How Much Does It Cost to Get Highlights? (Price Guide)

Highlights lighten selected strands of hair, usually with foil, to add dimension to your base color. Salons price them by how much of the head they cover, the technique, the length and thickness of your hair, and what the colorist has to do first. A toner or gloss at the end, a haircut and style, or a big jump from your starting color can each change the bill.

The ranges below come from a national cost guide and from booking platform listings, checked on Oct 14, 2026. The two sources measure different groups of salons, which is why their numbers do not match exactly.

For full highlights or lowlights, Yelp reports $125 – $258. Partial highlights, which color about half the head or less, are lower at $85 – $217. Babylights, the fine and subtle version, are listed at $70 – $145.

Balayage is hand painted instead of foiled, and it sits at the top of the range at $148 – $375. It takes more time and skill to apply, which likely explains much of the gap.

Maintenance services are cheaper but recur. A color gloss is listed at $35 – $75 and a root touch-up at $55 – $135. Single process color, an all over shade with no lightening, is listed at $55 – $180.

Booking platform listings show what salons post for specific services. These are useful if you already know which technique you want.

In the listings, partial foil highlights run $80 – $130 and full foil highlights run $150 – $250. Babylights across the full head are listed at $150 – $280. If you only want brightness around your face, a face framing or money piece service is listed at $60 – $130.

Bundles raise the total. Highlights with a toner or gloss are listed at $160 – $270, and highlights with a haircut and style are listed at $200 – $350. Ask whether toning is part of the quoted price, since many listings spell this out and others leave it for the consultation.

• Coverage. Partial highlights take less product and time than a full head.
• Technique. Foil, babylights, and balayage need different amounts of skill and time.
• Hair length and thickness. Long or dense hair takes more product and more time, and many salons charge more for it.
• Starting color. Going from dark hair to blonde usually needs extra lightening and toning steps, which add to the cost.
• Previous color. Hair that has been dyed before can need more work than untouched hair.
• Stylist and salon. Experienced colorists and salons in expensive areas charge more. Some salons offer a lower rate with an apprentice.
• Add-ons. Toner, gloss, a cut, and styling are often quoted on top of the base service.

Partial highlights cover the top and crown, the areas people see most when hair is worn down. They are quicker and cost less. Full highlights cover the whole head, including the sides and the layers underneath, so they suit people who wear their hair up or want even brightness throughout.

If you are on a budget, ask your colorist whether a partial service will give you the look you want. A face framing service is a lower cost way to add brightness near the face.

Both sources describe the same service, full highlights, yet report different ranges.

A national guide builds its range from a wide mix of salons, including smaller markets. Booking listings come from salons that post prices online, which may lean toward stylists in larger metro areas. Whether a quote includes toning, a blowout, or a cut also changes the number. When you compare, make sure each quote describes the same service.

• Does the price cover toner or gloss, or is that extra?
• How is my hair length and thickness factored into the quote?
• Will my starting color need a second lightening step?
• Does the quote include a cut, wash, and style?
• What will touch-ups cost, and when will I need them?
• Do you offer a consultation before the appointment?

A consultation lets the colorist look at your hair and give a firm price.

• Pick a partial or face framing service if full coverage is not necessary.
• Look for first time client offers on salon websites and social media.
• Book a bundle if you also want a cut or blowout, since salons often price combined visits lower than separate ones.
• Consider an apprentice or junior stylist at a salon that offers one.
• Compare menus at several salons before you commit, and read recent reviews.

Tipping is customary at salons, so include it in your budget. If you have a scalp condition or have had a reaction to hair color, talk with a licensed professional or doctor before you book.