The Varying Time Spent on Customers in the Hairdressing Industry

As a hairdresser, the amount of time you spend on a customer can vary significantly depending on the service being provided. This article will delve into the typical durations for different hair services and the numerous factors that can influence these times.

Common Services and their Estimated Durations

The average time spent on a customer can range widely from 30 minutes in the case of a simple haircut to over three hours for more complex processes like full coloring. Here is a breakdown of the typical service durations:

Haircuts: Generally ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, scalp massages and consultations included. Coloring: Depending on the complexity, services like high-lights or full-coloring can take from 1 to 3 hours. Styling: These usually last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, including blowouts and other styling techniques. Treatments: For deep conditioning or keratin smoothing treatments, a 30-minute to 1-hour session is common.

These estimates can vary based on the salon's policies, the client's hair type, and the specific services requested.

The Complexity of Timing

The timing for each service is not fixed; it can fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Before starting a service, it is crucial to understand the client's hair texture, length, density, porosity, and resistance. Every hair type and style has a minimum time requirement, but the maximum time required can vary greatly due to these factors.

Once a hairdresser meets a client, they can give them an approximate time per service. However, there is no standard time across the board. The duration of a service can be influenced by the client's behavior, such as whether or not they are fidgety, their punctuality, or their decision-making process during the session.

Impact of Client Behavior and Additional Services

The timing of a service can also be affected by the client's behavior during the session. For instance, if a client is highly anxious and moves around frequently, the process may take longer. If they ask for frequent breaks, it can also extend the duration. Similarly, if a client decides to postpone a service or starts the session undecided about their preferences, it can take more time.

In contrast, if a client's hair lifts quickly during bleaching, or if the client has less hair, the application time can be reduced. Clients who are late or constantly need to get up to ask for water or use the restroom may also take more time.

Practical Considerations for Hairdressers

Hairdressers often try to allow extra buffer time to account for unexpected delays. For example, a regular cut or style might be booked for about 40 minutes, but an extra hour is often reserved to cover any potential issues. Color, cuts, and styles, which can be more "iffy" and unpredictable, typically take an average of 2 hours.

In walk-in shops, where there are no fixed time constraints, hairdressers can be more flexible and responsive to the client's needs. This approach can lead to better customer satisfaction and more efficient use of time.

Conclusion

Boiling down the time spent on customers to a single figure is nearly impossible due to the multitude of factors influencing each service. Hairdressers must be adaptable, considerate, and prepared to work with clients' varying needs and behaviors to ensure high-quality service within the constraints of their schedule.