stylist's Instagram feed doesn't always tell you what they're really like to work with or whether they deliver results that last. The good news: there are concrete ways to verify a stylist's credentials, work quality and track record before you book.

Search their registrations and professional standing

Start with the basics. Ask the stylist directly for their registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) if they claim to offer any chemical treatments like relaxers, perms or colour correction that require a licence. You can cross-check their name on the HPCSA register online. If they're not registered but claim to do licensed work, that's a red flag. Not all cutting and styling requires registration, but any stylist worth their salt will have this information at hand and won't be evasive about it.

Check whether they're part of a professional body. The South African Hairdressing Council or similar industry associations maintain lists of members. These memberships don't guarantee perfection, but they do signal someone invested enough to stay current with standards and ethics. Ask them directly: "Are you registered with any professional bodies?" A straightforward yes, followed by a name you can verify, matters.

Talk to people who've sat in their chair

A portfolio on a screen is one thing; hearing from someone who actually had their hair done by this stylist is another. Ask the salon for references—ideally two or three recent clients willing to chat. When you call or message them, ask specific questions: Did the stylist deliver what was promised? How does the cut look now, weeks later? Did they listen when you said something wasn't right? Did they explain what they were doing? Are they punctual? Do they rush or do they take time?

Read reviews on Google, Facebook and Instagram, but read between the lines. One bad review among dozens of five-stars might be a one-off; a pattern of complaints about rushed appointments or unfinished work is worth noting. Look for mentions of consistency. Does someone say "I've been going for three years and I trust them completely"? That's the kind of endorsement that matters.

Watch them work—or ask for a consultation

Before committing to a full appointment, book a consultation. A good stylist will spend 15 to 20 minutes talking through what you want, asking questions about your hair texture and lifestyle, and being honest about what's realistic. This is your chance to gauge how they listen. Do they interrupt? Do they dismiss your ideas or just run with their own vision? Do they explain their reasoning—why they think a certain length suits you, for example? Their willingness to educate you, not just direct you, tells you a lot.

If you follow them on social media, ask to see their work on hair like yours. This isn't the same as a portfolio; you're looking at real clients, real conditions, real outcomes. Ask them how they keep up with trends and techniques. Have they done training recently? Are they honest about what they can and can't do? Someone who says "I'm not confident with that texture, but I can recommend someone who is" is showing you integrity.

A final check: ask what happens if you're unhappy. A stylist confident in their work will offer to fix it at no extra cost or will rebook you quickly to make it right. That promise, backed by a willingness to follow through, is worth more than any testimonial.

When you've done your homework—checked registrations, spoken to past clients, had a real conversation with the stylist—you can sit in that chair with far more confidence. On Strove, you can search verified stylists in your area, read ratings from other clients, and message them directly to ask these questions before you book. That due diligence takes the anxiety out of finding someone trustworthy.