Booking a New Hairstylist? Here’s What Your Salon Consultation Should Cover
If you've ever left a hair appointment feeling unsure about what you agreed to-or surprised by the price later-you're not alone. I am Meg Ann Lee and I hear stories like this all the time from people!
As a hairstylist and co-owner of Moss, I believe the consultation is the most important part of any salon experience. A good consultation sets expectations, builds trust, and helps you decide if a stylist is truly the right fit before you commit.
A Consultation Is a Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch
A consultation should never feel vague or pushy. You shouldn't feel pressured to book on the spot or agree to services you don't fully understand. At Moss, consultations are about listening first-your hair history, your goals, your lifestyle, and how much maintenance you actually want. In my experience, when consultations are unclear or get off topic (aka the client going on rants about previous stylists or previous hair mistakes) that's when misunderstandings happen later.
What You Should Know Before Booking
You don't need an exact final total, but you should walk away from a consultation with clarity around the investment, timing, and long-term commitment-especially for color corrections or hair extensions. This is something I've talked about in detail in my Hair Extension Service Expectations series, where I break down why pricing and maintenance can vary so much.
If a stylist can't explain their recommendations in a way that makes sense to you, it's okay to pause and ask more questions-or consult elsewhere.
Questions to Ask During a Hair Consultation
Going into a consultation with a few prepared questions can make a huge difference! Also have ONE or TWO picture references. Please don't come in with a blonde picture, a brunette picture and a rainbow picture. It's a waste of everyone's time until you pick a direction. Clear answers upfront help prevent frustration later. Here are some I always recommend clients ask:
It's Okay to Consult More Than One Salon
Consulting with more than one stylist doesn't mean you're being difficult-it means you're being informed. Different salons approach services, pricing, and maintenance differently. Comparing consultations can help you find the best fit for your expectations and budget.
This ties directly into what I shared in last week's post about how to find a new hairstylist, where your research and communication are just as important as the final hair result.
A salon consultation should leave you feeling confident, informed, and comfortable-not confused. Whether you end up booking at Moss or another salon in Eau Claire, you deserve transparency before committing to a service. When clients understand the plan, the price, and the maintenance, the entire salon experience is better-for everyone involved <3