Why We Charge For Consultations

Paul Clayton • July 6, 2026

Many salons offer free consultations.


At THE TRUTH IN COLOUR®, consultations are charged appointments.


It is a question we are occasionally asked, and it is a fair one.


Why do you charge for consultations?


The answer is simple. A consultation is a professional appointment in its own right.


It is not simply a conversation that takes place before another service. It is dedicated time set aside to assess your hair, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions before committing to any future appointment.




A Consultation Is A Dedicated Appointment


Every consultation at THE TRUTH IN COLOUR® is booked as a dedicated 30-minute appointment.


That time is reserved specifically for you.


During your appointment we focus entirely on understanding your hair, your goals, your concerns, and any factors that may influence the outcome of a future service.


Whilst we are consulting with you, that appointment time cannot be allocated to another client.


Just like any other appointment in the diary, consultation time has value because it requires professional time, attention, and resources.




Professional Advice Has Value


A consultation is not simply about choosing a colour or discussing a hairstyle.


It is an opportunity to receive professional advice based on your individual circumstances.


Sometimes the recommendation is straightforward.


Sometimes it is not.


In some cases we may recommend a completely different approach to the one originally requested.


Occasionally we may advise against a service altogether.


The purpose of the consultation is to provide honest, professional guidance based on the information available at the time.




Every Head Of Hair Has A Different Story


No two consultations are exactly the same.


Hair history, previous colour services, box dyes, chemical treatments, condition, porosity, lifestyle, and maintenance expectations can all influence the recommendations we make.


The consultation process allows us to understand these factors before creating a plan.


Without that information, recommendations would be based on assumptions rather than evidence.




Consultations May Include Additional Assessment


Depending on your goals, a consultation may involve more than a discussion.


Additional assessment may include:


• SalonLab® hair analysis

• Hair and scalp assessment

• Reviewing inspiration images

• Discussing maintenance requirements

• Exploring alternative options

• Recommending strand testing


The purpose is always the same: to gather the information needed to create realistic expectations and make informed recommendations.




Sometimes The Recommendation Is Not To Proceed


One of the most important parts of a professional consultation is honesty.


Not every consultation results in an immediate booking.


There are occasions when we may recommend waiting, improving the condition of the hair first, adjusting expectations, or taking a staged approach.


Whilst that may not always be the answer a client hoped for, it is often the advice that best protects the integrity of the hair and supports a better long-term result.




Better Decisions Create Better Results


The consultation fee is not simply about booking a future appointment.


It reflects the professional time, assessment, expertise, and planning involved in helping you make informed decisions about your hair.


At THE TRUTH IN COLOUR®, we believe that better information leads to better decisions.


And better decisions often lead to better results.




Thinking About Booking A Consultation?


Whether you are considering a colour change, colour correction, keratin treatment, hair and scalp concerns, or simply want professional advice about your options, a consultation provides the opportunity to discuss your goals before committing to a service.




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