Is it cheaper to do full dye or highlight hair?

Author: Lottie Haley  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Is it cheaper to do all-over color or highlights? Opting for single-process color is often more cost-effective and time-effective, especially when touch-ups are required at four to eight weeks. In contrast, highlights and lowlights tend to have greater longevity, potentially lasting between two and three months.

Is it cheaper to get highlights or dye hair?

Full hair coloring tends to be more expensive than highlights. Simply due to the amount of coverage and product required, you'll pay more for a full color.

What is the average price for a full head of highlights?

How much do full highlights cost? Full highlights, also known as full foil or full head highlights, typically cost between $100 and $350. The price range is influenced by the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the rates charged by the hair salons you visit.

Are highlights better than full color?

Full head foils offer comprehensive coverage, while highlights target specific sections. Highlights provide a natural, sun-kissed look, whereas full head foils are more uniform. Maintenance for highlights is generally lower than full head foils. Consulting with a professional stylist can help in making a wise decision.

Is it worth going to a salon for all over color?

Simply put, when it comes to salon color vs. box dye, it's always best to get your hair colored at the salon by a professional. Salon formulas better for your hair, and having a pro colorist apply it also ensures the best results.

Watch This Before Getting Highlights

How much should an all over color cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for a single-process color treatment (meaning one shade applied all over). This final price may go up if you have longer or thicker hair. If you're looking for a more dramatic change, like full head highlights or lowlights, the price range can go from $75 to $300.

Is it better to use box dye or go to a salon?

While box dyes are cheaper upfront, they can end up costing more in the long run due to the potential need for corrective treatments. Salon dyes are more expensive initially, but they offer better results, longer-lasting color, and less damage, making them a worthwhile investment for many people.

Should I dye my whole head or get highlights?

Highlights offer flexibility, letting you add more shades gradually. But if you want a bold transformation, all-over colour might be the way to go. Keep in mind the impact on your hair's health when opting for a drastic change. Discuss your hair's condition with your hairdresser.

What is the cheapest alternative to highlights?

Depending on how fast your hair grows, you'll have to get a single-process color touched up every four to eight weeks. Whereas highlights can last up to two to three months. Single-process color is usually the most affordable option at salons. It's also generally the most gentle option for your hair.

Is it better to highlight or color gray hair?

The best coloring technique for gray hair ultimately depends on your desired look and how much coverage you want. We suggest opting for an all-over color service to fully mask every gray hair on your head with a uniform shade. However, highlighting may be better if your goal is seamlessly blending your grays.

How much do stylist charge for highlights?

Highlights cost between $20 and $200. Prices differ based on the different highlighting techniques, highlight color, hair length, your hair's base color, and health of your hair.

How long should a full highlight take?

On average, full highlights can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on several factors. The exact duration can be influenced by: 1. Hair length and thickness: Longer, thicker hair requires more time to apply the highlights accurately.

How much should you tip your hairdresser?

How much should you tip your hairdresser? We asked three etiquette experts, two salon professionals and a certified financial planner. Most of these experts suggest leaving 15% to 20%, depending on the service and your satisfaction. Going with 20% is nice for the stylist and you because that math is pretty simple.

What takes longer, highlights or all-over color?

Time-Consuming: Highlighting your hair can take longer than all-over color, especially if you're going for a detailed look. Cost: Depending on the number of highlights and the technique used, it can be pricier than full color.

Why do salons charge so much for highlights?

Furthermore, the cost of highlights is not just for the dye itself, but for the skill and expertise of the stylist. These professionals have spent years honing their craft, and they deserve to be compensated for their talents. A subpar salon may offer lower prices, but the end result will likely be subpar as well.

Can I put permanent color over highlights?

Yes, it is possible to apply an all-over color over existing highlights. However, there are a few factors to consider before proceeding: 1. Starting Color: The starting color of your highlights will affect the outcome when applying an all-over color.

How can I save money on highlights?

Before you get highlights, tell your colorist how often you're willing to return for touch-ups. If you want only three appointments a year, the colorist will give you fewer, more subtle highlights. 3. Every other time you go for a single-process color, have just the hairline and crown dyed.

What is the least damaging hair highlights?

A hair colorist can also guide you to the best type of highlights for your hair type. For example, subtle highlights might be a good choice for you if you're worried about damage. They're less dramatic than a full-on blonde highlight and can give you that pop of color without overprocessing your locks.

What to do if you have highlights but want to go lighter?

If the existing highlights also need lifting, use a lightener with a lower volume developer on the lighter color, so strands blend more seamlessly with the base hair color. Once locks have been lifted to the correct underlying tone, rinse and neutralize, so your client is ready for toning.

Is it cheaper to do highlights or full color?

Is it cheaper to do all-over color or highlights? Opting for single-process color is often more cost-effective and time-effective, especially when touch-ups are required at four to eight weeks. In contrast, highlights and lowlights tend to have greater longevity, potentially lasting between two and three months.

How often should you get a full head of highlights?

For foil highlights, you should go back to the salon every 6-8 weeks to keep your colour tidy and easy to maintain.

Can you dye your hair and get highlights at the same time?

if you're going to HIGHLIGHT and COLOR at the same time you need to be very TIDY with your foils. all the hair on the left side, will be left highlighted. the hair on the right side will be colored.

What hair dye do most professionals use?

Continue reading to find out about some of the most popular hair tints used in salons today.
  • L'Oréal Professionnel. L'Oréal is well-known for its wide selection of professional hair color products. ...
  • Wella Professionals. ...
  • Redken. ...
  • Schwarzkopf Professional. ...
  • Matrix. ...
  • Pravana. ...
  • Paul Mitchell. ...
  • Goldwell.

Is it better to get your hair dyed at a salon or do it yourself?

Superior Results

Getting your hair dyed by a professional at a salon is likely to yield the most outstanding results. However, the price tag may be prohibitive for some. You might question whether spending money is worthwhile when there are so many at-home coloring kits and instructions available for free online.

What are the disadvantages of box hair dye?

Drawbacks of Box Dye

Layering Effect: Each application can darken your hair further, leading to a buildup that's hard to remove. Allergic Reactions: The ingredients in box dyes can cause allergic reactions or irritate the scalp. Lack of Dimension: Box dyes often result in a flat, one-dimensional colour.

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