Salon Client Consultation Checklist

A strong client consultation prevents miscommunication, protects hair health and sets clear expectations before you ever mix color or pick up shears. Use this checklist to structure new client consultations, color corrections and chemical services so you can deliver predictable results, capture consent and translate insights into personalized aftercare that boosts retention. For seamless data flow from your consultation form to client profiles and bookings, integrate loyalty software with salon POS and booking systems.

Core sections your consultation should cover

A complete hair consultation balances safety, creativity and practicality. Build your intake form and talking points around these sections so you capture everything you need in minutes.

• Client details and consent: name, contact, photos permission, consent for services and policies.

• Medical alerts and allergies: skin sensitivities, medications, pregnancy, known product allergies.

• Hair history: last 12-24 months of color, bleach, perms, keratin, relaxers, box dye use.

• Current hair and scalp: texture, density, porosity, elasticity, scalp condition, damage signs.

• Goals and inspiration: desired shade, cut, vibe, inspiration photos and what they like about each.

• Lifestyle and maintenance: daily routine, heat styling, budget, maintenance frequency, time available.

• Timing and budget: appointment length, phased approach, price ranges, product recommendations.

• Salon policies: cancellations, corrections, guarantees and aftercare responsibilities.

Step-by-step checklist you can follow

• Welcome, review the intake form and confirm consent for consultation and photos.

• Observe hair and scalp in natural light, assess texture, density and condition.

• Discuss hair history honestly - note box dye, at-home bleach or overlapping lightener.

• Clarify goals with photos, then identify non-negotiables like hair integrity and skin safety.

• Set expectations about what is possible today vs long term, including tone shifts and lift limits.

• Perform strand or patch tests for lightening, toners or new products when risk exists.

• Present 1-2 plan options with steps, timing and budget - include a phased path if needed.

• Gain sign-off on the agreed plan, service price, maintenance and at-home care.

• Capture before photos and key formulas in your notes for consistency and future visits.

• Educate on aftercare: product regimen, heat limits, wash schedule and next required visit.

• Rebook and set reminders for gloss refresh, trim or treatment based on the plan using automated client notifications and reminders.

• Document results, updates to the profile and any reactions or sensitivities observed.

Essential questions to ask

Getting to know you

• What do you love about your hair right now, and what do you want to change first?

• How much time do you like to spend styling on a typical day?

• Do you have a personal or professional event coming up that we should plan for?

Color and chemical history

• In the past 2 years, which services have you had - salon color, bleach, gloss, perm, relaxer, keratin?

• Have you used box dye or color-depositing shampoos or masks at home?

• Any reactions to color or scalp irritation in the past?

Hair habits and tools

• How often do you wash, and which shampoo and conditioner do you use?

• Which hot tools and temperatures are typical for you?

• Do you swim, work out often or wear protective styles that affect maintenance?

Hair concerns

• Are you noticing breakage, shedding, dryness, brassiness or an itchy scalp?

• Where does your hair feel most fragile - mid-lengths, ends, hairline?

• Any recent health or medication changes that might influence hair or scalp?

Lifestyle, maintenance and budget

• How often can you come in to maintain color or shape?

• What is a comfortable budget for today, and for ongoing upkeep?

• Would you rather achieve your goal in one long session or in safe, phased visits?

Expectations and finish

• On a scale of 1-10, how important is low maintenance vs high impact?

• Which tones or lengths are deal breakers for you?

• Are you comfortable with me taking photos for documentation and future reference?

Red flags that require caution or refusal

3-phase consultation workflow

Turn your consultation into loyalty and retention

Consultations are gold for personalization. Learn how to personalize salon experiences with client data. Record product preferences, sensitivity notes, shade formulas and maintenance cadence so you can segment clients and automate timely, relevant touchpoints. Use loyalty management software for beauty and wellness to tag clients by needs like blonding refresh cycle, curl care or scalp soothing and trigger reminders, tailored offers and education tied to their goals. Reward consistent aftercare purchases that protect results and invite clients back right when their gloss or shape needs a refresh. This turns a great first consult into long-term trust, higher lifetime value and fewer corrections.

FAQs

How do you do a client consultation in a salon?

Start with a short pre-visit form to capture history and goals. In-chair, analyze hair and scalp in good light, ask targeted questions, review inspiration photos and set realistic outcomes. Conduct strand or patch tests when risk exists, present options with time and price, capture consent and document formulas and aftercare before you begin. To support this workflow at scale, choose the right salon loyalty software.

What does a client consultation consist of?

A solid consultation covers client details and consent, medical alerts, hair history, current hair and scalp status, goals and inspiration, lifestyle and maintenance, timing and budget and salon policies. It ends with an agreed service plan, price, aftercare and rebooking so both sides know what to expect.

What is included in a hair consultation?

Expect a visual assessment, targeted questions about color and chemical history, hair habits and concerns, alignment on desired look, a feasibility check and, when needed, strand testing. You should leave with a clear plan, cost, maintenance schedule and product recommendations for home care.

What questions should I ask in a hair consultation?

Ask about recent color or chemicals, box dye use, allergies or sensitivities, wash and styling routine, heat tool temperatures, specific concerns like breakage or brassiness, desired tones and shapes, maintenance frequency and budget. Use these answers to tailor a safe, achievable plan.