Hair coloring costs in the UK present a complex landscape of varying prices and service options. The national average of £130 serves as a baseline, yet actual costs can differ markedly based on location, expertise, and specific treatments. While London commands premium rates approaching £200, other major cities offer more modest pricing structures. The combination of regional factors, salon reputation, and technical requirements creates a nuanced pricing spectrum that merits careful consideration for anyone planning a color transformation.
Average Costs Across the UK
Recent data indicates that the national average cost for a hair color service in the UK stands at £130, reflecting standard pricing across the country.
London commands notably higher rates, with an average of £184 for color services, representing a 42% premium above the national average.
In contrast, cities like Manchester and Nottingham offer more affordable options, with average costs of £101 for comparable services, making them among the most economical locations for hair coloring in the UK.
National a7verage for hair colour service: £130
British consumers can expect to pay an average of £130 for a professional hair coloring service across the UK, encompassing the base color treatment along with essential services like washing and styling.
This national benchmark includes the standard wash, cut, and blow dry, which typically costs £48 as a standalone service, with the additional color treatment accounting for the price increase.
London average: £184 (42% above national average)
Hair coloring services in London command significantly higher prices than the rest of the UK, with consumers paying an average of £184 for a combined wash, cut, blow dry, and color treatment – a stark 42% above the national average.
Breaking down individual services, Londoners typically pay £62 for a standalone wash, cut, and blow dry, while color treatments alone average £122, reflecting the capital’s higher operating costs and premium market positioning.
Lowest-cost cities: Manchester and Nottingham at £101
In contrast to London’s premium pricing, Manchester and Nottingham represent the most affordable major cities for hair coloring services in the UK.
Consumers pay an average of £101 for a combined wash, cut, blow dry, and color treatment – approximately 22% below the national average of £130.
- Cut and color packages cost £101 in Manchester and Nottingham
- 22% savings compared to UK national average
- Remarkably lower than London’s £184 rate
- Most cost-effective major metropolitan areas
- Ideal locations for budget-conscious clients seeking professional hair services
Factors Affecting Hair Colouring Prices
The price of hair colouring services in UK salons varies based on several key factors that influence the final cost to customers.
Geographic location plays a significant role, with London salons charging up to 48% above the national average.
Other determinants include the stylist’s level of expertise, the length and thickness of the client’s hair, and the complexity of the desired colour transformation.
Additional services such as toning, deep conditioning, or specialist colour correction techniques can further increase the overall cost of the treatment.
Location of salon
Location plays a pivotal role in determining hair coloring costs across the United Kingdom, with significant price variations between major cities and rural areas.
Regional pricing differences reflect local market conditions and operating costs.
- London averages £184 for color with cut and blow dry, 42% above national average
- Cardiff offers the lowest color treatments at £54
- Nottingham provides the most affordable wash, cut, and blow dry at £33
- Birmingham charges £154 for combined services, 18% above average
- Manchester maintains competitive rates at £101 for full service
Stylist’s experience and expertise
Beyond geographical pricing variations, a stylist’s level of experience and expertise greatly influences hair coloring costs in UK salons.
Senior stylists with extensive training and established reputations typically command higher rates than junior professionals.
For example, at higher-end establishments, prices can range from £175 to £275 for services like full-head foils and bespoke color blends when performed by experienced colorists.
Hair length and thickness
Hair length and thickness serve as significant determinants of coloring service costs in UK salons, as these physical characteristics directly impact the amount of product required and time needed for application.
- Extra-long hair requires more coloring product and processing time.
- Very thick hair attracts additional charges of £20-50.
- Longer application time increases labor costs.
- Multiple product applications may be necessary for thick hair.
- Short, fine hair typically costs less due to minimal product usage.
Complexity of colour change
While physical characteristics of one’s hair determine base pricing, the complexity of the desired color transformation considerably influences the final cost of hair coloring services in UK salons.
Complex processes like corrective coloring, dramatic shade changes, or custom color blending require additional time, expertise, and products.
Custom techniques and intricate coloring methods, such as balayage or specialized toning, command premium prices ranging from £150 to £275.
Additional treatments or services
The base cost of hair coloring services often increases when clients opt for supplementary treatments and finishing services at UK salons.
Common add-on services that affect the final price include:
- Deep conditioning treatments
- Olaplex or bond-building treatments
- Toner application
- Glossing services
- Professional blow-dry styling
These additional treatments can increase the total cost by £40-£87, depending on the salon’s location and the stylist’s expertise level.
Price Ranges for Popular Colouring Techniques
Popular hair coloring techniques in the UK come with varying price points based on the complexity and expertise required.
Balayage treatments typically range from £150 to £200, while full head colour services cost between £130 and £160 at most salons.
Highlights start from £104, though this base price often excludes additional costs such as toner application or Olaplex treatments.
Balayage: £150-£200
Balayage hair coloring techniques command premium prices in UK salons, typically ranging from £150 to £200 or higher depending on several factors.
The final cost varies based on:
- Hair length and thickness
- Stylist’s expertise and seniority
- Salon location (London prices average higher)
- Additional treatments required (toner, Olaplex)
- Complexity of desired color transformation
More prestigious salons, particularly in London, may charge upwards of £250 for balayage services.
Highlights: Starting from £104 (may not include toner or Olaplex)
Traditional hair highlighting services in UK salons start from £104 but can increase greatly based on multiple factors, including the length and thickness of hair, additional treatments required, and the salon’s location.
Essential add-ons like toner and Olaplex treatments are typically not included in base prices, and premium salons, particularly in London, may charge considerably more for highlighting services.
Full head colour: £130-£160
While highlights offer dimensional color effects, a full head colour service provides thorough coverage and transformation of the hair’s base shade.
The cost typically ranges from £130-£160, varying by:
- Salon location and reputation
- Stylist’s expertise level
- Hair length and density
- Desired color transformation complexity
- Additional treatments like toner or Olaplex
This comprehensive service includes consultation, application, processing time, and styling.
Regional Price Variations
Prices for hair coloring services exhibit significant regional variations across the United Kingdom.
London commands the highest rates with an average of £122 for a color treatment, while Cardiff represents the most affordable option at £54 for the same service.
Birmingham falls between these extremes, with color treatments averaging £98, positioning it above the national average and reflecting the typical price disparity between major urban centers and smaller cities.
London: Highest prices, averaging £122 for colour treatment
London’s hair coloring services command the highest rates across the United Kingdom, with color treatments averaging £122 – a striking 48% above the national average.
Clients seeking services in the capital should expect premium pricing:
- Full service (wash, cut, blow dry + color): £184
- Stand-alone wash, cut, and blow dry: £62
- Balayage treatments start at £205
- Full head color from £72
- Additional services like toner: £65-87
Cardiff: Lowest average at £54 for colour treatment
Cardiff stands in stark contrast to London’s premium rates, offering the UK’s most affordable hair coloring services with an average treatment cost of £54 – nearly 60% below the national average.
This Welsh capital’s competitive pricing makes professional hair coloring considerably more accessible to residents, with local salons maintaining lower operating costs while still delivering quality services comparable to other major UK cities.
Birmingham: £98 for colour treatment (above national average)
Moving north from Wales to England’s second-largest city, Birmingham, presents a distinctly different pricing landscape for hair coloring services.
With an average color treatment cost of £98, Birmingham’s rates exceed the national average, reflecting its urban market dynamics.
- Full-color treatments start at £98
- Combined wash, cut, and color average £154
- Premium salons charge £200+ for balayage
- Senior stylists command higher rates
- Additional services like toning increase costs by £30-50
Tips for Assessing Value
When evaluating hair coloring services in the UK, consumers should thoroughly research salon reputations and stylist qualifications through online reviews and personal referrals from trusted sources.
Obtaining and comparing detailed quotes from multiple salons enables clients to understand pricing variations and included services across different establishments.
The quality of hair coloring products used by the salon serves as another essential factor in evaluating overall value, as premium products often yield superior, longer-lasting results.
Research salon reputation and stylist expertise
Before committing to a hair coloring service, thoroughly researching a salon’s reputation and evaluating stylist expertise can help guarantee the best value for money.
Consider these essential research points:
- Check online reviews and ratings across multiple platforms
- Verify stylist qualifications and years of experience
- Review the salon’s social media portfolio of previous work
- Ask for client testimonials and references
- Request a consultation to assess expertise firsthand
Check reviews and ask for referrals
To make an informed decision about hair coloring services, potential clients should thoroughly evaluate both online reviews and personal referrals from trusted sources.
Reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and salon-specific websites can provide insights into client experiences, while recommendations from friends and family who have similar hair types often offer reliable, firsthand perspectives about service quality and pricing value.
Compare quotes from different salons
How one approaches comparing salon quotes can greatly impact the value received for hair coloring services.
When evaluating different salons, consider these key pricing factors:
- Base price for the specific coloring technique desired
- Additional costs for hair length, thickness, or condition
- Included services like consultation, toner, or aftercare
- Stylist’s experience level and expertise
- Location-based pricing variations across different UK regions
Consider the quality of products used
The quality of hair coloring products used by salons can greatly impact both the results and long-term hair health.
High-end salons typically use professional-grade dyes and treatments from renowned brands, which can justify higher prices.
When evaluating costs, clients should inquire about specific product lines used, whether treatments like Olaplex are included, and if the salon uses permanent or semi-permanent colors.
Additional Considerations
Hair salons frequently offer seasonal promotions and discounts that can greatly reduce the cost of coloring services.
While high-end establishments typically charge premium prices, they often justify these rates through superior product quality, experienced stylists, and enhanced service experiences.
Clients with very thick or long hair should expect additional charges, as these characteristics require more time and product to achieve desired results.
Seasonal promotions may offer discounts
While standard salon prices remain consistent throughout the year, savvy consumers can take advantage of seasonal promotions and special discounts to reduce their hair coloring costs considerably.
- Follow salon social media accounts for exclusive promotional offers
- Book during off-peak seasons for potential savings
- Look for new client welcome discounts
- Check salon websites for seasonal package deals
- Ask about loyalty programs offering periodic discounts
High-end salons often charge more but may provide better quality
Despite commanding higher prices, premium salons typically justify their elevated rates through superior product quality, extensive stylist training, and enhanced customer experiences.
High-end establishments like Catherine Boden, where prices range from £175 to £275, employ senior colorists with specialized expertise.
These salons often utilize premium hair products, provide thorough consultations, and offer luxurious amenities that contribute to superior results.
Prices may increase for very thick or long hair
The length and density of a client’s hair directly impact the total cost of coloring services across UK salons. Extra charges apply due to increased product usage and styling time.
- Longer hair requires more coloring product and processing time.
- Very thick hair may incur surcharges of £20-50 at salons like Catherine Boden.
- Additional product costs for extensive coverage.
- Extended appointment duration for thorough application.
- Multiple product applications are often needed for thick hair.
Conclusion
Hair coloring costs in the UK demonstrate significant regional variation, with London commanding premium prices while other cities offer more competitive rates. The final cost depends on multiple factors, including the stylist’s expertise, chosen technique, and hair length. While the national average sits at £130, prices can range from £101 to over £200. Consumers should carefully consider these variables when budgeting for their desired hair color service.
