Why a Hair Consultation Is Not Just a Quick Chat

Paul Clayton • May 4, 2026

Updated 7 October 2026

A hair consultation gives you dedicated time to discuss your ideas, ask questions and understand the options before agreeing to a service.

At THE TRUTH IN COLOUR®, it is a separate 30-minute appointment. We use that time to explore your hair history, assess the starting point and discuss a plan that takes your goals, routine and budget into account.

A reference photograph is welcome, but the conversation goes beyond choosing a shade or style.

What Happens During a Hair Consultation?

We begin by listening to what you would like to change and what matters most to you.

You might want a different colour, help with an uneven result, a more manageable cut or advice about your hair’s condition.

We discuss:

your preferred result
previous colour and chemical treatments
your current hair condition
your washing and styling routine
how often you want to visit the salon
your budget and maintenance preferences

You do not need to know which technique or service to request. Part of the consultation is helping you understand the options.

Why We Ask About Your Hair History

Previous colour, lightening and chemical treatments can affect the approach we recommend.

Tell us about salon services and home products, including anything that has since faded or been covered by another colour.

Approximate dates, product names and photographs of packaging can be useful. There is no need to feel embarrassed about what you have used.

The more accurate the history, the better informed our discussion can be.

How We Assess Your Starting Point

We consider how your hair looks, feels and behaves alongside the history you provide.

SalonLab analysis can add information about aspects of its internal condition. Where needed, we may also recommend strand testing before confirming a colour plan.

Analysis and testing support our judgement; they do not guarantee a particular result.

Turning Your Ideas Into a Plan

Reference photographs help us understand what appeals to you.

We may ask which elements you like: the tone, lightness, shape, contrast or overall finish. We also discuss how those ideas relate to your hair and everyday routine.

The proposed plan may involve one appointment, several stages or an alternative to your original idea.

If further testing is needed, some recommendations may remain provisional until we have the results.

Time, Cost and Maintenance

Your consultation is also the time to discuss the practical details.

Before proceeding, you should understand:

what the proposed service includes
its expected cost and appointment time
whether further visits are likely
what maintenance may be involved
what remains uncertain

Tell us if you have a budget or an important date in mind. That helps us discuss suitable options and realistic timing.

For corrective work, our guide to how much it costs to fix bad hair colour explains why pricing depends on the starting point.

How Much Does a Consultation Cost?

Our consultations are 30-minute appointments, with prices starting from:

Stylist: £20
Artistic Director: £25
Manager: £30

The consultation is charged separately. Its fee is not redeemable against the cost of your service.

This appointment gives us dedicated time for assessment, questions and planning before you decide whether to proceed.

What Should You Bring?

To help us make the most of the appointment, bring:

reference photographs showing what you like
examples of results you would prefer to avoid, if helpful
details of previous colour and chemical treatments
information about your usual products and styling routine
any questions about cost, maintenance or timing

You do not need a perfectly formed idea. Being unsure is a useful reason to book a consultation.

What Happens Next?

Depending on the assessment, we can discuss booking the proposed service, arranging any further testing or reconsidering the approach.

A consultation does not mean every requested result will be suitable. It gives you the opportunity to understand our recommendation and decide on the next step.