
Hair coloring costs $50 to $70 for a single color and $20 to $40 for each additional color or shade. Highlights cost $50 to $150 depending on the type, salon location, and hair length. Complex trends like Balayage, Babylights, or Ombre cost $100 to $150 or more.
A colorist will advise you on which colors best suit you and help you choose colors that will enhance and brighten your complexion. Most colorists recommend staying within three shades lighter or darker than your natural color.
Most salons recommend coloring your hair every 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how close to your natural color it is. Coloring regularly prevents noticeable differences between your roots and the dyed hair. Some salons charge less for a root touch-up than a full color.
Your scalp will handle hair coloring better when you wash your hair 2 to 3 days before your appointment. Hairdressers usually wash hair before coloring if it's dirty or has a lot of product buildup from hairspray, gel, or mousse. Coming in with dry, brushed hair with no product buildup can save time and money.
Hair appointments add up over time, but there are a few ways you can save some money:
Semi- and demi-permanent hair colors are both temporary dyes that vary in lifespan. Semi-permanent hair color only lasts 3 to 6 shampoos, while demi-permanent lasts 24 to 30 shampoos. Semi is a better choice when trying out a new color or coloring your hair for a special event.
Balayage costs $70 to $200 per session and is a type of freehand highlight that makes it look like the sun lightened your hair naturally. This technique blends a lighter color into the natural hair tone more easily instead of a harsh line between lighter and darker tones. Balayage requires a more experienced colorist because it's a more artistic, intuitive technique.
Highlights are lighter than your natural color, while lowlights are darker and add depth to your hair. Many hairstylists use a combination of highlights and lowlights to add contrast and volume. Lowlights are often less damaging, cost less, and blend more easily than highlights.
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