Five Things to Know Before your First Hair Appointment
5 Things to Know if it’s your first time getting hair color in a while (or ever)
Allow enough time on your schedule.
If your schedule doesn’t line up with your preferred stylist, either change your schedule or find a new favorite stylist. Since the early aughts, we've known that there is more than one fit for you. The conversation isn’t even worth having if you can’t line up your schedules. We work hard to meet the needs of your dreams; if you make their job harder, you might be spreading them thin.
Know what you want.
Pictures are the best way to talk about your goals and expectations. The more pictures you use to describe your dreams, the better. Also include examples of what you don’t want. When combined, all of this information helps your stylist visualize the formulas and tools they will need to use. When clients refuse to show me pictures, I see it as a red flag that they’ll be difficult to please and work with.
Know your routine, which products you use, and why.
I like to imagine how my clients live through their hair so that I can give them the best look every day. If you don’t have this information ready, I’ll only be able to work with how you’ve arrived at your appointment. Clients sometimes want to skip this part and get straight to the service, but would you rush into surgery if the doctor knew little about you?
Allow space for refinements.
No one, not even your stylist, can predict how your hair will react to its first chemical service. This means it could process perfectly on the first try, or anything else. The best way to get to test this out is to inch your way to your goal; maybe you want to be really blonde one day—sun-kissed highlights for the first appointment. Having a conversation with your stylist beforehand will clear this up and game plan your hair dreams.
Take home recommended products.
This is not the point where you scrimp or wait on an online order from a possible third-party retailer. Your stylist will usually have what you need to maintain your hair, color, and investment from home so that you can maximize your experience as well as go as long as possible for your next visit. Invest in longevity by having everything you need at home, from washing to styling.
Quick extras:
Washing hair before your appointment is not necessary, but having clean, DRY hair is appreciated. Avoid wasting valuable time on your hair goals by having your stylist blow-dry your freshly washed hair.
Accept the journey. The further from your natural grow-out you go, the more processes and home care you’ll be experiencing.