Checklist template

Hair colour service standards for salon chains

A ready-to-use checklist with 110 items in 6 sections, covering Consultation, Formulation records, Application, Processing and timing, Finishing, Home care and rebooking. Use it as-is in Bindy, or adapt it to your own standards in minutes.

  • 6 Sections
  • 110 Items
  • 96 Yes / No checks
  • 6 Scored ratings
  • 126 Points

Use this template How audits work

1. Consultation 17 items

  1. The consultation took place at the chair, on dry hair, before the client was gowned Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The colorist asked about the client's color history, including box dye, henna, relaxers and keratin treatments Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The colorist asked for the result wanted and looked at the client's reference photos Yes / No 1 pt
  4. The colorist stated the client's natural level and percentage of gray Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The colorist assessed the existing color on the mid-lengths and ends separately from the regrowth Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Porosity and elasticity were tested on a strand before a lightening service Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The target shade was agreed with the manufacturer's swatch book Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The colorist said what can be achieved in one visit and whether more sessions are needed Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The full price was quoted before starting, including toner, bond builder and extra product charges Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The time the service will take was stated before starting Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The colorist explained how often the color will need retouching Yes / No 1 pt
  12. A strand test was done when the history included box dye, henna or a color correction Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The skin sensitivity test required by company policy was confirmed before a first color service Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Breakage or dry ends seen at the consultation led to a trim or treatment being advised before color Yes / No 1 pt
  15. A color correction was started only after the client signed the correction agreement Yes / No 1 pt
  16. New color clients are booked with the extra consultation time in the company timing guide Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Color consultation observed Rating
    • Full history, clear target and price agreed 5 pts
    • Target agreed but history or price incomplete 3 pts
    • No real consultation 1 pt

2. Formulation records 19 items

  1. Each of 5 color clients served today has a color record in the salon system Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The record names the color brand and line used Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The record gives the shade numbers and the grams or ratio of each Yes / No 1 pt
  4. The record gives the developer strength Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The record gives the processing time Yes / No 1 pt
  6. For highlights, the record states the lightener, the developer and the foil placement Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The toner or gloss formula is recorded separately from the base color Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The record shows the date and the colorist's name Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The record carries a note on the result (for example warmth at the roots or resistant gray at the temples) Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Strand test and sensitivity test results are noted in the record Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Yesterday's color services all have a record entered the same day Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Formulas are kept in the salon system, not in personal notebooks or phones Yes / No 1 pt
  13. A second colorist retrieved a client's last formula when asked Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Color and developer were weighed on a scale, not measured by eye Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The scale at the color dispensary works and returns to zero Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The formula mixed for the client observed matched the formula in the record or plan Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Before-and-after photos are attached to the record where the client consented Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Complete color records out of the 5 sampled Number
  19. Completeness of formulation records Rating
    • Every service fully recorded 5 pts
    • Records exist with details missing 3 pts
    • Records missing for several clients 1 pt

3. Application 18 items

  1. The client wore a color cape with a towel at the neck Yes / No 1 pt
  2. Barrier cream was applied along the hairline and ears for dark shades Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The hair was divided into four quadrants and clipped before a root application Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Retouch color was applied to the regrowth only, without overlapping previously colored hair Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Application started in the area the manufacturer's instructions name for the service Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Subsections were about 1/4 in (6 mm) thick so the product reached every strand Yes / No 1 pt
  7. Sections checked after application showed no dry or missed spots Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Foils were folded flat and sat at the root without product bleeding out Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Highlight weaves were of consistent size from section to section Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Lightener was kept off the scalp unless the product is made for on-scalp use Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Lightener was kept off previously lightened ends Yes / No 1 pt
  12. The amount mixed was enough to finish the application without a second mix Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Each formula had its own bowl and brush Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Bowls were labeled when more than one formula was in use Yes / No 1 pt
  15. Color on the skin was wiped off during application Yes / No 1 pt
  16. An assistant applying color was supervised by the colorist responsible for the client Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Time taken to complete the root application (minutes) Number
  18. Application technique observed Rating
    • Clean sectioning and full saturation 5 pts
    • Uneven saturation or some overlap 3 pts
    • Careless application 1 pt

4. Processing and timing 18 items

  1. A timer was started when the application was finished Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The timer is labeled with the client's name or chair when several clients are processing Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The processing time set matches the manufacturer's instructions for the shade and developer Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Gray coverage formulas were left for their full development time Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Lightener was checked at least every 10 minutes by opening a foil and wiping a strand Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Lift was judged against the target level, not by the clock alone Yes / No 1 pt
  7. Foils checked before rinsing showed the same lift from the first section to the last Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The actual processing time was written in the color record when it differed from the plan Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The client was told how long the color would process Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The client was asked about scalp comfort at least once during processing Yes / No 1 pt
  11. A client who was processing stayed within sight of a member of staff Yes / No 1 pt
  12. A colorist serving a second client during processing returned when the timer sounded Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Color was pulled through the ends only for the final minutes planned Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Toner was watched and rinsed when the target tone was reached Yes / No 1 pt
  15. Foils were removed in the order they were applied Yes / No 1 pt
  16. Processing time observed (minutes) Number
  17. Processing time in the manufacturer's instructions for the formula (minutes) Number
  18. Control of processing time Rating
    • Timed and checked for every client 5 pts
    • Timed but not checked 3 pts
    • Not timed 1 pt

5. Finishing 18 items

  1. The color was emulsified at the bowl with a little water before rinsing Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The hair was rinsed until the water ran clear Yes / No 1 pt
  3. A color-safe shampoo was used Yes / No 1 pt
  4. A post-color treatment or pH-balancing conditioner was applied Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The client was asked whether the water temperature was comfortable Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Color stains were removed from the hairline, ears and neck at the bowl Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The client's clothing stayed dry at the shampoo bowl Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The result was checked on damp hair for missed spots before drying Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The blow-dry was included or charged as the service menu states Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The dry result was checked under daylight-balanced lighting Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The color is even from roots to ends Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Gray is fully covered at the hairline and the part Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Highlights show no banding or bleed marks at the root Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The tone matches the target agreed in the consultation Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The client was shown the back of the hair with a hand mirror Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The colorist asked whether the result is what the client expected Yes / No 1 pt
  17. An adjustment needed, such as a toner, was done before the client left Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Finished color observed Rating
    • Even, on tone and clean at the hairline 5 pts
    • On tone with minor unevenness 3 pts
    • Off tone, banded or stained 1 pt

6. Home care and rebooking 20 items

  1. The colorist recommended a color-safe shampoo and conditioner by name Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The client was told how long to wait before the first shampoo Yes / No 1 pt
  3. A client with blonde or lightened hair was told how often to use a purple or blue shampoo Yes / No 1 pt
  4. The client was advised on heat protection when styling Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The client was advised on protecting the color from sun and pool water Yes / No 1 pt
  6. A bond-repair treatment for home use was recommended after a lightening service Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The recommended products were written on a prescription card or brought to the front desk Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The colorist stated in weeks when the next root retouch is due Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The next color appointment was offered before the client left Yes / No 1 pt
  10. A gloss or toner refresh between color visits was offered where the shade fades quickly Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The client was told the number of days allowed to report a problem with the color Yes / No 1 pt
  12. The amount charged matched the quote given in the consultation Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Color redo requests are logged with the reason and the colorist's name Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The manager reviews each redo with the colorist concerned Yes / No 1 pt
  15. New color clients are contacted within the time set by company policy after their first visit Yes / No 1 pt
  16. Color redos in the last 30 days Number
  17. Share of color clients who rebooked before leaving last week (%) Number
  18. Name of the colorist observed Short text
  19. Overall standard of color services Rating
    • Recorded, timed and on target 5 pts
    • On target with gaps in records or timing 3 pts
    • Off target or not recorded 1 pt
  20. Corrective actions required Comments

About this template

This checklist is part of the Bindy template library. Yes / No checks score 1 point when met; ratings score the points shown for each option. The overall score is the percentage of points earned, with N/A answers excluded. In Bindy you can add photos, assign corrective actions, require sign-off and compare results across sites.

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