North East regional pricing
How Much Does a Hairdresser Cost in County Durham?
Updated prices for . County Durham prices are typically 14% below the national average.
Price summary
County Durham Price Summary
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Cut & Blow Dry | £30 | £50 | £70 |
| Men's Haircut | £10 | £15 | £25 |
| Children's Haircut | £10 | £10 | £15 |
Prices include labour and materials. VAT may apply. Based on North East regional pricing.
Full pricing
All Hairdresser Prices in County Durham
County Durham is in North East England and hairdresser costs here are 14% below the national average. Prices are based on real regional wage data from the Office for National Statistics.
| Job | Low | Average | High | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Cut & Blow Dry | £30 | £50 | £70 | 45-75 minutes |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Men's Haircut | £10 | £15 | £25 | 20-40 minutes |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Children's Haircut | £10 | £10 | £15 | 15-30 minutes |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Full Head Colour | £50 | £85 | £130 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Half Head Highlights | £50 | £75 | £105 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Full Head Highlights | £80 | £110 | £155 | 2-3.5 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Balayage / Ombre | £85 | £130 | £175 | 2-3.5 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Blow Dry / Styling | £20 | £30 | £45 | 30-45 minutes |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Keratin Treatment | £85 | £150 | £215 | 2-3 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Hair Extensions (Tape-In) | £175 | £300 | £430 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Wedding Hair Styling | £70 | £130 | £215 | 1-2 hours |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
| Beard Trim (Barber) | £5 | £10 | £15 | 10-20 minutes |
| 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. What affects the price
| ||||
Women's Cut & Blow Dry
Low
£30
Average
£50
High
£70
45-75 minutes
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Stylist experience level (junior, senior stylist or creative director)
- Salon location (London and city centres charge a premium)
- Hair length and thickness
- Whether a restyle consultation is needed vs a simple trim
Men's Haircut
Low
£10
Average
£15
High
£25
20-40 minutes
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Barber shop vs salon (salons tend to charge more)
- Walk-in vs appointment-based service
- Whether a wash is included
- Location (London barbers typically start at £18-£25)
Children's Haircut
Low
£10
Average
£10
High
£15
15-30 minutes
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Age of the child (under 5s may be quicker but harder to manage)
- Whether the salon specialises in children's cuts
- Wet cut vs dry cut
- Whether entertainment or distraction is provided
Full Head Colour
Low
£50
Average
£85
High
£130
1.5-2.5 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Hair length and thickness (more product needed for long thick hair)
- Product brand and quality (budget vs premium colour lines)
- Whether it's a full application or root touch-up only
- Colour correction if switching from a very different shade
Half Head Highlights
Low
£50
Average
£75
High
£105
1.5-2.5 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Hair length and thickness
- Number of foils and sections highlighted
- Whether a toner is included (most salons include it)
- Stylist's experience and salon tier
Full Head Highlights
Low
£80
Average
£110
High
£155
2-3.5 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Hair length, thickness and density
- Starting colour (dark hair needs more lightening sessions)
- Whether multiple tones or a single highlight colour is used
- Salon location and stylist level
Balayage / Ombre
Low
£85
Average
£130
High
£175
2-3.5 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Hair length (long hair requires significantly more product and time)
- Starting colour vs desired result (bigger contrast = more work)
- Whether a root shadow or melt is included
- Stylist specialism (balayage-specialist stylists charge a premium)
Blow Dry / Styling
Low
£20
Average
£30
High
£45
30-45 minutes
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Hair length and thickness
- Whether heated styling tools (curling tong, straighteners) are used
- Blow dry bar vs full-service salon
- Whether it's a special occasion style (e.g. updo costs more)
Keratin Treatment
Low
£85
Average
£150
High
£215
2-3 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Hair length and thickness (long thick hair uses more product)
- Brand of keratin treatment used (some are formaldehyde-free, which costs more)
- Whether it's a full keratin or a lighter express treatment
- How long the results last (typically 8-16 weeks)
Hair Extensions (Tape-In)
Low
£175
Average
£300
High
£430
1.5-2.5 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Quality of hair (human Remy hair vs synthetic)
- Number of wefts needed (half head vs full head)
- Hair length desired (longer extensions cost more)
- Maintenance appointments for moving up (every 6-8 weeks, £50-£100)
Wedding Hair Styling
Low
£70
Average
£130
High
£215
1-2 hours
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Complexity of the style (simple curls vs intricate updo)
- Whether a trial is included in the price or charged separately
- Travel distance to the venue
- Number of bridesmaids and additional people to style
Beard Trim (Barber)
Low
£5
Average
£10
High
£15
10-20 minutes
More details
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.
What affects the price
- Whether it's a standalone appointment or add-on to a haircut
- Beard length and style complexity
- Whether a hot towel and beard oil finish is included
- Straight razor line-up vs clipper trim only
Step by step
What's Involved in Hiring a Hairdresser
Choose a Salon or Mobile Hairdresser
High street salons are the most common option, but mobile hairdressers come to your home and often charge less due to lower overheads. Salon prices vary hugely depending on location, reputation and stylist level. A junior stylist at a local salon might charge half the price of a creative director at a city centre salon for the same cut.
Book a Consultation
For colour changes, major restyling or if you are a new client, most salons offer a free consultation. This is especially important for colour work where the hairdresser needs to assess your current hair condition, discuss realistic expectations and plan the process. Some colour transformations need multiple sessions, and a consultation prevents surprises with the final bill.
Understand the Pricing Structure
Haircuts are usually a flat rate based on stylist level, while colour services are priced by technique and hair length. A root touch-up costs less than a full head colour. Highlights are priced as half head or full head. Treatments like keratin smoothing are charged on top. Always ask for a total price upfront, including toner and blow dry, so there are no surprises at the till.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your stylist will start with a quick chat about what you want, then wash your hair. For colour appointments, colour is applied first with development time (20 to 45 minutes sitting with colour on), followed by a rinse, cut if included, and blow dry. A cut and blow dry appointment takes around 45 to 75 minutes. Colour appointments can run to 2 to 3 hours.
Aftercare Advice
Your hairdresser should explain how to maintain your new style or colour at home. Coloured hair benefits from colour-safe shampoo to prevent fading. Highlights may need a purple shampoo to keep brassiness at bay. Your stylist may recommend products, but you are not obliged to buy them from the salon.
Rebooking Frequency
Most haircuts need refreshing every 6 to 8 weeks, though short styles may need attention every 4 weeks. Root colour regrowth shows at around 4 to 6 weeks. Balayage and highlights can be stretched to 10 to 12 weeks because they grow out more naturally. Many salons offer a rebooking discount if you book your next appointment before you leave.
Regional comparison
How County Durham Compares
Average cost of women's cut & blow dry across regions.
Local insights
What Affects Hairdresser Costs in County Durham?
The North East has a housing stock shaped by its industrial heritage, including Tyneside flats, pit village terraces, stone-built rows and post-war council estates alongside more modern developments. County Durham has a range of property types and ages that can affect the scope and cost of work, with many properties around Gateshead and Sunderland reflecting the region's mining and shipbuilding past. With a population of null, it is a area where hairdresser costs are one of the most affordable areas. Older stone and brick properties with solid walls often need more involved work — men's haircut here averages around £15.
The North East is one of the most affordable regions in England for trade work, sitting well below the national average. Labour rates in County Durham are around 14% below the UK average. In County Durham, local demand for hairdresser services varies depending on the mix of residential and commercial properties in the area. The colder climate and exposed coastal conditions in parts of Durham and Middlesbrough can affect scheduling for external work. With fewer tradespeople based locally, you may find slightly less choice, and it is worth booking ahead for larger jobs. Prices still vary by 30-50% between different tradespeople, so getting multiple quotes remains essential.
What you pay for hairdresser work in County Durham depends on the property type, job complexity and materials. Tyneside flats with shared access and older stone terraces common in former pit villages around Hartlepool and South Shields can present specific challenges that push costs up. A typical women's cut & blow dry in County Durham costs around £50, while hair extensions (tape-in) ranges from £175 to £430. As a area that is one of the most affordable areas, County Durham offers strong value for hairdresser work compared to southern England. Material choices still make a significant difference to the total.
When getting quotes in County Durham, aim for at least three from different qualified professionals. Ask each one to visit and assess the work rather than quoting over the phone. A good hairdresser will check existing conditions, identify potential complications from older property layouts, and provide a clear cost breakdown. With fewer tradespeople based locally, you may find slightly less choice, and it is worth booking ahead for larger jobs. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly cheaper — they may be cutting corners on materials or quality. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.
Depending on the work involved, you may also need cosmetic dentistry (£260–£690), dentist (£25–£25), or wedding photography (£865–£2,590) in County Durham.
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UK-wide pricing
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Compare hairdresser prices across the UK.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hairdresser costs in County Durham.