How Long Does It Take to Color Hair at a Salon?

Getting your hair colored at a professional salon can completely transform your look. But with busy schedules, it’s understandable to wonder – how long will this salon visit take? Generally, you can expect a salon hair coloring service to take 2-6 hours from start to finish. However, many factors influence the exact length of time.

Below is an overview of how long it takes to get your hair colored at a salon.

Average Timeframe

• On average, expect the entire salon hair coloring process to take 2-3 hours.

• For partial highlights or touch-ups, it may only take 1-2 hours.

• More complicated techniques like ombre or balayage can extend the visit to 4-6 hours.

• Drastic color changes on long, thick hair have resulted in visits up to 8 hours for some.

What Impacts the Time?

Several variables affect the time it takes to complete a salon hair coloring service:

• Hair length – Long hair takes more time to color than short hair.

• Hair thickness – Thick, dense hair requires more time than fine, thin hair.

• Existing color – Lightening dark hair requires extra steps like bleaching.

• New color – Vibrant tones may need multiple applications for full saturation.

• Coloring technique – Highlights or balayage are more intricate than all-over color.

• Type of dye – Permanent color requires more time than semi-permanent options.

• Hair condition – Damaged or over-processed hair accepts color differently.

• Add-on services – Cutting, treatments, styling all add time to the visit.

• Individual stylist’s speed – An experienced colorist will usually work faster.

Breakdown of the Process

A typical salon hair color appointment may include:

• Consultation – 10-30 minutes
• Hair washing – 10-15 minutes
• Sectioning and prep work – 15-30 minutes
• Color application – 30-60 minutes
• Processing time – 15-45 minutes
• Rinsing – 10-15 minutes
• Drying and styling – 15-30 minutes
• Any add-on services like haircuts

Tips for an Efficient Visit

• Come with clean, product-free hair. This skips a wash.

• Arrive early in case you need to wait for your stylist.

• Communicate your schedule constraints so the stylist can plan accordingly.

• Bring entertainment like a book, laptop, or tablet to occupy your time.

• Avoid overlapping services like cutting wet colored hair to minimize steps.

• For touch-ups only, ask if they can be done at the shampoo bowl to save time.

• Schedule extra time for your first coloring with a new stylist.

Is It Worth the Time?

While a salon visit requires an extended time commitment, the results are transformative. An experienced professional can customize a look to perfectly suit your features and style. Take the leap and enjoy watching your new color emerge! Just be sure to clear your schedule to give the process the time it deserves.