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How much do you spend on your hair appointments?
I recently moved and am looking for a new hair stylist. Up until now I’ve managed to get cut and color under $100 — including a 20% tip. Now I can’t find anyone under $150 (not including tip).
So curious... how much are you paying for your hair appointments and what are you getting done?
Also, how much are you tipping?
Kara WeymouthContent Creator + Sales
43
08/19/19 at 5:09PM UTC
Okay, I guess it's because I'm in Boston but I'm amazed that people can get it for under $100! I'm lucky that as a blogger I often receive complimentary or heavily discounted but when I've paid full price its often close to $350 with the tip!
Gillian HansonBeauty Industry Expert & Educator
191
08/07/19 at 3:25PM UTC (Edited)
Haircut prices vary depending on what part of the country you live in (as illustrated by everyone’s comments above) and 20% is always the standard tip amount if you enjoyed the service you received. You can tip less but only do that if you really felt “meh” about your experience. The best way to budget is to just automatically include the tip when you’re price comparing. Remember that the more you pay for a service often reflects the experience level of the stylist and the quality of the salon. Another way to get a good cut on a budget is to go to a salon that has an apprentice program or junior stylists. These new professionals have finished cosmetology school but are furthering their education in a salon under the guidance of expert stylists, so you’re guaranteed a good cut and they often charge much less than a more advanced stylist. Hope this helps!
Anonymous
08/06/19 at 5:50PM UTC
I'm in one of the outer boroughs of NYC and I paid $175 for a cut (basic trim but for long hair) and "glaze" (wash-out color that's supposed to add shine) at a day spa. She used the hair dryer to dry and straighten my hair, which I know is time-consuming and takes quite a bit of effort. She did exactly what I asked for and it was my first haircut in 18 months, so while there was initial sticker shock, I was okay with the high amount as on average for the year, I didn't spend much on hair cuts and color.
I find it funny when salons charge more to CUT long hair, especially if you're just asking for a basic trim without layering or other fancy cutting techniques. It seems more labor-intensive to me to cut short hair. It's the blow-drying and styling of long hair that might take more effort. I've thought about going to a barber for the cut and then just paying for styling at a salon more frequently to get a sleek look.
Gillian HansonBeauty Industry Expert & Educator
191
08/07/19 at 3:59PM UTC (Edited)
Most hair salons do charge less for short haircuts because they take less time to style, and believe it or not, a one length haircut on long hair actually takes time to master. It seems easy but it’s considered a precision haircut that can be easily botched by an amateur. The fact that your stylist took the time to make your hair beautiful speaks to the care she puts into her craft. If you felt like a million bucks she’s doing her job and I would definitely keep her! If you only spend $175 every 18 months, and you break that into a monthly payment it comes out to less than $10 a month, so maybe create a little self care budget and it won’t give you sticker shock since you planned for it. Also, please do not go to a barber unless you want a clipper cut and a shave, since that’s what they specialize in. All props to the barbers! I certainly can’t do what they do, but they have a completely different training program to a salon stylist.
Anonymous
08/06/19 at 2:46PM UTC
I pay about $165 for cut and highlights in New Jersey. Cut alone is $55. It's a lot of money but I wear my hair everyday, so I think of it as a smart wardrobe investment!
Jennifer HajeReal Estate Agent
212
08/06/19 at 4:37AM UTC
I treat my hair like an investment. In my experience, I need a stylist at an advanced level because of the texture of my hair. Unfortunately, my haircuts are $50-up and I usually tip the stylist approximately 25% and if I have an assistant work on my hair, I will tip them too. Best of luck to you! ?
ArielCapers
651
12/01/19 at 2:39AM UTC
Treating hair like an investment is a great way to think about it.
Jennifer HajeReal Estate Agent
212
12/01/19 at 11:14PM UTC
Thank you. It is part of my look and it gives me a confidence boost.
SusandCreative empty nester.
26
08/05/19 at 8:42PM UTC
On Long Island I recently paid 100 and felt it wasn’t worth it. I get just the same look for much less at Lemon Tree. I am talking one step process and blow dry
What I basically do is use groupons and when that is not available to me due to having used so many. Then I will go to Lemon Tree. The 100. I paid recently was for a special occasion but again too much money!!
Kimberli MacKay
12
08/05/19 at 3:39PM UTC
In NYC cuts start at $150+ and colors are an additional $150-300 depending upon the treatment.
Lady Fairygodboss 93
70
08/05/19 at 3:01PM UTC
I live in Austin, TX and I've been going to the same stylist for 30+ years. The salon is in a high-rent area but I do receive "friend" prices because I'm her longest lasting customer. I pay $145 for a cut and highlights with no tip, because we've grown to be friends over the years. I believe $150 is about the standard rate these days, unfortunately - even higher in some pricier areas of the country.
FeministFirstWriter | Storymaker | Content Creator | Mentor
295
08/05/19 at 2:11PM UTC
In NYC, the average cut usually starts around $150, with the expected 20% tip.
Anonymous
08/05/19 at 1:55PM UTC
I pay $45 in NJ for a wash, cut , blow dry and usually leave like a $10 - $15 tip because I think my hairdresser is amazing and know I would be paying $100+ for this in NYC.
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