FAQs for Services - Your Essential Guide to Understanding Our Offerings

FAQs for services

Welcome to our FAQS for services Frequently Asked Questions for Curly Hair Clients.

At Harlequin Hair, we specialise in curly hair cutting, colouring, and care, helping you understand and embrace your natural curls with confidence.

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1. Why does one side of my hair look longer after a curly cut when wet?

Curly hair is cut dry and curl-by-curl to respect your natural pattern. Because of this, one side may appear longer when wet due to:

• Differences in curl tightness or looseness

• Natural asymmetry in curl patterns

Once your hair is dry and styled naturally, it should appear more balanced.

Important Note – Towel Dry Services

If you choose a towel-dry finish, we cannot guarantee your cut or colour result, as:

• Hair colour appears different when dry (lighter, darker, cooler, warmer)

• Curl patterns change when dry (shorter, longer, tighter, looser).

A recheck is still available; however, additional charges will/may apply for colour adjustments or more than minor cutting corrections due to choosing towel dry.

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2. How should I prepare my hair for a curly cut?

To achieve the best results, please ensure:

• Your hair is worn down in its natural state (no hair ties, braids, or clips)

• Your curls are visible in their natural fall and pattern

• Hair is clean enough to work with (it does not need to be freshly washed, but not excessively dirty) Product in your hair is totally fine.

Important Preparation Notes

• Hair with tie marks or braids may require additional time or may not be suitable for service: please let us know beforehand so we can allow more time

• Extra time to reset curls may incur an additional charge

• In some cases, the appointment may need to be rescheduled (deposit conditions apply)

For Colour Services (including if your also having a cut)

• Avoid root touch-up sprays, colour creams, or build-up products

• Excess product can create a barrier and affect colour results, but product again is totally fine to be in the hair.

• Hair should ideally be washed within 7 days (not heavily coated with product)

If these conditions are not met, colour results cannot be guaranteed.

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3. What hair colour brands do you use?

We use professional L’Oréal Professionnel colour ranges, including:

• INOA (ammonia-free permanent colour)

• Dia Colour (demi-permanent)

• Dia Light (semi-permanent)

• Majirel Highlift and Blonde Studio (contain ammonia)

We only use genuine brand-specific products, including developers and oxidants, to ensure optimal colour results, longevity, and hair integrity. All our colours include the Metal Detox Pre/Post Treatments & Our Foils include a Toner (if you don't require a toner we will minus that off the foil service).

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4. Is a curly cut suitable if I sometimes straighten/smooth my hair?

Short Answer: Mostly No

Curly cuts are designed for natural curls, not straight styling. Because we:

• Cut hair in its natural curl pattern

• Do not stretch or manipulate curls during cutting

When straightened, the hair may appear uneven or “chunky.”

When it may work:

• If you add a soft bend or curl to the ends when styling

Alternative Option – Hybrid Cut

A more traditional cutting method that includes:

• Cutting hair after washing

• Cutting with a wide tooth comb on either wet or dry hair.

• Diffusing to enhance curl pattern and checking how curl sits when dried.

Please let us know prior to booking if you would prefer this method.

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5. Do you colour children’s hair?

We do not provide hair colouring services for clients under 16 years of age, in accordance with our colour manufacturer guidelines.

This is due to factors such as:

• Hormonal changes affecting colour results

• Increased risk of allergic reactions in younger clients

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6. Is a curly cut right for you?

Yes, if you want to:

• Embrace your natural curls

• Enhance curl definition

• Increase volume and shape

• Create a more rounded, balanced haircut

No, if you prefer:

• Straighter or stretched-out hair

• Loose or minimal curl definition

What to Expect

Your first curly cut may result in changes over time, including:

• Variations in length or shape

• Increased bounce or lift in layers

• Differences in how curls settle over the first 1–2 weeks

We offer a recheck appointment within 1–5 weeks to refine your cut if needed.

Are you used to your curls being cut wet and with a comb? Dry with a comb? Prefer everything to be even when curly/stretched out?

We definitely recommend to do research on if this is for you! A Curl by curl cut usually isn't perfect/even when stretched out. This is due to your curls on one side might be curlier than the other side. You may have more of one curl type on one side than the other. 

Our main technique is cut for natural curls; so when you wash, apply products and diffuse they look even. If you finger twirl, pin curl, denman brush or other type of styling other than natural curl; all the time this technique will need to be adjusted for you. So please make sure you let us know.

PLEASE if you are new YOU MUST fill out the questionnaire before attending.

If a Curl Cut for you? Here is a video to possibly help you decide (YouTube video influencer Manes by Mel): Click Here

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Salon Notice

Please note that continuous video and audio recording is in operation within the salon for all services.

If we go over the allocated time/timing of your service there will be an extra charge added for the extra time taken to complete your service. 

If we use more hair colour product (includes hair colour semi/demi/permanent & bleach's) than allocated for your service there will be an extra charge added to your service.

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7. Need Help with a Curly Hair Routine?

Visit our Curly Hair Blog for expert tips, routines, and product guidance.

(Link opens in a new window)

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8. How to Change or Cancel Your Appointment

Please visit the online booking page

Important:

If you cancel your appointment online, please contact us directly to ensure your deposit is refunded or transferred (if eligible).

Please refer to our Appointment Terms & Conditions for full details.

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9. Why don't we recommend a Hydration service with a hair colour service?

Most hair colour companies recommend not to shampoo your hair for 48hrs after a colour service so the colour molecule can "set" and "lock in" to your hair.

A Hydration service is designed to "push" moisture into your hair.

Therefore our understanding is this may "push" out some of the colour molecules, if so this could make your colour fade quicker, not set and "come out".

We recommend either 48hrs or more before your colour service or min 48hrs after your colour service.

If you do decide to do it on the day, unfortunately we cannot guarantee your colour longevity or result.