Salon Etiquette: 7 Ways to Prep for Your Next Hair Salon Visit

Salon Etiquette: 7 Ways to Prep for Your Next Hair Salon Visit

Picture this: your trusted hair stylist tells you she’s moving across the country. You begin to panic inside. How can you communicate your deepest hair desires to a new hairdresser? You want your new hair dresser to like you — and at the same time, you want to be comfortable telling them exactly what you want. The  best way to do both is to be prepared for the salon visit.

What do I mean by prepared? I mean you go into the salon with your hair and mindset prepared for the visit. To better understand the best ways to prep, Scottsdale stylist Katie-Leigh Stevens sat down with me to share a few tips for getting the most out of your next visit to the salon.

Scroll through for Stevens’ top tips — plus, try a few of her favorite products!

1. WASH YOUR HAIR

R+Co Women's Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo
R+CO R+Co Women’s Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo 26
SHOP

It’s tempting to waltz in with 3-day unwashed hair. After all, the stylist is going to shampoo it anyway, right? Wrong. Product and oil build up make it harder to lighten and color hair.  “I recommend using a clarifying shampoo such as R+Co Oblivion because it takes away all the impurities and leaves a clean foundation,” says Stevens. Come into the salon with clean hair and you will be sure to leave a great first impression.

PHILIP B Peppermint And Avocado Clarifying Shampoo
Philip B PHILIP B Peppermint And Avocado Clarifying Shampoo 32
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Drybar On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo
Drybar Drybar On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo 26
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2. WEAR MAKEUP AND DRESS TO IMPRESS

Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara 23
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You are headed to a yoga class after you get your hair done. Why would you wear any makeup or a new outfit? Turns out, this is exactly what you should do, especially for the first appointment. When you get your hair done, you want to see it freshly colored, cut, and styled on a canvas that best represents you. It’s hard to decide if you really like your hair if you aren’t wearing the make-up/attire that make you feel the most confident.

NARS Women's Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick - Fast Ride
NARS NARS Women’s Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick – Fast Ride 28
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Wavytalk Hair Straightener and Curler 2 in 1, 1u0022 Titanium Flat Iron 250°F-450°F Temperature for All Hairstyles, Salon Professional Flat Iron Reduce Hair Damage, Dual Voltage
Wavytalk Hair Straightener and Curler 2 in 1, 1u0022 Titanium Flat Iron 250°F-450°F Temperature for All Hairstyles, Salon Professional Flat Iron Reduce Hair Damage, Dual Voltage($19.99)
SHOP

 3. BE HONEST ABOUT HOW YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR DAILY

Supershine Moisturizing Cream
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream 52
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Your stylist needs to be aware of your hair loves and hates. If you despise your hair’s thickness, your stylist will make sure to thin it out. Share how you typically wear your hair and when you feel the best. Your stylist will get a sense of your style and make sure to avoid anything that will bring out your hair insecurities. She will also be able to choose the products she uses on you accordingly. One of Stevens’ favorites for those who desire softer hair with less flyaways and frizz is Oribe Supershine.

R+Co R+Co Women's High Dive Moisture Shine Creme
R+CO R+Co R+Co Women’s High Dive Moisture Shine Creme 29
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Moisturizing Hair Cream
Christophe Robin Moisturizing Hair Cream 43
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4. ARRIVE ON TIME

Dry Texturizing Spray, 8.5 fl. oz.
ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray, 8.5 fl. oz. 46
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“Arriving 15 minutes late to your appointment has the potential to set back a whole day’s worth of appointments,” says Stevens. Stylists have every minute of their day scheduled. Many of them work in 15 minute intervals. Show your hair dresser respect and get to the salon on time. Be sure you are arriving a few minutes early to prevent parking and traffic mishaps.

R and Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray
SpaceNK R and Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray 32
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Texturizing Hair Spray
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray 26
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5. PLAN AHEAD

Babn100S 1 Inch Spring Curling Iron
BaBylissPRO Babn100S 1 Inch Spring Curling Iron 79.99
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Dyson Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Dyson Dyson Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer 399
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Christophe Robin Blowdry Hairbrush
Christophe Robin Christophe Robin Blowdry Hairbrush 97
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6. BRING AN INSPIRATION PHOTO
(AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS) WITH YOU

ORIBE Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color
Oribe ORIBE Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color 46
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R+Co R+Co Women's GEMSTONE Color Shampoo
R+CO R+Co R+Co Women’s GEMSTONE Color Shampoo 24
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Alterna Alterna Women's Bamboo Volume Uplifting Hair Spray/6.0 oz.
Alterna Alterna Alterna Women’s Bamboo Volume Uplifting Hair Spray/6.0 oz. 25
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7. EXPECT TO INVEST IN PRODUCT

Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color, 8.5 Ounce
Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color, 8.5 Ounce Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color, 8.5 Ounce 36
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A good stylist always recommends the proper tools to achieve your favorite look at home. This is especially the case when you have had a drastic cut or complete change in color. Stevens believes that “the way you style your new haircut is just as important as the cut itself.” Your edgy lob will not look the same without a quality texturizing spray and the right straightener. If you have fresh color, it’s also best to use a shampoo that will enhance longevity between appointments, such as Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color.