![visual effects salon visual effects salon](https://i.pinimg.com/474x/36/cc/3c/36cc3cdeb79f611c344c02d17ea03ba1.jpg)
But if you're just getting a trim, it will take place after your hair is lightened to cleaner look at your ends. If you're having a significant haircut the same day you're getting balayage, your stylist will likely trim your hair while it's dry before lightener is applied so your colorist doesn't have to waste time lightening hair that's just going to be cut away.
![visual effects salon visual effects salon](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/c7ea2f34-a93a-49c2-93ec-04c962515d2a.b58bdfa5a1eebc13ec71abe64ac8706f.jpeg)
For this reason, your colorist might only apply the dryer to the second half of your head (since the lightener had been sitting on the first side of your hair for longer). Lightener starts working on contact, so your hair has been slowly lightening as lightener was applied to each section.
![visual effects salon visual effects salon](https://res.cloudinary.com/expertise-com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:low/remote_media/logos/boise-id_id_hair-salon_21.jpg)
Sitting under the dryer: After 1-2 hours, your colorist will likely have you sit under a dryer to expedite the lightening process (lightener works faster when heat is involved).During this period, be prepared to answer follow-up questions from your stylist, like what your natural hair texture looks like (and if you tend to wear your natural hair texture). The lighter you're going, the smaller the sections will be and the more strands from each section they will choose to paint. Your colorist will work section by section, painting specifically selected strands from a section of hair and then covering that section with cotton or saran wrap so the lightener doesn't bleed into unwanted hair sections. This is your chance to go to the bathroom, make sure you have a beverage, and that your phone/book/magazine is out in your lap, because once the painting process begins, you'll be seated in your chair for 1-2 hours, depending on how much hair you have and how much lighter you're going. Sectioning and hand-painting your hair: Once you and your colorist have decided on a final color plan together based on your goals and lifestyle, they'll mix up some lightener and bring it over to the station where you're seated.
![visual effects salon visual effects salon](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDRkY2FiODEtMmQ1NS00NTA3LTkwZjMtZmJhYzcxMzE2MGJhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMyMDYyNTA0._V1_UY264_CR174,0,180,264_AL_.jpg)
They'll likely ask you questions about how often you heat style, which way you part your hair, how you usually style it, how often you're committed to returning for touch-ups, and if you're open to having a trim before deciding on the final color plan for the day. Your colorist will evaluate your hair: Even if you've already come in for a consultation, your colorist will begin by evaluating your hair and inspiration photos (be sure to bring a few that represent your color goals for your hair).