Visiting the Salon Too Often? Your Guide to a Perfect Salon Schedule
“How do I plan my salon schedule?”
“What does my hair maintenance schedule look like?”
“When should I come in again?”
“Am I making the most of my salon visits?”
“Is it possible to achieve my hair goals by going to the salon less frequently?”
Have similar questions? You’re in the right place for answers!
We live in a dynamic world of hair care. Understanding the nuances of maintenance appointments at salons is key to keeping your hair healthy and vivacious. While it may seem daunting, grasping the basics can empower you to make informed decisions. I hope this helps align with your lifestyle and goals, such as budget, time in the chair, hair health, lifestyle, dimension vs. full coverage, and more. Your maintenance routine should look however you want it to look.
Understanding Hair Growth
Hair growth is a biological process influenced by various factors. On average, hair grows about ¼ to ½ inches per month, amounting to approximately 1 inch of regrowth after 8 weeks. However, individual growth rates can vary due to genetics, age, hormonal changes, and overall health. While this may not seem like much, it can significantly impact those with dark roots or greys. Keep in mind that these are broad guidelines and not an exact science.
Factors to Consider for Salon Schedule
Assessing your maintenance needs can be challenging due to the many factors involved. Some key considerations include:
- Budget:
Evaluate the financial commitment of regular salon visits and treatments, balancing cost with the value you place on your hair care. - Time Commitment:
Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to salon appointments, taking into account your schedule and other responsibilities. - Hair Health:
Reflect on the current condition of your hair. If it’s damaged or requires special care, more frequent salon visits may be necessary. - Lifestyle:
Your daily activities can impact your hair care needs. For instance, frequent exposure to the sun, chlorine, or styling tools may require more salon visits. - Personal Style:
Your preferred hairstyle and color play a significant role in determining maintenance requirements. Vibrant fashion colors, for example, may require more frequent touch-ups.
Hair Industry “Standard” Guidelines for Blonding Services
| Service | Recommended Frequency | Blonde Doctor Notes |
| Highlights | 6-12 weeks | This timing helps to keep the color looking fresh and vibrant, as new hair growth can cause the highlights to appear dull or faded over time. The frequency of highlight appointments may vary based on factors such as hair growth rate, desired look, and maintenance preferences. |
| Foiled Balayage | 12-16 weeks | This may be a longer-lasting option for those seeking a low-maintenance color. |
| Freehand Balayage | 4-8 months | This technique offers unparalleled flexibility and customization, making it ideal for a flexible maintenance plan. Freehand balayage creates a seamless blend of colors and a natural, sun-kissed look that evolves beautifully over time. |
| Face Frame Touch-Ups | 6-12 weeks as a replacement for a partial | Combining this with a toner appointment can brighten the hair around your face for a quick refresh. Face frame touch-ups help maintain a fresh, polished look without the need for a full color or highlight treatment. |
Hair Industry “Standard” Guidelines for Color & Cut Services
| Service | Recommended Frequency | Blonde Doctor Notes |
| Root Retouch | 4-6 weeks | Some individuals may need to come in every 3 weeks depending on the rate of regrowth and desired look. |
| Bleach Retouch | 4 weeks | The frequency may vary depending on regrowth and desired look, so consult with your stylist for the best schedule to minimize damage and maintain hair health. |
| Toner Maintenance | 8-10 weeks | You can book these appointments in conjunction with your haircut appointments for easy maintenance. These appointments are beneficial in between blonding sessions and extending the life and keeping your color true to your desired shade. Read more about toners here. |
| Haircuts | 12-16 weeks | This timing is recommended to maintain the shape and health of your hair. More frequent trims, known as “dustings,” may be necessary for those with damaged hair. |
| Fashion Colors | 4-6 weeks | Since these are semi-permanent and live as a stain on the cuticle of the hair, they fade quickly, especially with improper care. To maintain vibrancy, this timing is recommended, but you can extend the time if you don’t mind the fadeout period. |
Suggested Schedule for Blonding and Blonding Maintenance Appointments
Contrary to common belief, you do not have to have a full blonding session every time you get your hair done. Understanding the maintenance guidelines for blonding appointments can help you achieve and maintain your desired look while keeping your hair healthy. Try following these scheduling guidelines while working with your stylist. You can create a customized blonding schedule that meets your needs and helps you achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
For Highlights and Foilayage (toner included), here’s a handy maintenance schedule to keep in mind
| Type | Timeline | Frequency | Yearly Schedule |
| Low Maintenance | 2 appointments a year | Every 6 months | Full – Partial |
| Low-Medium Maintenance | 3 Appointments a year | Every 4 months | Full – Faceframe – Partial |
| Medium Maintenance | 4 appointments a year | every 3 months | Full – Faceframe – Partial – Faceframe |
| High Maintenance | 4 appointments a year | every 3 months | Full – Partial – Full – Partial |
Here’s a cheat sheet for you to save for future reference on salon visits:
Personalize Your Salon Schedule To Your Maintenance Requirements
Use Guidelines as a Starting Point:
While these guidelines provide a framework, feel free to adjust based on your unique needs and preferences. Your hair care routine should be tailored to you.
Open Communication with Your Stylist:
Without a doubt, Building a strong relationship with your stylist is key. Communicate openly about your goals, concerns, and preferences to ensure your appointments are personalized to you.
Experiment and Explore:
Also, don’t be afraid to try new styles, colors, and techniques. Hair is a versatile and expressive part of your identity. Embrace the opportunity to experiment and find what makes you feel most confident and empowered.
At the end of the day, the key to plan your salon schedule is through empowering yourself. By understanding the factors that influence your hair care needs and having a clear understanding of your options, you can make informed decisions that will leave you feeling confident and in control of your hair care routine.
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