I hope you're as excited as I am for your upcoming appointment!
I know it can bring a lot of mixed feelings to try out a new salon and stylist, but my goal is to make you feel like we've been seeing each other for years.
Keep scrolling for all the little details that will help you prepare for your appointment!
I keep on hand a number of useful little items (tap here to see the list) that guests (and myself) have forgotten from time to time. So don't worry if you find your phone battery is at 2% when you arrive! Please do remember to bring any important personal items- such as medications that may need to be taken during your appointment time, prescription glasses, and your phone! If you choose to enjoy watching your favorite movie or TV show during your appointment, I've got you covered with a TV or a tablet, and lots of streaming services. If you need to work, I have a table for you, just bring your laptop and its dedicated charger. If you choose to read, don't forget your book. If you are scheduled for several hours, feel free to bring a meal or any snacks and drinks you'd like! If you're a smoker... consider gum or a patch for the duration of your appointment, as the building and premises was made smoke-free in 2024. Otherwise, all you need to worry about is getting to the salon!
*Please note: while children are welcome as clients in my salon, they are not allowed to be left unattended anywhere on the premises, including in the salon while you are receiving services.
There is no dress code in my salon. I want you to be as comfortable as possible! However, there is attire that works better to achieve this, so I recommend the following:
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Layered clothing- it can get chilly for some, and then hot, and that's year-round. With lighter layers, you can add or remove them as needed to stay warm or cool.
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Less-loved clothing- I can proudly say I have never ruined a guest's clothing with color or lightener, and I work neat... but there's a first time for everything, and I wouldn't like for it to be with your favorite blouse! Low-necked tops work best, as water can seep through towels when rinsing and shampooing.
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Black, white or gray top- a top in a contrasting color to the color of your hair (end result) will allow you to really see your hair at the end of your appointment. If your hair is dark, a white or light gray top is best, and if your hair is light, a black or dark gray top is best. If you don't have a top you like in any of these colors, no problem! Any top is fine; however, some colors can "reflect" off of your hair, keeping you from seeing the true color of your hair, or adding in unwanted tones to what you see. This is why hairstylists often wear black and white!
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A change of clothes- not required, but definitely helpful! If you have places to be after your appointment, or want to wear your prettiest item to get your photo taken in- but it's not optimal to wear while you're in the process of getting your hair done- feel free to bring it to change into at the end! There are two private, single restrooms available.
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what not to wear
Conversely, there are a few types of clothing that can actually hinder your salon services. The following are types of clothing that are best to avoid wearing, or should at least be removed or changed for the duration of your appointment:
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Bright colors that may reflect off of your hair: red, orange, yellow, green, etc. This is not mandatory, as we can keep you draped while you inspect my work, but it's good to be aware that what you wear can have an effect.
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Bulky-necked tops- anything that bunches at the neck, such as hoodies, high collars or turtlenecks can make access to the nape area difficult. Furthermore, they can alter the natural fall of the hair, making it challenging to accurately cut, and can get wet while rinsing and shampooing.
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Constricting clothing- you may be sitting for a while, so it's best to avoid any items that bother you while in the sitting position.
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Jewelry- earrings and necklaces can get entangled or pulled by hair or combs, brushes and towels.
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If you are unable to change beforehand or bring a change of clothes, don't worry- I have full coverage salon robes for you to change into!
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With every session, I try to capture before-and-after photos. These photos help me to create new content for my social media platforms (Google, Yelp, Facebook and Instagram), and to showcase my work on my website- which also helps new clients looking for services to see hair like theirs and what the result may look like of a service they are thinking of booking.
Don't worry- you don't need to be photo-ready for your appointment! You can come in relaxed, makeup-free (if you choose) and just enjoy your session.
You can choose to be photographed in such a way that doesn't show your face, if you prefer. If you choose to be photographed showing your face, light retouching of makeup or smoothing of skin, and subtle whitening of teeth is available (only if you prefer), using a photo editing app. Photos will be shared with you and only used upon your approval!
Hair is never edited or filtered in my photos, with the exception of removing flyaway hairs. I appreciate the natural beauty that every one of us possesses, and will only enhance or adjust the photos I take of you as you deem appropriate.
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Tap here to see an example of an edited photo!
My little salon is located inside of Studio Eleven-17, inside of the Nacogdoches Executive Center office building, which is right between Walmart and Pep Boys on Nacogdoches Road and across the street from the Take 5 Oil Change.
There is plenty of parking on three sides of the building, but if the street side is full, parking in the back is not too much farther of a walk. There is accessible parking both in front and back of the building nearest the hallway entrances.
When you have parked, just head over to the front doors at suite #104. Above the mailbox is a video intercom- all you need to do is tap on "Directory", then on my name, "Sonia-Azalea Color Bar", and it will alert me. The intercom will chime when the door is unlocked, and you can take a seat in the front lobby or in our coffee lounge across the hall from the lobby. If you arrive early, I may be wrapping up with the guest before you, so out of respect for any guest I am with (including you when it's your appointment time), I will not be able to answer the door or any texts sent until finished. Massage therapists also operate within the studio, so it's important to please keep noise to a minimum so that massage guests can enjoy their sessions as well. As soon as my guest before you has departed, the salon is thoroughly cleaned and everything is ready for you, I will come out to greet you!
I know it's a lot of information, but don't worry-I'll send you a text the morning of your appointment day to reiterate the most important bits of information.
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I can't wait to see you!
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