How to Book and Prepare for a Hairdresser Appointment

What to do before you book

Before you call or book online, know what you want done to your hair. This does not mean you need to arrive with a finished picture in your head — it means you should be able to describe the change you want in a sentence or two. "Shorter on the sides" or "I want layers and more volume" or "just a trim to clean up the ends" gives a stylist something to work with. If you are trying something new — a colour, a cut you have never had, a perm — say that when you book, because some stylists need extra time and some do not take on certain services.

Check the salon's website or call to see whether you need to book in advance or whether they take walk-ins. Many salons require appointments, especially for colour work or longer cuts. Some hold a few slots for walk-ins each day. If you are new to a salon, ask whether there is a first-time client discount or whether you should arrive early to fill out a form.

If you have long hair, thick hair, very curly hair, or hair that has been coloured or chemically treated before, mention that when you book. A stylist may need to schedule you for a longer slot or may want to do a patch test for colour 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at least one to two weeks in advance if you want a specific stylist or a weekend slot, because those fill quickly.
• Have a clear idea of what you want — length, texture, colour — before you call, so the stylist can tell you how long the appointment will take.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in and let the stylist know if anything has changed since you booked.
• Bring photos of the style you want if you are trying something new, because words alone can mean different things to different people.
• If you are unhappy with the result, speak up before you leave the salon, because fixing it later costs more and is harder to do.

How far in advance to book

Book one to two weeks ahead if you want a specific stylist or a weekend appointment. Popular stylists and Saturday slots fill up fast, sometimes weeks in advance. If you are flexible about who cuts your hair and you do not mind a weekday appointment, you can often book a few days out or even the same day.

Colour appointments need more lead time than cuts. If you want a significant colour change — going much darker, much lighter, or adding a new shade — book at least two to three weeks ahead. The stylist may want to do a consultation first, or they may need to order specific products. If you are just refreshing your regular colour, one to two weeks is usually enough.

If you have a special event coming up — a wedding, a photo shoot, a big date — book at least three to four weeks in advance. This gives the stylist time to schedule you and gives you time to live with the cut or colour before the event. If you are unhappy, there is still time to adjust it.

What to bring and what to wear

Bring your ID and a payment method. Most salons take cards, but some are cash-only, so check when you book. If you have a coupon or a first-time discount code, bring that too.

Wear something you do not mind getting hair on. Even with a cape, small hairs end up on your clothes. If you are getting colour, wear something you would not be upset about staining, because colour can splash. Many people wear an old t-shirt or a dark top.

If you have a style photo you want to show the stylist, bring it on your phone or printed out. A photo is worth more than a description, especially if the style has layers, texture, or a specific length. Make sure the photo shows the front, sides, and back of the style if possible.

If you have very long hair and you are getting a significant cut, some people bring a hair tie or clip so the stylist can see the length more clearly before they start cutting.

What happens during the appointment

You will check in at the front desk when you arrive. The receptionist will confirm your appointment and may ask you to fill out a form with your name, phone number, and any allergies or sensitivities to hair products. If you have never been to this salon before, they may ask about your hair type and what you have had done to it in the past.

The stylist will then wash your hair (unless you booked a dry cut) and seat you at their station. They will ask you again what you want done. This is your moment to show them the photo, describe the length or colour, and mention anything that matters — "I have a sensitive scalp," "I do not have time to style this every day," "I want something I can wear curly or straight." The stylist may ask questions about your hair routine, how often you wash your hair, or whether you use heat tools.

During the cut or colour, the stylist will check in with you. If they are cutting, they may ask whether you want it shorter or if the length is right. If they are colouring, they will watch the colour develop and rinse it out when it is ready. This is not the time to sit silently if something feels wrong. Speak up if you want a change.

At the end, the stylist will usually blow-dry and style your hair so you can see the finished result. They may show you the back with a hand mirror. If you are unhappy with the cut or colour, say so now. Most salons will make adjustments on the spot at no extra cost if the issue is something the stylist can fix immediately.

How long appointments usually take

A simple haircut takes 30 to 45 minutes. A cut with a wash and blow-dry takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you are getting layers or a more complex style, add another 15 to 30 minutes.

Colour alone takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how much of your hair you are colouring and whether you are going lighter or darker. A full head of colour takes longer than roots. If you are getting a cut and colour, plan for two to three hours.

Perms, relaxers, and other chemical treatments take two to four hours. Blow-outs and styling for an event usually take 30 to 60 minutes. When you book, the salon will tell you how long your specific appointment should take. If you are running late, call ahead so the stylist knows.

Tipping and payment

Tip 15 to 20 percent of the service cost if you are happy with the result. If the stylist did something you did not ask for or if the cut or colour is not what you wanted, you can tip less or ask to speak to a manager before you pay. Most salons add the tip to your card or you can pay cash.

Some salons charge extra for certain services — a deep conditioning treatment, a special shampoo, a style for an event. Ask about these costs when you book so there are no surprises at the register. If you are getting colour, ask whether the stylist charges extra for a consultation or a patch test.

Many salons offer packages or memberships if you come regularly. A package might be four haircuts for a discounted price, or a membership might give you a percentage off all services. Ask the receptionist whether these are available.

What to do if you are unhappy with the result

If you do not like the cut or colour when you leave, contact the salon within a day or two. Most salons will make adjustments for free if the issue is something the stylist can fix — the cut is uneven, the colour is too dark, the layers are not blending right. Bring a photo of what you wanted if you have one.

If the stylist made a mistake that cannot be easily fixed — they cut off too much length, they coloured your hair a completely different shade than you asked for — the salon may offer a refund or a credit toward a future service. This varies by salon, so ask what their policy is.

If you had a bad experience because the stylist was rude or rushed, or because they did not listen to what you wanted, leave a review on Google or Yelp so other people know. You can also ask to speak to the salon manager about your experience.

How to care for your hair after the appointment

Ask the stylist how to care for your new cut or colour before you leave. If you got a cut, ask how often you should come back for a trim — usually every four to eight weeks for a short cut, every eight to twelve weeks for a longer cut. If you got colour, ask how often you need to come back for touch-ups and what shampoo and conditioner they recommend.

If you got colour, wait at least 24 to 48 hours before washing your hair so the colour sets. Use cool water when you do wash it, because hot water opens the hair cuticle and lets colour fade faster. Use a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner.

If you got a perm or relaxer, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair. Do not tie your hair back or put it in a bun during this time, because the shape is still setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring photos of a hairstyle I want?

Yes, and you should. Photos are the clearest way to show a stylist what you want, especially for cuts with layers or specific lengths. Bring photos that show the front, sides, and back of the style. Be realistic — if your hair texture is very different from the person in the photo, the style may not look identical, but the stylist can adapt it to your hair type.

What if I want to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Call or text the salon as soon as you know you cannot make it. Most salons ask for at least 24 hours notice. If you cancel with less notice, some salons charge a cancellation fee. If you need to reschedule, the receptionist will find you another time slot.

Do I have to tip if I am unhappy with my haircut?

No. If the stylist did not listen to what you wanted or made a significant mistake, you can tip less or not at all. But speak up about the problem before you leave so the stylist has a chance to fix it. If you leave and come back later to complain, the salon is less likely to make adjustments for free.

How often should I get my hair cut?

It depends on your style and hair type. Short cuts need a trim every four to six weeks to keep their shape. Medium-length cuts usually need a trim every eight to ten weeks. Long hair can go longer between cuts — every ten to twelve weeks — unless you are trying to grow it out, in which case you might trim every twelve weeks just to remove split ends.

What if the stylist wants to charge me extra for something I did not ask for?

Ask what the extra charge is for before you pay. If you did not agree to it, you can decline it or ask to speak to a manager. Most salons are clear about pricing when you book, so surprises are rare, but it is fair to ask questions before you hand over your card.