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Writer's pictureJacqueline Parker

Pre-Appointment Prep for Your Professional Hair and Makeup Booking

Hello beautiful people! So you've secured a professional hair and makeup appointment with us (or one of our highly recommended stylists) and you're wondering what to do before the day. Well, sit back, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into how to best prepare for your upcoming booking.


melbourne makeup artist with ring light and makeup brushes applying makeup to woman's face, with hollywood waves in her hair


Step 1: Communication is Key

First things first: It’s crucial to communicate any specific requirements to your stylist before your appointment. You can do this via text, email or phonecall; whichiever suits you best. The things your stylist will likely need to know in advance are:


  • Allergies or Sensitivities: If you have a known allergy to a specific product or ingredient, or if you have reacted to a certin product in the past, please let your stylist know upon booking. For those with severe allergies, you are more than welcome to provide your own cosmetics that you know and trust. Please advise your stylist in advance if you wish to do this so they can best prepare.

  • Hair Extensions: If you have existing permanent extentions or need temporary clip ins put in on the day, please let your stylist know in your quote request or at least prior to booking. This may affect the price of your service or the time needed to complete your hairstyle. If you need help in deciding which type of extensions to purchase or where to buy them from, your stylist can help you with this too.

  • Time Constraints: If you only have a small window of time to complete your hair and/or makeup, your stylist will need to know in advance so they can accommodate.

  • Specialised Products: If your look requires a specific technique or product, eg. face paint, a particular colour of glitter eyeshadow or extra-long false eyelashes etc., please ensure your stylist is made aware when you request your quote. There may be an additional charge to purchase specialist makeup items.

  • Parking Instructions at Your Location: If there is a preferred place your stylist needs to park, it's a good idea to discuss this prior to save time on the day. You may also need some cash on hand to reimburse your stylist for any parking fees incurred.



Step 2: Prep Like a Pro!


The Night Before:


  • Wash Your Hair: Give your locks a good wash the night prior. Avoid using any leave-in products or conditioners. This ensures your hair will be in the best possible condition for styling.

  • Blow Dry: Flip your head upside down and blow dry your hair to give 'lift' at the roots. Leave your hair out if possible.

  • Avoid Heat Styling Tools: Resist the urge to use a curling iron, straightener, or any other heat tool other than a hairdryer. Using these can 'set' your hair cuticle into place, making it less receptive to subsequent styling.



woman cleansing her face with towel turban on her head preparing for her professional hair and makeup appointment

The Morning Of:


  • Wash Your Face: Cleanse your face in the morning, but avoid applying any products like moisturisers or serums. This gives your makeup artist the perfect blank canvas to work on.

  • Leave Hair Out or Tie Up Loosely: Avoid tying hair up tightly and plaiting or putting it in a bun etc. Hair ties and clips can leave troublesome kinks in the hair which are hard to straighten out without washing the hair again. If you must tie your hair up to get it off your face or neck, loosely pull it into a soft scrunchie that won't cause kinks.


  • Wear an old button-up: It's a good idea to wear something that you don't mind getting wayward makeup and hairspray on, and wearing a button-up shirt means you won't have to pull a top over your head and ruin your freshly styled hair and makeup.



Woman showing her makeup artist reference pictures of a makeup she likes on her iPhone

Step 3: What to Have With You at the Appointment

  • Collect a few reference pictures to visually explain the look you're after. Try to find photos of people with similar skin tones and features to yours, as chances are their look will suit you too.


  • Outfits and Accessories: Bring pictures of your outfit and jewellery. For weddings, you may like to show your stylist fabric swatches and pictures of bouquets too. Anything that helps create a picture of the overall theme and colour scheme are helpful in creating a cohesive, complimentary look.


Step 4: Room Set Up

If you are getting ready at home, most of the items below will be readily available. In a hotel or venue, you may not have as much control over the room set up. But you can always ask concierge if you can borrow the following items:


  • A lower chair, such as a dining chair, is preferable for hairstyling.

  • A higher chair, or bar stool, is preferable for makeup applications.

  • Your stylist will need some cleared table space to set up their products and tools.

  • Good lighting is essential for makeup applications. A sunny position with lots of natural light near a window is ideal. Most stylists will carry a portable lighting solution for when natural light or good artificial lighting isn't available.

  • A well ventilated room is recommended when hairspray is being used.

  • Access to running water and a power point for hairstyling tools is usually required.



makeup artist in studio with ring light applying blush to woman's cheek

Step 5: Bonus Tips


  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin looks radiant and helps makeup apply more smoothly.

  • Get a Good Night's Sleep: Being well-rested the night before your booking will not only help you feel better but also reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

  • Exfoliate: Give your skin an exfolliation a day or two prior to your appointment to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and create a perfectly smooth canvas. Just be careful not to use any new products that you haven't tried before, in case they cause an adverse reaction.

Step 6: Enjoy being pampered

That's it! Now you are ready to sit back and enjoy the process of becoming the most beauty-full version of YOU!

So, gear up, get ready, and let us work our magic. You’re going to look fabulous, we promise :)


Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Warmest regards,

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