One of the biggest pushbacks you will hear as a stylist from potential clients is “pricing is too high” or that they know another stylist that “charges way less”. Well truth be told, there are a lot of stylists out there without a business background that don’t fully understand where there money is going, and how much it’s COSTING them to do business.

Pricing hair color and salon services can be influenced by various factors, including location, salon reputation, expertise, cost of supplies, and desired profit margins.

Here's a general approach to help guide you on setting appropriate rates:

1. Market Research: Research local salons to understand the average prices for similar services in your area. Consider factors like clientele, location, and competition.

2. Cost Analysis: Calculate the cost of the color products, supplies, operational expenses (opex), and the time it takes to complete the service. You have to understand what your OPEX and service costs are and what your personal cost of living is. You really need to understand how much it costs you to walk out your door and live. (more details below) Ensure you're covering these costs to not only break even but to make a profit.

3. Service Tiering: Categorize your services into tiers based on complexity, time, and expertise required. Basic color services can be priced lower than more intricate techniques like balayage or highlights.

4. Labor and Time: Factor in the time it takes to perform the service, including consultation, application, processing, and styling. Consider the skill level and experience of the stylist.

5. Operational Expenses (OpEx): How much is it costing you in overhead. Figure out how much it is to open your doors. Rent, Utilities, Insurance, Phone, Booking System, etc. All of the non negotiables that you require to open your doors as a functioning facility per month. Then divide that total by the number of days you are open. That’s how much it costs you per day to be open. The same goes for hours. Divide your monthly total OpEx costs by the total number of hours per month you are open. This is how much you need to make per hour.

6. Service Cost: Break down the cost of each service. How much is your product & Supply cost? Start with your most time consuming service like A full head of foils for example. How many foils are you using? How much did that cost you? How much lightener and developer are you using, how much does that cost per bowl? The same for tints and toners, how much does each bowl cost? Your capes, towels and linens. How much time are you spending laundering them. This is what I mean when I state you have to understand how much it COSTS you just to perform this service.

7. Experience and Expertise: Experienced stylists command higher prices because of the time they have INVESTED into getting to where they are. Adjust your pricing based on the experience and cost you spend on continuing education each year.

8. Client Consultations: Conduct thorough consultations to assess the client's needs and preferences. Adjust the price based on the complexity of the desired color change.

9. Add-On Services: Offer additional services like conditioning treatments, toners, or glosses. Price these separately or as add-ons to the base color service.

10. Clientele Demand: Consider demand and popularity for certain color trends. Services in high demand might justify a slightly higher price.

11. Incorporate Profit Margins: Ensure your prices cover your costs and allow for a reasonable profit margin to sustain and grow your business.

12. Discounts and Promotions: Offer introductory discounts, loyalty programs, or seasonal promotions to attract clients and encourage repeat business.

13. Transparent Pricing: Clearly display your pricing structure on your website, in-salon, or through marketing materials to set client expectations and avoid surprises. Always be sure to follow your state regulations, in New York for example you have to have your menu posted at your station.

14. Regular Reviews: Periodically review your pricing to ensure it remains competitive, covers costs, and aligns with market trends and economic changes.

15. Feedback and Adjustments: Gather feedback from clients regarding pricing and adjust if needed to maintain client satisfaction and retention.

Remember, striking a balance between competitive pricing and covering your costs is key. Tailoring your pricing strategy to match your salon's unique circumstances and the local market will help ensure the success of your hair color services.