New guests — your first visit at our Gainesville salon.
A quick guide to your first visit at our Downtown Gainesville hair salon: what to expect, how to book, and how parking works.
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Your first visit, step by step
No surprises. Here's exactly how a new-guest appointment goes, from the parking lot to walking out with a plan.
- 1. Arrive & park
- Park near the salon or in Sun Center East and bring your plate number inside — we validate your parking.
- 2. Sit-down consultation
- We listen first. Your stylist looks at your hair, your photos, and your routine, then agrees on the plan and the price before anything begins.
- 3. Your service, unhurried
- Customized Goldwell color and precision cutting from Sassoon-trained, DevaCurl-certified stylists — priced a la carte, so you only pay for what you receive.
- 4. Leave with a plan
- You go home with styling notes, product guidance (R+Co and Goldwell, in-salon and to take home), and a realistic timeline for your hair goal.
Booking as a new guest
Not sure what to book? We recommend the New Guest Color Consult + Service. It covers your consultation and your first visit in one appointment.
When you book online, you'll create a quick account first (about a minute) — it keeps your color formula and visit history in one place for next time. Or call us directly and we'll guide you personally.
We validate your parking
Downtown Gainesville is paid parking now. We validate in the lots surrounding our building and in Sun Center East.
- 1. Park
- In an approved lot near the salon or Sun Center East.
- 2. Note your plate
- Snap a photo of your license plate, or write it down.
- 3. Come on in
- Bring your plate number inside; we handle the rest.
Please don't pay at the parking kiosk. Just bring your plate number.
UF & UF Health employees save 20% on haircuts.
We’re a GatorPerks partner — our thank-you to the people of UF and UF Health who keep Gainesville running. Show your badge and the discount is yours — no coupons, no codes. Our GatorPerks partnership runs through August 2027.
It applies to every haircut on the menu — precision cuts, curly cuts, short cuts — plus 10% off retail (Goldwell, R+Co, Aluram, and KMS) to take home.
Referred by a friend? Give them the credit.
Most of our new guests arrive the same way they have since 2002 — a friend sent them. When you tell us who referred you, we say thank you to them.
If a current guest sent you, just mention their name when you book or check in. They get $10 off their next visit, applied to their account automatically — no cards or codes, a name at the front desk is all it takes.
- A friend sends you
Anyone new to Ciao Bella counts as a referral.
- Mention their name
When you book or at check-in, tell us who sent you.
- They get $10
Applied to their account automatically, toward their next visit.
Credit applies to services and has no cash value. Already a guest? Refer as many friends as you like — there's no limit.
First-visit questions, answered
How do I book my first appointment?
Book online in a few minutes or call us at (352) 379-9200. When you book online you'll set up an account first, which keeps your visit history and preferences in one place. Not sure what to book? We recommend the New Guest Color Consult + Service, which covers your consultation and first visit in one appointment.
Do you take walk-ins, or do I need an appointment?
Both work. We take walk-ins whenever we have room, though whether we do depends on how busy the day is. Call us at (352) 379-9200 before you come and we'll tell you what's open right then. Booking ahead is the only way to guarantee a specific time or a specific stylist, and it gives your stylist the full appointment for an unhurried consultation. Haircut prices are here.
Where do I park, and do you validate?
Downtown Gainesville is paid parking. Park in an approved lot near the salon or in Sun Center East, note your license plate (a quick photo works), and bring the number inside — we validate your parking for you. Please don't pay at the parking kiosk; just bring your plate number.
Where is Ciao Bella located?
We're at 235 South Main Street, Suite 102, in the Sun Center East courtyard in downtown Gainesville — steps away from the Hippodrome Theatre and Main Street's restaurants.
What are your hours?
Tuesday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 8 pm. We're closed Sunday and Monday.
What should I book for my first color appointment?
We recommend the New Guest Color Consult + Service. It pairs an in-depth consultation with your first color service in a single visit, so your stylist can tailor the color to your hair, skin tone, and lifestyle before starting.
How much do services cost?
Pricing is a la carte, so you only pay for the services you receive. Starting prices are on our full service menu, and consultation-based work like color correction and vivids is quoted at your consultation before anything begins.
What color lines and products do you use?
We're a Goldwell color salon and an authorized R+Co retailer, with both brands available in-salon and to take home. Our stylists are also DevaCurl certified for curly and textured hair.
Do you offer consultations?
Always. Every visit starts with a conversation — we listen first, look at your hair and your goals, and build a plan together before any service begins.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes. When a friend who's new to Ciao Bella mentions your name at their first visit, you get $10 off your next visit, applied to your account automatically. No cards or codes needed, and there's no limit on how many friends you can refer.
Do you offer a discount for UF or UF Health employees?
Yes — we're a GatorPerks partner. Present a valid GatorOne ID or UF Health Shands employee badge and mention GatorPerks for 20% off haircuts and 10% off retail products. Our partnership runs through August 2027.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Later changes may be charged part of the scheduled service — the details are in our appointment and cancellation policy.
Ready for your first visit?
Book online in a few minutes, or call and we'll help you choose the right service.