Published in: Taupe Tips

What to Expect During a Consultation

Hi there,
I hope you had a great summer this 2023! “European summer” was the trend this year and it was awesome to see. It’s a bit bittersweet that we are at the end of summer because it means back to work and actually taking life more seriously 😢. The end of summer also marks the ideal moment to embark on a new hair journey 😃, exploring hair colours such as cool blondes, hair extensions for a whole new look, or even a new haircut! That being said, I want to emphasise the importance of consultations before booking appointments at a salon.

Although all appointments with TAUPE include a brief consultation, thorough consultations such as our general consultation and colour consultation appointments are recommended if you are booking a colour, relaxer, or even hair extension appointment. Even if you just want some advice on your current hair journey, these consultations play a crucial role in achieving your desired look/goal while prioritising the health and vitality of your hair, which is why I highly recommend them.

Let’s get into some tips on what you can expect during them.

1. Unveiling Your Unique Vision
   Consultations provide a platform for you to express your hair goals and aspirations to your hairstylist. It offers you and your stylist a chance to effectively communicate with one another, so whether you envision a captivating new hair colour, a new install similar to a reel you saw on the gram 📸, or a relaxer treatment, discussing your vision ensures that your stylist understands your expectations and can suggest the most suitable approach to transform your expectations into reality.
2. Understanding Your Hair’s Condition
   During a consultation, your stylist is able to assess the condition of your hair thoroughly, including its texture, elasticity (strength), and past treatments. This evaluation is pivotal as it helps your stylist determine whether your hair is ready for the desired service and if any additional steps are required to prepare or safeguard your strands.

3. Tailored Recommendations
   No two heads of hair are identical, and a consultation allows your hairstylist to offer personalised recommendations based on your own hair type, lifestyle, and preferences. They can propose colour shades that compliment your skin tone, extension methods/textures that seamlessly blend with your natural hair, or treatments specifically tailored to meet your hair’s individual needs.
4. Assessing Feasibility and Managing Expectations
   Certain hair transformations may require multiple sessions or gradual changes to achieve the desired outcome safely – particularly when it comes to hair colour. During a consultation, your stylist can assess the feasibility of your hair goals and provide a realistic timeline for the process. For example, if you want light blonde hair and your natural hair is on the darker spectrum, then it is likely that you will need a minimum of two sessions to achieve your goal. Managing expectations from the outset ensures that you are well-informed about the journey ahead, thereby minimising any potential disappointment.

Are you convinced yet? 🤔

5. Identifying Potential Risks and Allergies
   Consultations are crucial for identifying any potential risks or allergies associated with the chosen service. For instance, a hair colour consultation can reveal if you have any sensitivities to particular dyes or if a strand test is necessary. It also allows you the chance to reveal your hair history to your stylist. For example, if you’ve had henna dyes in your hair and want to professionally colour your hair then it is important to be honest and reveal this to your stylist as some henna dyes contain metallic salts and will cause a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with ammonia – let’s just say this is NOT a sight you’d want to see. All in all, a consultation ensures that your stylist can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your hair and scalp during the appointment.
6. Establishing Trust and Building Rapport
   As important as consultations are for your hair, I believe they are a great way to get a feel for the stylist or even the salon as a whole in order to see if they are a right fit for you and your personality. Consultations are for laying the foundation for trust and rapport between you and your stylist. They are intended to create an environment for open communication, allowing you to ask questions and address any concerns you may have. This collaboration should foster a sense of comfort and confidence, letting you know if are in the hands of a capable professional.. or not 🙃.

Remember: your hairstylist cannot read your mind, as fantastic as that superpower would be (it’s certainly my one major wish whenever I am at the salon!). Therefore, you must utilise this opportunity to verbally communicate your hair aspirations, your lifestyle, and other questions that’ll help your stylist understand you during the consultation. By engaging in these conversations with your stylist, you will be well on your way to achieving the hair of your dreams – or whatever middle ground you and your stylist come to based on what is best for the health of your hair and your lifestyle!

I hope reading this has provided some insight on why it’s generally a good idea to consult with a professional about your hair just like you would about your skin, your health and more! Also, consultations are not limited to new clients only. Regular consultations with your hairstylist can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends, maintain the health of your hair, and explore new possibilities on your hair journey. At Taupe, we offer consultations both in-salon and online, which you may Book via our website.