How Much Time Does Your HMUA Need?

“How much time do you need?”. It’s a question we get asked again and again and again and again. Sometimes right off the start in the inquiry and other times closer to the wedding date but ultimately it will be asked. We never want anyone to be surprised and as much as we wish we could whip out a style in 15 min flat without sacrificing quality that’s just not reality. So we try to be as transparent as possible so that everyone can plan accordingly. So, how much then?

In general artists tend to follow this form of timing IF they have added buffer time in. Now, I know you may hear this and think “Oooohh there’s wiggle room to shave off” . Please don’t. There’s a reason that buffer time is there and ultimately it all boils down to safeguarding the timeline to ensure you and everyone else is completed in time. If someone’s time is less just be aware this may be why. Is it worth the risk in the event of a curve ball?

For the marrier (person getting married) timing is 60 minutes. For an adult it is 45 minutes and for a child it’s 30 minutes. Then we need 15 minutes to set up and 15 minutes for touch ups. These times are PER SERVICE. If you have 2 artists ( 1 lead hairstylist and a 1 lead makeup artist) they will be working simultaneously . If only 1 artist you will need to account for both.

So for example if you + 3 adults were receiving hair and makeup with 2 artists it would take 3 hours and 45 minutes. However, if 1 artist was to provide both hair and makeup services for you + 3 adults then they would need 7 hours. Just something to keep in mind when you are looking at your overall available wedding day time block as it could help determine if you need a second stylist or assistant.

There are a few things that could increase or decrease time. If you have extensions plan to add 15 minutes. More hair we are putting in requires more time. If someone has short hair it could take only 30 minutes. Short hair is chin length and shorter. No, hair to your chest is not short even if it was at one time to your butt and you “feel” it’s short. It’s not. Makeup is a little longer if it’s intricate graphic liner or cut creases but can be less if someone is only receiving t-zone coverage.

Your HMUA should make sure you’re aware of how much time you will need so that if an assistant is needed you can catch it early on. However, just in case they don’t it never hurts to have this knowledge. Were these time blocks a surprise or basically what you expected? Let us know in the comments!