A good consultation is not a formality. It is where the entire service gets designed. At Sølvi Salon, consultations run 20-45 minutes depending on the scope of work, and they are the difference between a first appointment that lands and one that misses. Here is what happens and how to show up prepared.
The First Few Minutes
Your stylist will look at and touch your hair. Porosity check, density check, condition check. They are feeling for dryness, protein balance, scalp condition, and any breakage. This is clinical, not critical. It tells them what your hair can handle.
Hair History
Expect questions about:
- Previous chemical services — color, bleach, keratin, relaxer, perm.
- When and where they were done.
- Current products you use.
- Any box dye or DIY color in the last two years.
- Medications that affect hair (finasteride, chemotherapy, hormonal birth control changes).
Be honest. Box dye does not make you a bad client. Hiding box dye in your history does make the service go poorly.
Looking at Inspiration Photos
Bring 3-5 photos. Your stylist will look at them, then tell you which parts are achievable in one session and which parts require multiple appointments. They may also show you what your starting point can actually produce. This is not them telling you no — it is them telling you what "yes" actually costs.
Lifestyle Questions
How often do you wash. How do you style. How much time do you spend. Do you travel. Do you swim regularly. Every answer changes what service makes sense. If you blow-dry twice a month and want a precision blunt bob, that is a match. If you air-dry and never heat style, the same cut is a mismatch.
Budget Conversation
A real consultation covers price. Not just the first appointment — the maintenance schedule and annual cost. A new blonde client might invest $500 in the first session and $200-350 every 10-14 weeks after that. You should walk out knowing the real number.
What Questions to Ask
- How many sessions until I look like the photo?
- What is the upkeep schedule and cost?
- What products should I use at home?
- What should I do or avoid between appointments?
- What happens if I don't love it?
Strand Tests and Patch Tests
For major color changes, your stylist may do a strand test at consultation or ask you to come back for one before the full service. This is a sign of a careful stylist, not an overcautious one.
The Written Plan
Good stylists take notes — formula, plan, products. You may get a written summary or a follow-up email. If not, ask for one. It protects you and them.
Red Flags at Consultation
- No time spent looking at or touching your hair.
- Agreement to any photo you show without qualification.
- No budget discussion.
- No mention of maintenance.
- Feeling rushed.
How to Prepare Before You Arrive
Come with clean, unstyled or lightly styled hair. No heavy oils. Bring photos. Know your general budget window. Write down any questions you have about condition, products, or color history. You will get more out of the time.
When to See a Stylist
If you are considering Sølvi Salon, book a consultation first. It is the best 30 minutes you can invest before any major service.
Sølvi Salon is a professional hair studio in downtown Boise, Idaho. 104 S Capitol Blvd, Suite 200.