How Much Does It Cost to Dye Your Hair?
The salon price to dye your hair can fall between $75-$200+ depending on the coloring technique used, the salon, the experience level of your stylist, and your current hair situation. Meanwhile, you can expect to pay $5-$30 for an at-home hair dyeing kit.
There are many techniques used to change your hair color. After deciding on your new hair color, you’ll talk to a stylist about what the process will look like.
How much does it cost to dye your hair at a salon?
The salon experience can be attentive, professional, and relaxing. Therefore, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75-$200+. Salon coloring services vary in price:
| Color service | Price |
|---|---|
| Single process color (all-over) | $70-$100+ |
| Double process color | $100-$200+ |
| Ombré, sombré, and balayage | $125+ |
| Tip color | $25+ |
| Toner | $50+ |
Your stylist will look over your current color, texture, length, and thickness to determine which products and techniques will work best. You can also ask them for their honest and professional opinion about what color would look best on you.
Salon talk can be confusing, so we’re going to break down what each technique means and costs to help you find your best look.
Single process color
The price for single process color can range from $70-$100+. This technique refers to any coloring service done in one step using one consistent color throughout the entire head or on the roots. The price depends on the salon, stylist’s experience, hair thickness, and more. You can expect to be seated in the salon for around 40 minutes to an hour and a half. For best results, refresh your color every four to six weeks.
Double process color
The cost for this service can be anywhere from $100-$200+. A double process color means that the coloring process will be done in two steps. Your stylist will lighten and then apply a color or glaze. If you are interested in a “fantasy,” or unnatural hair color, the price may increase. This can take around two hours. Wait at least four weeks before re-dyeing it to preserve hair health and color payoff.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Double process color (natural tone) | $100-$175+ |
| Double process color (fantasy) | $125-$200+ |
Ombré
Ombré is a coloring technique where the hair color is split in two and gradually blended from light to dark. Ombré can cost about $125+. The hairstylist will normally leave the roots untouched or nearly untouched and concentrate on the ends. This technique takes around two to three hours in the salon. Although ombré is a more dramatized version of highlighting, it grows out into a natural sun-kissed look and should be retouched every six to eight weeks.
Sombré
Similar to ombré, sombré is a gradual color transformation from root to tip. Hairstylists will place the dye closer to the root, giving the appearance of all-over hair color. This process costs around $125+ and can take around two to three hours. Since sombré may require more dye and lightening, consider waiting about four weeks before touching up your color.
Reverse ombré
Reverse ombré is exactly what it sounds like — instead of the dye going from dark to light, the color will be applied from light to dark, starting at the roots. Reverse ombré has a similar price point to ombré of $125+, but may take a bit more time, around three hours, since the stylist has to carefully control dye saturation at the root. It may need to be touched up more frequently if the color is placed at the root.
Balayage
Balayage is named after the sweeping motion of your hairstylist’s wrists as they apply the dye. This motion allows for a gradually fading highlight from less concentrated roots to highly concentrated tips. It may take a stylist more time to effectively deliver natural results. You’re looking to pay about $70-$450+ for balayage. This technique is popular for those looking for a beautiful color weeks after the initial dye. Professionals suggest retouching balayage every 12-14 weeks.
Pintura highlights
Pintura highlights can cost anywhere from $100-$180. This technique works best on curly hair because the colorist will place dye directly onto the curls in small sections without using foils or extreme heat. The lack of foil and heat help protect your hair’s natural curl pattern. The cost of these highlights can get high since they’re not as commonly offered as compared to other services. You may be seated at the salon for around three hours.
Tip color
Tip color can cost around $25+ and will need to be repeated every three to five weeks depending on how fast your hair grows and the chosen color. This technique refers to the process of solely dyeing the ends of the hair. On longer hair, tip color can saturate the final three to four inches of the hair. On shorter hair, the dye will cover the final inch or two.
Root touch-up
A root touch-up is the application of dye at the roots of the hair to cover grown-out dye or unwanted colors. Root touch-ups are fairly inexpensive and are typically done with one color. You can expect to pay about $50-$75.
Color correction
Color correction is a lengthy process meant to fix unwanted hair color. It typically involves toning brassiness, darkening the hair, or lightening. The cost of color correction is normally determined by the amount of time it takes. This can vary depending on the damage and the desired result. You can expect to pay about $100 per hour. While color correction is sometimes unavoidable, it can damage your hair and bank account.
Toner
Toner is any product that adjusts the tone of your hair. Colorists commonly finish hair dyeing processes with a toner to ensure proper undertones. However, you can make an appointment to tone your hair without dye. This process can cost you about $50-$70. The difference between toner and permanent hair dye is the amount of ammonia, which is the chemical used to help deeply deposit dye. Therefore, toner is considered a semi- or demi-permanent dye that will need to be retouched every month and a half or so.
How much does it cost to dye your hair at home?
Dyeing your hair at home can cost anywhere from $5-$30 depending on the amount of dye and tools needed. While at-home hair dye kits are inexpensive and can deliver decent results, many people suffer boxed hair dye disasters.
Professional colorists have high-quality dye, tools, and years of experience under their belt to save clients from hair horror stories. Oftentime, color correcting and removing boxed dye is more time-consuming and expensive than going to a salon in the first place.
Hair dye
At-home hair dye typically costs $7-$30. It comes pre-measured and mixed which can save time. Meanwhile, salon-quality dye is mixed fresh seconds before it’s applied to your hair, is measured according to the amount of hair you have, contains multi-tonal color, and has less harmful chemicals.
Bleaching/lightening
While at-home bleach can cost around $8, your hair texture may pay the price. Bleaching your hair in a controlled environment like a salon means that your stylist knows what to look for, how long to safely leave the bleach on your scalp, and how to manage newly bleached hair. Salon prices for bleach can be more expensive due to the risks involved with this process. Bleaching or lightening your hair at home can save you money.
Toner
Toning shampoos can range from $12-$40 depending on the quality. There are other options for at-home toner but they come with risks. Toner is meant to be left on the hair for a short period — if it’s left on for too long, the hair picks up pigment from the product. Consider opting for a higher-quality toner applied by a Pro at a salon or at-home toning shampoo.
How much does it cost to dye your hair a specific color?
The cost to dye your hair certain colors varies based on if you have virgin hair, the amount of time, dye, toner, and heat required to achieve each desired color. If you have a hair color that is the opposite of your desired color, you may see a price increase.
How much does it cost to dye your hair blonde?
Going blonde is one of the most sought-after hair trends, but it’s time-consuming and costly if you have dark hair. To dye your hair blonde, the colorist uses bleach to bring your hair to a shade where the dye will be visible. The darker your hair is, the more expensive going blonde can be. If you have dark hair, plan to pay around $200 for the initial dye. Keep in mind that light-toned hair colors will need to be frequently retouched.
How much does it cost to dye your hair black?
If you’re in the mood for the darkest shade possible, you’re in luck. Dyeing any hair color black is one of the easiest colors to choose from, as it can cover any lighter shade. The cost to dye your hair black will be about $100+. Although black dye is easy to apply, it’s extremely difficult to remove. Since black is the darkest shade, it will take the most time, bleach, remover, and experienced stylist to remove the dye.
How much does it cost to dye your hair blue?
Dyeing your hair an unnatural color like blue is expensive. Blue hair dye can’t show up on dark hair without bleaching the hair first. If your hair is naturally light blonde, you may be able to skip this step. This process can take around four hours and can cost anywhere from $200-$400. Since blue is not a natural tone, colorists have to take their time to ensure vibrancy.
How much does it cost to dye your hair red?
If you’re in the market to become a redhead, it’s a good idea to keep some spare change in your back pocket. While dyeing your hair red costs around $150-$200, it requires a lot of attention. Red is a color full of vibrancy and should be retouched every four weeks.
What are some other costs to consider?
Coloring your hair can cost you more than just money. Many hair dyeing processes require numerous hours in the salon every month or two. While a new hair color can be exciting, it can also cause damage. There are multiple risks involved in the hair dyeing process worth considering:
- Damaged clothes or furniture due to contact with dye
- Chemical exposure on skin
- Hair loss
- Hair dryness
- Possible color correction needed
- Permanent color change
However, there are ways to avoid these risks. The best way is by going to a trained professional. If this option is out of your price range, you should follow the same post-dye guidelines as professionals: condition/nourish your hair after dyeing, clean off dye from skin and surfaces immediately, and wash your hair less to maintain color payoff.
How long does hair dye last?
Ultimately, most hair dyes begin to fade around four to six weeks. Knowing how long you want the color to last will help you choose the right technique, color, and type of dye. The longevity of your hair color depends on multiple factors, like the type of dye being used.
| Hair dye | Longevity |
|---|---|
| Temporary | Lasts a couple of days |
| Semi-permanent | Lasts five washes or two weeks |
| Demi-permanent | Lasts 30 washes or two months |
| Permanent | Lasts until grown out or eight weeks |
| Bleach | Lasts until grown out or re-dyed |
| Henna | Lasts four to six weeks |
Temporary
Temporary hair dye is a colored dye you can apply to your hair to give you a vibrant color for a couple of days. It’s typically used for events, to test out hair colors, or just to have some fun.
Semi-permanent
Semi-permanent hair dye is a basic dye that does not require a developer. Therefore, it can last around five washes and will begin to fade after a week or two. This color is often used to enhance hair color or cover strands of gray or discolored hair.
Demi-permanent
Demi-permanent hair dye can last around 30 washes or two months. This type of hair dye contains a low-volume developer that will allow complete saturation of the strand. It is used for color enhancement, color correction, highlight rejuvenation, and toning.
Permanent
Permanent hair color is exactly what it sounds like: permanent. This dye is meant to last until the hair is grown out or re-dyed. However, it is commonly refreshed every four to eight weeks. Permanent dye uses moderate-volume developers to deeply saturate the cuticles.
Bleach
Hair-safe bleach is a chemical solution, not a hair dye, that strips your hair of its natural pigment. It is commonly used to lighten hair before applying a permanent color. Bleach is an invasive solution that will last until the hair is grown out but will start to fade or turn colors after four weeks.
Henna
Henna hair dye is from the leaves of the henna plant. Originally a powder and turned into a paste, it can create a vibrant warm-toned color. This process may not be used in every salon, but can deliver similar results as regular hair dye and lasts for around four to six weeks.
How much is hair coloring on average in each state?
The cost of hair coloring varies based on multiple factors. One that many forget to consider is location. Each city, town, state, and country will have different prices for the hair coloring process based on cost of living, competition, commercial rent prices, and more. This is why the average prices for hair salons can greatly differ.
We’ve gathered information from our hairstylists’ prices across the United States:
| State | Hair color cost per appointment |
|---|---|
| DC | $153 |
| ND | $152 |
| CA | $129 |
| TX | $124 |
| MD | $123 |
| NM | $122 |
| SD | $122 |
| WA | $121 |
| MA | $121 |
| ME | $120 |
| NJ | $120 |
| VA | $118 |
| NY | $114 |
| OR | $111 |
| GA | $110 |
| AZ | $107 |
| CO | $107 |
| TN | $107 |
| AL | $106 |
| OK | $105 |
| FL | $104 |
| CT | $104 |
| NV | $103 |
| DE | $103 |
| IL | $102 |
| UT | $102 |
| SC | $101 |
| VT | $101 |
| HI | $100 |
| AR | $100 |
| NC | $98 |
| WI | $98 |
| OH | $96 |
| MO | $96 |
| LA | $95 |
| MN | $94 |
| IN | $93 |
| MI | $93 |
| KS | $93 |
| NH | $93 |
| IA | $92 |
| KY | $91 |
| MS | $91 |
| PA | $90 |
| WV | $90 |
| ID | $88 |
| MT | $86 |
| RI | $84 |
| NE | $82 |
| WY | $71 |
| AK | N/A |
How can I save money on hair coloring?
There are several ways you can save money on hair coloring. The best way to do so is by nourishing and preparing your hair properly before and after dyeing it. The healthier the hair is, the longer the color will last.
Other ways to save money on hair coloring include:
- Using color-safe hair products
- Minimizing the use of hot tools
- Asking the salon about a package deal or student discount
- Washing hair less frequently
- Using a hair oil
- Choosing a coloring technique that will naturally grow out
While dyeing your hair is a common trend across the globe, it can be damaging to your hair health and your pocket and requires careful consideration. If you’re ready to begin your hair transformation with professional assistance, find a hairstylist near you.
