Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging in some self-care, visiting a beauty salon can be a rejuvenating experience. In New Zealand, beauty salons offer a wide range of services, from hair styling and colouring to facials, waxing, and bridal makeup. But before you step into a salon, you should keep a few key things in mind to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.
Here are 5 essential things you should know before going to a beauty salon in NZ.
1. Check the Salon’s Reputation and Customer Reviews
Before you book your appointment at any beauty salon in New Zealand, the very first and most important step is to evaluate the salon’s reputation. The beauty industry in NZ is vast and ever-evolving, with salons offering everything from hair transformations and facials to specialized skincare and bridal makeup. However, not all salons uphold the same standards of professionalism and customer satisfaction.
A reputable salon typically stands out for delivering exceptional service, employing trained and certified professionals, maintaining a clean and relaxing environment, and offering transparent communication. Your experience at a salon can either be wonderful or disappointing based on the salon’s ethics, staff behavior, and treatment quality.
How to Research Effectively:
- Google and Facebook Reviews: Start by checking out online reviews. Google ratings often give a general sense of what clients think. Facebook reviews are also a great place to find more detailed, experience-based feedback.
- Instagram and Website Check: Visit the salon’s official website and social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. A strong digital presence with before-and-after images, client stories, and interactive posts often reflects a salon’s confidence in their work.
- Word of Mouth: Don’t underestimate the power of personal recommendations. Ask friends, colleagues, or locals about their go-to salons and what makes those places stand out.
Pro Tip: Don’t just look at the star ratings. Go through the written reviews to understand what people are praising or complaining about-such as staff behavior, hygiene practices, or quality of results. This will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
2. Know What Services You Need (and What They Include)
One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting a salon is not knowing exactly what service they want-or what’s included in it. Beauty salons in New Zealand offer a wide range of services: from a simple haircut or threading to more complex services like full head foils, facials, and hair spa treatments. Without understanding what you’re signing up for, you may end up disappointed or overcharged.
Every service typically has different variants and pricing structures. For instance, a haircut could be basic, layered, or designer; and the price may vary depending on whether it includes a hair wash and blow-dry. Similarly, hair colouring may be priced based on hair length, number of shades used, or brand of product.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the haircut include shampooing and styling, or is that extra?
- Will the stylist offer a consultation before proceeding?
- Are prices fixed or dependent on hair length and thickness?
- Are beauty treatments like facials or waxing suitable for your skin type?
If you’re going for a special occasion service like bridal makeup or party styling, check whether a trial session is included. It’s always better to have clarity before stepping in. The best salons will walk you through the procedure, cost breakdown, aftercare tips, and expected results.
3. Hygiene and Safety Standards Matter
In any beauty salon, hygiene and cleanliness should never be compromised. This is especially important in a post-pandemic world, where shared tools and physical contact are part of the service. Whether you’re getting your eyebrows threaded or your hair coloured, every tool used should be clean, sterilized, and ideally single-use wherever possible.
Neglecting hygiene can lead to infections, skin irritations, or allergic reactions. It’s essential to choose salons that maintain high safety standards for their customers and staff alike.
Hygiene Practices You Should See:
- Tool Sanitization: Hairbrushes, scissors, razors, and nail tools must be disinfected between clients. Some salons even use UV sterilizers.
- Disposable Materials: Waxing strips, applicators, and gloves should be one-time use only.
- Clean Towels and Gowns: Ensure fresh towels are used for every client. This also applies to bedsheets or spa blankets in treatment rooms.
- Employee Cleanliness: Staff should be neat, wear gloves where appropriate, and wash their hands before each session.
Additionally, salons that follow NZ Ministry of Health guidelines typically display a hygiene certificate or health license. If a salon appears untidy or disorganized, it’s a major red flag.
4. Your Hair and Skin Type Are Unique-Be Sure the Salon Understands That
No two people have the same hair texture, scalp condition, or skin type. That’s why salon services should never follow a one-size-fits-all approach. A good beauty salon understands this and offers customized consultations and treatments that are suitable for your unique needs.
For example, a facial that works wonders on oily skin could cause breakouts on dry or sensitive skin. Hair colouring formulas also behave differently depending on your hair’s porosity, previous colour history, and overall health.
What You Should Expect:
- Patch Test: Before applying any strong chemicals or dye, the salon should insist on doing a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
- Skin Analysis: For skincare services, they should evaluate your skin type- dry, oily, combination, or sensitive-and recommend appropriate products.
- Scalp Assessment: Hair services should begin with a quick scalp analysis to ensure you’re not suffering from conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or dryness that need different care.
A professional salon will also ask about any previous reactions, product allergies, or ongoing skin treatments. These pre-service discussions are critical to prevent irritation or adverse effects and to ensure you’re getting the best value and results.
5. Pricing, Packages, and Value for Money
Transparent pricing is a hallmark of a trustworthy salon. No one likes hidden charges, unclear menus, or being told to pay extra for something that should have been included. A top-tier salon will always display a complete pricing list- whether online or at the reception- and explain what’s included in each service.
Some salons in New Zealand also offer custom packages or combo deals for regular clients, such as facial + waxing packages or monthly hair spa memberships. These are great for people who prefer consistent grooming and want value for their money.
What to Look For:
- Clear Service Menus: Make sure the prices are well-listed, including any add-ons like blow-drying, hair toning, or mask treatments.
- Seasonal Offers or Loyalty Programs: Many salons offer discounts during festive seasons or loyalty points that can be redeemed in future appointments.
- No Pressure Selling: A genuine salon won’t try to push you into buying unnecessary products or extra services that you didn’t request.
Before booking, it’s okay to ask: “Are there any hidden charges?” or “What if I change my mind midway?” A salon that values its clients will always prioritize your comfort and transparency.
Bonus Tips Before Your Salon Visit:
Here are a few extra tips to enhance your experience:
Book in Advance:
Walk-ins are welcome at many salons, but booking an appointment ensures you get your preferred time and stylist.
Avoid Scheduling Right Before a Big Event:
Always plan hair colours or facials at least 2–3 days before an event. This allows your skin or hair to settle, and any unexpected reactions can be managed in time.
Communicate Clearly:
Tell your stylist what you want, and bring photos if needed. Don’t assume they understand what you mean by “just a trim” or “natural makeup.”
Final Thoughts
Going to a beauty salon in New Zealand should be a relaxing and rewarding experience. But it all starts with making informed choices about the salon, services, hygiene, and pricing. By keeping the five points above in mind, you can confidently book your next beauty appointment and get the pampering you deserve.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a salon regular, always remember: great results come from choosing the right place and asking the right questions.
Author Bio:
Laura is a Digital Marketing Specialist with a strong focus on building meaningful customer relationships through high-impact content strategies. With years of experience in the content marketing world, she brings storytelling, creativity, and SEO expertise to every piece she creates. As a professional Content Creator at Akshara Beauty and hair, Laura is passionate about connecting the community to great food experiences slice at a time.
