Hair Salon FAQs in Aldgate East
These frequently asked questions cover appointments, colour services, patch testing and visiting Alto Hair Studio in Aldgate East.
If you cannot find the answer you need, you can book a consultation or contact the studio.
APPOINTMENTS
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Yes. Alto is appointment-only. Booking online ensures the correct time is reserved for your service.
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A consultation is required for colour corrections, major colour changes and new blonde clients. Returning clients with an established colour plan can usually book their usual service directly.
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Most clients book 1–2 weeks in advance. Evening and weekend appointments tend to fill more quickly.
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Yes. Alto uses softened and filtered water during basin services. This supports a cleaner rinse environment for colour, treatments and finishing.
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If you arrive late we may need to adjust the service to protect the following appointments.
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Appointments can be moved through the booking system.
PATCH TEST
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A patch test is required at least 48 hours before a colour appointment for new colour clients and for anyone who has not had colour at Alto for more than six months.
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A small amount of colour product is applied to the skin to check for a possible reaction.
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It takes around two to three minutes. If you do not need a consultation, you can simply visit during opening hours. Please come at least 48 hours before your colour appointment.
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No appointment is needed. If you do not require a consultation, you can pop in during opening hours and we will complete it quickly. If you would like to discuss your colour, please book a consultation.
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No. A new patch test is required for new colour clients and if it has been more than six months since your last colour appointment at Alto.
SERVICES
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Haircuts, colour, balayage, highlights, and hair treatments focused on long-term hair health.
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No. Alto focuses on natural hair services.
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No. Services prioritise long-term hair health and hair condition.
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Balayage is a hand-painted highlighting technique designed to create soft dimension and low-maintenance regrowth.
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Yes. Toners refresh colour and adjust tone between larger colour services.
HAIR HEALTH
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Professional colour systems and treatments are used to support hair condition during the colouring process.
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Yes. Treatments support hydration, strength, and scalp condition.
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When performed carefully and maintained properly, balayage can be a safe colour technique.
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Treatments can improve hair condition and strength. Severely damaged hair may require gradual correction.
TIME EXPECTATIONS
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Most haircut appointments take around 45–60 minutes.
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Most colour services take around 2 hours depending on the work required.
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Balayage and highlights usually take 3–4 hours depending on hair length, density, and previous colour.
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
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Yes. Many clients work during longer colour services. Wi Fi and tables for laptops are available.
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Yes. Alto is designed as a calm and structured environment.
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Yes. Water, coffee, and tea are available.
LOCATION
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Alto Hair Studio is located in Riga Mews, Aldgate East, London, just off Commercial Road opposite the fire station.
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Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Tower Hill, and Liverpool Street are all within walking distance.
PRICING
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Cut and finish appointments start from £73. Clipper cut and finish is £65. Pricing varies according to hair length, density and the time required.
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Toner or gloss starts from £35, root colour is £87 and full head colour is £102.
A quick dry, blow dry or cut and finish must also be booked.
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Highlights and balayage with toner start from £163. Half head is £204, full head is £242 and extra full head is £275.
A quick dry, blow dry or cut and finish must also be booked. Final pricing depends on hair length, density, condition and the work required.
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No. Colour, blonding and treatment appointments must include a quick dry, blow dry or cut and finish. Services that already include finishing do not require another finishing service.
NEW CLIENTS
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Consultations are required for significant colour changes.
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Yes, but a consultation is required first to assess the hair safely.
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Appointments can be requested through the booking link on the website. Alto operates strictly by appointment at our studio in Riga Mews, Aldgate East.