Most cosmetologists have their own revenue goals, so knowing how many clients they typically see in a day or a week is an important part of this formula. By calculating the average number of clients you see in a week, multiplied by your prices for each service, you can figure out where you need to reach your goals.
Most cosmetologists work 2 to 5 years for a salon before branching out on their own and taking their own clients, having built up a book of business. Getting at least two or three years of experience will help you build up your own clientele, and allow you to understand the flow
Understanding The Numbers: Average Clients for Hairstylists
Most hairstylists see an average of 12 clients per day. The range can typically be between 8 and 20 clients, depending on the type of salon and services, and the advance booking and peak demand.
Some services take longer than others, some take a shorter amount of time so more client appointments can be fit in a day. The other factor is the turnaround time that clients typically book the next appointment. Most cosmetologists have clients that come back on a regular schedule for repeat services like hair coloring, hair trims, nail fills, balayage, or facial treatments.
According to a survey by DojoBusiness[1] , about 52% of clients book appointments ahead of time, with 24% walking in consistently, and another 24% walking in randomly.
The type of services for which you book client appointments will influence the number of clients you might see in a day. Some salons specialize in quick services, and the number of daily clients might be closer to 20 (or more) than the average of 12.
Running the Numbers
Two things are important in looking at your client roster: how many total clients you have and how often they are cycling back for return services, which is known as client rotation.
| Service | Daily Client Service Rate | Client Rotation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Haircuts and Trims | 10 to 15 | 6+ weeks[2] |
| Hair Coloring | 8 to 12 | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Balayage or Extensions | 3 to 6 | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Blowouts and Styling | 8 to 15 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Eyelashes | 10 to 15 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Manicures and Nail Art | 10 to 20 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Formal Updos | 6 to 10 | Special occasions |
| Skin Care and Facials | 5 to 10 | 4 to 10 weeks |
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Average Appointment Durations
Most salon appointments range from 15-20 minutes to 2+ hours, depending on the complexity.
Eyebrow waxing, manicures, basic hair trims, and basic nail art all take about 30 minutes to one hour to complete.
Standard haircuts, simple facial treatments, blowouts, and complex nail manicures plus nail art can take about 30 to 60 minutes. These will make up the majority of your schedule as a first year cosmetologist.
Longer services like formal updos, hair coloring, balayage and ombre highlighting, extensions, and complex braiding can all take 1 to 2+ hours. These should be scheduled carefully to allow adequate time to complete. These are usually more premium services that you are priced accordingly.
Ready to Start Your Cosmetology Career?
If you’ve always dreamed about working as a hairstylist, there’s a comprehensive Cosmetology training program in Sacramento that will help you learn the skills you need to get licensed and start taking clients. Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Sacramento is a world-class program that focuses on hairstyling, hair coloring, along with skin care, nail care, and cosmetologist marketing. You’ll learn practical skills, get hands-on experience in our student salon, and learn everything you need to pass the certification exam. We offer flexible class schedules to accommodate your busy life. For more information on start dates or financial aid, contact our friendly Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.
[1] DojoBusiness, https://dojobusiness.com/blogs/news/beauty-salon-daily-clients-profit , retrieved October 19, 2025.
[2] Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/614670/beauty-treatment-haircuts-frequency-females-united-kingdom/ , Retrieved Octover 19, 2025.