How to Prepare for a Hair Color Appointment

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Whether they’re going for a brand-new look or just need a touch-up from their colorist, any kind of appointment at a hair salon might instill a bit of anxiety within a client. While some only head to the salon for routine trims and maintenance visits, it’s no secret that salons also offer a range of more dramatic procedures including cuts and, of course, the use of professional hair color. Having noted this, hair colorists and stylists should prepare to the best of their ability before hair color appointments in order to put their clients at ease and ensure a smooth and seamless appointment from start to finish. Ample preparation can also be beneficial for stylists themselves as it removes the need to rush and allows for all creative thought to be placed on the new color and end results. 

Set Up for Success

Time is an important factor when it comes to salon appointments. This is especially true when it comes to multi-step appointments like those involving hair color. Stylists should prepare for each color appointment with an initial planning session and appointment breakdown. This not only helps to fill out the appointment time in a detailed way and avoid any guesswork on timing, but also works as a guide for explaining the color process to first-time clients in order to better inform them about the appointment. Whether written down on paper or stored digitally, breaking down the appointment is a great way to start off the appointment preparation process.

After the initial appointment breakdown, it’s vital for stylists to assess their inventory and make sure they’re stocked up on professional hair care products and salon tools. It’s a good idea to keep a close eye on product inventory so replacements may be ordered with enough time before the next color appointment. These tips are sure to help avoid unnecessary mishaps prior to a color appointment. 

In addition to a wide selection of hair color, toner and lightener, stylists should have products for treating their clients’ hair before and after their services. They should keep clarifying shampoos on hand to remove buildup from dirty hair, along with a wide selection of hair masks for different hair types and deep conditioning treatments to hydrate dry hair after lightening and coloring treatments. Double-check your stash of foils and highlighting brushes for balayage, too! 

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Consult with the Client

In addition to personal preparation, stylists should include their clients in the pre-appointment process when it comes to hair color. Not only does this encourage fluid communication between the two parties, but it can also strengthen client relationships and demonstrate excellent customer service standards on the salon or stylist’s end. By making the effort to communicate with the client when they make their hair color appointment or at any point between the appointment reservation and the appointment itself, stylists can get an idea of what the client desires in terms of end results. This quick consultation can be done over the phone, in person at the salon, via social media or however the two parties feel the interaction is mutually appropriate. 

During the pre-appointment color consultation, the stylist should inquire about what exactly the client envisions in terms of hair color and style. They should make an effort to learn about the client’s current hair state, previous coloring and any other questions that might directly help them better prepare for the future appointment and emphasize the importance of providing honest answers to ensure a successful salon visit. From there, planning for the color appointment can be narrowed down and streamlined based on client response.

Stylists should also let clients know what they should do to prepare for their appointment because proper hair care before an appointment is essential for achieving optimal results. 

For all-over color and traditional foil highlights, clients should come in with clean hair to help the color penetrate evenly. Clean hair is also easier for stylists to section. However, slightly dirty hair is better for hand painting techniques like balayage. Plus, the hair’s natural oils help minimize damage from the lightening process. 

Extremely dirty or oily hair isn’t ideal for any coloring or highlighting process. Excessive oil prevents color from properly penetrating the hair shaft, and an oily scalp may be prone to irritation during the coloring process. 

For dry or damaged hair, stylists should recommend deep conditioning a week or so before the appointment to prepare the hair for color. The extra moisture boost can enhance the hair’s ability to absorb and retain color, leading to better, longer-lasting results.

Utilize Color Swatches

If a client asks for a color recommendation or is having trouble deciding between two or more shades, the best way for a stylist to help is to be prepared with a brand-specific hair color swatch book. Using a swatch book can help clients narrow down their choices and see what the color will look like on their own hair. As an added method of preparation, stylists should familiarize themselves with the shades offered in each swatch book, the brands that produce them and basic color theory as it applies to hair color. These efforts are beneficial for the stylist, the client and their resulting look.

Closing Thoughts

Preparing for a hair color appointment is a collaborative process involving both stylist and client. Stylists who meticulously prepare their workspace, engage in meaningful consultations and guide clients to suitable choices set the stage for success. 

Equally important is the client’s understanding of pre-appointment hair care and open communication about their expectations. This partnership, combined with the stylist’s expertise in techniques like balayage or foils, and the use of tools like color swatches, contributes to achieving the desired outcome.

The journey to beautiful, vibrant hair color extends beyond the salon chair. Proper post-color care, including the use of color-safe products and regular touch-ups, is crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant colored hair. By following these preparation guidelines and fostering open communication, stylists can provide high-quality hairstyles and colors that satisfy clients and keep them excited about exploring new looks in future appointments. Keep these tips in mind when booking your clients’ next appointments!