“What is the difference between a hairdresser and a colorist?” — a question worth asking before you book complex coloring, not after a disappointing result.
A general hairdresser is usually strong at cuts and basic procedures, including a single-tone dye. A colorist is a narrower specialty: a deeper understanding of color physics, how pigments interact, and how different hair types behave when lightened and toned. It is the colorist who takes on complex multi-step coloring, correction of a bad result, and techniques like balayage, shatush or airtouch.
What to look at: first, the portfolio — look for before-and-after photos on hair similar to yours in length and starting color, not only striking finals without context. Second, diplomas and certificates in specific techniques, not only a general hairdressing diploma. Third — whether the stylist is willing to do a full consultation before complex work, instead of putting you in the chair at once: a good colorist assesses the hair first.
Another good sign is honesty about the forecast: if the stylist says a dramatic color change will take several visits, not one magic session, that is more often competence than a lack of skill.
Other clients’ reviews matter too: look not only at the overall score, but whether people write about specific results with complex techniques, not only about “a nice atmosphere”.
