Why a Hair Consultation Matters at Shape Hair Design
At Shape Hair Design in Teddington, Richmond upon Thames, we believe the foundation of a great cut, colour, or style starts with a thorough hair consultation. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time visiting us, we want you to feel completely confident, informed, and excited about your appointment.
We understand that stepping into a new salon can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if you’re trying a new look or don’t yet know your stylist. That’s why we always begin with a friendly, pressure-free consultation. It’s your time to tell us about your hair goals, ask questions, and get expert advice on what will suit you best, whether it’s a subtle trim or a bold new colour transformation.
Our small but highly skilled team of stylists take real pride in delivering high-quality haircuts, colours, treatments and styling for both men and women. Clients travel from across the area and beyond for our personalised service, attention to detail, and relaxing atmosphere. Shape Hair Design is more than just a salon; it’s your peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
But don’t just take our word for it. Take a moment to read our reviews from delighted clients, many of who say their visit to Shape was the best salon experience they’ve ever had.
Ready to get started? Book your free hair consultation today by calling us on 0208 977 0262 or book online. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Please note: A quick allergy alert test is required at least 48 hours before colour appointments.
What Happens at Your Hair Complimentary Consultation?
When you arrive at Shape Hair Design, you'll be warmly welcomed at reception and offered a drink to help you settle in. Once you're comfortable, we'll invite you to a styling section where we can take a good look at your hair’s current condition, style, and texture and most importantly, have a friendly, open conversation about what you’d like to achieve.
This is our chance to get to know you, your hair, your preferences, and your lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll talk through things like:
*What you currently love (or don’t love) about your hair
*How do you usually style it day to day
*How often do you wash and maintain it
*How much time you're happy to spend styling at home
*Whether you're up for regular salon visits
All of this helps us shape a realistic and personalised hair plan that suits not just your hair type, but also your daily routine and styling habits. We want you to leave the salon with hair that looks fantastic, feels healthy, and is easy to manage every day.
We pride ourselves on keeping things honest and clear, with no unrealistic promises or jargon. We need you to be completely open with us, too. Tell us what you like, what you don’t, and don’t be afraid to disagree with your stylist’s suggestions. This is a collaborative process, and your satisfaction is what matters most.
Our goal is always the same: that you walk out of Shape Hair Design feeling confident, listened to, and totally in love with your new look.
Colour Consultations
Your hair colour consultation at Shape Hair Design is a vital first step in achieving the beautiful, healthy colour you’re dreaming of. It’s much more than picking a shade, it’s about understanding your hair’s history, condition, and needs so we can create the best and safest plan for you.
Please be honest with us. It’s really important that you tell us about any previous colour or chemical treatments you've had, including when they were done and what products were used. Even older treatments can affect how your hair reacts to new colour. Knowing your hair’s full story helps us avoid unexpected results and choose the right products, shades, and techniques for you.
At Shape, the integrity of your hair is our number one priority. If we find that your hair is damaged, dry, or has weakened bonds, we may recommend a course of treatments to rebuild and restore strength before we proceed with colouring. One treatment we often recommend is Olaplex. This award-winning, bond-building system is suitable for all hair types and works by repairing internal damage caused by colouring, heat styling, or environmental stress. It transforms dry, brittle hair into soft, shiny, and more resilient locks, making it an ideal prep for colour services.
We’ll also carry out a few quick tests to assess your hair:
Strand Test
We take a small amount of colour from a hidden section of your hair, apply colour and observe how it responds. This helps us gauge processing time, final colour results, and whether your hair is strong enough for colour application.
Elasticity Test
By gently stretching a damp strand, we assess your hair’s strength and flexibility. This lets us know if your hair can handle chemical processing or if it needs strengthening treatments first.
Porosity Test
We check how porous your hair is and how well it absorbs and holds colour. This affects how we formulate and apply your colour, especially if your hair is dry or overly porous.
Scalp & Hair Health Check
We’ll also check your scalp and overall hair health. Things like irritation, product buildup, or heat damage can all affect how colour takes and how your scalp responds, so we want to make sure everything is in the best condition possible.
Call us on 0208 977 0262 to book your free hair consultation in our Richmond Upon Thames salon or book online.