Your First Visit to a New Salon

When you book

When you call or book online, say what you would like done and mention that you are new. Ask how long the appointment will take and whether there is anything to do beforehand, such as arriving with clean, dry hair or hair styled the way you usually wear it. Browsing recent reviews and photos of the salon's work beforehand can also help you decide whether it's a good fit.

If you have curly or coily hair, color-treated hair or very long hair, say so when you book. That helps the salon match you with someone experienced in your hair type and set aside enough time. Ask about the cancellation policy too, so nothing catches you off guard later.

What to bring

A few minutes of gathering before you leave the house makes the first conversation much easier. Your phone can hold almost all of it. If you are coming in for color, wear something you don't mind getting a drop on, and skip heavy styling product that day.

• Photos of looks you love, ideally on hair like yours
• A photo or two of what you don't want
• Photos of your hair on a good day, if today isn't one
• Notes on past color, treatments, relaxers or straightening, with rough dates
• Any color formula notes from a previous salon
• A list of the products you use at home

What to say in the chair

Honesty helps your new stylist more than anything. Mention everything that has been done to your hair in the past year or two, even box color at home or a treatment you are unsure about. Past chemical services change how new color and treatments behave, and leaving something out can lead to surprises.

Then talk about your real life. How much time do you spend on your hair in the morning, and do you air-dry or blow-dry? Do you swim, work out outdoors or wear it up for work? A cut that needs a round brush every day won't suit someone who wants to wash and go.

• “Here's what I love about my hair right now.”
• “Here's what frustrates me.”
• “This is how I usually wear it.”
• “This is how much time I want to spend on it.”

Questions worth asking

Ask for the price before any service starts, especially color, where the total can change with your hair's length and thickness and the amount of product used. A good salon will be clear and upfront about this. It is a normal question, and asking it early keeps the visit comfortable for everyone.

• What do you see in my hair, and what would you suggest?
• How will this look as it grows out?
• How long will today take, and what will it cost?
• What should I use at home to keep it looking like this?
• When should I come back?

Health and comfort

Mention any allergies, a sensitive scalp or reactions to past products. For color, ask about a skin patch test if you are new to the salon or the product; the FDA advises one before every use of hair dye. If you have a scalp condition, are pregnant or take medication and are unsure about a service, check with your doctor or dermatologist first.

Speak up during the visit, too. If the water is too hot, the chair is uncomfortable or the cut is heading shorter than you expected, say so. A good stylist would always rather pause and check.

Before you leave

Ask your stylist to note what they did, including any color formula, so it is on file for next time. If you are happy, book your next visit before you walk out, while the timing advice is fresh. If something isn't quite right, say so kindly before you go, since most salons would much rather fix it now. Either way, an open conversation is the easiest start to a good relationship with a new salon.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hair Dyes

This guide is general information, not medical advice. For scalp, skin or hair-loss concerns, see a dermatologist.