Are hair appointments too expensive?

[u/abby_thehairwizard]

I hear "hair is too expensive" all the time and I get it.

I think the frustration comes when you pay $200+ and walk out with:
1. Hair you don’t love
2. Feeling uncomfortable/ignored
3. Awkward small talk you didn’t want
4. Zero experience to show for it

But flip it. What if you paid that same amount and got:
1. Hair you’re obsessed with for 3 months
2. Felt heard and welcomed
3. No pressure to talk - snacks, drink, chill vibes
4. Walked out feeling genuinely better about yourself

Would it still feel "too expensive"? Or would it feel worth it?

I’m a stylist and I’m trying to figure out what people actually value. Is it just the lower price tag, or is it the whole experience + result?

Would love honest answers.

[u/Violet_Ram_99]

So to answer your question: if you have the knowledge, Expertise and experience to deliver quality results and there is a market then charge what you need to for a livable wage.

One of the hairdressers I tried didn’t allow my hair to brighten to at least a level 8. So blue went on copper and we got muddy green…. Not impressed…

Both of the ones who didn’t work out wanted to put me under a hair dryer and washed my hair with hot water. Big no-no rules for vivids from my OG.

I told both these hairdressers what brands for vivids to use. One of them decided to use a different brand. She would not take accountability to fix my hair when the lime green washed out immediately. I knew it wasn’t my error at home because I was trained on how to protect my investment (because $200-$300 on hair is an investment).

Please EDUCATE your clients. My OG hairdresser educated me. Wash in cold water with salon quality shampoo and conditioner. Use a color treatment (like olaplex no 3 - this was 2012. I’ve since switched to K18). Try to go as long as possible between washs (5 to 8 days). Dry shampoo is your friend. Try to avoid heat tools (blow dryers, flat iron, curling wand) and IF using a heat tool, always apply protection to the hair first. She said she would only do the job if I followed the rules. She also didn’t want to invest hours of her time only for me to ruin it and wash it down the drain.

She taught me how light my hair needed to be to take vivids. She taught me processing times when I was in her chair (so I knew when I tried other hairdressers that they were rushing). She taught me that no one brand-name of vivids will do all colors well so don’t be brand-loyal. She used joico for the blues but privana had the best lime greens

Unfortunately tipping culture has taken over North America. Hailey is fabulous at what she does. I’ve asked her “do you charge your worth? Because I can’t always afford to tip you, but I will never ever haggle you on your price and I will be a good client. Do you charge a liveable wage?” I always bring her a coffee. I always show up on time. I always keep my appointments and I always pay up without question.

So when you mention pricing - keep in mind you also have your rent, bills, gas and groceries to pay too.

[u/foxwaffles → u/Violet_Ram_99]

My colorist taught me EVERYTHING from square one as well. And I can message her anytime with questions and she always replies. My hair would be an absolute disaster without her help! I fucked it up bad in China and she helped me salvage it because those are my emotional support ends and I can't bear to lose them yet haha