Skip to main content

Prepare for a color appointment

Before a salon color service, clear information and the requested hair condition help the appointment start well. There is no universal rule that everyone should arrive with dirty hair.

Checking appointment preparation instructions on a phone.

Step by step

  1. Recording recent hair treatments before an appointment.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Write your recent hair history

    • List color, bleach, straightening, perm and home treatments still on the hair, including approximate dates and any known product names.
    • Add recent scalp discomfort and past color reactions. Leave uncertain details marked unknown rather than guessing.
  2. Checking appointment preparation instructions on a phone.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Check the requested preparation

    • Read the appointment instructions for washing, drying, styling products and any required tests. Ask the salon about any missing or conflicting instruction.
    • Do not substitute a standard number of unwashed days. Arrange enough time for the service-specific checks.
  3. Placing the preparation notes in a bag.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Follow the agreed plan

    • Prepare your hair exactly as requested and bring your notes. Keep the style easy to undo unless the salon requested something else.
    • Tell the colorist if your scalp or plans changed before the service begins, rather than concealing symptoms with extra product.

About 5–15 min hands-on for writing a recent treatment history and checking the salon's preparation instructions. Salon replies, required pre-service tests, washing and the appointment are separate.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Finding old product names or dates may take longer; unknown details should stay unknown.

You’re done when…

Your notes are ready and you have followed—or clarified—the exact preparation requested for your service.