A visit to the hair salon is not just about getting a fresh haircut or a new hairstyle, it’s an experience that can leave you feeling like a new person, rejuvenated and confident.
To make the most of your salon appointment, it’s essential to prepare in advance and follow some simple steps afterward. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on what to do before and after your hair salon appointment. This will ensure you achieve the best results and maintain your hair’s health and style.
Let’s learn what to do before and after a hair salon appointment.
Before the Appointment: Research and Plan
Before visiting the salon, research to gather hairstyle inspiration and determine what you want to achieve. Look for images, consult hair magazines, or browse online platforms for ideas that resonate with your style and preferences. This will help you communicate your expectations clearly to your hairstylist.
Before the Appointment: Consultation and Appointment Scheduling
Call the salon in advance to schedule an appointment. During the booking process, inquire about the availability of your preferred stylist and request a consultation if necessary. A consultation allows you to discuss your desired hairstyle, get expert advice, and ensure you and your stylist are on the same page.
Before the Appointment: Hair Care Routine
In the weeks following your appointment, maintain a healthy hair care routine. Regularly wash and condition your hair, and avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments. Healthy hair will be more manageable and respond better to styling techniques employed at the salon.
Before the Appointment: Clean Your Hair
The day before your appointment, wash your hair. Contrary to what some people say, getting an appointment with greasy and dirty hair can make it more difficult for your stylist to properly assess your hair. Clean hair gives your stylist a good canvas to work with.
On the day of your appointment, arrive with dry hair, as wet hair will make it hard for the stylist to assess it, especially if you’re looking for a colour treatment.
Before the Appointment: Clarify Expectations
Communicate your preferences and expectations to your stylist, discussing length, colour, and texture. Be open to their professional suggestions and expertise while expressing your desires.
Before the Appointment: Be Honest
If you’re at the salon to change your hair colour or get some highlights, it’s essential, to be honest with your stylist. Tell them about any box dye you’ve used in the past few years, as the chemicals in box dye can drastically change how your hair reacts to professional hair dye.
Let your stylist know about any treatments you’ve done recently, such as relaxing or perming. It’s also a good idea to inform your stylist of the type of hair products you use regularly, such as shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatments, and hair masks.
After the Appointment: Pay Attention to Stylist’s Recommendations
After your stylist completes your desired hairstyle or colour, pay close attention to their hair care and maintenance recommendations. They may suggest specific products, styling techniques, or post-salon treatments to enhance the longevity of your new look. Following their advice will help you maintain your hairstyle’s integrity and prevent damage.
After the Appointment: Home Care Routine
Establish a regular home care routine to maintain your new hairstyle. Invest in high-quality products your stylist recommends that suit your hair type. Wash and condition your hair as instructed, and incorporate additional treatments or styling products as needed.
Avoid excessive heat styling and protect your hair from environmental damage like sun exposure or chlorine. Taking good care of your hair will extend the life of your hairstyle and colour and make it easier to style.
After the Appointment: Schedule Regular Trims and Touchups
To keep your hair looking fresh and healthy, schedule regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks. Trimming removes split ends and promotes hair growth, allowing your style to last longer. Consult with your stylist to determine the optimal frequency for your hair type and style.
If you’ve got a colour treatment at the salon, you may want to consider how often to return for touchups. Certain colours, especially blonde, can lose their lustre after time, so returning to the salon every few months can keep your hair looking fresh.
After the Appointment: Protect Your Style While Sleeping
Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf before sleeping. These materials minimize friction and prevent frizz, preserving your hairstyle overnight.
If your hairstyle requires extra maintenance, consider using gentle hair accessories like soft scrunchies or clips to secure your hair while sleeping.
After the Appointment: Book a Follow-up Appointment After 6 Months
Lastly, to maintain your desired style and address any necessary touch-ups or changes, schedule a follow-up appointment six months after your original appointment with your stylist. This allows them to monitor your hair’s condition and make necessary adjustments.
Regular visits to the salon ensure that your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and aligned with your style goals.
