What’s the difference between a cut and a trim? Why do some stylists charge more for highlights than others? More importantly, why are your best friend’s hair appointments so much cheaper than yours?
All of these are valid questions with slightly complex answers. Average hair salon prices across the country can vary for many reasons, and understanding these differences can help you make better decisions when booking your next appointment.
What Determines Hair Salon Prices?
Hair salon prices aren’t random numbers pulled from thin air. Several factors influence what you’ll pay at the salon, and knowing these can help you understand why prices differ so much between locations and stylists.
Some of the main factors include your stylist’s experience and skill level, their licensing and education, and the operational costs they need to cover. The type of salon matters too, along with competition and demand in your area.
Your local cost of living plays a big role as well. It costs more to run a salon in New York City than in a small town in Wyoming, and those expenses get reflected in service prices.
The actual service you’re getting also impacts the price. Additional services, the current state of your hair, and your hair history all play a role in determining your final cost.
Average Hair Salon Prices Overview
Average hair salon prices can range from $10 to $150 on the low end and between $200 and $1,000 on the high end. That’s a massive range, but it shows just how varied salon services can be.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to pay for popular salon services:
| Hair Salon Service | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Men’s cut | $15 to $40 |
| Women’s cut | $10 to $90 |
| Kids’ cut | $15 to $40 |
| Trim | $5 to $115 |
| Cut and color | $20 to $125 |
| Cut and style | $50 to $190 |
| Styling | $10 to $65 |
| Special occasion style | $40 to $325 |
| Updos | $50 to $130 |
| Bridal hair | $60 to $400 |
| Blowout | $20 to $100 |
| Perm | $30 to $800 |
| Permanent hair straightening | $40 to $425 |
| Silk press | $60 to $100 |
| Braids | $40 to $200 |
| Locs | $50 to $150 |
| Faux locs | $130 to $300 |
| Hair color | $75 to $200 |
| Balayage | $75 to $450 |
| Bleach | $50 to $400 |
| Highlights | $20 to $200 |
| Hair treatments | $10 to $100 |
| Hair extensions | $300 to $1,000 |
| Consultation | Free to $50 |
| Tip | 10% to 25% |
How Much Is a Haircut?
The average cost of a haircut can range from $10 to $90. This wide range accounts for different types of cuts, varying skill levels, and geographic locations across the country.
Haircut prices can also vary if you’re getting a cut that requires special skills or techniques. For example, creating long layers with thick hair requires a much different skill set than creating an undercut design under long hair.
Men’s Haircut Costs
The average men’s haircut costs about $15 to $40. Both barbershops and hair salons can offer men’s cuts, but these places slightly differ in what they provide.
A barber typically focuses on cutting and grooming hair, while hair salons offer more styling services and options. That said, services vary from shop to shop, so it’s worth checking what each place offers.
Women’s Haircut Costs
The average women’s haircut costs $10 to $90. Women’s haircuts typically cost more than men’s due to length and the time and effort needed to cut and style long hair.
Location plays a big role here too. Women’s haircuts are generally more expensive on the West Coast compared to other regions.
Kids’ Haircut Costs
A kids’ haircut costs $15 to $40 on average. In addition to the cut itself, you’re also paying for that stylist’s or barber’s ability to work well with children, which requires patience and special skills.
Trim Costs
The average cost of trims ranges from $5 to $115. Interestingly, trims can cost as much or more than regular haircuts in many cases.
Here’s a breakdown of popular types of trims:
| Type of Trim | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Neck trim | $5 to $50 |
| Bang trim | $5 to $60 |
| Extension trim | $10 to $115 |
| Women’s trim | $10 to $60 |
| Men’s trim | $15 to $80 |
A trim is when a stylist can clean up your ends, take off some length, and do other techniques to help you maintain your current style. A haircut focuses on creating a new shape or look.
Contrary to what some may think, trims and haircuts can take about the same amount of time and effort. You may pay about the same for a trim as you would for a haircut.
Common Haircut Packages
Haircut packages range from $20 to $190. Some stylists bundle haircuts with other popular services to give you more value and convenience.
| Type of Package | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cut and style | $20 to $125 |
| Cut and color | $50 to $190 |
These packages may be the default set of services for a basic haircut at some salons. It’s worth asking what’s included before booking.
How Much Is Hair Styling?
Hair styling can range from $10 to $65. Styling can mean many different things, ranging from simple curls with a curling iron to a full blowout for a wedding.
About 42% of states have average hair styling costs at $30 or below, making this one of the more affordable salon services.
Special Occasion Styling
Special occasion styling can cost $40 to $325 on average. This is the package you’ll need if you’re getting ready for an important dinner or for your big birthday night out.
Special occasion styles can range from intricate formal looks for long hair to styles with lots of accessories. These styles take more time and skill, which is reflected in the price.
Updos in particular can cost between $50 and $130. These special styles can cost more if you’re adding extensions for length or tacking on any coloring services.
Bridal Hair Pricing
Bridal hair can cost between $60 and $400. Stylists may put bridal hair styling in its own category since these styles can be more complex than any other special occasion.
You’ll start with a consultation, a trial to test the look before the big day, then get the bridal hair service on the day of your wedding. Although it runs on the more expensive side, stylists may offer group discounts for bridal parties or for hair and makeup packages.
| Bridal Service | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bridal consultation | $2 to $150 |
| Bridal trial | $30 to $130 |
| Bridal hair | $60 to $400 |
Blowout Costs
Blowouts can cost from $20 to $100. A blowout includes a wash and blow-dry to style the hair, giving you waves, curls, or straight hair with lots of body and bounce.
There are many types and brands of blowouts. Some salons may even have proprietary blowout services that they’ve created. For example, a Brazilian blowout can cost from $75 to $325 and involves a keratin treatment process.
Perms
Perms can cost between $30 and $800. Styling services like perms focus on altering or breaking down the bonds in your hair to create a permanent change to your hair’s texture.
You may be picturing traditional ’80s curls, but modern perms can create many styles, from curly to straight. The wide price range reflects the complexity and time involved.
Hair Straightening Treatments
Permanent hair straightening can cost anywhere from $40 to $425. This includes popular choices like Japanese hair straightening and relaxers.
| Straightening Service | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Relaxers | $40 to $150 |
| Silk press | $60 to $100 |
| Japanese hair straightening | $120 to $425 |
If you’re not a fan of harsh chemicals or permanently changing your hair, you can try a silk press. Silk presses cost between $60 and $100 and primarily use heat styling to straighten and add body to the hair.
Protective Styles
Braids cost between $40 and $200 on average. Getting braids at the salon can be an all-day affair depending on the style and look you want.
Braids cost more than $100 on average in Hawaii, Missouri, and Washington, D.C. Several factors affect the cost, including the amount of braiding hair needed, the type of braiding hair used, and the intricacy of your style.
Box braid prices can range from $75 to $450, while cornrows can cost between $40 and $180. The difference in price reflects the technique and time required for each style.
Locs and Faux Locs
Locs can cost from $50 to $150. Locs are a long-term commitment since they take a long time to form and require regular maintenance through retwisting or retightening.
Sisterlocks can cost between $100 and $1,000. These are very skinny locs that are easy to style once they’re installed but can take a long time to install and require a certified Sisterlocks Consultant.
Faux locs are another option if you want to experiment without the commitment. Faux locs cost between $130 and $300 in most areas.
How Much Is Hair Color?
Hair color can range from $75 to $200 on average, but the cost of dyeing your hair can vary greatly based on several factors.
How much hair you’re coloring, what technique your stylist is using, and the current state of your hair all impact the final price. If you need multiple sessions to achieve your desired look or want additional services, expect to pay more.
| Hair Coloring Service | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Balayage | $75 to $450 |
| Bleach | $50 to $400 |
| Highlights | $20 to $200 |
You can generally expect to pay less if you start with virgin hair or healthy hair, you’re not coloring much of your hair, and if you only need one session.
How Much Are Hair Treatments?
Hair treatments range from $10 to $100 on average. This is a broad category that can encompass many services, from deep conditioning treatments to bond repair treatments.
Names can especially vary for different types of treatments. Some brands and products may have a special license that allows stylists to offer their treatments.
| Type of Hair Treatment | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Deep conditioning | $15 to $300 |
| Keratin treatment | $80 to $400 |
| Clarifying treatment | $15 to $130 |
| Hot oil treatment | $20 to $70 |
How Much Are Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions can cost between $300 and $1,000. There are many kinds of hair extensions you can use to achieve different looks, and the price varies based on the type and installation method.
For example, weaves can cost between $200 and $1,500. These extensions are meant to last long since a stylist securely installs them in your natural hair.
The following factors can impact the cost of your hair extension appointment: the amount of hair needed, whether you need to bring your own hair, the type of hair used, the installation method, and the skill and time needed.
How Much Is a Hair Consultation?
Consultations can be free and cost up to $50 on average. The consultation is your opportunity to ask your stylist questions about their services, pricing, and to see if you’re a good candidate for the service you want.
They can help you understand what to expect and may even recommend other services that work better for your hair goals. This time is valuable, so come prepared with questions.
How Much Should You Tip?
You should tip between 10 and 25 percent for a haircut. Tips show your stylist how much you appreciate their work and help you build a relationship with them.
A higher tip usually means that you really loved the end result, while a lower tip usually means you weren’t as happy with it. However, you shouldn’t let your tip do all the talking.
Directly communicate with your stylist before and during your appointment to make sure you both understand what you want. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures better results.
FAQ About Hair Salon Prices
What kind of deals can I ask for at salons?
You can ask stylists if they offer group discounts, holiday deals, discounted time slots, packages, and any other discounts for your profession or age. These discounts could help make your dream stylist’s services fit your budget.
However, you shouldn’t go into a salon with the intent to haggle with the stylists every time. Stylists and barbers need to keep prices fair to maintain a livable wage for themselves and their staff.
Can I get other services at a hair salon?
You can get non-hair services if your salon offers them. Many salons allow you to bundle services like haircuts with other beauty treatments, like brow waxes or even full glam makeup.
Some stylists may offer to travel to you if you prefer to get your hair and other services done at home. These house calls normally come with an additional charge.
Is it rude to ask how much a hairdresser charges?
It’s not rude to ask a hairdresser how much they charge, especially if you’re unsure about the final cost of your potential appointment. It’s fair to ask so you can see if it fits your budget and understand what’s included.
Confirming the price beforehand is also important if you want a complex style or color. Have a list of questions ready during your consultation so that you’re not hit with any surprises.
How can I find a great stylist in my budget?
Portfolios, reviews, and personal recommendations are the three main ways you can find a great hair professional in your budget. Although price is important to consider, you also need to take into account everything the stylist offers behind their price.
Look for stylists who have experience with your hair type and the specific service you want. Check their reviews to see what other clients say about their pricing and service quality.
Should I choose gender-neutral pricing?
Opting for gender-neutral pricing can help you get fair prices that don’t consider gender. Salons focusing on gender-neutral pricing use factors like hair length and thickness to determine the price.
This pricing model ensures you’re paying for the actual service and time required, not based on outdated assumptions about gender.
Getting the Most Value for Your Money
Understanding average hair salon prices is just the first step. The real value comes from finding a stylist who can deliver the results you want within your budget.
Do your research on stylists in your area. Read reviews, check out their portfolios, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during consultations. The right stylist will be transparent about pricing and willing to work with you to achieve your hair goals.
Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. You’re paying for expertise, experience, and quality results that can last for weeks or even months. A slightly higher upfront cost can actually save you money if it means fewer appointments or better hair health.
Now that you know what to expect for average hair salon prices across different services, you’re ready to book your next appointment with confidence.