Quick answer: A color correction session at Sølvi Salon in Boise typically runs 3 to 6 hours, sometimes longer. Come with unwashed hair (1 to 2 days dirty), wear something dark, bring snacks and headphones, and clear your day. We do not rush corrections because rushing causes damage. Some corrections show full results day one, others are partial steps in a 2 to 4 session plan.
You have booked your color correction. Now what? Here is exactly what to expect from your first session and the days leading up to it.
Before the Appointment
1 to 2 Days Before: Do Not Wash Your Hair
Come with hair as you would normally wear it 1 to 2 days after washing. Natural scalp oils protect your scalp during the chemical process. Showing up with squeaky-clean hair makes the correction more uncomfortable and harder on your skin.
The Morning Of
- Eat a real meal. You will be in the salon for hours. Low blood sugar in the middle of a long appointment is unpleasant.
- Wear something dark with a low neckline. Color stains even with capes. Avoid white, light gray, or anything you would be sad to ruin.
- Bring entertainment. Laptop, book, podcasts, headphones. Color correction is long. Settle in.
- Bring snacks. We have water and tea. Anything more substantial, bring it.
At the Appointment
0:00 - 0:30: Re-Consultation
Even though we already met at your initial consultation, we re-confirm the plan today. Hair changes between visits (some clients accidentally wash with a color-stripping shampoo, some apply a gloss at home, some have new sun exposure). We adjust the plan if needed.
0:30 - 2:00: First Lifting Round
We section your hair carefully and apply lifting product. Processing time varies (45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how much we are lifting and how your hair responds). You sit, scroll, read, snack.
2:00 - 3:00: Rinse, Tone, Bond Treatment
We rinse the lift, tone the result, and apply a bond-building treatment. This is the part where you start to see the direction the correction is heading.
3:00 - 4:00: Second Lifting Round (if needed)
If we need more lift, we go again on specific sections. Not all corrections need a second round in one session. Sometimes Session 1 stops here and Session 2 picks up later.
4:00 - 5:00: Toner, Gloss, Style
Final toning, gloss for shine and color refinement, then blowout and style. You see the day's end result.
After the Appointment
The First 48 Hours
- Do not wash for 48 hours. Let the cuticle seal around the new color.
- Avoid heat styling for 24 hours.
- Use only the products we send home with you.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase if you have one.
The Next Few Weeks
- Sulfate-free shampoo only. Sulfates strip the new color. We recommend Davines OI or Heart of Glass.
- Use the bond-building treatment we send home weekly for the first month.
- Wash with cooler water than you usually would.
- Heat protect every time.
4 to 8 Weeks Later: Session 2 (If Multi-Session)
Most corrections need more than one session. We book your follow-up at the end of Session 1 so you have it on the calendar.
The Hardest Part: Patience
Multi-session correction means living with in-progress hair for a few months. We will be honest with you at every session about where you are in the journey. Some clients struggle with the middle phase. We get it. The end result is worth it, and your hair will thank you for the careful pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a color correction appointment take?
Most color correction sessions at Sølvi Salon run 3 to 6 hours, sometimes longer. We do not rush the process because rushing causes damage. Clear your schedule for the day, bring snacks and headphones, and let us do the work right.
Should I wash my hair before a color correction?
No. Come with hair as you would normally wear it 1 to 2 days after washing. The natural oils on your scalp actually help protect your scalp during the correction process. Do not put product in either.
Will I be in the salon all day?
For a full correction session, yes. Plan for 4 to 6 hours. We give you a realistic estimate at consultation so you can plan your day.
Can I bring a friend or laptop to the appointment?
Yes. Color corrections are long. Bring whatever helps you settle in. A laptop, a book, a friend, snacks, a charger. We have wifi and a comfortable chair waiting.
What should I wear?
Something dark with a low neckline. Color stains, even with capes. Sleeveless or tank tops make it easier for us to work around your neckline. Avoid anything you would be sad to ruin.
Will I love my hair the same day?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some corrections look amazing immediately. Others are partial steps in a multi-session plan and you may not see the final result until session 2 or 3. We will tell you upfront which kind of session you are looking at.
Ready to start your color correction? Book your consultation. We will build a real plan for your hair.