Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question?
We’ve gathered answers to the questions parents ask most often. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact The Tressing Room—we’re happy to help.

General

What ages do you service?

The Tressing Room specializes in children’s hair care for ages 6 months through 10 years old.

Do you accept children with disabilities or other support needs?

Yes.

 

The Tressing Room welcomes children of all abilities.

 

Appointments are individualized based on each child’s needs, and accommodations may be available to help create a successful experience.

Are there exceptions to the age policy?

Generally, The Tressing Room serves children 6 months through 10 years old.

 

Occasionally, exceptions may be approved for older children whose developmental needs make The Tressing Room a better fit than a traditional salon.

Where are you located?

The Tressing Room is a private home studio located in San Antonio, Texas, 78218.

For the privacy and safety of my family and clients, the studio address is provided only after your appointment has been approved.

Are you licensed?

Yes. I am a licensed cosmetologist in the State of Texas.

Is The Tressing Room a salon?

No. The Tressing Room is a private, appointment-only home studio designed specifically for children.

How do I know I can trust The Tressing Room with the safety of my child?

Your child’s safety is my highest priority.

 

My name is Lore-el Thomas, and I’m a licensed cosmetologist, professional hairstylist, military veteran, and the owner of The Tressing Room.

 

I bring over a decade of professional hair experience and have completed formal education in child development, autism, sanitation, infection control, and child safety.

 

I also maintain:

  • Federal background screening
  • Child abuse clearance
  • Emergency preparedness procedures
  • Professional sanitation practices that meet Texas cosmetology standards

 

My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, respected, encouraged, and genuinely cared for.

 

Professional credentials may be reviewed when appropriate and upon reasonable request.

Who will be present during my child's appointment?

Appointments are intentionally designed as one-on-one experiences.

 

Unless previously approved as part of an accommodation or transition plan, no other clients, guests, or household members will be present in the studio during your child’s appointment.

 

This allows me to give every child my full attention in a calm, distraction-free environment.

Do you provide mobile services?

Yes—but only in limited circumstances.

Mobile appointments are offered on a case-by-case basis for children whose medical, developmental, or behavioral needs make receiving services outside the home especially difficult.

Travel fees apply.

Can you provide services for birthday parties or events?

Absolutely!

 

The Tressing Room is available for select birthday parties, community events, school functions, and other child-centered events.

 

Please contact me for availability and a customized quote.

How do I schedule an appointment?

New Clients

  1. Complete the Client Intake Form.
  2. Review and sign the Policies & Service Agreement.
  3. Complete the Photo & Video Authorization.
  4. Book your appointment.

Returning Clients

If your information has changed, complete the Returning Client Update Form before booking.

Why isn't my appointment automatically confirmed?

Every appointment is personally reviewed before approval to ensure:

  • The correct service has been selected.
  • Enough time has been reserved.
  • Your child’s hair matches the submitted photos.
  • All required forms have been completed.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. A deposit is required to reserve all appointments.

The deposit is applied toward your final balance.

What payment methods do you accept?

  • Stripe
  • PayPal, Venmo, Cashapp
  • Cash (Exact change is required)

How far in advance can I book?

Appointments may generally be booked up to 60 days in advance.

Holiday appointments and special event bookings may open earlier.

How do I save money on future appointments?

You can save money in two ways!

 

🤎 Book Before You Leave: Reserve your child’s next appointment before leaving the studio and receive $5 off your next regular service.

🤎 Referral Rewards: Refer a new family and you’ll both receive $10 off once their first regular appointment is completed.

Can I book multiple children during the same visit?

Absolutely.

If you’re booking siblings, please schedule an appointment for each child so enough time can be reserved for everyone.

What services do you offer?

The Tressing Room specializes in:

  • Natural hairstyles
  • Protective styles
  • Loc services
  • Hair care education

Visit the Services page for a complete list.

Do you provide the hair?

Many styles include hair while others require the parent to provide it.

Each service listing will specify what is included.

Can I request a custom style?

Absolutely. If you’re unsure which service to book, choose a consultation or the closest service category.

Do I need to bring accessories?

No.

Accessories are included with qualifying services when appropriate.

You’re always welcome to bring your own accessories if you have a particular look in mind.

Can I request a specific hairstyle?

Absolutely!

 

Inspiration photos are always welcome.

 

If requested styles need to be modified because of hair length, density, condition, or appointment time, we’ll discuss the best option together.

Why isn't every style listed?

Many styles require different amounts of time depending on hair length, density, and complexity.

Final pricing is confirmed after reviewing your photos.

What services are included in the Back-to-School Relief Project?

The Back-to-School Relief Project includes:

  • All prep
  • A natural protective style (no added hair)
  • A child-focused one-on-one appointment
  • Snacks, entertainment, and livestream access

Added hair is not included but may be available through a regular appointment.

How should my child's hair arrive?

Hair should be:

  • Clean (if required for the selected service)
  • Free of lice
  • Free of infection
  • Taken down unless a takedown service was booked
  • Free from severe matting unless discussed beforehand

What should my child wear?

Comfortable clothing is recommended. Please avoid bulky hoodies or high collars if possible.

Should my child eat before the appointment?

Yes. Children should arrive well-fed.

 

Although snacks are available, children generally have a better experience when they arrive well-rested and not overly hungry.

Can my child bring comfort items?

Absolutely.

Favorite blankets, stuffed animals, headphones, tablets, pacifiers, and sensory items are encouraged.

Why are appointments drop-off only?

Many children are more relaxed, cooperative, and independent when parents are not present.

This creates a calmer environment and allows me to focus entirely on your child’s comfort and hairstyle.

Parents remain nearby and are welcome to monitor the appointment through the private livestream when available.

How far away can I go?

Parents must remain within approximately 15 minutes of the studio and remain reachable by phone throughout the appointment.

Can I stay during the appointment?

Appointments are designed as drop-off services.

Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for certain medical, developmental, or behavioral needs.

Please contact me before booking if accommodations may be needed.

Can siblings come?

To maintain a calm and safe environment, only the scheduled child and one parent or guardian should enter the studio unless otherwise approved.

Can both parents come?

Parents or legal guardians are welcome to accompany their child into the studio, meet the stylist, and help with the initial transition when approved.

 

Once the appointment has begun and the child is comfortably settled, accompanying adults will be asked to depart while remaining nearby if a transition plan has been arranged.

How will I know when when my child's appointment is finished?

You’ll receive a text message when your child is ready for pickup.

How does the livestream work?

Parents may receive temporary access to a private livestream during their child’s appointment.

Access automatically ends when the appointment is complete.

Can I record the livestream?

No. For everyone’s privacy and safety, recording, screenshots, and sharing livestream access are prohibited.

Can I share the livestream with friends or family?

No.

Livestream access is intended only for the parent or guardian receiving the access link.

Recording, sharing, or distributing livestream footage is prohibited.

What if the livestream isn't working?

Technology isn’t perfect.

If technical issues occur, I will continue providing your child’s service and update you if necessary.

My child is nervous about getting their hair done. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Every child is different.

Breaks, encouragement, conversation, comfort items, and age-appropriate entertainment are available to help children feel comfortable.

What happens if my child cries?

Crying, nervousness, or needing breaks is completely normal, especially for younger children or first-time clients.

I’ll use patience, encouragement, and age-appropriate distractions to help your child feel comfortable. If your child becomes too distressed to safely continue, I’ll contact you and discuss the best next steps.

Do you provide snacks?

Occasionally. However, water is always available.

Snacks and juice may be offered with parent permission but should not be expected during every appointment.

Can my child bring food?

Yes. If your child has dietary restrictions, sensory preferences, or simply feels more comfortable with familiar snacks, you’re welcome to send them with a labeled snack and drink. Please let me know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions in your child’s intake form.

Will you change my child's diaper?

Routine diaper changes are the parent’s responsibility.

However, if you’ve provided written authorization in your Client Intake Form, I may assist when necessary for your child’s comfort and hygiene.

Will you help my child use the restroom?

Parents should explain any assistance their child may require before the appointment.

What kind of music do you play?

The studio typically plays family-friendly music at a comfortable volume. If your child has sensory sensitivities or a favorite playlist, feel free to let me know or send headphones with their preferred music or audiobook.

Do you clean your toys?

Absolutely. Shared toys, fidget items, and frequently touched surfaces are cleaned and sanitized regularly to help provide a safe environment for every child.

Can my child bring their own tablet or toys?

Yes! Children are welcome to bring comfort items, tablets, books, headphones, sensory toys, stuffed animals, or anything else that helps them feel relaxed during their appointment.

Can I text to check on my child?

Absolutely—but for the best experience, I ask that routine updates be kept to a minimum while I’m actively working. If there’s an important update, emergency, or change in pickup time, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If your child needs you, I’ll reach out immediately.

What forms do I need to complete?

All required intake forms, policies, and agreements must be completed before appointments can be confirmed.

What happens if I'm late?

Arriving more than 10 minutes late may require rescheduling or shortening the appointment.

How much notice is required to reschedule?

At least 48 hours.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

No-shows result in forfeiture of the deposit. Two no-shows may result in refusal of future appointments.

What if my child gets sick?

Please reschedule if your child has:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Pink eye
  • Ringworm
  • Lice
  • Any contagious illness

What happens if I don't pick up my child?

Parents should arrive within 15 minutes after the appointment ends.

If you cannot be reached, your emergency contact will be contacted.

If neither the parent nor emergency contact can be reached after repeated attempts and a child is not picked up within a reasonable period, local authorities may be contacted if necessary to ensure the child’s safety.

Where can I read all policies?

All policies can be found on our Policies page.

Will my child's photos be posted online?

Only with your written permission. Parents choose exactly how photos and videos may be used through the separate Photo & Video Authorization Form.

 

You may change your consent at any time by notifying The Tressing Room in writing.

Will photos still be taken if I decline social media?

Documentation photos may be taken for your child’s service record but will never be publicly shared without your separate written permission.

Why did you create The Tressing Room?

As both a licensed cosmetologist and a mom, I wanted to create a space where children feel genuinely cared for—not rushed.

 

The Tressing Room was built to provide gentle, individualized hair care while giving parents a chance to step away, recharge, and know their child is in capable hands.

 

Every appointment is designed to build confidence, celebrate healthy hair, and create positive memories that children can carry with them long after they leave the chair.

If you don’t see your question answered here, I’d be happy to help.

Visit the Contact page or submit a Consultation Request, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.