Spill the tea: why your hair colourist asks so many questions

A woman with red hair is wearing a light blue dress with puffed sleeves.

Visiting Friends and Co’s city hair salon is more than getting a haircut and colour. In fact, we pride ourselves on the sense of sanctuary and relaxation we create for our clients in the short time they are with us in our Christchurch hair salon.


But there are times when we need to chat.


Getting your hair coloured is an exciting way to transform your look, but before you dive into that fresh shade, your hair colourist has a few burning questions for you. Why? Because achieving the perfect hair colour requires more than picking up a tube of dye – it’s about customising the process and aftercare routine to your unique hair type, history, and lifestyle so your hair becomes your crowning glory.


Roots of the matter: why hair colourists ask questions

Before any hair colour treatment begins, your stylist needs to know the full story behind your hair. Hair colourists are like detectives, gathering clues to lead them to best hair products and techniques to achieve your desired look while protecting the health of your hair. They’ll ask about your hair’s natural colour, texture, and condition, as well as any previous treatments or colourings you've had.


Why does this matter? Imagine if you have naturally dark hair but want to go for a balayage or platinum blonde – it’s a significant transformation that requires careful planning. The process involves multiple steps and specialised products to lighten your hair gradually without causing damage. Likewise, if you’ve already coloured your hair before, your stylist needs to know what products were used to avoid any unwanted chemical reactions that could cause unexpected results or hair damage. Whether you’re booking with a wedding hair stylist in Christchurch or just looking for the best hairdressers in ChCh to restyle your look, this information is vital to ensure your colour is flawless and long-lasting.


A woman with pink hair is wearing a pink sweater and a pink skirt.

Dye another day: the dangers of hiding your hair’s history

It might be tempting to leave out details about your hair’s past – especially if you’ve had a DIY disaster or used a box dye. Remember, your stylist isn’t there to judge – they’re there to give you the gorgeous, head-turning results you deserve.


Your stylist sees only the surface of the hair and doesn’t see the inner layers of the hair strands. So, if you previously bleached your hair, but then covered it with a darker colour, they may not be able to see your hair has been previously chemically lightened. If you don’t disclose your hair history, or worse, if they don’t ask, they hair colourist may use a technique that can weaken already fragile processed hair which can cause breakage, leave hair brittle or patchy, uneven colour. This is why stylists perform a strand test to see how the hair reacts to a new colour and gauge what your hair can handle.


Colour to fit your everyday: tailoring your colour to your routine

Your colourist’s questions won’t just focus on your hair’s history – we also want to know about your daily routine. How often do you wash your hair? Do you swim regularly? What products do you use? These details help us to understand the best products and techniques to ensure your colour lasts and your hair stays healthy. Whether you’re visiting us for for the first time for a new colour or a regular client booking with late night hairdressers in Christchurch, knowing your lifestyle habits helps us recommend a colour that’s more resistant to fading to maintain the vibrancy and integrity of your colour.


And relax

Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your hair, you can exhale, unwind, and immerse yourself in the Friends and Co experience. Book a hair appointment online with one of our creative team or call 03 371 9297, we look forward to seeing you. 

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