How Long Does a Cut and Color Take

LuxeLuminous is reader supported. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Is your hair in need of an update? Have you been thinking of adding highlights, going even darker, or even trying something new like long-lasting balayage? Imagine what pampering yourself would be like if you revamped your appearance!

Unfortunately, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, making it difficult to focus on our needs. What is the estimated time for your hair to be colored?

How long does a cut and color take? The answer: anywhere from an hour to four hours to 2 weeks, depending on what you’re doing!

Read on for a full explainer.

Contents

How Long Does A Cut and Color Take at a Salon?

You can get your hair colored at a salon, but the process usually takes longer than it does at home.

You receive a complete customer experience when you go to a professional hairdresser, and if you’re new to the process, it’s probably best to pay a pro to teach you the ropes. This is particularly true if you’re bleaching (see below).

When you visit a hairdresser, they will often consult with you, provide you with shampoo, and, if necessary, cut your hair.

Then, within an hour or so, you can walk out of the salon with newly dyed, styled hair.

A multicolored balayage, however, can take up to four hours if you get a more complex hairstyle. The following services will take some time, so we’ve provided estimates if you’re getting them done.

How Long Does It Take For A Home Dye Job?

The average time it takes to do your hair at home is two hours. However, the process can be shorter or longer depending on your hair type, the color, and prior experience applying hair dye play a part.

You also need to consider how light your hair needs to be to achieve the desired color. For bleach application, add another 20 minutes*. After that, you can apply the color you want.

If you have to bleach multiple times to lift your color enough, that changes everything! It can make the process take weeks instead of hours.

If you have to bleach multiple times to lift your color enough, that changes everything! It can make the process take weeks instead of hours.

Another factor affecting how long a DIY dye job will take is the number of steps in the instructions.

There is a recommended time limit for each type of dye. It usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes to complete this process. Whatever hair dye you use, follow all instructions carefully since they may differ from those on previous products.

There is a recommended time limit for each type of dye. It usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes to complete this process.

Keeping dye in your hair beyond the suggested time is not recommended. In the long run, harsh chemical processes may damage your hair, particularly at the cuticle level.

Follow the directions exactly on the box for the best results.

Using Bleach

The next time you visit the salon, if you want your hair dyed a lighter shade, the dyeing process will then require an additional step. Prior to dyeing your hair, it must be lightened using bleach.

Bleaching is the process of removing pigment from your hair.

When you visit a hairdresser, they will often consult with you, provide you with shampoo, and, if necessary, cut your hair.

Before the stylist can rinse the bleach out of the hair, the hair must soak in bleach for 20 to 40 minutes. Then there’s the application process time to allow for.

Adding an extra hour to your estimate if your hair needs to be bleached before you dye will help you gauge what the time frame will look like.

Bleach Damage

Bleach is incredibly damaging to your hair, and you often need to pamper it a bit before dying it. This is particularly true if you’re bleaching multiple times in order to get your hair from dark to blonde.

And you may need to tone your hair after that, too… it can become a process!

If you’re looking to go from dark hair to very light, and you aren’t experienced, you should work with a stylist to make sure you don’t run into a bleach fail.

If you’re looking to go from dark hair to very light, and you aren’t experienced, you should work with a stylist to make sure you don’t run into a bleach fail.

How Long Do Root Touch-ups Take At A Salon?

A hairstylist applies color to the roots to cover up a part of your hair that has grown out.

Since you have less hair to cover, the stylist does not need to prepare your hair by covering it in foil. In addition, root touch-ups are quicker than full hair dyeings.

You don’t get the same level of service at home, so it takes longer to get your hair done at a salon. You’ll get better results and an improved experience if you take the time to complete these services professionally. The salon might even take longer to wash your hair than you would at home.

The salon might even take longer to wash your hair than you would at home.

For example, shampooing and rinsing your hair may take up to 20 minutes.

The shampoo is usually applied twice, along with a scalp massage, conditioner, and any treatments recommended to you by your hair care professional.

The salon also offers consultations, something you won’t find at home. With assistance from your stylist, you will determine which shade and procedure will produce the best results for your face and skin tone.

In addition, they can help you avoid things that may damage your hair. You should expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes on a consultation during your visit. This might be annoying but is well worth the effort to avoid an unhappy dye job.

Conclusion

In the case of hair coloring treatments, patience pays off. The process may take some time for people who want to change their hair color, but the results are worth it.

You must be prepared for a long wait, from multiple hours to full weeks, depending on if your dye will need bleach, and if you’re radically changing your hair color.