In beauty school, curriculum is based off standard, technique-based cutting. When you onboard at your first salon, it can be hard to manage cramming your step-by-step learnings into a 45-minute or less appointment—wash and style included.

This guide collects what working stylists and salon owners are actually saying—how they protect quality, price their time, and keep clients loyal—without turning the chair into a revolving door.

Haircutting 101: There’s no such thing as a “simple, layered” cut.

Personalization is in; one-size-fits-all is out. Slowing down to customize shape, weight removal and finish builds loyalty that outperforms volume.

Here’s how these hairdressers feel about booking 45 minutes or more on a haircut: 

“…Success to me personally isn’t in the amount of haircuts or clients I book. Success to me is if the client I booked (no matter how many) is happy with their look and if I’m growing over the course of my career. Many people will come for the experience and for the way you treat them and, believe it or not, will pay more instead of being rushed out.” – @hairbyallykondratyev

“I have some clients with so much hair it literally takes me 45 minutes to just blow-dry! I will not leave anyone without the final style. The appointments for long hair can be anywhere from an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half. I’m not sure why [anyone would want to rush phenomenal work.] I’m 37 years a stylist and I will never ever compromise quality for quantity! You shouldn’t ask anyone to do that.” – @melissa.krebbs

Is 45 minutes too long? “NOPE!” – @ahappyjustin

“[If a popular and excellent hairdresser takes 45+ minutes for a haircut, leave them alone.} Not everyone wants to be done and dusted in just 20 to 30 minutes. Yes, time is money, but you can’t rush great haircuts. And since when is hair cutting ‘just a simple layered’ haircut? It only appears simple if the hairdresser is excellent because they makes it look easy.” – @emma.jane1974

Longer haircuts? It might be time to raise your prices to charge your worth.

If you’re consistently running 60–90 minutes to deliver a detailed cut and finished style, the answer isn’t to rush—it’s to price your time so the service remains sustainable.

“As salon owners, it’s our job to guide and mentor. I wouldn’t want to discourage someone’s artistry or the client experience. Their clients come to them because of the time and effort they’re putting out there. Maybe a discussion on hourly vs. a la carte pricing to match the time he spends with his clients is the solution!” – @natalieruzgis

 “Hmm… they’re talented and popular and take their time with clients? Sounds like a price increase would solve your problems. 😋” – @kayhelene

“…If the stylist is commission and does phenomenal work, up their prices and both [stylist and salon owner will] get paid more.” – @whitney.fringe.hair.studio

“….The days of a wash, condition, haircut and blow-dry in 45 minutes doesn’t exist anymore because the standards of professional hairdressing have changed. This is why more consumers are now going independent stylists; they are not being rushed and can get a customized hair experience…Stylists can change other variables to make up for minutes—like price!” – @dieselmaurice

“I think there is no longer any such thing as a ‘simple layered’ cut. Do you have tiered pricing in your salon based on newer stylists vs. senior stylists? Or is it possible to charge clients a per hour fee?” – @mrsyt31

Tool Talk: Why Your Scissors Should Work With You

Efficiency in a haircut isn’t about rushing — it’s about eliminating friction. The more your tools support your natural movement, the less time you lose to readjusting your grip, re-cutting uneven sections, or troubleshooting tension issues. Great scissors don’t speed you up by cutting corners; they speed you up by keeping your technique clean.

• For all-around versatility, the ARC™ Scissors PHANTOM II for its balanced weight and smooth wet-to-dry glide — a combination that keeps lines clean and helps maintain even tension as you shift between sections.

• For dry detailing and interior refinement, the ARC™ Scissors PARAGON II offers the precision and stability needed for slicing, softening, and shaping without chatter, making it easier to stay focused on the silhouette rather than the tool in your hand.

Tools that cut clean and stay consistent help you keep your pace steady without sacrificing detail.

Owner–Stylist Alignment: Protect the Client Experience

The best outcomes happen when business health and craftsmanship are both respected.

Here’s some advice for salon owners concerned about a stylist’s service time:

“…I’d completely skip the ‘needs of the business’ conversation, as it often leads to resentment. I’d collaborate with them on a time frame they think they can consistently complete a wash, cut and blow-dry… and charge accordingly. If a stylists demand is high, I see a compromise from the salon as a necessity.” – @lorenlifka

“Do your due diligence beforehand and come to the meeting prepared to express your expectations in a calm, positive and thoughtful way. Also be prepared to offer training and teaching on how this employee can meet those expectations…If this stylist truly wants to learn and grow, they will respond appropriately.” – @meagan_mac211

“…Being a leader is difficult because you have so many different personalities and skill sets to deal with. Work with your staff individually to find out what their needs are. They will be less likely to leave if you help them, lift them up and encourage positive change beneficial to all.” – @72kate

In Summary...

• Don’t rush the craft: Personalization takes time, charge for the time it takes to do it well.
• Price for the time you need: Longer, detail-heavy cuts stay sustainable when your rates reflect the service.
• Invest in the right tools: Your scissors enhance your flow instead of slowing your process.
• Align and communicate: Stylists and owners should agree on realistic timing and pricing that support quality.