SalonsRated guides

What things cost, with the factors that move the price.

• Root Touch-Up Cost: What Root Color Costs at a Salon A root touch-up costs $50 to $120 at mid-range salons and up to $250 at specialist colorists. Learn what affects the price and how often you need one.
• Perm Cost: How Much Does a Perm Cost at a Salon? A salon perm typically costs $60 to $250 at mid-range salons, with specialist stylists charging $250 to $500 or more. Hair length and perm type drive the price.
• Natural Hair Salon Cost: Locs, Braids, and Protective Styles Natural hair services range from $50 for a wash-and-style to $300 or more for loc installation or braids. Learn what each costs and how to find a skilled specialist.
• Microblading Cost: What You Pay for Brows in 2026 Microblading typically costs $300 to $600 in most US markets, with touch-up appointments running $75 to $150. Price depends on artist experience and location.
• Men's Haircut Cost: Barber Shop vs. Salon Prices A men's haircut costs $20 to $45 at barber shops and $35 to $65 at salons. Here is what drives the difference and how to decide where to go.
• Manicure and Pedicure Cost: What Salons Charge A basic manicure costs $20 to $35 and a pedicure runs $30 to $50 at most US nail salons. A combined mani-pedi averages $40 to $90 depending on service level.
• How to Make Your Nails Last Longer Between Salon Visits Gel manicures last two to three weeks; acrylics need fills every two to three weeks. Learn practical steps to protect your nails and extend your manicure.
• Highlights vs. Balayage for Brunettes: Which Is Better? Highlights and balayage both work on dark hair but grow out differently. Here is how to choose based on your natural color, maintenance appetite, and budget.
• Head Spa Cost: What to Expect for a Scalp Treatment A head spa costs $50 to $150 at most US salons, with luxury Japanese-style experiences reaching $200 or more. Here is what the service includes and what to expect.
• Hair Toner Cost: What Salons Charge and Why Hair toner typically costs $45 to $90 at US salons, often added after highlights or balayage to neutralize brassiness. Learn what toner does and when to book.
• Hair Extension Methods: Tape-In, Clip-In, Fusion, and Weft Tape-in, clip-in, fusion, weft, and sew-in extensions differ in cost and damage risk. Compare all five methods side by side to find the right fit for your hair.
• Haircut Styles and What They Cost: Layers to Curtain Bangs A layered cut costs $10 to $30 more than a basic trim. Specialty styles like the wolf cut or curtain bangs add $20 to $50 based on technique and stylist level.
• Gel Manicure Cost: What to Expect at the Salon A gel manicure costs $25 to $65 at US salons; gel extensions run $65 to $100+. See what drives the price, how fills work, and how gel compares to regular polish.
• Eyelash Extensions Cost: Full Set, Fills, and Annual Budget A classic full set of eyelash extensions costs $100 to $250 at US salons, with volume sets reaching $300 to $500. Refills run $50 to $150 every two to four weeks.
• Dip Powder Nails Cost: What You Pay for SNS and Dip Dip powder manicures cost $30 to $50 at US salons. Learn what affects the price, how SNS compares to generic dip, and how dip stacks up against gel and acrylic.
• Hair Color Correction Cost: What to Budget Hair color correction costs $100 to $150 per hour, totaling $300 to $800 at most US salons. Learn why hourly billing applies and how many sessions to expect.
• Kids Haircut Cost: What Salons Charge for Children A children's haircut costs $15 to $35 at chain salons and $20 to $45 at independent salons. Here is what affects the price and how to find a stylist good with kids.
• Brow Lamination Cost: What to Expect at the Salon Brow lamination costs $35 to $130 at US salons and lasts four to eight weeks. Learn what affects the price, what is included, and how it compares to microblading.
• Wedding Hair Cost: What Brides Pay for Bridal Styling Bridal hair styling typically costs $150 to $600 for the wedding day, with a trial adding $150 to $300. Here is what to budget and what to ask before booking.
• Blowout Cost: How Much Does a Blow Dry at a Salon Cost? A basic blowout typically costs $20 to $100 at US salons. Blow-dry bars like Drybar start around $45 to $50. Learn what affects pricing and how they compare.
• Acrylic Nails Cost: Full Set, Fills, and What to Budget A full set of acrylic nails costs $25 to $70 at US salons; fills run $20 to $40 every 2 to 3 weeks. Full breakdown of styles, pricing factors, and long-term costs.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Side-by-side breakdowns so you can choose with confidence.

• Lash Lift vs. Extensions: Cost, Maintenance, How to Choose A lash lift costs $75 to $150 and lasts six to eight weeks. Extensions run $100 to $500 plus fills. Compare cost, maintenance, and results to find your best option.
• Hair Gloss vs. Toner: What Is the Difference? Hair gloss adds shine on any hair type and lasts four to six weeks. Toner corrects brassiness on lightened hair and lasts two to four weeks. Here is how to choose.
• Gel vs. Acrylic Nails: Differences, Cost, and How to Choose Gel nails offer a glossy finish lasting 3 to 4 weeks; acrylics need fills every 2 to 3 weeks. Breaks down cost, durability, nail health, and how to choose.
• Dip Powder vs. Acrylic Nails: Which Is Better for You? Dip powder lasts up to four weeks with no UV lamp; acrylics offer more sculpting options. Compare cost, durability, nail health, and maintenance for both services.
• Balayage vs. Ombre: What Is the Difference? Ombre is a gradient color result; balayage is the hand-painting technique used to create it. Here is how they differ in cost, maintenance, and grow-out behavior.
• Salon Hair Color vs Box Dye: An Honest Comparison Salon color vs box dye: an honest comparison of customization, long-term cost, damage risk, and when each option actually makes sense for your hair type.
• 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.
• 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.

Step-by-step guides for doing it right the first time.

• What to Expect at a Hair Salon: A First-Timer's Guide From consultation to tipping, here is exactly what happens at a professional hair salon on your first visit -- whether you are booking a cut, color, or a treatment.
• How Much to Tip a Nail Tech: Salon Etiquette Guide The standard tip at a nail salon is 15 to 20 percent of your service total. This guide covers what to tip for manicures, pedicures, nail art, and complex services.
• How Often to Get a Haircut or Color Touch-Up Most people should trim hair every six to eight weeks and touch up root color every four to six weeks. Schedule depends on your service and growth rate.
• How Long Does Balayage Take? Plan Your Appointment A full balayage typically takes three to four hours on medium to long hair. Partial balayage on short hair runs 90 minutes to two hours. Plan your day here.
• 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 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 Choose a Hairstylist: Credentials to Check Learn how to choose a hairstylist with confidence. Covers state licensing, specialization, portfolio review, consultations, and level-based pricing.
• 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 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.

Plain-language answers to what things are and how they work.

• Salon Terms Glossary: 35 Definitions for Clients 35 salon terms defined: balayage, toner, gloss, protein treatment, lift, deposit, porosity, and more. Know what to ask at your next salon appointment.
• Is a Hair Salon Tip Required? Tipping Guide for 2026 Hair salon tips are not legally required but are widely expected. The standard is 15 to 20 percent. Here is how to navigate every scenario with confidence.

The numbers behind the category, sourced and current.

• Haircut Costs by State (2026) Haircut prices vary sharply by state. See real BLS stylist wage data by state and understand what drives regional price differences at salons near you.
• Salon Prices 2026: Every Service in One Reference Table 2026 salon prices from PBA and booking-platform data: haircut $15-$100, balayage $100-$400, gel manicure $25-$65. Every common service in one reference table.
• Salon Price Index 2026: Costs by Service and Region The 2026 Salon Price Index: average US prices for haircuts, color, highlights, balayage, keratin, and styling, by service and by metro. Sourced to StyleSeat, Thumbtack, PBA, and IBISWorld.