Book Early: Why Holiday Color Appointments Fill Fast – and What to Ask When You Book

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze in a color appointment a few days before a holiday, you already know the struggle. The truth is, holiday hair color appointments fill up faster than any other time of year, and for good reason. Between back-to-back events, family photos, and end-of-year celebrations, everyone wants their color looking fresh and glossy.

But with a little planning, you can avoid the chaos. Here’s how to book holiday hair color appointments, what to ask when scheduling, and how to make sure your stylist has everything they need to make your holiday hair dreams happen.

Why Holiday Color Appointments Fill Up So Quickly

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are the busiest time of year for stylists and colorists. Clients who normally visit every six to eight weeks often shift their schedules forward to make sure they’re freshly colored for holiday photos and parties. Add in people booking blowouts, cuts, and glosses, and suddenly December’s calendar is packed long before December.

That’s why it’s so important to book holiday color appointments early. Think of it like securing reservations at your favorite restaurant before the rush hits. The earlier you lock in your spot, the more flexibility you’ll have with time, stylist, and service.

The Sweet Spot For Scheduling Holiday Color

So, how far in advance should you plan? A good rule of thumb is to schedule your appointment within one week of your first event or travel plans. That gives your color time to settle and look its most natural – and it ensures you’ll still have that fresh, luminous tone for every gathering thereafter.If you’re traveling, try to plan your appointment about a week before your departure. That way, your color is vibrant, but your scalp has had time to rest, especially if you’re heading somewhere sunny or dry.

And if you’re someone who likes last-minute changes (new highlights, a darker shade for winter, or a gloss refresh) communicate that upon booking and make sure enough time is scheduled for your appointment. Letting your colorist know your plans means they can adjust timing and products to achieve your goal without rushing.

Questions to Ask When Booking Hair Color Before Holidays

Whether you’re calling, booking online, or visiting a Hair Color Bar in person, asking the right questions can make all the difference. A few smart questions to ask when booking hair color before holidays include:

1. How long should I expect my appointment to take?
Holiday schedules get tight, and you don’t want to feel rushed between shopping and parties. Knowing the timing helps you plan your day realistically.

2. I normally just get my roots done. What kind of appointment should I schedule to refresh my color all over??
Booking a Roots + Gloss or All-Over Color service is the best way to ensure your color is fresh, vibrant, and shiny from roots to ends.

3. When should I come back for a touch-up?
If your calendar includes multiple events or travel, your colorist can help you map out a maintenance plan that keeps your tone looking perfect through the season.

4. What’s your cancellation or reschedule policy?
Things happen, especially around the holidays. Knowing your salon’s policy ahead of time can save you stress if travel plans or schedules shift.

What to Do if You Need A Last-Minute Holiday Hair Appointment

Even with the best intentions, sometimes you just run out of time. Maybe your flight changed, your event got moved up, or your roots showed up faster than expected. While last-minute bookings are tough during December, they’re not impossible.

Start by checking multiple locations. For example, we have Hair Color Bars across the country, and if your regular one is booked, another one nearby may have openings. The great thing is that your color history is saved in your profile, so our colorists have access to your formula at any location you visit. If everything is full, ask to be placed on a waitlist – cancellations happen more often than you’d think around the holidays. Flexibility helps too; weekday mornings or mid-afternoons tend to open up more often than evening slots.

And if you truly can’t get an appointment in time, you can still look amazing for your event. Our Radiant Hair Color Kit delivers salon-quality color without the wait, and our Color Reviving Gloss can refresh faded color at home. 

The Takeaway

Getting beautiful hair shouldn’t be stressful, especially during the holidays. And booking your holiday hair color appointments early ensures you walk into every celebration feeling polished and ready.

So, whether you’re dreaming of rich winter brunette, champagne blonde, or a glossy red for the season, take a moment today to schedule your spot. Check out our Hair Color Bar locations – open 7 days a week – to find your nearest salon and secure your appointment before everyone else realizes it’s already time.

Your future self – and your holiday photos – will thank you!