What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

Walking into a salon for the first time can feel like showing up to a meeting without an agenda. You know what you want, but putting it into words is harder than it sounds. A consultation is your chance to set the direction, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Start with your hair history. Write down what you have done in the past year: color treatments, chemical straightening, heavy heat styling, or a big chop. Your stylist needs this context to judge what your hair can handle next. If you are not sure about a product you used at home, bring the bottle or take a photo of the ingredient list.

Think about your daily routine too. How often do you wash your hair? Do you air-dry or reach for a blow dryer? What styling products are already in your cabinet? These details shape the advice you will get, because a routine that works for someone who washes daily will not suit someone who washes once a week.

Bring reference photos, but keep them realistic. A picture of a celebrity with a different hair texture than yours is useful for color or length, less so for cut. If you can, find photos of people with a similar hair type. That gives your stylist a clearer target.

Finally, write down your questions. It is easy to forget what you wanted to ask once the conversation starts. Ask about maintenance, how often you will need touch-ups, and what products you should use at home. A good consultation should leave you with a plan, not just a service.

If you are still deciding between service formats, our guide on choosing a service format that fits covers the tradeoffs. And when you are ready to book, contact the studio and we will walk you through the rest.