What Should You Expect at Your First Bokaos Appointment?

Your first Bokaos experience starts with a 10 to 15 minute consultation (before any cutting or coloring) where we assess your hair's texture, density, and condition, discuss your lifestyle and daily styling time, review inspiration photos to understand your goals, and create an honest roadmap for transformations that require multiple sessions. This foundation prevents miscommunication and ensures you leave with a look you can realistically maintain. First-time haircut visits take 75 to 90 minutes total; color appointments vary based on goals.

My name is Hasblady Guzman, founder of Bokaos Aveda. After more than 30 years in this industry, coming from a whole family of stylists in Bogotá, I've learned one simple truth: a great hair appointment starts long before we ever pick up the scissors. It starts with trust.

A client from South Pasadena came in for a keratin treatment before a big outdoor summer event. She was worried about maintaining it in the California sun and heat. During our consultation, we created a maintenance plan and sent her home with Redken Frizz Dismiss Conditioner Anti Frizz Sulfate Free for daily touch-ups on humid days. She texted me two weeks later: "I was at an outdoor wedding all day in Malibu and my hair stayed smooth the entire time. Everyone kept asking what I did differently. This is the first keratin that's actually lasted." That's what proper consultation and aftercare education do together.

I see so many new clients walk in, whether they're from right here in Pasadena or visiting from La Cañada Flintridge, and they're holding their breath a little. They're worried about being misunderstood or walking out with something they didn't want.

My goal when I opened my first salon was to create a space that lets you exhale. A place where you feel heard, understood, and genuinely cared for. So, let's walk through what your first visit with us is really like, from the moment you step through our door to the final, confident look in the mirror.

Your First Visit, Step by Step

Walking into a new salon can feel a little overwhelming. We get it. That's why we've designed our space near Old Pasadena to be a calm escape from the moment you arrive.

You'll be greeted with a genuine smile, not a rushed "who's your appointment with?" We'll offer you some water or our comforting Aveda Comforting Tea while you settle in. If you're new, we have a quick form that helps us get to know your hair's history and your goals. It's not paperwork; it's the start of our conversation.

Our atmosphere is intentionally serene. You'll notice the signature Aveda aromatherapy in the air, a blend of natural, calming botanicals. It's a small detail, but it makes a huge difference. This isn't a loud, chaotic salon where you have to shout over blow dryers. It's a boutique environment where you can relax.

The Bokaos Consultation: Why We Talk Before We Style

"So, what are we doing today?"

At many salons, that question is followed by a two-minute chat and then the sound of scissors. We do things differently. We believe the most important tool we have is our ability to listen. I've seen it so many times: clients walk in nervous because they've been misunderstood at previous salons. A thorough consultation is the only way to prevent that.

Our consultation is a dedicated, 10 to 15 minute conversation that lays the foundation for your entire experience. Here's what it includes:

• Hair Health Check: We'll gently assess your hair's texture, density, and condition. Have you had chemical services before? What's your hair's story? We need to know where we're starting from to get you where you want to go.
• A Chat About Your Lifestyle: How much time do you spend on your hair each morning? Do you use heat tools often? We want to create a look that fits into your life, not one that requires a total overhaul of your routine.
• Defining Your Goals: Bring those inspiration photos! Telling us what you like about a certain cut or color is incredibly helpful. Just as important is telling us what you don't like. This helps us create a plan that is 100% tailored to you.
• A Dose of Honesty: My team and I will always be transparent about what's achievable in one visit, especially for complex services like major color changes or blonding. If your dream hair requires a journey, we'll map out the steps together so there are no surprises.

This deep dive into your needs is why our clients keep coming back. It's not an upsell; it's our standard of care.

Your Comfort is Everything

Once we have a solid plan, your service begins. And that same focus on your comfort continues. Many of our clients prefer a quiet, relaxing experience where they can recharge, while others love to chat throughout their service. Both are completely welcome.

Let your stylist know if you'd prefer to relax quietly or if you're in the mood to chat. Our team, from Angelica to Andrew, is trained to check in with you, explain what they're doing, and make you feel at ease. When we suggest a product, it's because we genuinely believe it will help you maintain your look, and we'll always explain why it works for your hair type.

The Big Reveal and Your At-Home Game Plan

The best part of our job is seeing your face light up when you see the finished result. But our work doesn't stop there. We make sure to style your hair in a way you can realistically recreate at home and walk you through the techniques.

We'll suggest a simple routine with the right Aveda products for your goals and budget. Whether it's the Aveda Damage Remedy line for repair, Smooth Infusion for frizz control, or Color Conserve for protecting your investment, we'll explain exactly how to use each product and why it matters for your specific hair needs.

A Quick Note on Timing

Because we invest time in our consultation, your first visit for a haircut might take around 75 to 90 minutes. A first-time color appointment can vary greatly depending on the goal, but we'll give you a clear time estimate during our chat. That initial 10 to 15 minute conversation can save you months of frustration with a look that isn't quite right. It's the best investment we can make in your hair happiness.

Real Clients, Real Transformations

We're so proud of the work we do. You won't find stock photos on our walls or social media. You'll see pictures of your neighbors from Sierra Madre and Altadena who trusted us to bring their vision to life. You'll see stunning transformations, from women getting beautiful hair extensions for the first time to complex color corrections that took multiple sessions to perfect. Each photo tells a story of collaboration and trust between a client and their stylist.

Your Bokaos First Visit Questions Answered

How should I prepare for my first appointment at Bokaos?

Come with clean, dry hair (unless we've instructed otherwise for specific services). Bring 3 to 5 inspiration photos showing styles you love, plus photos of cuts or colors you've had that didn't work. Wear a top that's easy to change out of for color services. Most importantly, come ready to have an honest conversation about your hair goals, budget, and how much time you realistically spend styling daily.

Do I need to book a separate consultation before my first service?

No, the consultation is built into your first appointment. We dedicate the first 10 to 15 minutes of every service to understanding your needs before we begin. However, if you're considering a major transformation (like going from dark to blonde, or getting extensions), you're welcome to schedule a complimentary brief meet-and-greet consultation first to discuss the journey and timeline before booking your first full service.

How long will my first appointment take?

First-time haircut appointments typically take 75 to 90 minutes including consultation, cut, styling, and at-home care education. Color services vary: single-process color takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, highlights or balayage take 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and major transformations (dark to blonde, color corrections) can take 3 to 5+ hours or multiple sessions. We'll give you an accurate time estimate during your consultation.

What if I'm not sure exactly what I want?

That's completely normal and exactly why we spend time consulting with you! Many clients come in saying "I just want something different" or "I need a change but don't know what." Through our conversation about your lifestyle, face shape, hair texture, what hasn't worked in the past, and what you're drawn to, we'll help you discover what will make you feel your best. That's part of our expertise.

What Aveda products will I need to maintain my style at home?

This depends entirely on your service and hair goals, which we discuss during consultation. At minimum, most clients need a shampoo and conditioner suited to their hair type (Smooth Infusion for frizz, Damage Remedy for repair, Color Conserve for color protection). We'll recommend 2 to 4 products maximum and explain exactly how to use each one. We never push products you don't need; we educate you on what will actually help maintain your investment.

Book Your First Bokaos Appointment

Ready for an experience that's built around you? We're here to listen and create a look you'll truly love. Give us a call or book your first appointment online. We can't wait to welcome you to the Bokaos family.

Come visit us and let's start our conversation. You can find Bokaos Aveda Salon at 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103. Give us a call at (626) 304-0007 or book your consultation online today.

We look forward to meeting you.