If you love coloured hair — whether it’s blonde, brunette, balayage, foils, or full colour — one of the most common questions I hear is:

“How much should I actually budget to maintain it?”

Great question… and the honest answer is: it depends!

But don’t worry — I’m breaking it all down in a simple, practical way so you know exactly what to expect, what you can plan for, and how to keep your colour looking fresh without surprises.

Below is a clear, step‑by‑step guide on budgeting for coloured hair, no matter your colour type or maintenance level.



1. Understand What Type of Colour You Have (This Affects Your Budget Most!)


Each colour service has different maintenance needs — and therefore different costs.


Here’s a simple breakdown:


Low‑Maintenance Colours

  • Balayage

  • Ombre

  • Root smudge / root shadow

  • Lived‑in blonde

  • Gloss-only looks


How often you'll visit: every 8–16 weeks
Budget: Lower ongoing cost, but higher initial appointment.


Medium‑Maintenance Colours

  • Foils every 8–10 weeks

  • Toner/gloss refresh between visits

  • Dimensional blonde or brunette


How often you'll visit: every 6–10 weeks
Budget: Moderate, with regular toning appointments.


High‑Maintenance Colours

  • All‑over blonde

  • Platinum or high‑lift blondes

  • Bright fashion colours (pinks, blues, etc.)

  • All‑over permanent tints


How often you'll visit: every 4–6 weeks
Budget: Higher ongoing maintenance.



2. Factor in the Appointments You’ll Need Regularly


A colour routine usually includes a mix of:


1. Full colour or foils

Your big appointment — typically the highest cost.


2. Toner / gloss / colour refresh

Keeps the tone beautiful and prevents brassiness.


3. Haircut & blow‑dry

Healthy ends = longer-lasting colour.


4. Treatments

Especially if you lighten your hair. (Think bond builders, hydration masks, etc.)


Average expected costs (these vary by hair length + goals, but this gives guidance):

  • Colour refresh: budget every 6–8 weeks

  • Toner/gloss: budget every 4–8 weeks

  • Cut + blow‑dry: budget every 6–10 weeks

  • Treatment: occasionally or as needed



3. Plan Your Yearly Hair Budget in Advance


A smart way to stay on track is to break your budget down monthly.


Quick budgeting examples…


If you’re a balayage / lived‑in colour client:

  • 2–3 big colour sessions per year

  • A few toners or trims in between

    🟣 Approx monthly budget: low–moderate


If you get regular foils or tints:

  • 4–6 colour appointments per year

  • Toners + cuts in between

    🟣 Approx monthly budget: moderate


If you maintain blonde/platinum:

  • 8–12 appointments per year

  • Treatments required

    🟣 Approx monthly budget: higher



4. Don’t Forget At‑Home Care (It Saves You Money Long-Term!)


Using the right shampoo, conditioner, and colour‑safe products protects your investment and reduces how often you need to refresh your colour.


At-home essentials for colour lovers:

  • Sulfate‑free shampoo + conditioner

  • Colour‑protecting products

  • Heat protection

  • Purple or blue toning products (if blonde/brunette)


🟣 The better your at‑home care, the less you’ll spend repairing damage or refreshing early.



5. Have an Open Chat With Your Stylist (We Can Help You Set a Plan!)


If you’re unsure how much your specific goals cost to maintain, we can put together a customised plan based on:

✔ Your hair type
✔ Your colour starting point
✔ Your lifestyle
✔ Your budget
✔ How often you realistically want to be in the salon


We can even recommend money‑saving strategies like stretchable colour, lived‑in techniques, or alternating appointment types.



6. What to Tell Your Stylist So We Can Give You an Accurate Budget


Bring or mention:

  • A photo of your dream colour

  • How often you want to come in

  • Any past colour history

  • Your hair’s condition

  • Your ideal budget range


This helps us map out a realistic colour maintenance plan for you, not a generic one-size-fits-all timeline.



7. Want a Clear, Personalised Colour Budget? Book a Consultation!


Whether you colour your hair every month or every season, a personalised consultation ensures you know exactly what to expect — both for the look and the cost.

✨ Book your consultation or colour appointment today and let’s create a maintenance plan that suits your lifestyle, your budget, and your hair goals.

 

© Copyright Kerryanns Hairdressers