Services

How do I ask for something at the hairdressers? | Abingdon | Didcot | Wantage | Oxfordshire

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Hair Salon Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:

10 am
3:30 pm

11:30 am
7:30 pm

10 am
6 pm

9 am
4:30 pm

What to ask for at the hairdressers in Abingdon

Walking into a salon can be daunting, particularly if you have a clear idea in mind of what you would like yet aren’t certain how to approach the subject. Visiting a salon should be a smooth and enjoyable experience, made easier by an understanding and open-minded Stylist. In our experience most people feel uncertain about visiting for the first time let alone asking for a change and our job is to create an environment which allows for open and constructive collaboration. If you are are visiting for the first time and feel unsure about how to describe your desired look or worry about asking the right questions, you won’t be alone. In-fact most people feel exactly the same way!

In our daily blog we ask our Stylist how they approach new clients, what you can expect and what sort of preparation you need to consider before visiting a new salon for the first time to ensure you leave the salon happy!

If you are considering something different, let us know. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705.

Got a Question?

Send a WhatsApp

How to ask for something at a hair salon FAQ's

How should I ask for something at a salon?

The best way to ask for a specific style or service at a salon is to be as clear and open as possible. Your Stylist will play a sizeable role in this and their confidence, ideas and energy will better support your decision. The role of a Stylist is to extract as much information from you as possible whether by describing your ideal look, lifestyle, interests, inspiration, things that you may have seen, imagery, face shape, hair type and everything in between.

Your best option when a Stylist asks; ‘what are we doing today?’ is to begin by describing what you like about your current hair and what you would like to change. If you want to go shorter, add layers, or adjust your colour, explain your vision, but also be willing to listen to your stylist’s suggestions. They have the expertise to guide you on what will work best for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. It’s too worth noting that Stylists are not expecting you to know hairdressing terminology so if you don’t know what ‘choppy layers’ are, describe it to the best of your knowledge and don’t be intimidated by the experience. 90% of clients won’t know what choppy layers are either!

Instead of focusing on the hairdressing jargon or terminology, describe how you want your hair to look and feel. Pictures are helpful too and a Stylist can advise whether this would be compatible with your hair type, face shape and any other preferences as they understand it. It’s easier to say things like ‘I want more volume’ or ‘I want something easier to style’.

If you want to know how our consultations can help, here is all you need to know.

Should I bring pictures of what I like?

Bringing pictures to your hair appointment is hugely beneficial to your Stylist. It’s one of the most effective forms of communication which avoids most translation issues which can occasionally arise when attempting to describe a look. This also allows your Stylist to better visualise what you would like and simultaneously present a starting point for discussing your look. We sometimes also find that a picture can sometimes help a Stylist to visualise a cut or colour that you are unable to put into words. For example we sometimes get requests that even clients can’t describe! So flavouring a look by the colour, type of application or styling can be hugely beneficial.

The only caveat to pictures is that it is highly unlikely and a cautionary note to mention that every hair type and colour is different so it may not necessarily be achievable in much the same way. For example a Google image of a wolf cut may look great, but on an incompatible hair type it may not sit the same way and styling may prove an obstacle. Similarly white blonde hair on black hair may not be suited if your primary motivation is something low maintenance and if you need something that is achievable and budget friendly in one-sitting. If you don’t know what hair colour to book, this blog can help.

In most instances a picture is a starting point. Your stylist will use this as inspiration and may suggest adjustments to make the look work for you.

Should I feel silly asking?

It’s human nature to feel apprehensive when entering a new environment. Our efforts are to ensure your comfort and ability to ask questions and discuss your ideal look with some freedom. Many new clients in particular feel that their questions might sound silly, but a good stylist will never make you feel uncomfortable for asking about your hair. This in itself might sound silly, it’s a Stylists passion to improve your look and they will instinctively have ideas which can help. Most good Stylist’s will thrive if you arrive with an ‘idea’ and they will want to work with you to bring that to life. Their excitement will usually translate well in this example.

Should I know if something will suit me before I ask?

In short, no. Most consultations work on the basis that ideas will change in some way and your Stylist is a sounding board insofar as they will help to guide you and answer questions. For example if you seek choppy layers yet want something low maintenance without daily styling, your Stylist will draw your attention to the incompatibility however they will too make a suggestion as a compromise.

Initially whilst it’s helpful that you may have an idea of what you like, your stylist will take into account factors such as your face shape, hair texture, and how much time you are willing to spend on styling and your anticipated frequency of appointment.

Will a Stylist help me decide?

It’s rare that a client will visit a salon with an exact goal in mind that isn’t open to discussion. In-fact you could count on one hand across an entire salon how often that happens annually. Often times clients want a change and aren’t certain what that change is. This is really where your Stylist will show their true value by establishing your options and what can work for you. This will tie into a fact finding mission about you, your likes, lifestyle, styling preferences, what you hope to achieve, what your inspiration is and throwing suggestions your way that fit your goals. Another more common scenario is a client that arrives having pieced together a handful of inspiration pictures and this can in many ways close some doors for your Stylist whilst focusing the consultation on your ideals.

If you come in with only a vague idea of what you want, this is really helpful and your stylist can guide you through options and make recommendations. However even if you walk into the salon with no idea what you want, a consultation with your stylist can still lead to a great result however it may take longer to get there. They can suggest small tweaks to your current style or a completely new look based on what they think will suit you best.

If you are nervous about a hair appointment and find it overwhelming or conversation too much, we offer silent hair appointments. Silent hair appointments are designed to focus exclusively on the appointment itself with emphasis on the consultation only and with no pressure to converse beyond this.

Conclusion

If you want something from a hairdressers there is no pressure to recognise names of cuts, colours or any form of terminology. However there is much that you can do to support your next appointment request and this can make all the difference. Whether it’s pictures for reference, being able to clearly explain what you are looking for and being as transparent as possible can greatly support the success and eventual outcome of your next appointment.

The more that you invest in the consultation, the greater the success the appointment will bring. There is no need to feel that there is such a thing as a silly question and your Stylist is there to support you. Hairdressing is likely their number one passion and with a strong interest in fashion, they will be present to make recommendations to improve, add their own ideas and help to maximise your appointment.

If you are feeling lost in what could work best for you, leave it to us. Our consultations work through any question you might have, logistics and we too make recommendations based upon your lifestyle and hair type.

@wisteriaavenuehairsalon Balayage and blow dry complete! ✅ #AbingdonHairdresser #OxfordHairdresser #Highlights #Balayage #HairColour #Blowdry #HairSalon #Hairdressers #Hair #HairStyle ♬ original sound - Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:

10 am
3:30 pm

11:30 am
7:30 pm

10 am
6 pm

9 am
4:30 pm

Want to know more about what to ask for at a salon?

Complete the below and a staff member will contact you at the earliest opportunity with further information about how we can help you with your hair extensions appointment. Any questions, call or send a WhatsApp to the salon on 01235 534705 or book your appointment online.

Want to know more about what to say at a salon?

As one of the best hair salons in Oxfordshire, we would love to discuss your plans with you! To book your hair appointment or consultation, get in touch with Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon by booking online or calling us on 01235 534705.

Wisteria Avenue on instagram

wisteriaavesalon

We are a boutique hair salon in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. For hair appointments, visit www.wisteriaavenue.co.uk
☎️ | 01235 534705

➿Oxfordshire’s Premier Curly Hair Specialists!

Load More Follow on Instagram

Where are we?

Our Latest Hair Trends Blog

Our hair trends blog looks at the latest hairdressing trends, hair styles, hair colours, gents haircuts, ladies haircuts, perms, seasonal styles and much, much more!

For regular updates and blog postings, check out our recent blogs.