What to Expect at Your First Color Appointment
Hair Guide · Scottsdale, Arizona
Quick answer: Your stylist starts with a short consultation (your goal, color history and lifestyle), then applies color or lightener, processes, rinses, tones if needed, and finishes with a blowout. Plan for about 1½ hours for a root retouch and 3–4 hours for highlights or balayage.
Before you come in
- Bring 2–3 photos of hair you love (and one you don't).
- Arrive with dry hair; washing a day or two before is fine.
- Tell your stylist about box dye, henna, keratin treatments or recent lightening.
- New to the salon and planning a big change? A consultation first helps us book the right amount of time.
During the appointment
- Consultation — goal, maintenance and budget.
- Application — foils, painting, or all-over color.
- Processing — usually 20–45 minutes.
- Rinse + toner — to set the final shade.
- Treatment + style — finish with a blowout.
After
Wait about 48 hours before your first shampoo if you can, use color-safe sulfate-free shampoo, and protect your hair from the sun and chlorine. Book your next visit before you leave.
Common questions
Should I wash my hair before a color appointment?
Come in with dry hair. Washing a day or two before is fine; skip heavy oils and styling products.
What if I don't love the result?
Tell your stylist before you leave, or call or text us at 480-605-2148 soon after, so we can talk through options.
Keep reading
- Balayage vs. HighlightsThe difference between balayage and foil highlights — technique, look, grow-out and upkeep
- What Is a Toner or Gloss?What hair toner and gloss do, why blondes need toner, how long it lasts, and how often to
- Root Retouch & All-Over Color GuideWhat a root retouch is, how it differs from all-over (single-process) color, how often to
- How Much Does Hair Color Cost?What affects hair color pricing — service type, hair length and thickness, toner, time and
Ready when you are. Book online, or call or text us — we can often fit you in sooner than the online calendar shows.
Book an appointmentCall or text 480-605-2148 · See all services