The Consultation - More Than a Chat Before the Service
By Laura | Notes from the Chair
What a good consultation should actually feel like — and why it changes everything
I've heard from so many clients who've sat in a chair, shown a photo of what they wanted, and walked away with something completely different. Not because the stylist was careless — but because there was no real conversation before anything began.
A good consultation changes everything. Here's what I think it should actually look like.
It should feel like a conversation, not an interview
The best consultations don't feel formal. They feel like two people figuring something out together. I want to know what you love about your hair, what frustrates you, how much time you realistically spend on it in the morning — and what you're hoping to feel like when you leave.
That last one matters more than people realise. Because "I want highlights" and "I want to feel lighter and more confident" are two very different starting points — and the second one tells me so much more.
It should include honesty — even when that's uncomfortable
If what you're asking for isn't going to work for your hair type, your lifestyle, or your hair's current condition, I'll tell you. Kindly, and with a clear explanation of why — but I will tell you.
I'd much rather have that conversation at the start than have you leave feeling like something's off. A good consultation should leave you feeling genuinely informed — not just nodded along to.
It should cover the practical stuff too
Beyond the look itself, a consultation is the right time to talk about:
Your hair's history — previous colour, chemical treatments, heat use
Any changes you've noticed recently — thinning, texture shifts, breakage
How much maintenance you're realistically happy with
Your budget, so we can plan something that works long term
None of this is intrusive. It's just me making sure I give you the best possible result — and that we're building something sustainable, not just something that looks great for a week.
What it should never feel like
Rushed. Dismissive. Like you're asking too many questions.
You're not. There's no such thing as too many questions in a consultation. It's your hair, your money, and your time — and you deserve to feel completely confident before anything begins.
My consultations are always included
Whether you're a new client or you've been coming to me for years, every appointment starts with a proper chat. Things change — your hair changes, your life changes — and I want to make sure I'm always working with where you are right now, not just where you were last time.
Want to talk through what you're looking for before you book?