How much do highlights cost?

Several factors will affect the cost of highlights, including the condition of your hair, previous chemical treatments, your natural hair color, and the techniques used.

For example, partial highlights (usually concentrated on the hair in the front and top of the head) cost less than full-head highlights. Balayage (French for “hair painting”) is a technique for highlighting in which the dye is freehand painted create a graduated effect of darker to lighter strands. Balayage is usually more expensive than traditional highlights, as not all professionals know how to do this specialized technique.

Hair condition and previous chemical treatment

Center Stage Designs owner Janis Leffler charges a flat rate for hair coloring services. That rate can increase if the condition of the client’s hair requires a lot of extra time, needs color correction, dye or hair treatments to get it to the client’s desired look.

For example, if a client needs a deep conditioning treatment, Leffler offers one from Brazilian Blowout for an additional $50.

Natural hair color

People with naturally black to dark blonde hair (levels 1 – 6, in industry speak), and those who have had highlights before may want to have the base (roots) colored to mask the contrast between roots and highlighted sections of hair.

For example, Leffler of Center Stage Designs charges the following flat rates:

Flat Rates for Hair Coloring Services

• Base: $40 – $75
• Highlights: $50 – $95
• Toner: $20 – $40

Additionally, some stylists charge more to color naturally blonde hair versus color-treated brunette hair—a difference of about $20 more for blondes nationwide.

Hair length

Some stylists charge more to color longer hair, primarily to recoup the cost of additional dye products needed.

For example, clients with very long hair at Leffler of Center Stage Designs pay about $10 – $20 more to cover the cost of extra products used.

Special techniques

Balayage typically costs more because it takes the stylist more time and skill to achieve. Rates for Balayage are often based on the specific technique needed to achieve the end look, the number of formulas (hair dyes mixed by the stylist) needed, and the customer’s hair length and hair density. It’s a good idea to consult with a stylist in person to discuss the look you want, so they can create a custom price quote.

For example, at Hair and Makeup by Sharlene, boutique owner Sharlene Mitchell charges $90 and up for the Balayage technique.

Partial highlights refer to highlights applied to only certain parts of your hair. Opt for partial highlights when you’re looking for a more subtle change to your hair color, or if you’re looking for adding a few strands of bright color.

Partial highlights are typically less expensive than full highlights.

Hair and Makeup by Sharlene at The Boutique Salon charges the following flat rates:

Cost of Partial Highlights vs. Full Highlights

• All-over color: $70
• Partial highlights: $75
• Full highlights: $85

Expect to pay between $150 and $200 for balayage coloring. Balayage is a technique that allows the stylist to create a gradual, natural-looking highlight by painting the dye onto the hair in in a sweeping pattern.

With this technique, the transition between dark and light hair colors will be longer and therefore more natural looking. Because balayage takes a bit longer and requires more labor, this style of hair coloring is often pricier.

Finding the right salon is serious business! After all, your hair is your crowning jewel, so making sure it looks great is of the utmost importance. Here are our tips for finding the right local salon for you:

• Ask for a consultation: Prior to jumping into color services, ask the hairstylist for a consultation. This ensures that both you and the stylist are on the same page!
• Determine your budget: Figure out how much you have to spend on professional highlights. Knowing your budget will help narrow your search for the perfect salon.
• Be realistic: If you’re looking to go from black to platinum blonde, be realistic in your expectations. A good stylist understands that in order to protect your hair, it will take several appointments to get you to your desired color.
• Look for reviews with photos: When it comes to your hair, a picture is definitely worth a thousand words. Look online for hair color reviews of the salon with photos of previous clients. If you’re not loving what you see in the photos, keep looking!

Here at Thumbtack, we love helping our customers save money. Let’s explore a few cost-saving options when getting highlights:

• Buy a package deal: Some stylists offer package deals that combine hair coloring with cuts, color & highlights, or deep conditioning hair care treatments. If you’re looking to get multiple services, a package deal is where it’s at!
• Shampoo at home: It’s customary at most hair salons to tip the person who shampoos your hair. Skip the salon shampoo bowl and wash your hair at home before your appointment to avoid tipping.
• Don’t go to the owner of the salon: Salon owners are masters of their craft and will charge the highest price. Try out a junior stylist – most likely, they have been trained by the owner and will charge significantly less!
• Skip buying products: Hair products are one of the main revenue drivers for salons. Skip purchasing new hair products and your wallet will thank you!