How do I estimate appointment duration?

Add up the time for each service component: consultation (5 mins), cut (20-45 mins), colour application (15-30 mins), processing time (20-45 mins), wash (5-10 mins), blow dry (15-30 mins) and finishing (5-10 mins). Add a 10-minute buffer for transitions and cleanup. Round up to the nearest 15-minute booking slot.

Should I include buffer time between appointments?

Yes, always include 5-15 minutes between appointments for cleanup, preparation, client arrival delays and consultation. Without buffer time, one late-running appointment cascades through the entire day. Most salons build 10 minutes into each appointment slot. This keeps the day running smoothly.

How long should a cut and colour appointment be?

A typical cut and full-head colour appointment takes 2-2.5 hours: colour application (20-30 mins), processing (30-45 mins), wash and cut (30-40 mins), blow dry (15-25 mins) and buffer (10 mins). Highlights add more time. Always overestimate rather than underestimate to avoid running late.

What if the appointment runs over time?

If appointments regularly run over, your time estimates need adjusting. Track actual times for a week to find your real averages. Consider adding 15 minutes to your standard booking slots. Running over disrupts the schedule, frustrates waiting clients and causes stress. Accurate time estimates prevent this.

CutCalcs

Appointment Time Calculator — Total Duration

Estimate total appointment duration based on multiple services and add-ons.

Cut / Styling Time

Colour Application

0 if no colour service

Processing / Development

Colour or chemical processing

Blow Dry / Finish

Additional Services

Treatment, beard trim, etc.

Buffer Time

Transition and cleanup

How We Calculate This

This calculator adds up individual service components and buffer time to give a total appointment duration, rounded up to a standard booking slot.

The formula

Total time = Cut + Colour + Processing + Blow dry + Additional + Buffer

Booking slot = Total time rounded up to nearest 15 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always perform a strand test before chemical services.