Consultations

Book Your Complimentary Hair Consultation in Bury St Edmunds

At Gavin Ashley Hair Salon, your salon visit should be more than just an appointment; it should be a time to relax, feel inspired, and leave feeling your very best. Located in the heart of Bury St. Edmunds, our salon offers a luxurious yet friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy first-class hairdressing from some of the most talented stylists and colourists in the area.

Our highly skilled team is passionate about hair and dedicated to staying ahead. We attend regular trreceiveaining sessions to sharpen our skills and learn the latest trends and techniques in cutting, styling, and colouring. Whether you're after a bold new look or a subtle refresh, you can count on us to deliver results that suit your style and lifestyle perfectly.

Want to know more? Read all about us.

You can easily book a consultation online or call us on 01284 754066.

A skin test is required before your appointment. You’ll need to visit the salon at least 48 hours before your colour or tinting service for a quick and free Allergy Alert Test (AAT). The minimum age for colouring hair in our salon is 18.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your journey with us begins with a relaxed consultation where you will receive real advice and guidance. This is our chance to get to know you, your hair, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Your stylist will ask a few key questions, such as:

*What do you currently love (or not love) about your hair?
*How do you usually style it day to day?
*How often do you wash it?
*How much time do you like to spend styling and maintaining your hair?
*Are you happy to keep up with regular salon visits?

These questions help us recommend a look that not only suits your hair type but also fits your lifestyle. We want you to love how your hair looks and how manageable it is for you every day.

We believe in being upfront and realistic about what’s possible, and we encourage the same from you. If your hair has a history of colour treatments, especially home dyes or henna, we need to know, as this can affect what we’re able to do safely and effectively.

Dreaming of a dramatic transformation, like going from dark brunette to icy blonde? We’ll guide you through what that process really involves, including the time, steps, and care needed to protect your hair’s health. In some cases, we may recommend deep conditioning treatments to strengthen your hair before we begin the colour journey.

Images are always welcome! Whether it’s a Pinterest board, a celebrity photo, or even a snapshot of a look you didn’t love, everything helps. The more we understand your preferences, the better we can tailor the perfect plan for you.

Above all, we will speak your language. No confusing jargon, just clear explanations and expert advice. We're here to answer your questions and make sure you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

 Tests On Your Hair During Your Colour Consultation

At Gavin Ashley Hair Salon, your hair’s health is always our top priority especially when it comes to hair colour services. During your consultation, our experienced colourists may carry out a few quick, non-invasive tests. These checks help us better understand the current condition of your hair and make sure we approach your colour treatment with the utmost care and precision.

Strand Test
This simple test involves applying a small amount of colour to a discreet section of your hair. This is especially important if your hair has been previously coloured or chemically treated. It allows us to predict how your hair will react to the colour, check the final tone and shade outcome, assess how long the colour should process, and make sure your hair stays strong and healthy throughout the colouring journey.

Elasticity Test
Healthy hair has natural flexibility. By gently stretching a damp strand, your stylist can evaluate how well it returns to its original shape. This test helps us gauge the strength and resilience of your hair and decide if your hair is ok to have colour or be lightened. It also allows us to identify whether a strengthening treatment, like a bond-builder or customised Kérastase Fusio-Dose, might be needed first.

Porosity Test
Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture (and colour). We check this by feeling the hair’s texture and how it interacts with water. Understanding your hair's porosity allows us to see if your hair is dry, overly porous, or would be resistant to colour. 

Scalp & Hair Health Check
Your overall scalp and hair condition are just as important as the strands themselves. We’ll gently check for signs of sensitivity or irritation, any product build-up as well as damage from heat styling or past chemical services.

These tests are a key part of delivering the safest, most beautiful colour results possible. They also help us recommend any pre-colour treatments that can improve your hair’s strength and shine, so you can enjoy not just a great result, but healthier hair too.

Book Your Appointment

Call us on 01284 754066 or book online.