Highlight costs vary wildly depending on where you live, how much hair you have, and which salon you choose—but most people pay between $75 and $200 per session. Understanding the factors that drive pricing helps you make smarter decisions and avoid overpaying for the look you want.
What You'll Actually Pay
Base pricing for highlights typically ranges from $75 to $150 at mid-range salons, while upscale urban salons charge $150 to $250+. Budget salons or chain locations might offer highlights for $50 to $100, though quality and customization often suffer. If you're adding dimensional color or babylights (finer, more blended highlights), expect to pay 20–40% more than standard foil highlights.
The session usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on hair length, thickness, and the complexity of your desired look. Longer appointments mean higher costs, so factor in time when comparing quotes.
Key Factors That Impact Price
Your hair characteristics play a huge role in final cost. Thick, long hair requires more product and longer processing time than short, fine hair. Darker hair that needs stronger lightening often costs more because it demands higher-quality bleach and careful timing to prevent damage.
Your location matters significantly. Salon highlights in New York City or Los Angeles run 30–50% higher than similar services in smaller cities or suburban areas. Even within the same city, a salon in a premium neighborhood charges more than one in an outlying area.
The colorist's experience level directly affects pricing. A senior stylist with a strong portfolio commands higher rates than an apprentice or newer stylist. Many customers find the investment worthwhile because experienced colorists achieve more natural blends and minimize brassy tones.
Types of Highlights and Their Costs
Different highlighting techniques carry different price tags:
- Traditional foil highlights: $75–$150. Classic method using thin foils to isolate strands. Best for bold, defined color placement.
- Balayage: $100–$200. Hand-painted highlights that look naturally sun-kissed. Labor-intensive but trendy and lower-maintenance than regrowth-heavy traditional highlights.
- Babylights: $120–$220. Ultra-fine, face-framing highlights that require precision. Popular for subtle dimension but require the most skill.
- Money pieces: $50–$100. Just highlights around the face. Great entry point if you're testing the look.
- Root touch-ups: $40–$100. Refreshing faded highlights or blending regrowth. Significantly cheaper than a full highlight service.
What's Included in the Price
Most quotes cover the color service itself, but clarify what happens next. Some salons include a glossing treatment or toner to neutralize brassy undertones—this can cost an extra $20–$40 elsewhere. Deep conditioning treatments are sometimes bundled in for an additional $15–$25.
Ask whether your price includes a style and blow-dry. High-end salons often include this; budget salons may charge separately ($20–$50). A good salon should also give you take-home care products or at least recommendations for color-safe shampoo and heat protectant.
Money-Saving Tips
Book with a less experienced colorist if you're open to it—apprentices and junior stylists often charge 30–50% less while still delivering solid results under supervision. Many salons offer first-time client discounts (10–20% off), so don't skip mentioning you're new.
Extend the life of your highlights by spacing appointments 8–12 weeks apart instead of every 6 weeks. Using purple-toning shampoo weekly prevents brassy fading and delays the need for touch-ups. If you maintain your highlights properly, you'll spend less over the course of a year.
Bundle services: getting a cut and highlights together sometimes costs less than booking them separately. Group discounts occasionally apply if you and friends book together, so ask.
Platforms like Mercoly let you compare pricing and read reviews from multiple salons offering hair coloring and highlights in your area, making it easier to find the best value for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to get highlights retouched? Most people refresh highlights every 8–12 weeks depending on hair growth rate and how visible the regrowth is. Balayage and babylights typically need less frequent touch-ups than traditional foil highlights because regrowth blends more naturally.
Q: Will highlights damage my hair? Quality highlights done by a skilled colorist cause minimal damage if you use color-safe products and heat protectant. Bleach does open the hair cuticle, so avoid back-to-back highlighting and space services at least 6–8 weeks apart if possible.
Q: Is it cheaper to get highlights at a chain salon versus an independent salon? Chain salons are usually cheaper upfront ($50–$100), but independent salons often deliver better customization and color-match results, which can save you money on corrections down the road.
Compare salon options in your area today to find the right colorist and price point for your next highlight appointment.