When it comes to booking your salon appointment, you will be asked a number of questions by the receptionist.
Your answers will have an impact on the type, quality and cost of services provided on your visit. You should also ask a few questions, such as the experience of the hairstylists, the cancellation policy, and the cost of your service.
This question-and-answer interaction between you and the receptionist will contribute to an enjoyable salon visit, especially when it is your first time to the salon. You should always show a courteous attitude when asking and answering questions since it promotes effective communication even before you arrive at the salon. Here are a few questions that the salon receptionist will ask when arranging your appointment
Timing Your Appointment
Apart from your name, the first question the receptionist wants to know is your preferred date and time so they can look at the salon’s schedule and determine the availability of hairstylists. You have to be as specific as possible particularly in a popular salon since there will be customers before and after your set appointment. You should consider several factors in choosing the best date and time for your appointment including:
- Your schedule at home and at work is your primary consideration particularly when your desired service will take an hour or two to perform. If time is tight you should consider booking on a weekend when you have plenty of spare time.
- Your distance from the salon since you have to factor in travel time and traffic conditions in the equation. You don’t want to be late for your appointment, too, although you can call in advance in case you are running late.
What type of services do you want?
Just as with the date and time for your appointment, you have to be specific about the types of services that you want for several reasons. First, you will be charged for every type of service that you will receive from your hairstylist. You should never assume that just because your hairstylist offered it that it will be free, such as a deep conditioning mask with your haircut. You must never be too complacent and too shy to ask about the costs of each type of service so as to avoid unpleasant surprises at payment.
Second, you may not get the expected quality of service, such as when your hairstylist rushes through an additional service requested on the spot (i.e., not included in the appointment). For example, you only specified a haircut when booking your appointment but during your salon session, you request a Brazilian blowout. Your hairstylist may rush through the second service as to be able to meet the succeeding appointment.
Third, you may be unable to get your preferred slot depending on the types of services that you want. You may want, for example, a time slot for a Brazilian blowout, a manicure and pedicure in a single visit, which will take longer than a trim. The receptionist has to find the right time for a stylist and a nail technician to work on your hair and nails.
You can also ask the receptionist about the salon’s beauty packages, which usually means more savings. Your questions should also extend to the experience of the hairstylists and nail technicians, especially when they will be handling your hair and nails for the first time; the salon’s policies on hygiene, cancellations, and customer service; also the costs of follow-ups in case the first job failed to meet expectations.
What is the condition of your hair?
It is important to know about the colour, length, and condition of your hair as it will have a significant impact on the types of products used, the time needed for your service, and the cost. This is especially true when it’s your first time in the salon or you have been to another salon prior to your appointment or in between appointments.
For example, your request full head foils of caramel highlights on black hair this will take up to 4 hours but only 2 hours if you have natural light brown hair. This is also true for thick and thin hair, normal and damaged hair, naturally straight and wavy/curly hair, and short and long hair.
Your answers and relevant questions will form a good foundation for a successful professional relationship with the salon owner, manager, and hairstylist and nail technician.
Personal Booking System
When searching online for hair and beauty services, it can be frustrating especially when it keeps telling you there are no appointments available or you don’t know the price you will be paying for your service or even worse you turn up to the salon and your appointment isn’t booked correct.
