SalonsRated guides

Practical salon & beauty guides — what things cost, how to choose, and how to do it right.

• Comparison Salon Hair Color vs Box Dye: An Honest Comparison Salon color vs box dye: honest comparison of customization, cost, damage risk, and when each option actually makes sense for your hair.
• Comparison Keratin Treatment vs Brazilian Blowout: Comparing Both Keratin treatments and Brazilian Blowouts both reduce frizz and smooth hair, but differ in downtime, longevity, cost, and formula. Here is how to compare them.
• Cost guide Keratin Treatment Cost: What to Expect Keratin treatment cost in the US ranges from $150 to $600 or more depending on hair length, density, and salon tier. Learn what affects price and what to ask.
• How-to How to Prepare for a Hair Color Appointment Get the most from your salon visit: gather reference photos, disclose your color history, arrive with the right hair condition, and budget enough time.
• How-to How to Maintain Hair Color Between Salon Visits Keep hair color vibrant longer with sulfate-free shampoo, UV protection, cool-water washing, toning, and the right deep-conditioning routine. Practical tips inside.
• How-to How to Choose a Hairstylist: Skills, Credentials, and Portfolio Learn how to choose a hairstylist with confidence. Covers state licensing, specialization, portfolio review, consultations, and level-based pricing.
• How-to How to Choose a Hair Salon: What to Look For Learn how to choose a hair salon you can trust -- from checking licenses and portfolios to matching specialists to your needs and spotting red flags.
• How-to How Much to Tip a Hairdresser Not sure how much to tip your hairdresser? This guide covers standard US gratuity ranges, color visits, tipping assistants, salon owners, and holiday tipping.
• Cost guide How Much Do Highlights Cost at a Salon? Highlights cost $60-$400+ at US salons. Learn what drives the price -- partial vs. full, foil count, length, salon tier, and region -- and how to budget wisely.
• Cost guide How Much Does a Haircut Cost? Haircut prices range from $15 at budget chains to $150+ at luxury salons. Learn what drives the cost for women, men, and kids -- and how to get the best value.
• Cost guide Hair Extensions Cost: All Methods Compared Hair extensions cost $100 to $3,000+ depending on method, hair quality, and salon. See real price ranges for every type, plus long-term maintenance costs.
• Cost guide How Much Does Hair Color Cost at a Salon? Hair color at a US salon typically costs $60-$300+, depending on service type, hair length, and salon tier. Here is what to expect for every major service.
• Comparison Balayage vs Highlights: Key Differences Explained Balayage vs highlights -- technique, maintenance, cost, and which suits your hair. A clear, neutral comparison to help you choose before your next salon visit.
• Cost guide How Much Does Balayage Cost? Balayage typically costs $100 to $400+ at US salons, depending on hair length, starting color, and stylist experience. Here's exactly what drives the price.
• Data & trends Average Hair Salon Prices in the US: 2024 Data See representative US hair salon price ranges for cuts, color, highlights, balayage, keratin, and more -- plus what drives costs up or down.