The Evolution of Hair Color Prices: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Hair color services have seen dramatic changes over the years, with techniques and trends becoming more sophisticated and tailored to clients’ specific needs. From basic color applications to advanced, high-maintenance treatments like balayage, highlights, and color corrections, the cost of hair color has evolved significantly. In this post, we’ll take a look at the average price of hair color services in 2025, compare how prices have shifted in the past few decades, and explore where they might go in the future.
Hair Color Prices in 2025: What’s the Average Cost?
In 2025, the price of hair color services reflects the growing demand for advanced techniques and premium products. The average price can vary based on your location, the expertise of your stylist, and the type of color service you’re seeking. Here’s an overview of the most common hair color services and their expected price ranges in 2025:
1. Single Process Color
Average Price: $120–$200
Description: A single process color involves applying one uniform shade to the hair. This is typically used for covering gray hair or changing the overall color. The price varies depending on the length of your hair, the salon’s location, and any additional treatments such as conditioning or glossing.
2. Highlights and Lowlights
Average Price: $150–$350
Description: Highlights (or lowlights) add dimension and depth to your hair by lightening or darkening strands. The technique can vary, from foil highlights to more natural looks like balayage. Prices are determined by the method used and the hair’s length and thickness.
3. Balayage
Average Price: $200–$450
Description: Balayage remains one of the most requested color services. This hand-painted technique creates a sun-kissed, natural look, and the cost reflects the precision and time required for its application. Expect to pay more for longer or thicker hair, and additional toning or conditioning services can increase the price.
4. Full Color with Highlights
Average Price: $250–$500
Description: This combination service includes a full color transformation, along with highlights or lowlights to add texture and contrast. Since it requires multiple steps, this is a more labor-intensive process, driving up the price.
5. Color Correction
Average Price: $250–$600+
Description: Color correction services are typically required when you need to fix an existing color—whether it’s a botched dye job or an unwanted shade. This highly specialized service can be costly due to the amount of time and expertise required to correct the color safely.
6. Root Touch-Up
Average Price: $75–$150
Description: A root touch-up is a more affordable option for clients who simply want to cover new growth and maintain their color between full appointments. This service typically takes less time and is priced accordingly.
7. Full Color Transformation
Average Price: $300–$600+
Description: If you’re looking to make a dramatic change—like going from dark to light or opting for a completely new shade—this service may be a full color transformation. Depending on how much lightening or toning is required, prices can climb significantly, especially for longer or thicker hair.
A Look Back: Hair Color Prices in Past Decades
To better understand the price evolution, let’s take a look at how hair color services have changed over the past few decades. The cost of color treatments has steadily increased, primarily due to advancements in technology, more complex techniques, and higher-quality products.
1990s
Average Price: $40–$80
Overview: During the '90s, basic hair color services were affordable, and highlights were considered a premium service. The prices for color treatments were relatively low, and stylists typically used less sophisticated techniques compared to today’s standards.
2000s
Average Price: $70–$120
Overview: With the rise of highlighting techniques and the increasing demand for personalized color, prices began to rise. Highlights were no longer a luxury service, and services like full color, basic highlights, and lowlights became more popular.
2010s
Average Price: $120–$250
Overview: The 2010s saw a significant shift with the explosion of balayage, ombré, and platinum blonde trends. Color services became more sophisticated, requiring advanced techniques and specialized knowledge. As a result, prices for high-demand services like balayage climbed significantly.
Early 2020s
Average Price: $150–$350
Overview: By the early 2020s, the prices for coloring services had reached new heights. More intricate techniques, like balayage and color melting, were widespread, and salons offered an array of options for clients looking for customized looks. The availability of new color products and a focus on high-quality results led to higher service fees.
Projecting Hair Color Prices for the Future
As we look ahead to the next decade, we expect the price of hair color services to continue to rise, albeit at a more gradual pace. Here’s what might influence pricing trends in the coming years:
1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products
Eco-conscious beauty is on the rise, and clients are becoming more aware of the environmental and ethical impacts of their beauty choices. Expect to see a shift toward using sustainable, organic, and cruelty-free products in color services. While these products are often pricier, salons will likely charge a premium for offering eco-friendly options.
2. Technological Advancements
Advancements in color technology, such as AI-powered color analysis and customized formulations, could help streamline the coloring process, making it more efficient. However, these innovations may also add costs for salons to invest in new tools and training. Clients seeking the latest technology may expect to pay a premium for these cutting-edge services.
3. Demand for Specialty Services
As more people turn to highly specialized services, such as color correction or intricate color blending, the price for these services will likely increase. Color experts will charge more for their skill and expertise, and high-demand services like balayage and color melting will continue to command premium prices.
4. Inflation and Rising Costs
Like any service industry, the cost of hair color treatments will be impacted by inflation, rising labor costs, and the increasing expense of high-quality color products. This may lead to gradual price increases across the board, especially in high-end salons.
5. At-Home Hair Color Alternatives
The rise of at-home color kits has made it easier for individuals to dye their hair at home, but these options are generally less sophisticated and can lead to undesirable results. While some may choose DIY coloring to save money, professional salons will continue to dominate the market for high-quality, customized color services, with higher-end services reflecting the advanced techniques and skill sets involved.
Conclusion: The Future of Hair Color Services
Hair color services in 2025 are more advanced and varied than ever before, with prices reflecting both the sophistication of the techniques and the expertise required. As we look at the past few decades, we can see a steady increase in prices, driven by new trends, products, and innovations in the industry. Moving forward, we expect to see continued growth in the demand for high-quality color services, including the use of sustainable products and advanced technologies.
Though prices for professional hair color services will likely rise in the coming years, clients who are looking for personalized, high-quality results will continue to turn to professional colorists for their expertise. Whether you’re maintaining your current shade, trying out a new look, or opting for a color correction, investing in professional hair color services will remain the best choice for achieving vibrant, healthy results.
