Question 1

How is an Allergy Alert Test carried out?

Accepted Answer

One of the Cudmore team will mix up a small amount of colour and apply it with a cotton bud behind one of your ears. You will be asked not to get that area wet for the next 48 hours.

Question 2

What is an Allergy Alert Test and do I have to have one?

Accepted Answer

An Allergy Alert Test checks to see if you are allergic to the ingredients in the products we use to colour hair. We ask all of our clients to have one and won’t colour their hair without one.

Question 3

Why do I need an Allergy Test 48 hours before my first colour appointment?

Accepted Answer

We ask new our clients to come in at at least 48 hour before their first appointment. This gives an allergic reaction time to develop.

Question 4

Why do I need to have an Allergy Alert Test?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately reactions to hair colourants can happen in a very small number of people – a bit like food allergies. Allergic reactions to hair colourants are extremely rare but your wellbeing is our priority which is why we carry out Allergy Alert Tests.

Question 5

What if I have an reaction?

Accepted Answer

It’s very unlikely that you will (it is estimated at 0.1% of the population will develop an allergy after hair colourant use*), but if you are concerned speak to your doctor or call the salon for advice.
* Statistics from The Cosmetic, toiletries and Perfumery Association (CPTA)

Question 6

What if I don't have a reaction?

Accepted Answer

Then you are good to go, and we will look forward to seeing you for your colour appointment!

Question 7

What if I've had a colour patch test at another salon?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we will need to do another one so we have it on our records

Question 8

Do you offer free consultations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We invite everyone to come into the salon for a complimentary 15 minute hair consultation before deciding to visit as a client. One of our team will sit down with you to get to know more about you, and your hair, before taking you through their recommendations and letting you know what an appointment at Cudmore & Cudmore will cost.

Question 9

What do I need to bring to the consultation?

Accepted Answer

It’s always great to bring in visual references of hair that you really love, and equally hair that you loathe! If you can also think about three words that describe how you want to look – for example – strong/romantic/fierce/soft/sharp/sophisticated/modern – then that really helps us to put together a look for you.

Question 10

How long will my colour appointment take?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on what colour you are having. On average our colour appointments take between 2 and three hours, including your cut and finish. During your consultation with your stylist, they should let you know how long your appointment will be – if you have something you have to get to, we advise letting them know so they can ensure you are out the door on time.

Question 11

Do you have a cancellation policy and if so why?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. For some reason we’ve found people think it’s OK not to cancel their appointment and not show up, or cancel it at the last minute. It’s really frustrating because our stylists are fully booked and often we have to turn clients down so when this happens they lose out.

Question 12

How much will I be charged if I cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

To avoid a 50% cancellation charge, we request a minimum of 24 hours notice to cancel or amend your appointment. We operate in the same ways hotels do, but guests normally incur a 100% fee for cancelling in under 24 hours.

Question 13

Why do I need an appointment every 6-8 weeks?

Accepted Answer

In our experience after about six weeks your hair starts to lose it’s shape, colour can lose its shine and fade and those pesky grey hairs start appearing. We believe that great hair matters and we always want you to look your best and most confident which is why we like to see you every 6-8 weeks. And we’ll miss you too much if you leave it much longer.

Question 14

Why do different stylists cost more than others?

Accepted Answer

All of our stylists are highly competent at what they do. To echo their level of experience though, we charge differently, which also means we have a variety of prices to suit everyone’s budgets.

Question 15

Can I bring children or guests to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a calm and relaxing atmosphere for all clients, we kindly ask that children or guests only accompany you if they are also receiving a service. If you'd like someone to join you during off-peak hours, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate where possible.
We always make exceptions for accessibility needs - just inform us ahead of time so we can ensure full compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

Question 16

What does 'from' mean?

Accepted Answer

You may notice that our price list says ‘from’, for example, £29. This is because depending on the type of hair you have (length and thickness), and the time it will take to colour, cut and finish it, it may be more than the ‘list price’.

Question 17

Do I need to come in for a bridal appointment consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we require all bridal appointments to start with an in-salon consultation. This allows us to meet face-to-face, discuss your vision in detail, and provide a clear breakdown of services and costs.

Question 18

Why should I pay more for a professional shampoo and conditioner?

Accepted Answer

You may think that buying professional hair products is a con and that purchasing a brand from a supermarket or chemist is just as good, but believe us – as hairdressers we see what a game changer professional products are.

Question 19

What makes professional products better?

Accepted Answer

Professional products contain more highly concentrated and higher-grade ingredients. This makes them last longer as you need a much smaller amount than non-professional products, and the quality of hair they produce is far superior to their cheaper counterparts.

Frequently asked questions