How Much Does a Hairdresser Really Cost?

A wash, precision cut and blow dry finish for women. The most common salon appointment, covering everything from a simple trim to a restyle. Prices vary enormously depending on the salon's location, the stylist's experience level and whether you're seeing a junior, senior or creative director. London and city centre salons charge significantly more than high street salons in smaller towns.

A standard men's cut at a barber or salon, including clipper work and scissor finishing. Most barbers offer a wash and style as part of the price. Traditional barbers at the lower end, modern barber shops with beard trims and hot towel finishes at the higher end. Walk-in barbers are typically cheaper than appointment-based stylists.

A haircut for children, usually defined as under 12 or under 16 depending on the salon. Shorter appointment time and simpler styles than adult cuts. Some salons and barbers have a flat rate for kids, while specialist children's salons with entertainment and themed chairs charge more. Most places will do a dry cut for younger children who won't sit still for a wash.

A permanent or semi-permanent colour applied to the entire head. Covers grey hair or creates an all-over colour change. Includes application, development time, rinse and blow dry. Root touch-ups (regrowth only) cost less than a full head application. Prices depend heavily on hair length and the product range used, with premium brands like Wella Koleston or L'Oreal Majirel costing more.

Highlights or lowlights applied to the top section and sides of the hair, leaving the underneath natural. Creates a natural sun-kissed look without the cost of a full head. Foils are placed through the crown and around the face. A popular maintenance option between full head highlight appointments. Includes toner, rinse and blow dry.

Highlights or lowlights applied throughout the entire head using foils or a cap. Creates an all-over lightened or multi-tonal effect. More foils and more product than a half head, with longer application and development time. Includes a toner to neutralise brassiness, rinse and blow dry. Blonde highlights on dark hair may require multiple sessions.

A freehand colouring technique where colour is painted onto the hair for a natural, graduated look. Balayage means the colour is swept on without foils, creating softer, less uniform highlights. Ombre is a gradual fade from dark roots to lighter ends. Both techniques grow out more naturally than traditional foil highlights, meaning fewer salon visits. A toner is usually applied after to perfect the final shade.

A professional wash and blow dry without a cut. Popular before events, nights out or as a weekly treat. Includes a shampoo and conditioner, then blow drying with a round brush into a smooth, bouncy or volumised finish. Curling or straightening with heated tools may be an additional charge at some salons. A blow dry bar or express salon will be at the cheaper end.

A smoothing treatment that coats the hair in keratin protein and is sealed with heat from straightening irons. Reduces frizz, adds shine and makes hair more manageable for 2-4 months. Also known as a Brazilian blow dry. The treatment is applied section by section and ironed in at high heat. Results depend on hair type and the specific product used. Not suitable for very fine or damaged hair.

Tape-in hair extensions using wefts of real or synthetic hair attached with adhesive tape near the roots. Adds length, volume or both. Tape-ins are one of the least damaging extension methods and can be reused when moved up. The cost of the hair itself makes up the majority of the price. Human hair extensions cost significantly more than synthetic but look and feel more natural and can be heat styled.

Professional hair styling for a bride on the wedding day, typically at the venue or at home. Includes a pre-wedding trial (usually charged separately at £40-£80) to agree the style. Common styles include updos, half-up half-down, braided styles and loose curls. The price is for the wedding day styling only. Bridesmaid hair is usually charged per person at a reduced rate. Travel charges may apply.

A professional beard shape and trim at a barber shop, using clippers and scissors to tidy the beard line, cheeks and neckline. A basic tidy-up is at the lower end, while a full beard sculpt with hot towel and beard oil is at the top end. Many barbers offer a beard trim as an add-on to a haircut at a discounted rate. Straight razor edge-ups for a clean line cost slightly more.