To think £150+ is very expensive for highlights and a trim?

[Mischone]

I've been a bottle blonde for years and started letting my roots grow out last year to give my hair a break. I've got quite a bit of regrowth now and wanted it all done properly, as opposed to doing it myself at home as I'm used to.

I went to a well known salon today for a consultation with a senior stylist who has a great reputation and i was quoted £140 (minimum) For the highlights and then an additional £20+ for a small trim.

She recommended I opt in for conditioning treatment too but I can't afford that.

I paid the £50 deposit for the highlights and booked in because I really want it done, I've had a shit time of it this year battling depression and PTSD so i wanted to treat myself for once and feel like the "old me" again.

Now I'm home and the excitement has worn off I'm feeling quite uncomfortable about the cost. I'm not well off, I can afford to have it done as a one off but if that's the price I'll have to pay every 6-8 weeks there's no way I could continue to go there.

AIBU to think this is bloody extortionate?

Mine is £22 every 6 weeks
You’re not unreasonable but I don’t understand having had it done why you think going back again would be cheaper

@Dowser I haven't had it done there before, I've always coloured my hair at home.

I was naive in thinking I wouldn't be paying so much because it's essentially just sorting out my regrowth.

I've tried to call the salon but nobody is answering, they close at 7 today.

My friend has recently gone platinum blonde from dark and she's done it by a process of highlights over time and has paid no more than £50 per appointment, although she is up north.

I really should have done my research.

I really don't know what to do now, call them again in the morning and ask for my deposit back or go to the appointment and get a balayage and chalk it up to experience and a one off treat.

It doesn't cost you anything to ask.

If it's their policy to refuse _ and It probably depends on how long notice you give? - you can always cancel the trim, and ask to confirm for quote for balayage?

I’m pretty local to you and I can recommend a mobile hairdresser if it helps? I’d imagine much cheaper than a salon in blackheath

Have you had your colour test yet? For allergies - it says on the website you have to have one 48 hours before hand - its on the price list.

PERMANENT COLOUR -Please note when semi or permanent colours are applied to the scalp you will need a skin test 48 hours prior to the appointment.

I presume you are trying to switch to Kelsey as the junior member of the team

My hairdresser comes to my house (in the SE). She charges me £60 for full head of highlights and a cut and blow dry.
I got loads of compliments last time.
I think she’s better than many salon experiences that I’ve had because she actually cares how my hair turns out. She views her clients as friends in a way, she says.

I'm having root colour with some pulled through the lengths, highlights, cut and a curly blow for £70 on Saturday. I wouldn't pay more than that

OP, you basically have a balayage already! You don't need more bleach, just tint! You are being ripped off my love. Cancel it and get your deposit back. If they play up, tell them you will name and shame on social media

Borage for round here.

I tell them I want a colour that will not look awful when it grows out and they do a good job of blending it in so I only need it doing every 3.5 months or so which helps with the cost

Years ago I had a friend do my highlights using kit by Wella. They were great and it didn't cost a fiver.

Yes please @Questioningeverything as I'll need it redoing eventually and the price
has put me right off top notch salons

I've had the patch test applied and my appointment is for Saturday afternoon.

I'm going to stick with the senior stylist (Aitche? I think her name was) as I've read some good reviews for her colours and as this will be a one off I've figured it makes sense to ensure I get the best possible result.

I feel guilty having to cancel the cut as the young woman who's doing that seemed so nice and I don't want her to think it's a reflection on her or anything, I just really can't afford it.

If you give them 48 hours notice they would be on very thin ground if they try to keep the deposit. They've plenty of time to book someone else in.

See i actually thought that myself @IkeaIsForWinners my hair isn't too far off balayage/ombre now is it? This is why i didn't expect to have to pay so much. It's quite a small job I would say, not a huge change, just a touch up rather than a complete new colour.

I took their advice as they're the professionals and I know sweet nothing about hair, but I'm glad you pointed that out as I feel the same.

Has the salon included an Olaplex treatment with the highlights? That would add at least £20 to the bill & if the stylist used a toner after washing off the highlights probably another £20 for that.

Incase anybody hasn't RTFT this is my hair now, it's kinda balayage/ombre already isn't it? All I really want is for the roots to blend and not have harsh regrowth.

They said balayage or full head highlights, with the given quote.

It's far too much, I hope you can get your money back.

Nope @Nat6999 oaplex or an alternative conditioning treatment are extra on top, oaplex is about £30 iirc so I had to turn that down as it was mounting up to a fortune

It just is expensive. I really begrudge paying for my hair, not sure why as I'll happily pay my beauty therapist and nail tech more in a month. But something about paying for my hair annoys me.

I had highlights done at the T&G in London Balham. They charged me about that for the junior technician. It was not a good job at all and the price didn't include a blow dry either. I'd try and get your money back and go elsewhere, OP!

Sorry I meant Clapham.

I pay around £60 for highlights and cut

I have bayalage and my colour and cut usually comes in at £90.

It's a good salon but not one that markets itself as being luxurious, more a typical well respected salon in a reasonably down to earth middle class area.

In salons that are more glam or in area that are more flash the cash £150-200 wouldn't surprise me.

I pay £80 for foil highlights & infill to cover grey with a toner afterwards to take the last of the yellow out of the highlights & a cut & blow dry. Olaplex adds another £25 to the bill.

Id suggest you can get your deposit back. Id suggest you are experiencing some itching on your patch leaving you frightened to risk the colour. With more than 48 hours they should refund without issue.