How do I automatically create a gap for development time between two services?

This article shows how to set a Processing Time between a service and a finishing service, such as a cut, style, or blow-dry, along with a Finishing Time if needed.

What Are Processing and Finishing Times?

Processing Time automatically adds a gap between two services booked together or between a service and its Finishing Time, if set.

Finishing Time links a follow-up finish to a service, letting you create a start and end in a single service (e.g., 'Color + Blow-dry') instead of needing separate services.

Setting the Processing Time (Gap) and Finishing Time

Go to Manager > Services > Click on a service > Set the desired duration in the Processing Time and Finish Time fields > Click Save.

Setting Different Durations per Staff Member

Sometimes you may want to set different Processing and Finishing Times for different staff members (for example, if a self-employed staff member uses different products).

To do this, click a service to edit it > click the Staff tab, then update the Processing Time and Finish Duration for any staff whose duration differs from the default.

Multiple Locations in Phorest?

If you have multiple locations in Phorest and you wish to update staff level Processing Time and Finish Duration, you will need to do this from the Chain Library.

Go to Manager > Chain Library > Services Library > Select a service > Select the Staff tab, then update the staff member durations from this screen.

Any changes made here will be applied to all locations.

Should I Use Processing Time, Finishing Time, or Both?

You can use several approaches depending on what works best for your business workflow. To ensure the calendar reflects your actual day-to-day operations, we recommend setting up your services using one of these three structures:

1. Back-to-Back (No Gaps)

• Best for: Haircuts, blowouts, or stylists who do not "double-book" during color processing.
• Setup: Put the entire length of the service in the Duration field. Leave Processing and Finish blank.
• Result: The entire block is solid on the appointment calendar; no other appointments can be tucked inside.

2. "A La Carte" (Processing Gap)

• Best for: Color applications where the stylist manually adds a separate service (like a haircut) or books another client during the wait time.
• Setup: Put the application time in Duration and the wait time in Processing Time. Leave the Finish field empty.
• Result: The system holds the application time and "waits" during processing. Note that this does not automatically reserve time for a blowout at the end; a second service must be added to the appointment to close the gap. If using this option, see this guide to understand how the 'Please choose a finish' prompt works within your online booking.

3. The "Sandwich" (Full Service with Finish)

• Best for: Complete color packages that include a final rinse and blowout/style within a single service selection.
• Setup:
  • Duration: Application time.
  • Processing Time: The "gap" where the client sits with color.
  • Finish: The time needed for the final rinse and style.
• Result: This creates a "split" appointment. It frees up the middle (Processing) block for another client while protecting the stylist's time at both the beginning and the end of the booking.

Services That Require Preparation or Recovery Time

If you have a service that requires preparation beforehand or a treatment where staff need to recover or clean up afterwards, you can use the Online Duration for those services. Click here for a guide.