Plain answers, before you ask.

If you're new to us and budget matters, start with New Talent: same care, mentored formulas, friendliest prices. If you want a big transformation or have tricky colour history, a Senior or Master stylist is worth the difference. Not sure? Call the desk and describe your hair. We'll match you honestly, even if that means the less expensive chair.

New Talent and Senior stylists usually have openings within the week. Master stylists book two to three weeks out. Saturdays fill first.

Only for corrective colour and extension installs. Those always start with a free consultation, because quoting them without seeing your hair would be guessing with your money. Everything else books directly, and every appointment starts with a consultation in the chair anyway.

Please do. Three is the sweet spot. Your stylist will tell you which parts of each photo your hair can deliver, and which parts are lighting, extensions or a filter.

Each price is the starting price for that service at that stylist level, for average length and thickness. Very long or thick hair can take more time and product. If your price will be higher, your stylist tells you during the consultation, before any work starts.

The price follows demand on the stylist's calendar, not effort. Every level uses the same products and gets the same time in the chair.

In the salon after your service, by card, tap or cash. There's no deposit for regular appointments. Extension hair is paid for when it's ordered.

Tips are welcome, never expected. If you'd like to leave one, you can add it at the desk.

First colour with us, or no colour in the last six months? We do a quick skin patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment. Drop in any day we're open. It takes five minutes, it's free, and it checks your skin is fine with the colour before it goes on your whole head.

A stylist dabs a tiny amount of the colour behind your ear. You go about your day and check the spot over the next 48 hours. If you notice redness, itching or swelling, call us before your appointment and we'll talk through other options.

Often, yes, but slowly. Lightener has to lift the old dye first, which can take more than one visit. Book a free corrective colour consultation and we'll give you the plan and the price.

Need to move or cancel? Do it at least 24 hours ahead and there is no charge. Inside 24 hours we charge half the service price, because that chair was held for you. A no-show is invoiced the same way, once, with a friendly note.

Running late? Call or text the desk. Up to 15 minutes late, we'll still finish your full service if the day allows, or do a shorter version so the next guest isn't kept waiting. More than 15 minutes late, we may need to rebook you, and that counts as a late cancellation.

Tell us within 7 days and your stylist will adjust it at no charge. We'd much rather fix something small than have you live with it for six weeks.

The 4 and 44 buses stop at 4th and Vine, half a block away. There are two hours of free street parking on Yew after 9:30 a.m., and bike racks right outside the door.

Arrive five minutes early and come with your hair as it lives day to day: how it dries, how it falls. Your stylist wants to meet the real thing before the wash. Photos of looks you like (and don't) help too.

Studio Mer is on the ground floor with a step-free entrance. If you'd like a quieter time of day or need anything adjusted at the wash basin, mention it when you book.