Cost of Hair Dyeing in UK Salons in 2025
The cost of hair saloon visits haven’t been immune to the rising costs of living and inflation, so people who haven’t had their hair dyed in recent years may be shocked when then book a visit. have climbed steadily across the UK, especially in major cities. What once felt like a quick refresh now often comes with a premium price tag.
Cost of a root touch-up in UK saloons
A root touch-up targets regrowth at the roots, often used to cover grey or maintain a consistent hair colour. It’s one of the quickest and most frequent salon services, usually needed every four to six weeks. In Greater London, a root touch-up typically costs between £30 and £60. High-end salons or senior stylists may charge more, while entry-level stylists or smaller chains may offer lower rates.
Prices outside the capital are generally cheaper, especially in smaller cities, though that doesn’t mean the quality is any lower. Many skilled colourists operate in independent salons across the UK, offering strong results at a more accessible price. A good salon booking system like Booksy helps streamline appointments and lets you filter by stylist level, availability, or cost, which makes it easier to find the right match without surprises. You get what you pay for, but not always what you expect.
Cost of a Full-head colour
A full-head permanent colour offers a complete, uniform transformation across your entire head of hair. It’s ideal for those changing their natural shade, covering grey, or refreshing faded colour. In the UK, prices usually range from £65 to £150. The cost depends heavily on hair length, as longer hair needs more dye and time.
Salon type also plays a role. Luxury salons in major cities charge more than budget chains or independent stylists. Many salons use tiered pricing, where junior stylists cost less and senior stylists or colour directors charge premium rates. A solid salon booking system often lets clients see pricing by hair length and stylist level in advance, helping avoid surprises. Colouring your hair may feel indulgent, but planning well keeps it practical. No one wants sticker shock with their new shade.
Cost of Highlights or balayage
Highlights and balayage remain two of the most requested services for adding dimension and brightness without a full colour overhaul. Both use lightening techniques, but the application and result differ. Highlights involve foils and structured placement, while balayage is freehand-painted for a softer, more blended look.
In the UK, highlights typically cost between £86 and £176. A half head starts from around £70, while a full head can go from £90 up to £176 or more. Thicker or longer hair may increase the cost due to the extra time and product required.
Balayage pricing also varies. A partial balayage might start at £110, while a full balayage ranges from £137 to £176. Because it’s more bespoke, salons often price it based on the stylist’s skill. When done well, the results grow out naturally, making it a beauty investment that ages gracefully.
Service | Price Range | Duration/Maintenance |
Root touch-up | £30-£60 | 4-6 weeks |
Full-head Colour | £65-£150 | 6-8 weeks |
Highlights | £70-£176 | 8-12 weeks |
Balayage | £110-£176 | 12-16 weeks |
Having your hair done in London is costly
Hair salon prices in London stand well above the UK average, with the typical cost reaching around £184, roughly 42% higher than the national average of £130, based on Yell data. This steep difference reflects several factors, primarily location and prestige. High-end salons in Central London, especially in Mayfair or Marylebone, regularly charge £200 to £300 or more for haircuts alone.
Even in Zones 1 and 2, where services are somewhat more accessible, many salons still price cuts between £85 and £120. Mid-tier chains are not much cheaper, with rates often starting at £70. The cost of rent, stylist reputation, and clientele expectations drive these prices up.
Cost of hair saloons in the most affordable cities
On the other hand, in Middlesbrough, which is considered one of the most affordable cities for hair services, prices remain far more accessible. A basic haircut and blowdry ranges from £30 to £40, while more advanced restyles with a director stylist might reach £48 to £50. When asking how much to get hair dyed at salon in UK, Middlesbrough paints a very different picture from London. Clients can often find root touch-ups and even full-head colour at significantly lower prices without compromising on quality. Many reputable salons in the area offer competitive rates, with junior stylists providing excellent results at a fraction of the cost found in major cities. While you might not get Mayfair marble floors, you’ll still walk out with glossy colour and money left in your pocket.
Summing up
Hair dyeing costs in the UK have risen in 2025 due to inflation, location, and stylist expertise. Services like root touch-ups, full-head colour, and balayage vary widely. For those asking how much to get hair dyed at salon in UK, prices range from affordable options in cities like Middlesbrough to much higher rates in central London. A good salon booking system helps compare prices and find the right fit.