questions answered<br/>

Frequently Asked Questions

booking + first visits.

the general consultation is complimentary and runs for twenty minutes. you'll sit down with dilara to look at your hair in person, talk through what's worked and what hasn't, and figure out what's actually achievable. within two days you'll receive a written proposal in your inbox — recommended treatment, full cost, and a maintenance plan, all in one document. no obligation to book from it.
for extensions and substantial transformations (major colour corrections, big lifts, multi-session work), we offer paid consultations at $50 — fully redeemable against your first booking, fully refundable if you decide not to proceed.
most services can be booked directly through our website — the "book an appointment" button takes you to our booking system, where you can choose the service, the stylist, and the time. for larger treatments like nanoplasty, blonde nanoplasty, and extensions, we recommend starting with a consultation so we can quote you properly and book the right amount of time. if you'd rather ask a question before booking, every service page has a short enquiry form — kat will reply within 48 hours.
no. if you're not sure, book a consultation rather than a specific service. dilara will look at your hair, talk through what you're after, and recommend the right approach. for many clients that's the better starting point — especially if you're new to nanoplasty or you have a hair history worth talking through in person.
shop 4, 2-8 oxford street, paddington — directly on oxford street, easy to find. street parking is available nearby, and we're a short walk from paddington station and several bus routes.
ren is small by design. when you arrive, your stylist — natalia or dilara, whoever you've booked with — will greet you and look after you for the entire appointment. expect to be offered tea or coffee, somewhere comfortable to sit, and time to talk before anything starts. if you've booked a consultation, you'll spend thirty minutes with your stylist before any work begins. if you've booked a treatment, your stylist will walk you through the plan for the appointment. bring a book or headphones if your appointment is long — some treatments run up to six hours.
every booking at ren is held with a non-refundable deposit — across every service, from a colour appointment to a nanoplasty to a russian hair extension fitting. the amount depends on the service and is confirmed when you book.
if you need to reschedule, give us at least 48 hours' notice and your deposit transfers to your new booking with no extra fee. cancellations inside the 48-hour window forfeit the deposit. no-shows are charged the full balance of the service.
the policy exists to keep appointments running on time and protect each stylist's day when something can't be moved. if your situation is unusual, email kat and we'll talk it through — we'd rather you tell us early than not at all.
by paying your deposit, you're confirming that you've read and agreed to this policy. it's your responsibility to review these terms before booking. if anything is unclear, ask before you pay.

hair treatments.

depends on what you're after.
the nanoplasty is a structural straightening treatment — for clients who want their hair physically straighter, with results lasting up to eight months.
the nanoplasty blonde is dilara's calibrated variant for hair that's been lifted, coloured, or chemically processed. same restructuring, gentler protocol.
the smoothing is a true anti-frizz treatment that softens unruly texture while keeping your natural curl or wave intact — for clients who don't want their texture changed. results last around eight weeks.
the hair revival is a restoration treatment for dry, damaged, or over-processed hair, delivered across a series of sessions to rebuild strength before any further chemistry.
all four are plant-based and formaldehyde-free.
if you're not sure, the complimentary thirty-minute consultation is the right starting point. dilara will look at your hair, ask the right questions about your hair history, and recommend the protocol that fits.
the nanoplasty is a straightening treatment. amino acids and proteins are sealed inside the hair fibre to restructure it from the inside out, finishing the hair visibly straighter, shinier, and smoother. results last up to eight months between treatments.
the smoothing is not a straightening treatment. it's a true anti-frizz treatment that uses smaller-molecule actives to smooth and seal without restructuring — so your natural curl or wave stays intact. it's the right choice if you want softer, calmer hair without changing your texture. results last three to four months.
both are plant-based and formaldehyde-free. clients sometimes book one after the other across the year — the nanoplasty when they want a structural reset, the smoothing when they want anti-frizz without committing to a longer appointment.
depends on the treatment, your hair length, and your hair density.
the nanoplasty: three to five and a half hours.
the nanoplasty blonde: three and a half to six and a half hours.
the smoothing: two and a half to six hours.
the hair revival: one to two and a half hours per session.
we always book the right amount of time at consultation — no surprise long-running appointments.
the in-salon wash is part of the treatment.
before you leave, dilara washes and styles your hair so you walk out with clean, residue-free hair — ready to live in straight away.
day-to-day from there:
— sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner extend every result
— a silk pillowcase protects the finish if you have one
— one weekly mask keeps the hair conditioned between visits
— ponytails, clips, and your usual routine are all fine right away
our team will send you a personalised aftercare note by email after your appointment, with product recommendations sized to your hair.
depends on the treatment and how you look after your hair at home.
the nanoplasty: up to eight months.
the nanoplasty blonde: up to six months.
the smoothing: up to three months.
the hair revival: session-based; results compound across the series.
correct aftercare extends every result.
dilara will send a personalised aftercare note after your appointment.
yes, but timing matters. if you're using a dye that contains ammonia, we recommend waiting at least two weeks after your treatment. if your dye is ammonia-free, you can colour your hair 3-4 days afterwards.
if you're booking colour with dilara at ren, she'll factor your treatment into the timing automatically — you don't need to plan that part yourself.
sometimes, yes. blonde nanoplasty is specifically calibrated to be gentler on colour-treated hair — that's why dilara has spent years refining it. but the chemistry of nanoplasty can interact with global-colour dye in a small number of clients and lift the hair by two to three shades.
this is rare, and the calibrated formulation reduces the risk significantly — but we won't promise you it can't happen. that's why every blonde nanoplasty appointment starts with a consultation: dilara reviews your colour history, your current tone, and the dye type you've used, and tells you honestly what your hair will and won't tolerate. you'll see a written proposal before the appointment is booked.

hair colour.

dilara works across the full range of colour services — balayage, babylights, foils, full colour, root touch-ups, gloss and toners, all-over lift, and colour cleanse. for a complete list with timing and pricing guidance, see our price list. if you're not sure which one fits what you're after, the thirty-minute consultation is the right starting point.
every new colour client starts with a consultation. dilara assesses your hair condition, your current colour, and your hair history — what colour you've had, what's worked, what hasn't, whether you've had previous bleach, keratin, or chemistry that affects what we can do now. you'll leave with a written proposal in your inbox within two days: the recommended approach, the cost, the timing, and the maintenance cadence. nothing is booked until you've seen and agreed to the plan.
depends entirely on what you're booking. a root touch-up might take ninety minutes; a full balayage with toner can run four to six hours; colour corrections after damage or heavy previous work can take a full day. we always book the right amount of time at consultation — no rushed appointments.
depends on what you've had done. root touch-ups usually need refreshing every four to six weeks. balayage and babylights typically last twelve to sixteen weeks before a refresh. gloss and toner refreshes sit between, every six to eight weeks. dilara will recommend the right cadence for you at consultation — it shouldn't be something you have to remember on your own.
big changes are usually a path, not a single appointment. lighter hair from a darker base, total tone shifts, or recovery from previous colour work — these are best planned across two or three sessions, with treatment work in between to keep the hair in healthy condition. dilara won't promise you a transformation in one appointment if it would compromise the integrity of your hair. you'll see the full path in your written proposal before anything is booked.
yes, and a meaningful proportion of new colour clients come to us this way. colour corrections — patchy work, brassiness, banding, or an unexpected outcome from another salon — are some of dilara's most-requested appointments. we'll never promise an instant fix, because what's possible depends on what's been done to your hair and how recently. consultation first, written proposal, and a plan you've agreed to before any corrective work is booked.

hair extensions.

all our extensions are 100% genuine russian hair, sourced directly from a trusted supplier in russia. we stock two grades — standard and virgin.
standard-grade is what most clients choose: minimally processed, soft, durable, and the right fit for most hair types. typically lasts 12-24 months with proper maintenance.
virgin-grade is fully untreated hair with the longest lifespan and the highest cost; it's a custom order, priced after consultation. typically 2-3 years or longer with regular care.
russian hair is chosen at ren for how it moves, how it catches light, and how it sits beside your own hair through everyday wear.
three methods at ren, chosen during consultation based on your hair, your lifestyle, and the result you're after.
the nanobeads — small silicone-lined rings that match the root of your hair, no heat or glue required. discreet, reusable across maintenance cycles, easy to move up at maintenance. our lightest entry point for clients new to extensions. maintenance every six to eight weeks.
the mini bonds — small keratin bonds, half the size of the industry standard. heat-fused at the root, almost invisible at the hairline, longer-wearing. suited to clients who want the longest stretch between maintenance and the most natural blend at the root. maintenance every two and a half to three months.
the micro bonds — our smallest keratin bonds. half the size again of our mini bonds. made for clients with the most delicate natural hair — including women who've been told extensions weren't possible elsewhere. by consultation only.
we'll recommend which method fits at consultation, based on your hair type, density, and how often you can realistically come back for maintenance.
depends on the grade of hair, how well it's maintained, and how regularly you come back for maintenance appointments.
standard-grade russian hair: typically twelve to twenty-four months.
virgin russian hair: significantly longer — often two to three years or more.
day-to-day care and the products you use make a real difference. we'll talk through how to look after them at fitting.
i have fine hair. will extensions work for me?
very likely yes. we built our micro bond service around exactly this question.
most extension salons can't bond at a small enough scale for fine hair without causing traction or slippage. we can. natalia has spent years developing keratin bond work at half — and now half again — the industry standard size.
the only honest way to know if your hair specifically is suited is the consultation. if it isn't, we'll tell you. but the vast majority of women who've been turned away from extensions elsewhere are excellent candidates for our work.
will i need a whole new set eventually?
yes — and we'd rather you knew that up front.
russian hair, worn daily — washed, brushed, slept on, styled — has a natural lifespan. across two to three maintenance cycles (roughly six to nine months from your install) we re-tip and refit your existing extensions. by your third or fourth cycle, we'll assess the strand integrity honestly. if the hair has thinned, lost shine, or weakened at the bond line, we'll recommend a fresh set rather than re-bonding compromised extensions.
we'd rather replace the hair than install over hair that's past its best. it keeps your natural hair underneath healthy and your finished look consistent.
it's not a hidden cost — it's the honest economics of real human hair. we tell every client at the consultation so there are no surprises six months in.
yes — and the lifespan depends on the method you have.
nanobeads are retightened and repositioned at each maintenance — the bond isn't broken. your set typically lasts eight to twelve months before a fresh set is the right call.
mini bonds and micro bonds involve removing the old keratin and re-tipping the strand at each maintenance — more wear over time. your set typically lasts five to nine months before a fresh set is the right call.
clients who pre-purchase reserve hair at install often see another few months before that point — we use the reserve to swap any strands past their best.
it's not a hidden cost. it's the honest economics of real human hair. we walk you through the maintenance math at consultation.
the cost depends on the grade of hair (standard or virgin), how much hair you need (length and density), and which application method you choose. we don't quote without seeing your hair — the consultation is the only way to get an accurate number. for indicative guidance, see our price list. payment plans through afterpay and zip are available in salon.
wash every two to three days at most. use sulphate-free and paraben-free products. keep conditioner away from the roots — it can loosen the bond or the bead. pat dry with a towel, brush from the root down with a paddle brush, apply a heat protectant before any styling.
we recommend a hair mask once a week to keep the hair hydrated. we stock extension-friendly products in salon and we're happy to walk you through how to use them at fitting.
yes to all. tie your hair back before swimming in pool or ocean. apply a leave-in treatment or mask to keep the hair hydrated in chlorinated or salt water, and shampoo well as soon as you're out. for exercise, tie your hair back and wash it out within a day if you've sweated heavily.
extensions are designed to fit into your life — they don't ask you to opt out of it.
yes, with care.
if you want to colour your natural hair (roots or crown), your hairdresser can avoid the extensions in the process. we can do this for you at ren.
if you want to colour the extensions themselves — possible, but at your own risk. lightening will damage the hair quality; darkening can be done but will affect longevity. we recommend dyeing your natural hair first, then choosing extension colour to match.
a useful note: we can also add lighter or darker shades into your hair using extensions, without dyeing your natural hair at all.
no — and we recommend you don't try. removing extensions incorrectly is the most common way clients damage their own hair. it's a service we do at ren, and we charge for removal regardless of where the extensions were applied.
yes. we remove all extension methods — including any that aren't currently part of our application offering — and we charge for removal regardless of where they were fitted. book a removal consultation and we'll quote you based on the method and the amount of hair.
no. custom extension orders work differently from standard appointments because we order your hair specifically — to your colour, length, density, and grade. once your custom order is confirmed and the deposit is paid, the hair is sourced from our supplier in russia on your behalf, and the deposit cannot be refunded.
here's what that covers and what it doesn't.
change of mind. once the order is confirmed, the hair has been ordered and paid for from our supplier. we can't refund deposits on the basis of changed preferences, decisions to use a different salon, or wanting a different colour or length after confirmation.
shipment delays. hair is shipped internationally from russia. occasionally a shipment is held by customs or delayed by the supplier — this is outside our control. if your original appointment can't go ahead because the hair hasn't arrived, we'll reschedule you for the earliest available slot once the hair lands, and your deposit transfers automatically to the new booking.
unforeseen personal circumstances. if something significant comes up (medical, family, or otherwise), email kat as early as you can. we can't refund the deposit, but we'll hold it against a rescheduled appointment within a reasonable window.
what your deposit does protect you against: if your hair arrives damaged, doesn't match the specification we agreed on, or has a quality issue when it lands at the salon, we sort that out at no cost to you. that's our responsibility, not yours.
by paying your deposit on a custom extension order, you're confirming that you've read and agreed to this policy. it's your responsibility to review these terms before committing — extensions are a meaningful investment, and we want you going into the order with a full understanding of how it works. if anything is unclear, ask before you pay, not after. nothing is locked in until you've seen the written proposal and the supplier order has been placed.

memberships.

yes. the ren standard membership is for clients who use the salon regularly and want a consistent, predictable rhythm. it's a weekly-billed standing arrangement with a member-only blow-dry, a yearly birthday treatment, retail discount, and priority booking built in.
the standard membership at $85 per week includes:
a weekly express blow-dry with dilara — a member-only service, available in five length variants. you pick the one that matches your hair, and the price stays the same regardless.
a $75 birthday treatment each year — a small gift from us in your birthday month.
10% off retail — shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, styling products, anything you take home from the salon.
priority booking — members get first access to appointment slots, which matters most when the salon's calendar gets full.
the membership covers the blow-dry only. cuts, colour, and treatments are booked separately at standard pricing.
the standard membership is $85 per week, billed automatically via direct debit. there's no fixed commitment — you can cancel any time with 30 days' written notice. the membership replaces individual blow-dry appointment fees within its weekly cadence — it's not a top-up, it's a substitute.
missed weeks don't roll over — the membership covers one blow-dry per week, and unused weeks can't be banked or stacked.
if you're going to be away for travel, medical, or any other extended absence, we can pause your billing for up to four weeks per year. just let kat know in advance and she'll handle it.
if dilara is sick or away for a week, we always honour your appointment — kat will let you know early and either reschedule you within the same week or pause that week's billing.
the membership itself has to be set up by the actual member — we need their card on file, their hair length variant, and their booking preferences. but if you want to gift someone time at ren, we have gift cards that cover any service. kat can put one together for you.
email kat to enquire, or ask at your next appointment. before we activate the membership we'll have a brief conversation about how often you'd realistically use the salon — there's no point committing to a weekly cadence if your hair sits comfortably on a fortnightly one. once it fits, kat sets up the direct debit and your first weekly blow-dry is booked in.