the Cost of Hair Color with Highlights

I paid a total of 100 for the color and tipped a total of $20, half to the colorist and half to the assistant. It would have been more, but I had a $50 off color coupon. I had my whole head colored dark brown (usually blondish) and requested a few light colored highlights around my face.

I had never been to this salon before and only choose them because I recieved a 'new to the area' coupon. I usually like to pay between $50-100 to get my haircut and colored including tip. (yes maybe thats cheap, but it can get really expensive so I like to limit myself) I should note that since I was only getting my hair colored and I had the coupon, I was expecting it to cost $50 or less.

The salon offered me a drink while I waited for my colorist, and of course magazines to read. My colorist was very nice and personable, and we discussed for a few minutes what I wanted. I explained about the highlights around the face and she seemed to understand what I meant. She colored my hair, and then I waited while the color set. After the assistant kept checking to see when it was done, and finally told me I was finished. I was taken over to the sink where I got the most violent shampooing of my life. (it wasn't horrible, but I was taken off guard) Once I was all shampooed out, The colorist once again greeted me and then blow-dried my hair, to make sure I liked the color. I had the option of leaving without it being blowdried, but I wanted to make sure I liked it. Overall, it was ok, but the highlights were way to subtle. I wasn't too happy with it, but I didn't want to sit for another two hours just for the highlights to be more substantial.

In the end I was surprized that the total was $150, and the receptionist gave me an envelope in which to tip my colorist and her assistant. I do like the idea of envelopes being available for tips, so you don't feel so weird. But in my case, the receptionist watched me intently and I felt really uncomfortable. I tipped $20, and paid $100.

I think it is really hard when going to a new salon that you know nothing about. I would highly recommend asking around first and trying to get recommendations from friends and family. It was hard for me because I moved to a new area where I didn't know many people. I took a risk, and I know I wouldn't go there again because it is too far out of my prize range. I think in the future I will call and try to get average prices before making an appointment.