How Much Does a Haircut Cost?

Last Updated on April 15, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Getting a quality haircut from a professional stylist or barber comes with a cost. But how much should you realistically budget for a haircut based on your specific needs, preferences, and location?

Haircut prices can range widely from $15 at budget barbershops to $200+ at upscale boutique salons, with many factors like geographic region, salon type, stylist experience, and service extent influencing the final cost.

This guide examines standard haircut pricing tiers, key cost factors to consider, typical pricing by demographics, additional services that increase prices, tips for saving money, and how to effectively evaluate prices to find the best value.

How Much Does a Haircut Cost?

Budget haircut – A simple trim typically costs $15 to $25 at chain barbershops or value-focused salons. Includes a basic cut with shampoo, conditioner, and blow dry styling.

Mid-range haircut – A more involved styling with attention to layers, texture, and finish ranges $30 to $70 at most mainstream salons.

Premium haircut – A complex, customized precision cut and color by an experienced top stylist costs $80 to $200+ at upscale boutique salons. Celeb stylists charge even higher.

According to a blog post by State Street Barbers, the average cost of a haircut in the US is $28. However, prices can range from as low as $10 in some barbershops to as high as $100 in others. The location of the barbershop or salon can significantly impact the cost of a haircut. For example, haircuts in San Francisco are, on average, $49, while in Seattle, they are $35.

Reddit users have reported paying anywhere from $12 to $100 for a haircut in the US, with the average being around $25 for a basic cut. Some users have mentioned that the quality of the haircut and the ambiance of the barbershop or salon can also impact the cost. For instance, a trendy barbershop may charge more for a haircut, even if the quality of the service is the same as a less luxurious barbershop.

The Ladders website reports that Denmark has the most expensive haircuts in the world, with an average price of $75.20 across genders.

A survey by YouProbablyNeedAHaircut.com found that the average price range for a haircut in the US is $56, with women’s cuts averaging around $69 and men’s cuts around $43. The survey also found that haircut costs can vary significantly depending on the type of salon or barbershop, with high-end salons charging more than low-end or chain salons.

Many factors raise or lower costs within these ranges, which we’ll break down next.

Factors That Influence the Price of a Haircut

Geographic Location Makes a Difference

Haircut costs in urban metro areas are often higher than suburban or rural rates due to elevated business costs. For example:

• New York City – Expect to pay $60+ for a basic cut at an NYC salon.
• Los Angeles – Budget $50+ for a basic cut. Premium stylists charge $150+.
• Small Towns – A basic trim averages just $20 to $25 at local salons.

The Type of Salon or Barbershop Sets Prices

• Budget chain salons like Supercuts or Great Clips charge $15 to $25 for simplified basic cuts.
• Mainstream salons like Sport Clips or Fantastic Sams run $30 to $50 for most adult cuts plus blow dry styling.
• Upscale boutique salons charge $70+ for women’s cuts and $50+ for men’s cuts. Elite stylists at these salons will charge $150 to $300+ per cut.

Stylist Skill and Reputation Allows Premium Pricing

• Junior apprentice stylists average $20 to $40 per cut.
• Senior stylists with years of in-demand experience average $50 to $150 per cut.
• Celebrity elite stylists can charge $200 to $500+ per cut based on reputation and expertise.

Service Complexity Also Impacts Price

Simple trims or buzzcuts take less time and skill, lowering costs. Services requiring substantial time, artistry and technical skill like precision layered cuts, multi-color dyeing, and keratin treatments add to the bottom line price considerably.

Haircut Rates by Age and Gender

These standard price ranges apply for mainstream salon haircut services:

• Men’s basic cut – $25 to $50 national average. Less time than women’s cuts.
• Women’s cut and style – $40 to $80 average. More intricate styling involved.
• Children’s cut – $15 to $25 on average. Quick and simple.
• Senior’s cut – $15 to $30 average. Many salons offer senior discounts.

Women’s cuts involve more work styling layers and shaping length, increasing prices. Discounts apply for kids and seniors at many salons.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a haircut at Lady Jane’s, Great Clips, or Sport Clips.

Additional Cost Factors

Beyond the cut itself, supplementary services can add to the total price:

• Shampoo/Blow-dry – $10 to $30 per service.
• Conditioning treatments – $10 to $50 per intensive treatment.
• Coloring/Highlights – $50 to $250+ depending on coverage.
• Special occasion styling – $75 to $150+ for events.
• Service gratuity – Tip 15-20% of the total bill for good service.

Smart Ways to Save Money

Use these strategies to save on your next cut:

• Ask salon cosmetology schools for trainee pricing – supervised student cuts often start at $5 to $20.
• Check salon loyalty programs for cut discount rewards after X visits.
• Look for seasonal promotions and social media deals. Salons often offer summer or holiday specials.
• Use online coupons from sites like Groupon for haircut deals up to 50% off or more.

Haircut Prices and Quality

When selecting a stylist:

• Review online cut photos for examples of their technique – not just glossy studio headshots.
• Schedule introductory consultations to meet the stylist before booking.
• Ask receptionists to explain the pricing tiers for junior stylists vs senior designers.
• Get referrals from local friends on reasonably priced stylists doing great work.

While cost isn’t the only factor, a higher price does not automatically guarantee satisfaction. But often you pay for the skill and artistry you receive. With savvy shopping, you can find great haircuts at every budget level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $30 too much for a haircut?

For a standard haircut including shampoo, conditioning, blow dry and a reasonable level of service, $30 is quite reasonable pricing. $30 positions the cost of a basic haircut in the typical range for mid-tier suburban or smaller metro salons.

In major cities, it falls on the budget side. Focus more on stylist skill shown through reviews and examples rather than just price when evaluating value. But in most areas, $30 is affordable for a moderately detailed men’s or women’s haircut.

How much do you tip for a $20 haircut?

The standard tip amount for a $20 haircut would be $3 to $5, representing 15% to 20% of the total service cost. Tipping norms for good service fall between 15 to 20% of the total, 10% for mediocre service, and up to 20 to 25% for exceptional service.

But for a budget $20 haircut, a $3 to $5 tip is customary. Simply round up to the next whole dollar amount to make tipping easy. For more complex $50+ salon services, tipping 20% is more typical. Increase or reduce tips based on your satisfaction.

Is 22 inches long for hair?

At 22 inches in length, hair is generally considered long for most people. Standard hair length classifications:

• Short hair falls above the shoulders, approximately 4 to 7 inches long.
• Medium length hair hits at or below the shoulders, measuring 10 to 14 inches long.
• Long hair extends well below the shoulders and shoulder blades, reaching anywhere from 16 to 30+ inches.

So at 22 inches long, hair covers the entire upper back and shoulder blades. This easily meets the criteria for long length hair based on average standards. Ultimately length labels depend on styling goals and personal preferences.

But maintaining naturally long hair over 20 inches requires commitment to trim maintenance and hair health. For many, such lengths bring styling challenges outweighing the dramatic impact.