“When stepping into a shop for the first time, first impressions are key,” says Oafenhammer. How clean is the shop? What kind of vibe do you get from the artists?

When it comes to the cleanliness of the salon, “look for plastic coverings on all items that their hands come in contact with,” says Saigh. If something doesn’t look right to you, then it’s better to go elsewhere. “Trust your gut — you should never feel pressured or uncomfortable in a shop,” says Saigh.