The $5 Haircut vs. The $500 Haircut

A Real Conversation About Salon Pricing

We’ve all seen it. Someone posts a transformation photo from a high-end salon. They confidently share their pricing. And then the comments come flying in:“$500 for a haircut? That’s robbery.”“Stylists are charging luxury prices for basic services. “I’ll stick to my girl who charges $25, thanks.”And if you’ve been in this industry longer than five minutes, you know—that kind of commentary stings. Not because of the number .But because of the disconnect. This isn’t about defending luxury pricing or discrediting affordable services. It’s not about saying one stylist is better than another. It’s not about gatekeeping. This is about understanding. Because most people outside the industry have no clue how pricing actually works. And truthfully, a lot of stylists are struggling to explain it, too. So let’s start there.

Let’s Talk About Value

There’s a massive difference between something being “too expensive” and something not being in your budget. And we need to start the conversation right there.

I don’t think Bentleys are overpriced. They’re just not in my budget. So I don’t drive a Bentley. I drive a GMC. And I don’t shame Bentley drivers for buying what makes sense to them. I don’t call it “too much” or “unfair.” I just know where I’m at and what aligns with my needs. That’s what this conversation should be about: Alignment. Not assumption.

Why Stylists Charge What They Charge

Pricing is built on what you don’t see. Just like with doctors and attorneys: They all go through schooling. They all get licensed. But a doctor practicing family medicine doesn’t charge the same as a trauma surgeon—because what they do is different. All attorneys study law. But one reviewing lease agreements isn’t charging the same as one managing high-stakes corporate litigation. The scope, the training, the specialty, the stakes—It all matters. And it’s the same in this industry. Yes, we all went to cosmetology school. Yes, we all understand hair—for the most part. But where you take that education after school? That’s the difference-maker. Some stylists pursue certifications, coaching, business mentorship, specialty education, and build multi-dimensional businesses. Others choose simplicity, minimal overhead, and offer quality services at a more accessible level. Both are valid. They’re just not the same. And that’s the whole point.

The Copy-and-Paste Culture

Now, there is something that makes this even more complicated—and it’s not just the pricing. It’s what I like to call the copy-and-paste culture. This is where stylists start to mirror the aesthetic, the branding, and the pricing of others—without putting in the work to match the quality or experience. They call themselves “extension experts” without ever sitting in a certification course. They brand themselves as “blonding specialists” even though they’ve never invested in advanced training. They’re using the same hashtags, captions, and verbiage as the educators and leaders they admire—but they haven’t earned the title. And this is where it gets cloudy. Because now the guest doesn’t know who they’re booking with. They’re expecting expertise—and instead, they’re left with damage, confusion, or disappointment. Not every guest needs a specialist. Not every guest wants one. But what they do deserve is honesty. So if you’re learning extensions—say that. If you love blonding and you do great work—say that. If you’re building your experience—invite people to grow with you. There’s nothing wrong with being in progress. There’s everything wrong with pretending that you’re not.

Let’s Talk About Experience

Okay—just bear with me for a second, because I’m about to bring up Mickey Mouse… and I promise it’s relevant. You can buy a Mickey Mouse plushie at Walmart for $20. You can buy that exact same plushie at Disneyland for $120. Same mouse. Very different experience. At Walmart, you’re under fluorescent lighting, pushing a cart past ten other people, and standing in self-checkout. At Disneyland, you’re in the middle of the magic. Music playing. Streets sparkling. Churros in hand.You’re surrounded by emotion, energy, connection—and the memory is worth every penny. You’re not just buying the product. You’re buying the feeling. Hair is no different. Some clients want a quiet, no-frills appointment with a solo stylist in a private space. They don’t need extra. They just want the service, done well, and that’s perfect for them. Others want the full experience—A luxury salon, co-stylists, guest coordinators, refreshments, treatments, hand massages, education, follow-ups. And here’s what most people miss: That price you’re paying? 100% of it doesn’t go into the stylist’s pocket. It goes into keeping the entire experience running. The space. The service. The systems. The support. So when you see a $400 color session, that’s not someone being greedy. That’s a business model that creates a consistent, elevated experience—and that takes investment. And let’s not forget—this is where expertise plays a major role. You’re not just paying for the two hours in the chair…You’re paying for the two, four, even six months your hair still looks amazing afterward. You’re paying for results that last. You’re investing in the longevity of your confidence. A good stylist wants you to feel beautiful when you walk out the door. A great stylist wants you to feel beautiful every day until you walk back in. That’s part of the experience. That’s part of the price tag. That’s where the $500 comes from.

The Close

This industry is too powerful, too personal, and too creative to keep pretending it’s one-size-fits-all. Let’s stop comparing. Let’s stop assuming. Let’s stop apologizing. Let’s build a culture where stylists can grow with less noise. Where pricing is respected. Where value is earned. And where clients and stylists meet in the middle—with honesty, transparency, and trust. It all comes down to staying in your lane. If you’re a stylist—be honest about what you offer and where you’re at in your journey. Don’t fake it. Don’t mimic someone else’s highlight reel. Earn your value and be proud of it. If you’re a client—ask questions. Do your research .Understand what you’re paying for and why. Choose the provider who aligns with your expectations, your values, and your budget. This isn’t just another post trying to justify pricing .Well—it is. But I’d rather call this clarity. Stylists are tired of being misunderstood. This isn’t about judgment. This isn’t just another opinion piece.

The $5 Haircut vs. The $500 Haircut

This exists to explain the truth—the truth that lives when you go beyond the chair.