Make your appointment go as smoothly as possible by coming with your hair detangled. A mixture of water and conditioner in a spray bottle and your fingers – or our personal favorite, the denman brush – can help get out those knots and tangles and make your hair stylist very happy.
It's generally acceptable to go to the hair salon with dirty hair. Many stylists prefer that clients come in with unwashed hair, especially for certain services like cutting or coloring, as natural oils can help protect the scalp and hair.
Prep Your Hair Before You Go
Arrive with clean, dry hair so your stylist can work their magic. Clean hair ensures even color application and better results. Avoid heavy products like gels or oils, which can create barriers during treatments.
If your coming for a haircut appointment, wear your hair the way you normally would. This way the stylist can see your hair texture and what you generally do with it. For a color appointment, it's best to arrive with your hair dry and shampooed within a few days.
It is almost always a good idea to wash your hair before going to the salon. If you cannot do it the morning of the appointment, the night before. This will give your hairstylist a clean slate so the color is fully absorbed, and highlights can fully lift.
In conclusion, it is recommended to come to your hair appointment with clean hair but not freshly washed or wet hair. Communication is key, so don't hesitate to ask your stylist for their preference to ensure you get the best possible results.
Minimize Hair Products
It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing.
A 20% tip may be standard, but the percentage can vary. More complex jobs or a stylist that went above and beyond might merit a bigger tip. If service was poor, a little less might be appropriate.
Bringing a picture helps clarify exactly what you want. Describing a hairstyle verbally can be tricky—one person's “soft layers” may mean something completely different to someone else. By showing a picture, you're able to provide your Solihull Hairdresser with an exact idea of the look you're going for.
In general, it's always a good idea to arrive at your hair appointment with clean hair. This helps ensure that your stylist can properly assess your hair and determine the best course of action. It also helps avoid any potential scalp irritation that could occur if you had product build-up on your hair.
Make your appointment go as smoothly as possible by coming with your hair detangled. A mixture of water and conditioner in a spray bottle and your fingers – or our personal favorite, the denman brush – can help get out those knots and tangles and make your hair stylist very happy.
Wearing collared shirts, turtlenecks, and hooded sweatshirts to your appointment is a bad idea. “They alter the natural fall of the hair".
Ultimately, the answer to this question comes down to the personal preference of the person styling your hair, whether that's you or a professional hairstylist, as well as your specific hair type. Potempa recommends showing up to your appointment with clean hair.
Additionally, it's also a matter of courtesy; clean hair is usually more pleasant for stylists to work with. However, if you're going for a haircut, a little natural oil in your hair is acceptable, as it can help the stylist understand your hair's natural texture and style.
In order to avoid confusion, if you're going in for JUST a haircut, it's okay to skip washing prior to your appointment. Your stylist may prefer to cut your hair dry, or simply want to wash it themselves.
If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.
It's a common stereotype that hairdressers love a good chat, and there's some truth behind it. For one, hairdressing is a highly social job that involves close personal interaction. Hairdressers, like the friendly team at Salon No. 100, are often experts in making clients feel comfortable from the moment they sit down.
While some hair types may hold better the second or third day of washing, in most cases it's best to visit the salon with clean, dry hair. Despite what you may have heard before proms and formal dances back in the day, it's actually preferable to work with hair that is free of oil and buildup.
“$10 to $20 is generous,” Rivera said. “Most people will do $5.” Others said people should leave a similar tip to what they would leave at a restaurant. “I would say around 20% is fine,” said Adam Quintero, owner of Up Hair in the Castro.
A great way to determine if a tip is the “norm” for a hairstylist is by the way they charge. Most salon professionals who charge by the hour, not by the service are no-tip salons. If you are charged by the service, it is generally customary to tip. Tipping is always appreciated but never expected!
Brushing also allows the barber to see the natural length and condition of your hair, which can help in planning the cut. Furthermore, removing tangles beforehand can save time during your appointment, ensuring a more efficient and pleasant experience.
Some may allow it, while others might prefer you to stay off your phone to ensure your safety and the quality of the haircut. It's always a good idea to have a conversation with your barber or stylist to establish clear expectations.