A first visit to a new salon (or simply a less frequent visit to the hairdresser) sometimes raises more questions than you might expect — from whether to come with washed hair, to how exactly to describe what you expect. Here are a few practical tips to help the visit go smoothly.

Washed or unwashed hair?

You don’t have to come with washed hair — hair washing is included in the price of men’s haircuts, and for women’s haircuts it can be added on request. If you prefer to wash your hair at home, it’s not a problem to come with dry, freshly washed hair — the barber will dampen it before the cut anyway, if the cutting technique requires it. The only thing better to avoid is freshly applied styling products (waxes, mousses) right before the visit — they make it harder to assess the natural structure of the hair.

An inspiration photo helps

Haircut names (fade, undercut, pompadour) tend to be understood differently by different people, which is why a photo of a hairstyle you like is often the fastest way to agree on the result — even if it’s ultimately adjusted to your hair type and face shape. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about it — it’s standard practice, used by many clients, including those who have been visiting the hairdresser regularly for years.

Tell us what you DON’T want

Sometimes it’s easier to start with what to definitely avoid (e.g. “not too short on the sides,” “no sharp fade”) than with a precise description of the final effect. This is also valuable information that helps avoid misunderstandings — especially if you’ve previously had a bad experience with a specific element of a haircut.

Be honest about how much time you have for styling

If you don’t have time in the morning for elaborate styling, it’s worth mentioning this — the barber can choose a haircut that looks good practically “on its own,” instead of a hairstyle that requires daily styling with a blow-dryer and products. This is a small piece of information that has a real impact on how satisfied you’ll be with the result every day, not just right after leaving the salon.

Don’t be afraid of the consultation

Before a haircut, it’s always worth taking a moment to talk about expectations — this is the moment when you can ask what will actually work for your hair type, and avoid disappointment after the cut. A short conversation at the start saves time for both sides.

Before I pick up the scissors, I ask three questions. First: show me a photo — ideally one you like, and one you definitely don’t. A “no” photo tells me more than ten minutes of describing, because it sets the boundaries.

The second question: how many minutes do you actually spend on your hair in the morning? It’s just one number, but it changes the whole recommendation. There’s no point suggesting a hairstyle that requires a blow-dryer and two products to someone who has three minutes in the morning.

Third: lifestyle — work, sport, wearing a hat, how much you sweat.

For receding hairlines, I most often suggest cuts with a fringe brushed forward — French crop, textured crop. They draw attention away from the hairline and optically bring it forward, instead of exposing it. On the other hand, I advise against combing to the side “to cover” — this usually highlights exactly what it was meant to hide.

For thin hair, I leave more density on top, thin it out minimally, and recommend matte, not shine-enhancing, products — shine makes thinning visible. If you know where it’s thinning, tell me right away; then I leave the length where it actually works.

Plan time for your visit

It’s worth coming to the visit without being rushed, especially if it’s your first visit to a given salon — the time needed for the consultation, the haircut itself, and any final touch-ups tends to be longer than for a routine, repeat visit to a barber you already know. If you have a tight schedule that day, it’s worth booking a bit more time than the standard length of the treatment, so the visit isn’t under time pressure — this usually also translates into a calmer conversation about expectations.

First visit vs. subsequent, routine visits

A first visit to a new place naturally requires more conversation — you need to explain your expectations, hair type, and any previous experiences. Subsequent visits, once the barber already knows your hair and preferences, are usually faster and smoother, because some of the arrangements don’t need to be repeated every time. So if the first visit seems to require more time and questions than you expected, that’s normal — it’s an investment in making future visits simpler and more predictable for both sides.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know the exact name of the haircut to book an appointment?
No — a general description or an inspiration photo is enough. The exact name and details are worked out on the spot, during the consultation.

Can I bring my child to my own appointment?
If you’d also like to book a haircut for your child, it’s best to reserve a separate time slot — this way both visits will go smoothly, without rushing.

Book a visit

You can book a visit at Elegant Fryzjer in Białołęka online via Booksy or by phone — contact details and directions can be found on the Contact page.

None of these tips are a strict rule — they’re rather things that, in practice, make communication easier and help avoid misunderstandings. Ultimately, the most important thing is simply to talk openly about your expectations on the spot, before the haircut begins.