
If you’ve ever tried to book a colour appointment but weren’t sure how long to set aside… you’re not alone!
A full colour + styling session can vary depending on your hair type, length, and the result you're after — but don’t worry. I’m breaking it all down clearly so you can plan your day with confidence.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking.
1. First: What Counts as a “Full Colour + Styling” Appointment?
A full colour appointment typically includes:
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Permanent or demi‑permanent colour
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All‑over colour refresh
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Grey coverage
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Pulling colour through mid‑lengths and ends
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Wash, conditioning and scalp massage
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Full blow‑dry
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Professional styling (smooth, bouncy, curly — you choose!)
This isn’t the same as highlights or balayage. It’s an all‑over colour service.
2. Average Time for a Full Colour Appointment: 1.5 to 2.5 Hours
Most full‑colour appointments fall somewhere between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours, depending on:
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Your hair’s length
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Your hair’s thickness
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The type of colour you’re getting
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Your current hair colour
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Whether you need a root application only or full coverage
This timeframe includes your wash, blow‑dry and finishing style, so you leave feeling fabulous.
3. Short or Fine Hair: Around 1.5 Hours
For short or fine hair, the process is quicker because:
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Colour applies faster
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Processing time is shorter
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Blow‑dry and styling take less time
Expect around 1 hour 30 minutes.
4. Medium Length or Average Thickness: Around 2 Hours
This is the most common timing for a standard full‑colour appointment. It gives plenty of time for:
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Consultation
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Colour mixing
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Application
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Processing
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Wash + condition
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Blow‑dry
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Styling
You’ll be with us for roughly 2 hours.
5. Long, Thick or Very Dense Hair: 2 to 2.5 Hours
Long or thick hair requires:
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More colour
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More application time
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Longer blow‑drying
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More styling time
Plan for around 2 to 2.5 hours so we have the time to do everything properly.
6. If You’re Changing Shade or Haven’t Coloured in a While, Add Extra Time
If you’re:
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Going darker
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Going richer
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Covering a lot of regrowth
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Refreshing faded ends
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Adding a gloss/toner for shine
…your appointment may take slightly longer — often an extra 15–30 minutes.
7. If You Want a Big Transformation, Allow 2.5–3 Hours
If you're looking for:
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A new colour family (e.g., warm to cool)
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Grey blending instead of grey coverage
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A richer tone plus a gloss
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A dramatic shift (e.g., dark chocolate to bright copper)
This counts as a “full colour makeover” and requires more time to ensure the tone is even and beautifully finished.
8. Why We Never Rush a Colour Appointment
Beautiful results require:
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Proper saturation
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Correct processing
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Gentle cleansing
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Careful blow‑drying
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Polished styling
Rushing any step affects your result — so we always allow enough time for perfection.
9. How to Prepare So Your Appointment Runs Smoothly
Here’s what helps your stylist stay on schedule:
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Arrive with dry hair
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Avoid heavy oils/leave‑ins before your appointment
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Bring photo inspo if you’re changing your look
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Be honest about your hair history
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Tell us your maintenance comfort level
The more we know, the better your result.
10. Want an Exact Timing for Your Hair? Ask Us!
Just message or call the salon and let us know:
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Your hair length
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Your hair thickness
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Your colour goals
We’ll give you a personalised time estimate before you even book.
Ready for Gorgeous, Fresh Colour? Book Your Appointment
If you want shiny, healthy, beautifully coloured hair — with styling that leaves you feeling amazing — we’d love to take care of you.
✨ Book your full colour appointment at Kerryann’s Hairdressers today.
We’ll make sure you leave glowing.
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