Your consultation during hair appointments is key. Getting your hair cut or coloured can be exciting it might even be the only time you stop and properly relax. You’re counting down the days until that lovely head massage… But believe it or not, that isn’t the most important part of your appointment.
First, we need to nail the consultation, so you leave happy with the hair you’re going to be living with. In this blog, I’m going to give you a few tips on how to ask for the hair you want as clearly as possible so that everyone’s on the same page. It can be hard to describe exactly what you’re after, especially since everyone sees colour differently.
Bring pictures of what you like (and what you don’t).
When you bring pictures of styles you love, try to break them down. Is it just the fringe you like? Is it the tone of blonde? The great thing about images is that they give your stylist an insight into you what you’re into and what you gravitate towards.
Even if you just like one feature (say, the fringe), it’s worth pointing that out, rather than showing the whole picture and expecting that full look especially if you don’t want all of it recreated.
Showing photos of hair you don’t like is just as helpful. It lets your stylist know what to avoid whether it’s a colour, shape, or detail. Even simple feedback like, “I had a middle parting here and I wasn’t a fan,” is helpful. It can completely change your experience when we understand what you do and don’t like.
Consider your hair type.
It can be overwhelming looking at Pinterest, TikTok or Instagram for hairstyles. They all look amazing but your hair might be the complete opposite, or it might take a lot of styling to achieve the same result.
Maybe your hair is on the finer side, and you love the look of a wolf cut or butterfly layers. These styles work beautifully on thicker hair because there’s enough density for lots of layers. On finer hair, though, too many layers can actually make it look even thinner. It’s not about saying no it’s about adapting the style to suit you.
Be honest about your hair history.
It’s been five years since you used that black box dye surely it’s gone by now, right? Maybe not. If you have long hair and don’t trim it often, that old colour can still be on the ends.
If you’re hoping to go lighter, that area will be harder to lift, meaning you might not get the look you want in just one session. The same goes for semi-permanent colours they might claim to wash out after 10 shampoos, but they can leave behind a stain that makes lifting tricky.
Some clients get nervous about admitting they’ve used box dye, worried they’ll be judged. But here’s the truth: we’re not judging. We just need to know so we can use the right products and manage expectations together.
Lifestyle matters.
Think about your day-to-day when you’re discussing hair options. If you’re busy and prefer a “get up and go” routine, a haircut that needs loads of styling probably isn’t for you.
A common one I hear is, “I want to cut it all off to make it easier.” But 9 times out of 10, short hair actually takes more effort as it often needs daily styling or blow-drying to sit properly.
The same goes for colour. If you can’t commit to coming into the salon every 6–8 weeks, it might be better to opt for a more “lived-in” look that grows out softly and still looks great.
Future plans? Let us know!
Got a big event coming up? Maybe you’re getting married or have something special planned. Let your stylist know.
You might be growing your hair, or thinking of going more natural with your colour. Knowing your plans gives us time to help you reach your goal in a way that feels gradual and achievable.
Let’s talk colour.
Blondes, I get it, it can be hard to know exactly what to ask for. I often hear clients say ashy when they actually mean creamy or bright.
Ashy tones remove warmth, which some clients want but they can also make hair look darker and duller. If you want a brighter blonde, use words like creamy, beige, or bright.
If you like warmth, go for words like honey or golden. For brunettes, try caramel, warm, or rich. These help us better understand the tone you’re aiming for and avoid miscommunication.
Final thoughts
The perfect hair consultation is a two-way street. The more honest and open you are, the better the outcome. Bring visuals, be honest, and think about how your hair fits into your lifestyle. We’re here to help you feel your best not just when you leave the salon, but every day after – the right consultation is the first step to making that happen.