Never had my hair dyed before and have a balayage appointment this week - what to expect

[Supertree]

I know the appointment will be a few hours long. I assume the hairdresser won’t stay with me the entire time? What is a normal thing to do? Could I take my knitting or is there a risk of chemicals splashing onto it?

Depends if you are having one colour blended or if you are having completely new shades to and bottom then blended - one wash then dry or then start second colour. You can ask for approx time they expect but it can overrun

Your knitting should be fine. I take a book or do emails

I had my balayage redone this morning. It obviously depends on what you’ve booked/how much colour you want, but my appointment was 3 hours. 1 hour to apply the dye, about 45 mins for it to work (yes, the hairdresser was with someone else in this time) and then had my hair washed, then the hairdresser returned to do the cut and dry. I imagine knitting would be fine to do, there’s no potential for mess when you’re just sitting there with the foils on.

I tend to take a book.

A good stylist won’t get anything on your knitting

I have balayage and have my roots tinted darker, takes about 3 hrs, I usually chat to the stylist whilst she's applying it then when she goes to do another customer I read or play on my phone.
I don't think your knitting will be in danger of damage, its not a messy procedure, get your knitting out once she's applied it.

I'd find it really odd to see someone with their knitting, but maybe that's where I go.

I agree splashes are unlikely but I think it would be a bit awkward with the gown etc (trying to get the wool out, position it). But I am not a knitter & may be wrong.

Timing wise, 3-ish hours sounds right but for me, application of balayage plus tint on roots is maybe 30 mins, left for 25 - 30 mins, then the washing & usually a colour bond treatment takes a bit, not too much time for a cut tho as I don't get much taken off. By the time it's blowdried, it's 2.5 hours at least. I've long hair so that takes a bit of time for a boho dry