The Unofficial (but Totally Necessary) Client Guide to What You Should Know Before You Book Your Salon Appointment
Hey everyone, It's Meg Ann Lee! This week we are taking on a hot topic that has been discussed on TikTok. Well, at least on my TikTok algorithm, and that is SALON ETTIQUETE. Let me say this first: I love my clients. Truly. You're the reason I get to do what I do every day, and helping people feel beautiful is the best part of the job. But after 8 years behind the chair, I've learned that clear communication and a lot of honesty go a long way in making your salon visit smooth, successful-and stress-free. Here's my no-BS guide to salon etiquette, hair expectations, and booking tips that every client, new or seasoned, should read before their next appointment.
What to Know Before Seeing a New Stylist
If you're visiting a new stylist, bring more than just a photo of that Pinterest blonde. Your hair history is vital. Think: box dye, highlights, bleach, permanent color, keratin, perms, medications-yes, all of it.
Knowing your past helps us plan your future. We're not here to judge-we're here to help. But help us help you by being honest. No secrets in the shampoo bowl, okay?
Also, come with clean hair. No, we won't shame you in person for coming with greasy hair but let's be so for real, none of us want to work on day 5 hair. And if you are coming in for a color YOU shouldn't want us to either. Your color will not deposit as well on dirty hair.
Expectation vs. Reality: We're Stylists, Not Magicians
I love your dream hair photo-I really do. But if your budget is $120 and your inspo pic looks like a $700 session from a famous hairstylist (and probably 3 appointments in to their transformation), let's have a real talk.
Luxury hair takes time, care, and investment. If you're looking for platinum blonde in one sitting, or vivid color with box dye underneath, it's not just risky-it might not even be possible. Going "white blonde" isn't doable for all hair and it's definitely not a color that provides health and longevity for hair.
We'll absolutely work within your budget and create a plan, but managing expectations is key to happy results.
How to Book Your Hair Appointments
Want to make life easier for both of us? Follow these booking tips:
- Book ahead-especially for weekends and evenings. We're usually booked weeks or months out during those times.
- Use our online booking system (not DMs) unless we say otherwise like texting a salon phone.
- Be specific-if you're unsure what service you need, ask for a consultation or send photos AHEAD of time. Showing up for a full color + cut and then just wanting a cut IS WILD BEHAVIOR because now we have an hour or more of work unpaid because of a lack of communication on your side. Vice versa is also difficult. You're booked for a cut but want to add a color? WE WOULD LOVE TO. More money for us and you're going to love your new color BUT now we have to tell you no or try to "squeeze it in". If I can tell you anything as a stylist, "squeezing" in a color is A RED FLAG. You can't rush processing time and you don't want us rushing application or technique.
And please, respect cancellation policies. Last-minute no-shows or reschedules impact our business more than you know.
Hair on a Budget? We Got You-But Let's Talk Honestly
Having a budget doesn't mean you can't have good hair-it just means we need to plan. If you let us know your limits upfront, we can suggest options like partial highlights, toner refreshes, or spaced-out sessions to keep you feeling fresh without breaking the bank with seeing us every 6-8 weeks.
But, expecting a full transformation at maintenance prices? That's like wanting the perfect designer label shoes from the local gas station . Let's meet in the middle with honesty and clear boundaries. At the end of the day we want YOU to love your hair. Truly, THAT is our goal.
About Those Nights & Weekends…
Stylists are people too. We have families, friends, and real lives outside the salon. We love accommodating your schedule when we can-but we can't work every night and weekend. Honestly, with the trend of work from home jobs, A LOT of us could work m-f 9-5 and have full books, so if we are still working nights and weekends, we are truly doing it so we can still accommodate YOU specifically.
Evening and Saturday appointments are hot commodities. Book them early, and don't assume they're always available. Respecting our time = a stronger stylist-client relationship.
Gratitude and Great Hair
I was inspired to write about this because of all the tiktok videos where miscommunications between client and stylist were overwhelming and avoidable. I wrote this not to complain-but to connect. To help you get the best possible results from your stylist, and to keep the salon experience joyful for both of us.
Because at the end of the day? We do love our clients. You're the reason we're here. Let's keep the love going-with good communication, fair expectations, and maybe just a little less box dye...right? <3