Staying A-head: Part 2.

Set your watch…

Approximately two to three months ago I wrote a post about the importance of pre-booking – ESPECIALLY for our guests who wanted in the three short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pre-booking is a fancy way of saying we like it when you (the guest) schedules their appointments in advance. It ensures you get the appointment time most convenient for you and also sees you are able to see your favorite stylist (although, if you need to schedule with someone else in the salon – we are all awesome).

Side-Step the Stress

In this blog, I would like to break down appointment times a bit further. I have come to the realization that not everyone is aware how long they are in the chair to achieve their hair dreams. This idea came to me as a client looked at her phone whilst checking out, and exclaims she’s a half an hour late to meet a friend. She may have thought she was running late, however she was departing right on schedule post her hour and a half color retouch appointment.

She isn’t the only guest to have this panic. I have also had guests debate processing time with me as they overbooked their schedule for the day. Therefore, to avoid any further confusion, I feel the need to take this opportunity to break down our most common appointments, and the time frame in which they are scheduled for.

-The Breakdown-

Haircut:

Time frame for a haircut will vary based on the individual and the hair they sport on the top of their head. A Men’s haircut generally clocks in at 30 minutes and a woman’s haircut at an hour. Broken down even further that is 10-15 minutes to get you (the guest) settled, receive a stress-relieving scalp massage (or a hot towel) and a shampoo, and approximately 30 minutes is denoted for cutting (obviously a bit less if you have short hair and are maintaining it). The final 15 to 20 minutes is spent blow drying and finishing the cut. Again, all of this time varies on the length and thickness of the guest’s hair. I am also a proponent of checking the haircut when it is dry as bulky areas and not so clean lines become more evident. Any time left over and we are happy to touch up some lip gloss, discuss the proper products for your hair type and get you booked for your next appointment.

Color Retouch:

It is no secret we are a very color heavy salon. It is approximated 75% of women color their hair on a regular basis. A Color Retouch means applying color to your regrowth (the bit of length your hair has grown since your last appointment). This is an hour and a half appointment. Half an hour is dedicated to getting you comfortable and for us (the stylists) to mix and apply your color. The next phase is critical as the color needs to process for at least 30 minutes. It is in the duration of this processing time (and I’m about to get technical here) that the color works its way into the cortex or inner layer of hair to either deposit pigment {grey coverage} or lighten your natural pigment. For the color to work its full potential magic 30 minutes (sometimes more) is key. The last third of this appointment is dedicated to the relaxation phase of the Aveda rituals, a shampoo and a blow dry.

Color Retouch with Haircut/Full Head Color with Haircut:

These services book for two hours or approximately a bit more. Again time can vary based upon the length and thickness of the hair, or if other color services are requested (perhaps a few highlights or a gloss). Timing for these services is similar to a color retouch with half an hour built in for a haircut. The main difference between the two is a retouch only applies to the regrowth and a Full Head color means that color will not only be applied to the regrowth but to the lengths of the hair as well (i.e. color on your full head). Again for either of these services the processing time of the color is not negotiable. Color has a specific time frame that it needs to “work”. If the color is not processed long enough it can lead to brassiness or fade out of the hair extremely fast. If you do find yourself in a pinch with your color appointment we can either reschedule you OR you can opt to skip some of the value added services such as the scalp massage, or courtesies such as the blow dry. If you are unsure what to do your stylists can guide you to the best solution.

Reserve Salon Trips for “Me” Time 🙂

Our main goal at Salon Enso is to have you receiving the best possible services in the most relaxing atmosphere. Now that we have you booked out, I hope you are able to come in and denote an hour or two to feeling good about yourself, rather than an over-scheduled, harried mess. And with that I would like you to remember: