1. The stylist should be accessible. Ever been to a stylist who treats you as if you're are lucky to be seen by him/her today; who reserves his enthusiasm for rich and famous clients? That sort of attitude is a dead give away that you'll never receive the attention you deserve. Any decent stylist should let you know how much he appreciates being chosen by you, each and every time you sit down in his chair.

2. The stylist should carry the latest hair products and know how to use them. With all the new hair formulations on the market--from texturizers and volumizers to pomades and straightener balms--a women can get confused, but not if her stylist can guide her in using them during her monthly visits. That way, she can get the latest looks and know how to maintain them at home.

3. A stylist should provide instant gratification. Don't settle for a stylist who says "Your hair will grow in just fine in a week to ten days" as you both frown at your reflection in the mirror. You should be deliriously happy with the results before you get out of the chair.

4. Be sure the stylist is receptive to your concerns, and tries to act on them. While you wouldn't want the stylist to go against his best judgement and give you a look that he's certain will be totally wrong for you, you don't want him/her to completely tune out what you have to say, either. What works best: an open dialogue between you and your stylist in which you tell him/her what you'd like, and he/she offers professional suggestions based on your desires.

5. Look for a spotless work station. Expect sparkling, modern equipment, a well-swept floor, hair-less chair, clean sinks and antiseptic products in use. If the environment is anything less than super-clean, run the other way!

6. Your shampoo experience should always be the highlight of your visit-next to the thrill of seeing your new style. Once you've had a long, luxurious and relaxing shampoo with a scalp massage and aromatherapy products, you'll never settle for anything less.

7. Your stylist should stay current by attending classes, reading and networking. How do you find this out? By talking to him, and seeing what kind of styles he creates. In other words, if he's still churning out "The Racheal" or bi-level looks, you know he's stuck in a time warp!

8. Your stylist should understand when you have a "hair emergency", and make an effort to be available for you. We all have times when suddenly our hair reaches that stage when a cut is crucial immediately (if not sooner), or a special occasion requiring an equally-special style. But if you have to endure a two-week wait for an appointment, it's time to find someone new to cut your hair.

9. A great stylist won't let you get stuck in a rut. While blindly following all the latest trends, no matter what, is not a good idea, the "perfect" look for you in 1998 can't possibly be the same as it was in 1988.

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