The Do’s & Don’ts of Your Hair Appointment

By Kim Barrus

Let's be honest—getting your hair done should be enjoyable! It should feel like a little break from reality, a chance to relax, sip something delicious, and leave feeling like the best version of yourself.

Over the years, I've noticed a few things that can make appointments run more smoothly (for both you and your stylist), and a few that can unintentionally make them more challenging.

So, I thought I'd share some insider tips from behind the chair…

DO: Bring Inspiration Photos

Pictures are worth a thousand words—especially when it comes to hair.

What one person calls "caramel highlights" might be completely different from what someone else envisions. Showing your stylist a few photos helps us understand the tones, placement, brightness, and overall vibe you're hoping for.

Bonus points if you bring a mix of what you love and what you don't love.

DON'T: Expect The Inspiration Photo To Be The Exact Destination

Now that I've just told you to bring inspiration photos, here's the catch: they're inspiration, not a blueprint.

The person in that photo has different hair density, texture, color history, face shape, and styling habits than you do. Even lighting, filters, and editing can make a huge difference in how hair appears online.

My goal isn't to recreate someone else's hair strand-for-strand. My goal is to understand what you love about that photo and create a version that works beautifully for your hair, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences.

Think of inspiration photos as the starting point of the conversation—not the final expectation.

DO:Be Honest About Your Hair History

This is a judgment-free zone.

Box dye? Tell me.

A DIY toner situation? Tell me.

That "little color correction" your cousin did in her kitchen? Definitely tell me.

The more information we have, the better we can create a realistic plan and protect your hair's health.

DON'T: Show Up With Hair That's Three Days Deep Into Dry Shampoo

A little product is completely fine.

A week's worth of dry shampoo, hairspray, root touch-up spray, and mystery products? Not ideal.

Clean hair helps us accurately assess your color and scalp condition, often leading to better results.

DO:Keep Us In The Loop

Running late? It happens to the best of us.

Between school drop-offs, work meetings, traffic, and the occasional "I swear I left my keys right here" moment, life can be unpredictable.

While arriving on time is always appreciated, communication is the real MVP. A quick call or text allows us to adjust as needed and helps keep everyone's appointments running smoothly.

Trust me—I'd much rather get a heads-up than spend ten minutes wondering if you've decided to move to another state.

DON'T: Wear Your Favorite White Turtleneck

While we do everything possible to protect your clothing, hair color has a way of finding its way onto expensive garments with surprising accuracy.

Another tip? If possible, avoid bulky layers like hoodies, thick sweaters, turtlenecks, or jackets during your appointment. For the most accurate haircut and color application, we want the cape to lie as flat to your body as possible. Extra bulk around the neck and shoulders can affect how the hair naturally falls and make it harder to achieve the most precise result.

Trust me on this one, your hair will thank you! And your favorite white turtleneck probably will too.

DO:Speak Up

If you're feeling nervous, unsure, or have questions, tell us.

If you usually wear your hair curly, tell us.

If you never style it, tell us.

If you secretly hate the curtain bangs you asked for three appointments ago, definitely tell us.

The best results happen when we have open communication.

DON'T:Apologize For Working During Your Appointment

I can't tell you how many times a guest sits down and says, "I'm so sorry, but I have to answer a few emails," or "I hope it's okay if I bring my laptop."

Please don't apologize.

Your appointment should fit into your life, not the other way around. Some guests want to chat the entire time. Others want to read, work, answer emails, listen to a podcast, or simply enjoy a little quiet time.

All of those are completely okay.

My job isn't to entertain you—it's to help you leave with hair you love. Whether your appointment is a chance to unplug or to catch up on work, I want you to feel comfortable doing whatever helps you make the most of your time with me.

The only thing I ask is that if we're discussing your consultation or making decisions about your service, we pause long enough to make sure we're on the same page.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, your stylist wants the same thing you do: healthy hair and beautiful results that fit your lifestyle.

Bring inspiration, communicate openly, trust the process, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

And if all else fails, please just tell us if you used box dye.

We'll find out eventually.