Frequently asked questions.
✧ Start Here
Q: Is ALVA the right fit for me?
ALVA is designed for guests who value healthy hair, lived-in color, seamless extensions, and an experience that's personalized from start to finish. If you're looking for beautiful hair that grows out naturally and appointments that never feel rushed, you'll feel right at home here.
Q: How do I get started?
Booking is simple! ✧ Browse the online service menu to find the appointment that best fits your hair goals. If you're considering extensions or aren't sure where to begin, start by booking a consultation so we can create a plan that's personalized to you.
Q: What services do you specialize in?
I specialize in lived-in blondes, dimensional brunettes, seamless extensions, signature blowouts, and personalized maintenance appointments designed to keep your hair looking beautiful between larger visits.
Color & Blonding
Q: How often should I book blonding or color services?
Most guests refresh their color every 8–12 weeks. Between larger appointments, a gloss or Signature Refresh helps maintain brightness, tone, and overall dimension.
Q: How should I arrive for a color appointment?
Please arrive with clean, dry hair and little to no product. This helps ensure the best results and allows us to make the most of your appointment.
Q: Can I go blonde if I have dark hair?
Usually, yes! Depending on your starting point and your hair goals, achieving your ideal blonde may take multiple appointments to keep your hair healthy throughout the process.
Q: Will coloring my hair damage it?
Healthy hair always comes first. Every color appointment is customized to protect the integrity of your hair while creating beautiful, long-lasting results.
Hair Extensions
Q: How often do I need extension maintenance?
I offer two maintenance options so we can choose the schedule that fits your lifestyle best.
✧ Mini Slide-Ups are a quick maintenance appointment recommended every 5–6 weeks to keep your rows secure, comfortable, and growing out beautifully.
✧ Full Move-Ups are typically scheduled every 6–8 weeks.
Q: What’s the difference between a Mini Slide-Up and a Full Move-Up?
✧ Mini Slide-Ups are a quick maintenance appointment every 5–6 weeks. Your rows are gently adjusted to keep them secure, comfortable, and growing out beautifully—without removing your extensions.
✧ Full Move-Ups are typically scheduled every 6–8 weeks and include a complete removal, reinstall, and style refresh before you leave.
Q: What’s the difference between custom sew-in and no-sew wefts?
Custom Sew-In Wefts are my most customizable option, allowing for the most seamless blend, greater styling versatility, and flexibility for updos and different hairstyles.
No-Sew Wefts offer a quicker, more streamlined maintenance appointment. While they're a great option for many guests, they provide less customization and can be more limiting when it comes to certain hairstyles, like wearing your hair up.
During your consultation, we'll decide which method is the best fit for your hair, lifestyle, and styling preferences.
Q: How long does an extension blowout last?
With proper care and the right products, extension blowouts last 3–5 days.
Blowouts & Styling
Q: Do you offer blowouts if I don’t have extensions?
Yes! ✧ Blowouts are available for both extension and non-extension guests. They're one of my signature services, designed to save you time, reduce heat styling, and keep your hair polished for days.
Q: Do you offer blowout packages?
Yes! ✧ Blowout packages are available for guests who want to make weekly or biweekly styling part of their routine while saving on each visit.
Q: How long does a blowout last?
With the right home care and products, most blowouts last 3–5 days, depending on your hair type, lifestyle, and daily routine.
Your Visit
Q: How should I arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive with clean, dry hair and little to no product for any color service. You're welcome to bring headphones, a book, or anything else that helps you relax and feel comfortable during your appointment.
Q: Can I bring children or guests to my appointment?
To keep every appointment relaxing, personalized, and on schedule, I kindly ask that children and additional guests stay home unless they're receiving a service..
Q: What can I expect during my appointment?
Every appointment is intentionally one-on-one, giving us plenty of time for consultation, customization, and creating beautiful hair without feeling rushed. My goal is for you to leave feeling refreshed, confident, and cared for ✧ not like you were just another appointment on the schedule.
Q: Can I bring food or drinks?
Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your favorite coffee, snack, or drink to enjoy during longer appointments.
Q: Can I work during my appointment?
Yes! Complimentary Wi-Fi is available if you'd like to catch up on work, read a book, or simply relax while your color processes.
Q: What's the atmosphere like during appointments?
Appointments are relaxed, one-on-one, and never rushed. Some guests enjoy great conversation, while others prefer to work, read, or simply recharge for a while. Whatever helps you feel most comfortable is always welcome.
Booking
Q: How do I book an appointment?
Appointments are booked online, where you can browse services, view pricing, and choose an appointment time that works best for you.
Q: What if I'm not sure which service to book?
Each service includes a detailed description to help guide you. If you're still unsure, feel free to reach out before booking.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Appointments are subject to my booking policies for cancellations, rescheduling, late arrivals, and no-shows. You can review the full policy during booking or on the Policies page before your appointment.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
Some days and seasons book up quickly, with appointments often filling 6+ weeks in advance. If you have a preferred day or time, I recommend reserving your next one or two appointments before you leave.
Bridal
Q: Do you offer bridal hairstyling?
Yes! ✧ I accept a limited number of bridal bookings each year to ensure every bride receives the personalized experience and attention to detail they deserve. If you're interested in bridal services, I recommend reaching out as early as possible to check availability.
Shop
Q: Where can I purchase the products you recommend?
I keep a selection of my favorite products available in the salon, and you can shop my complete collection anytime through the Shop page. It includes the products I use behind the chair, along with my personal favorites, all shipped directly to your door.