Black Friday, but make it beautiful — salon advice from Margaret Doherty

Black Friday no longer needs to mean frantic scrolling for the cheapest gadget or the loudest discount. In a piece for the Derry Journal, Margaret Doherty — owner of Margaret Doherty & Co — reframes the day as an opportunity to invest in things that make you feel better, not just cheaper. For the hair-conscious reader, that means thinking beyond one-off buys and looking at salon services, membership packages and sustainable choices that genuinely improve hair health and wellbeing.

Why the salon approach matters

Salons aren’t just retailers; they are service businesses rooted in skill, consultation and aftercare. Many Black Friday campaigns focus on products with deep discounts, but there's a different value proposition when discounts are applied to professional services. When salons offer timed appointments, curated treatment bundles or membership plans, clients can receive tailored care rather than a generic sale item — and that can translate into healthier hair and better long-term outcomes.

How to shop salon offers wisely this Black Friday

Choosing the right salon deal takes a little thought. Here are practical criteria to help you separate considerate, value-driven offers from risky bargains.

• Check what’s included: is a cut, consultation and aftercare part of the package, or is it only an in-salon treatment?
• Prioritise consultations — a proper stylist consultation reduces the risk of an unsuitable treatment or colour.
• Ask about product quality and ingredient transparency for any at-home products included in a bundle.
• Look for membership or loyalty plans that reward regular maintenance rather than one-off transactions.
• Consider timing: some treatments (colouring, keratin, extensions) require preparation and aftercare — ensure you can commit to follow-up appointments.

Spotting red flags in salon promotions

Not every discount is a good thing. Very aggressive price cuts can indicate corners being cut or staff overbooked to hit targets. Red flags include vague terms like “limited consultations”, no clear cancellation policy, or offers that pressure you to prepay for services without the right to reschedule. Margaret Doherty’s approach, as described in her article, is to keep offers transparent and centred on client wellbeing — a useful benchmark for shoppers.

Practical treatment choices to consider

Certain services tend to offer better long-term hair health than impulse purchases. Think about investing Black Friday savings in:

• Professional deep-conditioning or bond-repair treatments that complement your at-home routine.
• Scalp health consultations and targeted treatments for persistent issues like dryness or sensitivity.
• Custom colour corrections or glossing services booked with a clear plan for maintenance.
• Stylist-managed memberships for regular trims and hydration treatments to prevent damage over time.

Such choices often cost more upfront than a high-street product deal, but they can prevent repeated damage and reduce long-term expenditure on corrective work.

How to prepare and what to ask your stylist

Before you book, compile a short list of priorities so you can make the most of your appointment:

• Bring recent photos showing the look you want, and be honest about your home routine and styling tools.
• Ask how a treatment will affect future colouring or cutting options.
• Request clear aftercare instructions and product recommendations suited to your hair type.
• Confirm the validity and terms of any voucher or membership — know the expiry and transfer policies.

Takeaway

Black Friday can be a smart moment to invest in hair health rather than impulse buys. Follow Margaret Doherty’s lead by favouring transparent salon offers, prioritising consultations and choosing treatments that support long-term maintenance. Thoughtful spending on professional services often pays dividends in stronger, more resilient hair — and a better salon relationship with your stylist.