Sounds a very obvious one but with the advance on online bookings and the way hair services have changed as well as salon policies, it can seem a little overwhelming to know what to ask and book for. In this blog I hope to offer the answers to questions that you may have on looking for, booking and attending hair salon appointments.
How to find a salon you want to book with (if you don’t have one already)
The tried and tested way as old school as it is is recommended by friends, neighbours etc. It’s a trusted first hand account about a place.
However if you want to find out a little more or look into somewhere yourself the next go to is Google. This will give you a list based on what search you gave and your location and other internet settings on your device. On that list you may see some listed at the top as “sponsored” this means that that salon has paid for advertising on google. Salons will have website and booking links on their profile so you can find the information you require, but look down the list at quite a few. A misconception is that the lower a salon is down the list means there are not as good. It isn’t. Other salons may have paid for advertising or have marketing companies to have them placed higher up the rankings.
Capillus Google listing
While you have a look at a salon’s site check the price list firstly to check they can offer what you require is in your budget and they offer the service you require (can’t see any won’t but you never know) look at their photos. Are the hair style photos their own or stock photos from the internet? Do they show photos of inside the salon or the stylists working in it. This will again give you a idea of what to expect when you arrive there.
Going back to price lists some salons may have price bands, where they are different prices for different stylists. A misconception again is thinking that the most expensive stylist must be the best one. Not necessarily. How this concept tends to work is a stylist will start as an apprentice stylist and will be the cheapest because they may still need supervision or it may take them longer because they don’t have any experience so the price reflects that. Then when they qualify they’ll have a small handful of clients but are still starting out so the cheaper price reflects that. Then when they start building their own clients they become more financially stable for the salon so they will increase them to the next band because they already have a following so can charge more. Then the chain moves up. So it’s not necessarily that the most expensive stylist is the best it’s just they have a more established clientele.
Part of Capillus price list
2. Making first contact
Once you have chosen somewhere my advice if you’re not sure who to have or what to have make contact and ask for a consultation. Most salons will offer this free of charge with no obligation and will point you in the right direction of which stylist is suitable for your requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. If you have any pictures of what you’d like to achieve bring them they do help! Once you’re happy with what the stylist is suggesting and you go ahead and book the first thing I hope the stylist does is carry out a patch test. This is to ensure that you don’t develop any irritation or allergic reaction to the products they will be using. If you’re having a colour service and they don’t be afraid! Another part if the booking process you should be prepared for is a deposit. This has become more common place in the last few years. You could be asked for a set amount or a percentage of the service to secure your booking. This is to protect the salon’s income from no shows and late cancellations. Every salon has a different policy on this and will inform you at the time of booking. Once you’ve made the appointment and you think you might have to change it inform the salon as soon as possible so they can make arrangements to suit both of you. Same goes on the day of your appointment if you think you’re going to be late. If they know they can help, if you don’t they may not have time to do it so you maybe in danger of not getting your hair done and loosing your deposit.
3. Attending your appointment
Sounds a strange one at first but bear with me. What to wear to your hair appointment. Obviously we stylist’s want to you to be you so we can get to know you therefore build an understanding on what works for you hair wise, but they’re some clothing items that are just not practical for having your done. Turtle/roll necks. They do get in the way in fact anything with a high neck is generally not a good idea. Another one that gets in the way is hoodies. They can stop you fitting in the backwash sink so you’re in danger of getting wet and if you have longer hair the hood pushes your hair over it being nearly impossible to cut well.
As for what to bring with you, phones, laptops and other work if you need to is perfectly acceptable. Modern ways of working make such things possible. Just bear in mind that there are going to be other people in the salon so noise curtesy is a must and also the stylist will be on a schedule so you running out or staying on a zoom call when they want to rinse you may be a problem!
Also check with the salon about how long your going to be if you’re on a schedule. If you’re going to be in the salon for 2 hours but you want be out in 1?! (Don’t forget about your parking as well)
If you’re wanting to bring anyone else with you check with the salon first. It maybe if the salon is very small they might not have the room. Children are not generally a good idea especially younger ones because it tends to be a long time for them and they become aware that you can’t give them the attention while you’re sat in the chair!
I hope this has been useful while you’re on the lookout for a new stylist. Hope you find someone who understands your needs and wants, happy hair going 😀
See you soon
Emma x
Capillus
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