Service Duration for Salon Booking: How to Set It
A bookable duration should cover all the time you need to serve a client without running into the next appointment. Time several sessions, treat different services separately, and count any prep that keeps your stylist or tech busy.
By the Citalu team
Time a full visit
Write down start and end times over several days. Separate check-in, the service itself and cleanup afterward. Don't pick only your best time. Look at what makes a service run long, and which of those cases should become a separate option on your service menu.
Tell a variation from a separate service
If removing a previous product adds work, don't hide it inside an optimistic duration. Decide whether clients should pick it as an add-on. Explain what clients can choose and when they need to check with you before booking.
Check the effect on your day
After you adjust times, look at a full week. Check breaks, closing time and appointments already booked. Changing your service menu doesn't replace reviewing existing bookings or telling clients about a time change.
How to put it into practice
- Record real times over several days.
- Split out add-ons that change the duration.
- Test whether the new schedule lets you finish one appointment and set up for the next.
A common question
Should I use the same duration for the whole team?
Don't assume everyone works at the same pace. Look at how your team actually works before you set a public duration they can all meet.
Bring that order to your schedule
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