8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Booking the first appointment of the day will help you ease into the shampoo bowl on time. That’s because no latecomers will have thrown off the schedule, says Serena Chreky, co-owner of the Andre Chreky salon, in Washington, D.C. Saturday mornings (after busy workweeks or late Fridays) are usually the least frantic, says Allen Ruiz of the Jackson Ruiz Salon Spa, in Austin. However, some salons fill up then with bridal parties, Chreky cautions, so ask when you book. An early appointment may also get you the best cut. “Stress levels are at their lowest,” says Michelle Breyer, cofounder of NaturallyCurly.com, which deals with salons across the country. “Even if you’re only the third or fourth client of the day, your stylist may not look at your hair with the same enthusiasm.” For the very best service, Breyer and Ruiz both suggest asking your stylist, “What’s your favorite time of day to do hair?”