Consultations
Not sure where to start, or planning a big change? A consultation is the best first step. We listen, assess your hair, and build a realistic plan together.
A consultation is a real conversation, not a sales pitch. We look at your hair's history, texture, and condition, ask what has and has not worked for you before, and talk through what is realistic in one visit versus what needs to be planned across a few appointments.
Two situations always start with a consultation rather than a straight booking: extensions, because length, method, and color matching are different for every guest, and corrective color, because we need to see what is actually in your hair before we can tell you what it will take to change it. Everyone else is welcome to book a consultation too, especially if you are new to the salon or have not made a change in years and are not sure where to start.
Book your Consultations appointment →
Consultation Options
See full, current pricing on the Service Menu. Pricing varies by stylist level, hair length, and service complexity, and is confirmed at your appointment. New guests, ask about your $20 gift card.
Your Stylist
Meet Lea
Lea opened Styling Company on Main Street in Belmar in 2004 and has personally trained every stylist on the team, which is why every consultation follows the same honest, plan-first approach she built the salon on. Over twenty years later, that same approach still shapes how the whole team plans a guest's first visit, an extension install, or a corrective color case.
What Guests Say
“It's always a pleasure to come into the Styling Company and have Kristina do my hair. She's always a pleasure to be around and… She's simply the best! A++++++ The STYLING COMPANY is very fortunate to have her as part of the team.”— Darcy Virga, Google review
A consultation costs you nothing but the 30 minutes, and it is the single easiest way to avoid an expensive mismatch, whether that is a color that will not lift the way you pictured or an extension method that will not suit how you actually wear your hair day to day. We would rather spend 30 minutes getting it right than an hour redoing something that missed the mark.
Aftercare & Maintenance
Bring photos of looks you like (and ones you do not), and be upfront about your budget and timeline. That honesty is what lets us build a plan that actually fits your hair and your life, instead of one that only looks good on a mood board. If you are planning around a life event, wedding, vacation, or a new job, mention the date at booking so we can build a realistic schedule of appointments that gets you there on time.
Good to Know
Is a consultation really free?
Yes, a standard consultation is complimentary. For corrective color, a down payment may apply and goes toward your service.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes, enough time to plan your look and book the right appointment.
Do I need a consultation before extensions?
Yes, extensions always start with a consultation so we can plan method, length, and color matching before any quote.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Reference photos, a sense of your budget, and an honest read on how much time you want to spend styling at home.
Will I leave with a set price?
For most services, yes, or a close range. For extensions and corrective color, we will give you a firm quote once we have seen your hair in person.
Can I book a consultation the same day as my service?
For most guests yes, but for extensions or a major color correction we recommend a separate consultation first so there is no rush and no pressure to decide on the spot.