The question I hear most often from new guests before their first visit has nothing to do with color. It's "What do I need to do before I come in?" A lot of people worry they'll show up unprepared, or that they should have done something to their hair first. Here's something you may have noticed if you've felt that way: the best preparation for a dimensional color appointment is mostly about information, not about your hair.
At Paloma Valentina Hair in Hacienda Heights, I plan color around your hair history, your lifestyle, and how much upkeep you want. The more I know before you sit down in my studio inside Hair Entourage, the better your plan will be.
What Should You Tell Your Stylist Before Your Appointment?
Tell me what you want your hair to feel like day to day, not just what you want it to look like. Do you want to go longer between appointments? Do you wash and style your hair every day, or do you air dry? Are you growing out a color you don't love? Those answers change my plan more than any photo can.
When you book with me, you'll fill out my customization form so I know your hair history and goals. Take your time with it, because it's where I learn the most before we meet.
Why Does Your Hair History Matter So Much?
Color behaves differently on hair that's been colored before. Box color, past lightening, and heat tools all change how your hair takes new color, and they change what's realistic in a single visit. I work with hair that has color from a home kit or another salon, and starting with the full story helps me plan it.
If you've used something at home or visited another stylist, tell me, even if it feels like something you'd rather not mention. There's no wrong answer, and I'd much rather know than guess.
What Photos Should You Bring?
Bring two or three photos of color you like, and if you can, one of a color you don't. Photos show me what you mean by words like "natural" or "blonde," which mean something different to everyone. Pay attention to the hair in the photo too, because your natural color and texture affect how a color translates.
I'll tell you what will carry over to your hair and what needs to be adjusted. Sometimes the best version of a photo is a softer, more wearable one, and we'll talk about that together.
How Much Time Should You Plan For?
Color sessions take real time, and the length depends on what we're doing. You can see the session length listed on my services page, so you can plan your day around it. Give yourself room so the appointment doesn't feel rushed.
Every session is all inclusive, so your color, haircut, and style are already included. That means you leave ready to go, without adding anything on at the end.
What Happens at Your Appointment?
We start by talking. I look at your hair, your natural color, and your regrowth, and we go over your goals and how much upkeep you want. Then I plan where the brightness goes and which tone suits you.
When we're finished, I'll tell you how long you can go until your next visit and how to care for your color at home. If you're not sure which session fits you, my New Guests page walks through how a first appointment works.
Do You Need to Do Anything to Your Hair Beforehand?
Not much. Come with your hair the way you normally wear it, so I can see how it falls and where you part it. If you have a question about anything specific, ask when you book, and I'll tell you what I need.
FAQ
What should I bring to a dimensional color appointment?
Bring a few photos of color you like, an honest account of your hair history, and any questions. A clear idea of how much upkeep you want is just as helpful as a photo.
Should I wash my hair before a color appointment?
Come with your hair styled the way you normally wear it, and ask your stylist if they have a preference. If you're not sure, ask when you book.
Do I need a consultation before my first appointment?
A consultation helps if you're unsure about what you want or what your hair can do. I offer in person consultations for new guests, and my New Guests page explains your options.
How do I tell my stylist about previous color?
Be as specific as you can: what you used, when you used it, and how it turned out. Photos of past results help. There's no wrong answer, and an honest history helps me plan better.
At Paloma Valentina Hair in Hacienda Heights, a good color appointment starts before you arrive, with a few honest answers and a photo or two. That's how guests from Hacienda Heights, Whittier, La Habra, La Mirada, and Rowland Heights end up with color that fits their hair and their life.