05 Nov Looking for the best salon near you?

Finding the Right Beauty Professional — What to Look for (and What to Avoid)

By Helen Ward, Founder of The Hair & Beauty Directory and Owner of Sirens Beauty Salon, Durham

At Sirens, we can’t provide every treatment you might need, but we can help you make safe, informed choices.

After almost 30 years in the beauty industry, I’ve seen the full spectrum of standards, from highly skilled professionals who take real pride in their work to unqualified practitioners who put clients at risk. That experience led me to create The Hair & Beauty Directory, a platform designed to help clients find trusted, insured professionals and to raise industry standards across the UK.

These are the key things I tell anyone looking for a new salon or treatment provider.

Do Reviews Tell the Whole Story?

Most people start with a Google search, checking reviews and scrolling through photos.
Even the best ratings can be misleading. I once booked a massage at a salon with a 4.9-star rating, hundreds of positive reviews and professional forms on arrival. It turned out to be one of the worst treatments I’ve ever had.

Reviews are useful, but they don’t always reflect quality or safety. Look for consistency in comments about professionalism, hygiene, friendliness, and results. Those details matter more than star ratings.

Look Beyond the Photos

A polished Instagram feed doesn’t guarantee professionalism.
Social media can make any salon look perfect, but the real test is what happens in the treatment room.

Check whether a business talks about its process and training, not just results. Look for signs of hygiene, correct product use, and real examples of work that reflect your expectations.

Check Insurance and Qualifications

The UK beauty industry is unregulated, which means anyone can offer advanced treatments without proof of training or insurance.
Always ask to see evidence of both.

A professional won’t hesitate to share their documents.
Proper insurance also depends on qualifications being valid for each service, consultations being carried out, and patch tests performed where needed.

Pay Attention to Pricing

Professional salons have unavoidable costs: quality products, training, insurance, staff wages, VAT and hygiene compliance.
When prices fall far below the local average, question why.
Low pricing can mean poor-quality products, rushed treatments or lack of proper training.

Notice the Environment

Trust your instincts.
A professional salon feels organised, clean and safe.
Tools should be sanitised, staff should follow hygiene protocols, and the atmosphere should reflect care and attention to detail.

Don’t Rely on Titles and Awards

Terms such as “award-winning” or “trainer” don’t automatically indicate quality.
There are no regulations for teaching qualifications or industry awards.
Focus on verifiable credentials, continuous education, and genuine client results.

What a Safe Salon Looks Like

A trustworthy salon:

• Displays or can provide proof of insurance

• Carries out consultations and patch tests when needed

• Uses traceable, professional products

• Keeps accurate treatment records

• Follows hygiene and infection control standards

• Gives clear aftercare advice

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right salon isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about trust, safety and professionalism.

At Sirens, we are transparent about how we work and the treatments we specialise in. For services we don’t provide, The Hair & Beauty Directory exists to help you find qualified professionals who meet the same standards.

Everyone deserves to feel confident that their treatment is being carried out safely by someone who truly understands their craft.