How much does it Cost to get your Hair Dyed at Salon and at Home?

The cost of getting your hair dyed depends on several factors. These include where you get it done (salon versus home), your location, your hair type, and the coloring technique you choose.

Salon hair dyeing typically costs between $150 and $450 at mid-range salons. High-end salons may charge $750 to $1,000 or more. At home, you can dye your hair for much less—usually $50 to $250—depending on the brand, technique, and tools you already own.

This guide breaks down what affects hair dye costs at salons and at home. You’ll also learn which option works best for your budget, skill level, and desired results.

Popular Hair Dyes

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Hair Dyed at a Salon?

Salon hair dyeing prices vary widely. The final cost depends on your hair, the salon, and the coloring method you choose.

Factors That Influence Salon Hair Dye Costs

1. Hair Length, Texture, and Natural Color

Your hair’s natural characteristics directly affect how much dye and time the stylist needs.

• Length: Short hair (above the shoulders) uses less product and takes less time. Long hair (past the shoulders) requires more dye and more labor, which increases the cost.
• Texture: Curly, coarse, or thick hair absorbs dye differently than fine or straight hair. Stylists may need extra product or multiple sessions to achieve even color on textured hair.
• Natural color: Dark hair often requires bleaching before applying lighter shades. This adds time, product, and cost. Light or previously colored hair is easier to work with.
• Hair condition: Damaged, dry, or chemically treated hair may need pre-treatments like deep conditioning or protein masks. These add $20 to $80 to your total bill.

2. Salon Location and Reputation

Where the salon is located matters as much as the service itself.

• Urban versus rural: Salons in big cities or upscale neighborhoods charge more due to higher rent and demand.
• Salon type: Chain salons and budget franchises charge less than boutique or luxury salons.
• Stylist experience: Senior stylists or colorists with advanced training charge more than junior stylists.

3. Type of Hair Coloring Technique

Different coloring methods require different levels of skill, time, and product.

• All-over color: A single shade applied to all hair. This is the most affordable option.
• Highlights: Lightening small sections of hair. Partial highlights cost less than full-head highlights.
• Balayage: Hand-painted highlights for a natural, blended look. This takes more time and skill than traditional foil highlights.
• Ombre: Gradual color fade from dark roots to lighter ends. Requires precision and multiple tones.
• Babylights: Very fine, delicate highlights that mimic natural sun-kissed hair. This is labor-intensive and expensive.
• Color correction: Fixing a bad dye job or removing unwanted tones. This is the most expensive service and can take several hours or multiple sessions.

4. Dye Color and Brand Quality

Premium dye brands and trendy colors cost more than standard shades.

• Fashion colors: Bold shades like green, red, or pastel tones often require bleaching and special dyes.
• Natural tones: Standard browns, blacks, and blondes are less expensive.
• High-end brands: Professional-grade dyes like Wella, Redken, or Olaplex add to the cost but often provide better color quality and less damage.

5. Additional Services

Many salons include or charge extra for services beyond the dye application itself.

• Toning: Adjusts unwanted brassy or yellow tones after bleaching. Usually $20 to $50.
• Glossing: Adds shine and seals color. Costs $30 to $60.
• Haircut or styling: Often bundled with color services. May add $40 to $100.
• Treatments: Keratin, bond-building, or moisture treatments protect hair during coloring. These add $30 to $100.

Average Cost to Get Your Hair Dyed at a Salon

Here’s what you can expect to pay at most salons in the United States:

Hair Dye Service	Cost Range
All-over color (no bleach, medium hair)	$150–$300
All-over color with bleach (medium hair)	$300–$500
Partial highlights (medium or long hair)	$150–$175
Full highlights (medium or long hair)	$150–$250
Balayage, ombre, or babylights (medium or long hair)	$255–$300
Bleach service only	$80–$120
Root touch-up	$50–$100
Toning or glossing	$30–$60
Color correction	$300–$800+
Additional color for maintenance	$30–$80

When to Choose Salon Hair Dyeing

Salons are the better option if you:

• Are new to hair coloring and unsure what will suit you
• Want a complex technique like balayage, ombre, or color correction
• Have dark hair and want to go significantly lighter
• Want to avoid damage from improper bleaching or processing
• Prefer professional advice on color, tone, and maintenance

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Hair Dyed at Home?

Dyeing your hair at home is much cheaper than going to a salon. However, the final cost depends on what you already own and the technique you choose.

Factors That Influence Home Hair Dye Costs

1. Equipment and Tools You Already Own

At-home dyeing requires tools that salons already have on hand. If you don’t own these, you’ll need to buy them:

• Dye applicator brush: $5 to $10
• Mixing bowl: $3 to $8
• Hair clips: $5 to $12
• Gloves: Usually included with dye kits
• Plastic cap or foil: $5 to $15
• Color-safe shampoo and conditioner: $15 to $40
• Hair dryer (optional): $20 to $80 if you don’t already own one

Once you own these tools, you can reuse them for future dye jobs.

2. Type of Dyeing Technique

Simple techniques are easier and cheaper. Complex methods require more product and practice.

• All-over color: Easiest and cheapest. One box of dye is often enough.
• Root touch-up: Requires very little product. Budget-friendly for maintenance.
• Highlights: Requires a highlighting cap or foil, plus bleach and toner.
• Balayage and ombre: Difficult to do at home. You may need multiple products and several attempts.

Mistakes at home can waste product. If you need to redo the color, costs add up quickly.

3. Your Natural Hair Type and Color

Your starting point affects how much product you need.

• Dark hair: Requires more bleach or color to lift pigment. You may need two boxes of dye.
• Light hair: Easier to color. One box of dye is usually enough.
• Long or thick hair: Requires more product than short or fine hair.
• Previously dyed hair: May need color remover or extra processing time.

4. Bleach or No Bleach

Bleaching is necessary if you want to go lighter than your natural color or apply vivid fashion shades.

• Bleach kits: $8 to $20 per box
• Toner: $10 to $15 (needed after bleaching to remove brassy tones)
• Developer: $5 to $10 (often sold separately)

Bleaching at home carries more risk of damage. Use a bond-protecting treatment if possible.

5. Dye Brand and Quality

Drugstore dyes are cheaper but may fade faster or cause more damage. Professional at-home kits cost more but often deliver better results.

• Drugstore box dye: $8 to $15
• Professional at-home kits: $20 to $50
• Semi-permanent dye: $10 to $25 (gentler but fades faster)
• Permanent dye: $10 to $30 (lasts longer but harder to remove)

If you’re interested in trying semi-permanent hair color, it’s a good option for beginners as it’s less damaging and can be a great way to experiment before committing to permanent dyes.

6. Color Choice

Some shades cost more than others.

• Basic shades: Jet black, medium brown, and natural blonde are affordable.
• Premium shades: Ash blonde, honey blonde, and cherry brown often cost more.
• Fashion colors: Bright red, green, or pastel shades require special dyes and usually bleaching first.

7. Hair Preparation Products

Your hair may need prep work before dyeing, especially if it’s damaged or frizzy.

• Deep conditioner or mask: $8 to $25
• Clarifying shampoo: $6 to $15 (removes buildup for even color absorption)
• Bond-building treatment: $20 to $30 (protects hair during bleaching)

Average Cost to Get Your Hair Dyed at Home

Here’s what you can expect to spend when dyeing your hair at home:

Hair Dye Service	Cost Range
All-over color (no bleach, medium hair)	$15–$50
All-over color with bleach (medium hair)	$30–$80
Partial highlights (medium or long hair)	$25–$60
Full highlights (medium or long hair)	$40–$85
Balayage, ombre, or babylights (medium or long hair)	$50–$120
Bleach only	$10–$25
Root touch-up	$8–$20
Toner	$10–$20
Semi-permanent color	$10–$25
Additional color for maintenance	$10–$30

When to Choose At-Home Hair Dyeing

Dyeing at home works best if you:

• Have experience with hair color or are willing to learn
• Want a simple, all-over color or root touch-up
• Are on a tight budget
• Want to maintain your color between salon visits
• Are comfortable following instructions carefully

For those looking to try more complex coloring techniques at home, you might want to check out different types of highlights that work well with your hair type.

Salon Dyeing Versus At-Home Dyeing: Which Is Right for You?

Both options have pros and cons. Your choice depends on your budget, skill level, and goals.

Comparison Table: Salon Versus At-Home Hair Dyeing

Factor	Salon	At Home
Cost	$150–$1,000+	$15–$120
Time	2–5 hours (includes consultation)	1–3 hours
Skill required	None (stylist does everything)	Moderate to high for complex techniques
Results	Professional, even, long-lasting	Variable (depends on experience)
Damage risk	Lower (stylists know how to minimize damage)	Higher (especially with bleach)
Color correction	Available if needed	Difficult and costly to fix at home
Maintenance advice	Included	Must research on your own
Convenience	Requires appointment and travel	Do it anytime at home

When Salon Dyeing Is Worth the Cost

• You want a dramatic color change (dark to light or vice versa)
• You’re trying a complex technique for the first time
• Your hair is damaged or chemically treated
• You want a customized color blend
• You don’t want to risk mistakes

When At-Home Dyeing Makes Sense

• You’re sticking to a similar shade as your current color
• You’re doing a root touch-up or maintenance color
• You have prior experience with hair dye
• You’re comfortable with the risk of uneven results
• Budget is a primary concern

How to Save Money on Hair Dyeing

Whether you choose salon or at-home dyeing, there are ways to reduce costs.

Tips for Saving Money at the Salon

• Book with a junior stylist: They charge less but are supervised by senior colorists.
• Look for salon promotions: Many salons offer discounts for first-time clients or seasonal deals.
• Ask about color models: Some salons offer discounted services if you let a trainee work on your hair under supervision.
• Space out full-color appointments: Use at-home root touch-ups between salon visits.
• Choose lower-maintenance colors: Balayage and ombre grow out more naturally, so you won’t need frequent touch-ups.

Tips for Saving Money at Home

• Buy in bulk: If you dye your hair regularly, stock up when dye goes on sale.
• Reuse tools: Invest in quality brushes, bowls, and clips that last.
• Use developer wisely: Buy it separately in larger bottles instead of relying on small kit sizes.
• Stick to root touch-ups: Only dye regrowth instead of your entire head each time.
• Watch tutorials: Learn proper techniques to avoid wasting product on mistakes.

How Long Does Hair Dye Last?

Understanding dye longevity helps you plan maintenance and budget accordingly.

Permanent Hair Dye

• Lasts: Until it grows out (usually 4–6 weeks before roots show)
• Fading: Color may dull over time but won’t wash out completely
• Maintenance: Root touch-ups every 4–8 weeks

And if you’re concerned about how long your color will last, understanding how long permanent hair dye lasts can help you plan your maintenance schedule.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

• Lasts: 4–12 washes
• Fading: Gradually fades with each wash
• Maintenance: Reapply every 3–6 weeks

Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

• Lasts: 12–24 washes
• Fading: Fades more slowly than semi-permanent
• Maintenance: Reapply every 6–8 weeks

Temporary Hair Dye

• Lasts: 1–2 washes
• Fading: Washes out quickly
• Maintenance: Reapply as desired

Common Mistakes That Increase Hair Dye Costs

Avoid these mistakes to save money and protect your hair.

Mistakes at the Salon

• Not communicating clearly: Bring photos and describe exactly what you want to avoid costly corrections.
• Skipping the consultation: A consultation ensures the stylist understands your hair type and goals.
• Ignoring maintenance advice: Not using color-safe products can cause premature fading, leading to more frequent salon visits.

Mistakes at Home

• Choosing the wrong shade: Box dye often looks different on hair than on the box. Check online swatches and reviews.
• Over-processing: Leaving dye on too long can damage hair and require expensive professional correction.
• Skipping the strand test: Always test dye on a small section first to check the color and your skin’s reaction.
• Using old or expired dye: Expired dye gives unpredictable results and may not work at all.
• Not sectioning hair properly: This leads to uneven color and wasted product.

Maintaining Your Hair Color to Extend Time Between Dye Jobs

Proper maintenance helps your color last longer and reduces how often you need to dye.

Use Color-Safe Products

• Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner prevent color from fading quickly.
• Purple shampoo neutralizes brassy tones in blonde or gray hair.
• Color-depositing conditioners refresh color between dye jobs.

Limit Heat Styling

• Heat damages dyed hair and causes color to fade.
• Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or using hot tools.
• Air-dry whenever possible.

Wash Less Frequently

• Washing strips color from hair.
• Try to wash only 2–3 times per week.
• Use dry shampoo between washes.

Protect Hair from the Sun

• UV rays fade hair color, especially reds and blondes.
• Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant hair spray when outdoors.

Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater

• Both strip color from hair.
• Wet hair with clean water before swimming and wear a swim cap.
• Rinse and condition immediately after swimming.

Top 5 Best Selling Hair Dyes

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Dye Costs

How much does it cost to dye hair blonde at a salon?

Going blonde typically costs $300 to $600 or more, depending on your starting color. Dark hair requires bleaching and toning, which increases the price. Maintenance every 6–8 weeks adds $100 to $200 per visit.

Is box dye really bad for your hair?

Box dye isn’t inherently bad, but it uses one-size-fits-all formulas. Professional dyes are customized to your hair type and condition. Box dye can cause uneven color or more damage if used incorrectly, especially with bleach.

How much do highlights cost at a salon?

Partial highlights cost $150 to $175. Full highlights cost $150 to $250. The price depends on your hair length, thickness, and salon location.

Can I dye my hair at home after getting it done at a salon?

Yes, but wait at least 4–6 weeks. Dyeing too soon after a salon visit can damage your hair. Use the same or a similar shade to avoid color clashes. For root touch-ups, at-home dye works well.

How much does balayage cost compared to regular highlights?

Balayage costs $255 to $300 or more, while regular highlights cost $150 to $250. Balayage takes more time and skill, which increases the price. However, balayage grows out more naturally, so you need fewer touch-ups.

Does hair length affect the cost of dyeing?

Yes. Longer hair requires more product and time, which increases the cost. Short hair (above the shoulders) is usually the cheapest. Hair past the shoulders can add $50 to $150 to the total price.

How often should I dye my hair?

It depends on the dye type and how fast your hair grows. Permanent dye needs root touch-ups every 4–6 weeks. Semi-permanent dye needs reapplication every 3–6 weeks. Highlights and balayage can go 8–12 weeks between appointments.

What’s the cheapest way to dye hair?

At-home root touch-ups with drugstore dye are the cheapest option, costing $8 to $20. Avoid bleach if possible, as it requires extra products. Reuse tools and space out full-color applications to save money.

How much does color correction cost?

Color correction costs $300 to $800 or more. It’s one of the most expensive salon services because it often requires multiple steps and several hours. Fixing botched at-home dye jobs is a common reason people need color correction.

Can I go from dark to light hair at home?

It’s possible but risky. Lightening dark hair requires bleach, which can severely damage hair if done incorrectly. You may need multiple sessions. For drastic color changes, a salon is safer and delivers better results.

Final Thoughts: Salon Versus At-Home Hair Dyeing

Both salon and at-home hair dyeing have their place. Salons offer professional results, expert advice, and less risk of damage—but they cost significantly more. At-home dyeing is budget-friendly and convenient, but requires skill and carries more risk.

If you’re new to dyeing, start at a salon to get the color you want. Once you’re comfortable maintaining it, you can use at-home dye for touch-ups and upkeep. This approach balances cost, convenience, and hair health.

No matter which option you choose, proper maintenance and quality products will help your color last longer and keep your hair healthy.