A calm, useful walkthrough of your first booking: from arriving early to the consultation, the wash, and what to tip. Written for anyone new to salons in Sri Lanka.

A first salon visit can feel harder than it needs to. Between picking a service you can pronounce, deciding what to tip, and not knowing how much your hair is about to change, most people overthink it. Here's the whole flow, laid out so you can walk in relaxed.

Save at least one reference image of what you want: a phone photo of a friend's cut, a screenshot from Instagram, anything. Words like “a bit shorter” mean nothing to a stylist who's never met you. Wash your hair the night before, not the morning of, unless you're booking a service that starts with a shampoo (colour, cut, blow-dry all do).

Aim for 5 to 10 minutes early. Sri Lankan salons often run a few minutes behind on the day; being early gives you a moment to settle in and use the bathroom before the towel goes on. You don't need to wear anything special; most salons drape you anyway.

Before any cutting or colouring happens, the stylist will ask what you want. This is the moment to pull out your reference photo, say what you like and don't like about your current hair, and flag anything they should know (dyed at home recently, sensitivities, an event in two days). A good stylist will push back if they think the look won't suit you. Take that as a gift, not an insult.

Most services start with a shampoo at the wash bowl. This part is supposed to be enjoyable, so close your eyes and let the assistant do the work. The main service (cut, colour, treatment) happens back at the chair. Feel free to ask questions as they go, or to sit quietly with your phone. Either is normal.

Payment happens at the front desk after the service. A 10% tip is standard for the stylist and appreciated but not required. Cash tips go directly to the person; card tips depend on the salon. You can also leave a review on GlamBook when you get home; stylists read them and it helps the next customer pick well.

Your second visit will feel routine. The unknowns of the first one are what make it feel bigger than it is.