A great hair appointment doesn’t just start when you sit in the chair. In fact, it starts long before you walk through the salon door! What you do (or don’t do) before you get your hair done makes a bigger difference than you might think and small habits leading up to your visit can impact the final result.
Avoiding a few common mistakes can help you make the most of your appointment, which is why we’re going to take a look at what NOT to do before getting your hair done.
What not to do before getting your hair done?
You should avoid showing up to your hair appointment with heavy product buildup, dirty hair or trying any last-minute DIY fixes like box dye or trimming your own bangs. It’s also best to skip clothing with high collars, bulky hoodies or delicate fabrics, which can interfere with the hair cutting in Winnipeg.
Let’s take a closer look:
Don’t Show Up With Dirty Hair
It’s largely a myth that you should show up to a hair appointment with very dirty hair. While “dirty” (meaning 1-2 days unwashed) is fine, excessive oil, sweat or grease can actually interfere with the hair dye or colouring, creating a barrier and reducing service quality. Clean, dry hair provides the best, most consistent result. If your stylist has given specific instructions, follow those, otherwise aim for hair that’s clean within the last 24-48 hours.
Don’t Use Heavy Styling Products
Before your hair appointment, skip the styling products like hairspray, gels, or dry shampoo, all of which can create a barrier on the hair, making it harder for colour or keratin treatments to penetrate evenly. The more natural your hair is when you arrive, the better your stylist can work with it.
Don’t Attempt a DIY Fix
It can be tempting to try to “fix” your hair before your salon appointment, but this is almost always a mistake. Last-minute DIY attempts such as bleaching, dying or trimming your own hair at home can make your stylist’s job much harder, limiting what they can achieve. When in doubt, leave it to the professionals.
Don’t Wear Complicated Clothing
Try to avoid clothing with high necklines, turtlenecks or bulky hoodies that can get in the way during cutting and colouring. Since there’s always a small chance of splashes from water, colour, or other products (even when wearing a cape), it’s best to avoid fabrics that stain easily or pieces you really care about. Instead, opt for something simple like a t-shirt or tank. The goal is to keep things comfortable so both you and your stylist can focus on achieving the best results possible.
Don’t Be in a Rush
Hair appointments, especially colouring or styling, can take longer than expected, which is why rushing in late or needing to leave early can affect the quality of your final results. When making your appointment, give yourself plenty of time so your stylist can work carefully, and you can enjoy the process!
Don’t Come Without Inspiration
Arriving at your hair appointment without any idea of what you want can make consultations longer and less precise. Try to bring a few inspirational photos or ideas and don’t be afraid to speak up about preferences, concerns or past experiences. Clear communication always leads to better final results; however, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what will work for your hair type and condition. Staying open to your stylist’s recommendations can help tailor the look to suit YOU.
Should I wash my hair before my hair appointment?
You don’t need to wash your hair before a haircut as most salons will wash it for you before cutting. However, you should try to avoid coming in with heavy product buildup since this can affect how your hair naturally falls.
For a hair colour appointment, it’s best to come in with slightly lived-in hair (typically washed within the last 24-48 hours). This helps protect your scalp, but you’ll still want to avoid heavy oils, dry shampoo or product buildup that can interfere with the colouring process.
For styling appointments (like a blowout or updo), clean, dry hair is usually ideal unless your stylist tells you otherwise.
At Savile Row Salon, we want you to leave your appointment feeling confident and loving your hair! Avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big difference and for the best results, aim to arrive with relatively clean, natural hair, comfortable clothing, and a clear idea of what you hope to achieve.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your salon ahead of time, as some services have specific prep recommendations. Contact us today to book an appointment!
