Solo Studios vs. Chain Salons: The Intake Difference
If you’ve ever visited a walk-in salon like Great Clips or Hair Cuttery, you probably noticed that your appointment starts quickly—usually with just a basic question or two about what kind of cut or color you want that day. No long forms, no health questions, no deep dive into your hair history.
So why do solo studio stylists like me take the extra step of asking about things like medications, scalp health, or lifestyle habits before you even sit in my chair?
Here’s the difference:
I work with you, not on you.
In a solo studio, you’re not just another slot on a schedule. I tailor every service to fit you—your hair goals, your concerns, and yes, even your medical background when it’s relevant.
Corporate salons are designed for volume.
Chain salons focus on speed and consistency across a large staff. It’s a business model built for walk-ins, not long-term transformation or in-depth consultations.
I’m your one point of contact from start to finish.
When you book with me, I’m the one reading your intake form, choosing your products, developing your custom formula, and helping you maintain results. That level of care starts with understanding you on a deeper level.
Health and hair are more connected than people realize.
Things like thyroid conditions, postpartum changes, autoimmune diagnoses, or even certain medications can dramatically affect the hair’s texture, strength, or how it responds to color. I ask questions so I can protect your hair integrity—and avoid setbacks or surprises.
Your safety and satisfaction are on me.
I take pride in building trust with every client. When you’re in a solo studio, there’s no corporate buffer, no one-size-fits-all policy. I take full responsibility for your experience, so it’s my job to make sure I understand everything that could impact your results.
Bottom line: I ask more because I care more—and because I’m invested in the outcome, from consultation to your final reveal.
If you’ve never experienced the difference of personalized, one-on-one care in a studio setting, I’d love to welcome you in for a consultation.
