Planning a new cut, color or treatment? Use our free hair calculators to estimate what a salon visit will cost, including tip and your yearly total, then work out how long it will take to grow your hair, how much hair dye to buy, and how many grams of extensions you need. Below the tools, you’ll find our 2026 salon price guide.
Hair Service Cost Calculator.
How much will that balayage, haircut or keratin treatment really cost? Pick your service, hair length and salon, and get an instant price range, including tip and your yearly total.
Estimates are based on published 2026 US salon price surveys for mid-range salons, adjusted for hair length, salon type and location. Real prices vary by stylist, hair condition and the time a service takes, so always ask your salon for a quote before booking.
Hair Growth Calculator
How long until your hair reaches your goal length? Hair grows about half an inch a month on average, though it varies from person to person.
Based on an average growth rate of about 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) per month, with a range of 0.4 to 0.6 inch. Ends lost to breakage will slow things down.
Hair Dye Calculator
Find out how many boxes of hair dye you need, and how much you could save coloring at home instead of at the salon.
A general guide based on standard box-dye kits. Always follow the brand’s instructions and do a patch test 48 hours before coloring. For lightening dark hair, big color changes or fixing old color, a salon is the safer choice.
Hair Extensions Calculator
Estimate how many grams of hair extensions you need for a natural, full look, based on your hair and the length you want.
A general guide based on common extension stylist recommendations. Longer extensions need more hair to keep the ends looking full. Your stylist can confirm the exact amount at a consultation.
Average Salon Prices in 2026
These are typical prices at a mid-range salon in an average US city for shoulder-length hair, before tip. Expect to pay less at budget chains and smaller towns, and more at high-end salons, in major cities, or if your hair is long or thick.
| Service | Typical price | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s haircut | $40 – $85 | Every 6 – 10 weeks |
| Men’s haircut | $25 – $50 | Every 3 – 6 weeks |
| Blowout | $40 – $75 | As needed |
| Root touch-up | $60 – $110 | Every 4 – 8 weeks |
| All-over single color | $80 – $150 | Every 6 – 8 weeks |
| Partial highlights | $90 – $150 | Every 8 – 12 weeks |
| Full highlights | $120 – $220 | Every 8 – 12 weeks |
| Balayage | $160 – $320 | Every 3 – 4 months |
| Gloss / toner | $40 – $80 | Every 6 – 8 weeks |
| Keratin smoothing treatment | $160 – $300 | Every 3 – 5 months |
| Tape-in extensions (hair + install) | $400 – $1,200 | New set yearly, move-ups every 6 – 8 weeks |
Price ranges are based on published 2026 US salon price surveys, including the My Hair Salons price index, SalonsRated and All Salon Prices. Sources vary, so treat these as planning ranges and ask your salon for a quote.
What Affects the Cost of a Salon Service?
- Hair length and thickness. Long or thick hair takes more time and more product, especially for color, balayage and keratin, so many salons charge more for it.
- Salon type and stylist level. The same balayage can cost far less at a budget chain than with a senior colorist at a luxury salon.
- Where you live. Salons in big cities such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco usually charge well above the national average.
- Add-ons. Toner, bond-repair treatments, deep conditioning and a blow-dry finish are often priced separately.
- Time and complexity. Big color changes, going lighter on dark hair, or fixing old color can take several hours and cost much more than a standard appointment.
How Much Should You Tip Your Hairstylist?
In the US, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the service price is standard, and 20 percent or more is common for long color appointments or when your stylist goes above and beyond. If an assistant shampoos your hair or helps with color, a few dollars for them is a kind extra. Some salons now include a service charge instead, so check your bill before adding a tip.
Smart Ways to Save on Salon Visits
- Choose low-maintenance color, such as balayage or a shade close to your natural color, so you need fewer appointments.
- Book a gloss between color appointments to refresh tone for less than a full service.
- Ask about a junior stylist or a salon academy, where services are often much cheaper.
- Protect your results at home with color-safe or sulfate-free shampoo, heat protection and regular conditioning.
- Ask for the full price, including add-ons and tip, before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does balayage cost?
At a mid-range salon in an average US city, balayage for shoulder-length hair typically costs about $160 to $320 before tip. Long or thick hair, a high-end salon or a big-city location can push the price well above that.
Why do salons charge more for long hair?
Long and thick hair needs more product and more time, especially for color, highlights, balayage and smoothing treatments. Haircuts are less affected, but long hair can still take longer to cut and style.
How long does a keratin treatment last?
Most keratin smoothing treatments last around three to five months. Washing less often and using a sulfate-free shampoo help them last longer.
How accurate is this calculator?
It gives a realistic planning range based on published US salon price surveys, adjusted for hair length, salon type and location. Every salon sets its own prices, so always confirm the final price with your stylist before booking.