Hair Salon FAQs – Alto 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

  • Yes. Alto is appointment-only. Booking online ensures the correct time is reserved for your service.

  • Yes. Consultations are recommended for balayage, colour corrections, or major changes.

  • Most clients book 1–2 weeks in advance. Evening and weekend appointments tend to fill more quickly.

  • Yes. Alto uses softened and filtered water during basin services. This supports a cleaner rinse environment for colour, treatments and finishing.

  • If you arrive late we may need to adjust the service to protect the following appointments.

  • Appointments can be moved through the booking system.

PATCH TEST

  • Yes. If you have never had colour at Alto before, a patch test is required at least 48 hours before your colour appointment in line with UK safety guidelines.

  • A small amount of colour product is applied to the skin to check for any allergic reaction.

  • Around 2–3 minutes.

  • No appointment is required. You can visit the studio during opening hours.

  • No. It is required for new colour clients or if it has been more than six months since your last colour appointment.

SERVICES

  • Haircuts, colour, balayage, highlights, and hair treatments focused on long-term hair health.

  • No. Alto focuses on natural hair services.

  • No. Services prioritise long-term hair health and hair condition.

  • Balayage is a hand-painted highlighting technique designed to create soft dimension and low-maintenance regrowth.

  • Yes. Toners refresh colour and adjust tone between larger colour services.

HAIR HEALTH

  • Professional colour systems and treatments are used to support hair condition during the colouring process.

  • Yes. Treatments support hydration, strength, and scalp condition.

  • When performed carefully and maintained properly, balayage can be a safe colour technique.

  • Treatments can improve hair condition and strength. Severely damaged hair may require gradual correction.

TIME EXPECTATIONS

  • Most haircut appointments take around 45–60 minutes.

  • Most colour services take around 2 hours depending on the work required.

  • Balayage and highlights usually take 3–4 hours depending on hair length, density, and previous colour.

DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Yes. Many clients work during longer colour services. Wi-Fi and tables for laptops are available.

    See our work-friendly colour appointments.

  • Yes. Alto is designed as a calm and structured environment.

  • Yes. Water, coffee, and tea are available.

LOCATION

  • Alto Hair Studio is located in Riga Mews, Aldgate East, London, just off Commercial Road opposite the fire station.

  • Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Tower Hill, and Liverpool Street are all within walking distance.

PRICING

  • Haircuts start from £80.

  • Colour services start from £100 depending on the work required.

  • Balayage and highlights are typically around £350 including a haircut.

NEW CLIENTS

  • Consultations are recommended for significant colour changes.

  • Yes, but a consultation is required first to assess the hair safely.

  • Appointments can be requested through the booking link on the website. Alto operates strictly by appointment at our studio in Riga Mews, Aldgate East.