Going to a beauty salon for the first time can feel a little uncertain, especially if you are not sure which service is right for you. A good first visit starts with three simple things: sharing a few details when you book, arriving with a little preparation, and feeling free to ask your questions at the first consultation. Here is what to expect on your first visit, step by step, from booking to the end of your session.
What should you tell the salon when you book?
Sharing a few details when you book makes it easier for us to plan the session around you. These details help us set aside the right amount of time and judge whether the service is suitable for you.
- The service you would like: If you have a particular service in mind, tell us; you can see all our services on the services page. If you are not sure, describing what you are looking for in your own words is enough.
- Sensitivities and allergies: Let us know if you have a known sensitivity or allergy to any product.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Some services are not offered during this time, or are planned differently.
- Products and medication you use: Tell us if you use retinol or acid-based skincare products, or take any medication regularly.
- Anything else we should know: We need to know in advance about things such as a pacemaker, recent surgery or an ongoing health condition.
We ask these questions so that we can plan the service around you, not to put you off. If we are unsure about anything, we suggest checking with your doctor first.
Which services should you plan ahead for?
For some services, booking a few days ahead makes things easier. This matters most when you are trying a service for the first time and it involves a product on your skin or hair.
With services such as brow lamination and a lash lift, we may recommend a patch test beforehand if you have sensitive skin or a known allergy. We explain what a patch test is for in our post on brow lamination and lash lift risks. If you are coming in ahead of a special occasion, our wedding and special occasion beauty timeline shows the order in which to plan your appointments.
How should you prepare for your session?
You do not need to do anything elaborate to prepare for your first session. A few small things, which vary from service to service, help it go smoothly.
- For a facial: You are welcome to arrive wearing make-up; the session begins with make-up removal.
- For brows and lashes: Please come without eye make-up. If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens case.
- For body care: Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off, and try not to eat a heavy meal just before your session.
- For nails: If you are wearing old gel polish or nail extensions, please do not scrape them off at home; we will remove them at the salon.
Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle in without rushing and to start the first consultation feeling at ease.
What happens at the first consultation?
On your first visit, we have a short consultation before the service begins. We talk about what you are hoping for, your skin or nails, your daily routine and anything we should know about.
At the end of the consultation, we agree together on the service that suits you and, if needed, a plan for further sessions. Because every service is planned to a personalised protocol, the length and frequency of your sessions can vary from person to person.
If we think a service is not right for you, we will say so openly and may suggest a simpler option instead. We think it is important to be clear from the start about what a service can offer you, and what you should not expect from it.
How do you find out about prices?
Our price list is available to see at the salon. Before we begin, we talk openly about the cost of the plan we suggest for you.
What is the session itself like?
Throughout the session, we explain what we are doing, step by step. We check in with you often to see how you are feeling; if anything feels uncomfortable at any point, just tell us and we will pause or adjust the intensity.
At our salon, every session comes with one-to-one attention, and we work without rushing. We want the time you spend with us to be calm and comfortable.
What happens after your session?
At the end of the session, we briefly explain what to keep in mind at home, depending on the service. For example, we recommend not wearing make-up for the rest of the day after a facial, and keeping water, steam and make-up away from your lashes for the first 24-48 hours after a lash lift; we will tell you what suits you at the end of your session.
If you have chosen a service that calls for regular sessions, we plan your next appointments together around your diary. And if a question comes to mind in the days that follow, just message us.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not know which service is right for me?
That is absolutely fine; describing what you are looking for in your own words is enough. At the first consultation we look at your skin or nails together and suggest the service that suits you. If we think something is not right for you, we will tell you openly.
Can I have the service on my first visit?
Usually, yes: most services can go ahead on your first visit, straight after the short consultation. If a patch test is needed, or if we are not sure the service is right for you, we talk first and plan the service for a later day.
Can I have more than one service on the same day?
Yes, some services can be combined on the same day. When you book, we work out with you which ones can be combined and how long it will all take.
What should I bring with me?
It helps if you bring the names or photos of the skincare products you use. If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens case and your glasses too.
Your first visit to our salon
Our salon is on Vali Konağı Caddesi in Nişantaşı, Istanbul; you will find directions on our contact page. On your first visit, you will be looked after by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and make sure you are comfortable.
To talk about which service suits you or to plan your first appointment, just send us a message. You can see all our services on the services page. And if you are still deciding on a salon, our guide to choosing a beauty salon in Nişantaşı sets out what to look for.
