The Form That Fixed My Colour Booking Chaos

Tired of clients booking a tint when they actually need a full colour correction? I’m sharing the exact pre-consult form I use to avoid the chaos and get the info I need before they step into the salon.

Show notes for episode 199

Before I implemented my pre-consultation form, I was wasting hours going back and forth with clients, dealing with booking errors, and trying to decipher Instagram DMs and emails to understand what clients really needed. It was chaos, and it was costing me time and money.

But then I created a pre-consultation form that changed everything. Here’s how it works:

Messy bookings are costing you time (and money).
I realised that I was wasting time and energy with scattered information across multiple platforms. I needed to streamline the process, while still keeping it personal. The answer? Ask everything upfront, clearly and kindly, before clients even step foot in the salon.

The questions that changed everything
I now ask clients to fill out a pre-consultation form that covers:

• Client details 
• Preferred days + times 
• Services they think they need 
• What results they’re after 
• 3 photos of their current hair (front, side, back) 
• 2–3 inspiration pictures 

This ensures I get a visual and verbal breakdown of what the client wants before we even book.

Why I left Google Forms behind
Google Forms was a good place for me to start with pre-consultation forms, but I quickly realised it wasn’t reliable. I needed something that integrated better with my booking system. Enter: Timely. Now everything—from the form to client records and automation—is all in one place.

Better consults = better results behind the chair
With this process, I no longer have to wing it. Clients come in more prepared, and I avoid any booking mistakes. Consultations have become confident and effective, and the results speak for themselves.

PRO TIPS FOR BETTER COLOUR CONSULTATIONS:

• Ask detailed questions upfront to avoid misunderstandings later.
• Include visual aids (photos) to get a clearer idea of the client’s expectations.
• Use software like Timely to automate and streamline the process, saving you time.
• Create a clear form that reflects your salon’s personality while remaining professional.

Pre-Consultation Form Questions:

Here’s the exact list of questions I use in my pre-consultation form before clients book or walk into the salon:

1. Full Name

2. Contact Information (Email and Phone Number)

3. Preferred Days and Times for Booking

4. What Services Do You Think You Need?

5. What Results Are You Looking for? (Please Be Specific)

6. Current Hair Condition (Please Describe Your Hair Type, Length, and Texture)

7. Have You Had Colour or Chemical Treatments Before? If Yes, Please Describe.

8. Are There Any Specific Colour Concerns or Issues?

9. Please Attach 3 Photos of Your Current Hair (Front, Side, Back)

10. Please Attach 2-3 Inspiration Photos

11. Any Allergies or Sensitivities to Hair Products?

12. Have You Ever Used Box Dyes or Over-the-Counter Hair Colour?

13. Is There Anything Else I Should Know Before Your Appointment?

This ensures you (and I) know exactly what we’re working with before booking, allowing for a smooth and efficient consultation.

Listen to EP 199 of the Colour Kristina Talks Podcast to learn how this form can simplify your booking process and help you manage your clients more efficiently.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Timely, and I’ve got a sweet listener-only deal for you:

✨ Use my code KRISTINA50 to get 50% off your new Timely subscription for your first 3 months.

Sign up using my link: www.gettimely.com?partner=kristinarussell