The best way to achieve your hair goals is by having a consultation at the beginning of your appointment. Consultations are beneficial to both the stylist and the client. They ensure everyone is on the same page and you walk out of the salon with the right hairstyle for you. Consultations are a chance for you to talk about your hair journey and for the stylist to set realistic expectations of what you can achieve within one appointment.

Whether you’re looking for a xsubtle restyle or a drastic color change, consultations are important for every client. Your stylist will be able to offer advice about your hair type and help you choose a cut that complements your facial structures and features. Consultations ensure you get a hairstyle you’re confident with and know how to maintain at home.

At 212 Salon and Day Spa, every hairstyling appointment starts with a short consultation. We’re sharing everything you need to know about hair consultations and how they benefit both the client and your stylist.

How Do Hair Consultations Work?

The hair consultation is usually the first part of your appointment. The time it’ll take will depend on what you want to achieve during your treatment. Some hair consultations can take a few minutes, while others can take 15 minutes or more.

You can expect to spend more time on your consultation if you’re going for a drastic change or a color treatment. Your stylist will help you set your expectations and determine how many follow-up appointments you may need during this consultation.

It’s a good idea to bring along reference photos to show your stylist the end goal you want to achieve. We recommend choosing no more than two or three photos and making it clear to your stylist what you specifically like about each reference picture. Referencing a celebrity and not bringing a photo along with you might cause unnecessary confusion between you and your stylist.

A pre-styling hair consultation will make your appointment run smoothly by allowing your stylist to gather everything they need before getting started. If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, whether it’s cut or color, booking a consultation before your appointment can help you set your expectations and decide what you want before the big day.

Consultations Are a 1-to-1 With Your Stylist

Treat your consultation as an exclusive 1-to-1 with your stylist. It’s a chance for you to pick their brains and take advantage of their haircare and styling knowledge. They’ll provide insight into what will work for your hair type and make personalized recommendations. Your stylist will let you know what will work aesthetically and realistically with your hair color and condition.

Listen to your stylist but don’t be afraid to politely correct them if they’ve misunderstood what you’re looking for. It’s easy for things to get lost in conversation and you want to create open dialogue during your consultation.

While you might come into the salon with a firm idea of what you want, don’t forget to take onboard your stylist’s recommendations. Not every hairstyle or length will work for every hair type. If you’re a dark brunette and expect to go blonde in one treatment, your stylist will probably tell you it’s not achievable. Your stylist will make a recommendation based on your hair type, condition, length, and thickness. Talking through your hair history will make it easier for your stylist to recommend a style that will give you the best results.

Consultations Ensure Everyone Is on The Same Page

Have you ever had your hair cut a little too short? Maybe you didn’t realize the maintenance involved in another hairstyle before getting it. Consultations ensure that everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises. A consultation will help put your nerves at ease if you’re anxious about making a dramatic restyle to your hair.

Your stylist will also use your consultation as a chance to recommend the best way for you to keep your hair healthy between appointments to maintain your results. Don’t skip over your consultation or forget to come prepared. It’s the best way to bring your hair goals into reality!

Consultations Deliver the Best Service Results

At 212 Salon and Day Spa, we’re committed to delivering a tailored experience from the moment you walk into our salon. Our holistic approach to hair consultations starts by getting to know your hair and lifestyle.

Consultations are crucial for delivering the best results for color treatments. Your stylist will want to know about your hair history, from perms to blowouts and other chemical treatments. If your hair has been previously colored, your stylist will need to know the type of dye used, whether it was bleached, and how long it’s been since your last color. All these factors might not be immediately obvious to the naked eye but can drastically impact how your hair looks after your treatment.

You can trust your stylist to have your (and your hair’s!) best interest at heart. They’ll let you know whether it’s possible to achieve your color transformation in one treatment or recommend a treatment plan to get your desired look. Your stylist wants to help you achieve your hair goals, but without damaging the condition of your hair. While you may want a drastic single-session color treatment, your stylist may recommend multiple treatments if your hair is likely to suffer breakage. A little patience and a few extra treatments can keep your hair healthy and help you achieve your dream hair.

It’s easy to think that consultations are just showing your stylist a picture of the hair you want. Treat your hair consultation like a trip to the doctor’s office. Use it as a chance to speak to your stylist about the condition of your hair and the best way to achieve your hair goals. Consultations are important for both the client and stylist, making sure everyone is on the same page.  Get one step closer to your dream hair by booking an appointment with a stylist at 212 Salon and Day Spa today.