Getting your hair cut and colored can take a significant amount of time out of your day. While you want to ensure your stylist has adequate time to provide you with great service, you also don’t want to spend more time in the salon than necessary. So how long should you expect the process to take? Here’s an overview of approximate timeframes for various cut and color services.
Consultation
Most salons will start your appointment with a consultation. This gives you a chance to discuss your desired look with your stylist and allows them to assess your hair’s current condition. Consultations typically take 5-15 minutes.
Shampoo and Condition
Before cutting or coloring, your stylist will shampoo and condition your hair. This preps your hair and removes any existing products or residues. Plan for this process to take about 10-15 minutes.
Cutting
The time your cut takes can vary significantly depending on the length and style you request. Here are some estimates:
- Trim (1/2 inch off): 15 minutes
- Above-shoulder cut: 30 minutes
- Collarbone-length cut: 45 minutes
- Long layers: 60 minutes
Keep in mind extra time may be needed for very thick or curly hair. Stylists will also take more time when cutting in bangs, face-framing layers, or other detailed elements.
Color Application
Applying color can add a substantial amount of time to your service. Here are some estimates for common coloring techniques:
- Roots only: 30-45 minutes
- Full highlights: 1-2 hours
- Partial highlights: 45 minutes – 1 hour
- All-over color: 30-45 minutes
- Ombre/balayage: 1-2 hours
- Color correction: 2+ hours
The condition of your hair is a big factor in timing. Color takes better and more quickly on hair that has been well-maintained. Porous or damaged hair may require pre-treatment and will likely take longer.
Processing Time
After applying color, your hair needs time to process so the color can deposit fully. Recommended processing times are generally:
- Permanent color: 25-35 minutes
- Demi-permanent color: 15-30 minutes
- Semi-permanent color: 0-15 minutes
- Highlights/bleach: 25-45 minutes
Your stylist will likely have you process under a dryer or with heat to speed up the timing. Rinses and toners take just a few minutes after main color is removed.
Cutting and Styling
After coloring, your stylist will move onto cutting and styling your hair into its finished look. This typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the cut and style complexity.
Takeaways
In general, for a typical cut and all-over color you can expect to be in the salon 1.5-2.5 hours. Partial highlights will take less time while a full highlight set will take 2-3 hours. More complex techniques like ombre or color corrections can require 3+ hour appointments. When booking, let your stylist know if you’re on a tight schedule so they can best accommodate you.
Here is an overview of average timing:
| Service | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Consultation | 5-15 minutes |
| Shampoo & Condition | 10-15 minutes |
| Haircut | 15 minutes – 1 hour |
| Color Application | 30 minutes – 2+ hours |
| Processing | 15-45 minutes |
| Cut & Style | 15-30 minutes |
Keep in mind these are general estimates. Exact timing will depend on your specific requests, hair type and condition. When in doubt, overestimate how long your appointment may take. It’s always better to have extra time built in than to feel rushed! With good communication with your stylist, you can ensure the process moves smoothly and efficiently.