Hair bleaching has been a hair color trend for a while. It’s a chemical process that involves stripping your hair’s color pigment, resulting in lighter hair color. It begins with an alkaline agent that helps open up the hair cuticle. Next, an oxidative agent penetrates the hair cortex, dissolving the hair’s natural melanin (color).
How Much Does It Cost to Bleach Black Hair? The cost of bleaching your hair professionally depends on the length, how dark it is, the method used, and the desired level of lightening. Bleaching costs range from as low as $150 to $300 and upwards. Even when you purchase an at-home kit online for as low as $13, you still need supplies to keep your skin and bathroom safe.
Key Takeaways
- Hair bleaching prices range from as low as $150 to $300 and upwards, depending on whether you wish to do it at home or visit a professional stylist.
- The longer and more tedious the hair bleaching process, the higher the amount the stylist will likely charge you.
- Although it might be more costly to visit the salon, you’re guaranteed professional tools and salon-grade products.
- For at-home hair bleaching, purchasing a hair bleaching kit minimizes your costs because you’ll find several products.
- Cost aside, there are better chances of achieving your desired color when using a professional than at home.
This article covers the costs of purchasing supplies for a DIY attempt or booking your professional bleaching service.
Hair Bleach Cost at Hair Salons
How much you spend bleaching your hair depends on the:
- Salon
- Stylist
- Hair length
- Hair type
- Expectations
- Budget
In general, the more you spend, the better the results because achieving a blonde shade may require multiple sessions to achieve an even, natural tone.
Although it’s pretty expensive, the salon is better if you have darker hair.
So, how much does it cost to bleach your hair at the salon? Prices range between $150 to $300 and upwards. Remember that the more complicated the hair color, the more bleach application sessions you need. That makes the service more expensive.
When you visit a salon, your appointment typically includes services to color and tone the hair. Depending on the technique used, hair bleaching costs $70 to $200. Toning can cost you between $50 and $70.
After the appointment, the stylist should recommend a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Moreover, it’s vital not to go for cheap products. Using low-grade products means all the hard work the stylist put in won’t last. Using inferior products translates to your hair not getting the nourishment it requires.
Some advantages of having your hair bleached professionally include the following:
- The stylist offers a solution if you don’t achieve the intended result at the end
- There are minimal chances of damage or need for correction afterward
- You’ll receive a recommendation for the necessary aftercare products and tips
- You get even application throughout your hair
- There are better chances of achieving the desired color with a professional than when you do it at home
- You experience expertise in safely and correctly applying the bleach
- You’ll get a recommendation for the shades that fit your hair goals perfectly
- The stylist offers care advice if your hair isn’t healthy enough for bleaching
Related: How Long Should You Wait To Bleach Your Hair Again?
Cost of At-Home Hair Bleaching
You should expect to spend at least $55 up to $250 if you bleach your hair at home. What impacts the cost are the same factors that influence salon costs. The significant difference is that you can choose the size and quality of products.
Related: How Long to Leave Bleach in Hair? Follow The Guide
Here are some of the supplies you need to bleach your hair from home, along with their price ranges:
Item | Purpose | Cost Range |
Toner | Hair color corrector | $9-$30+ |
Hair Color | For hair coloring after bleach | $8-$35+ |
Gloves | Protects hands when handling bleach or other chemicals | $5-$25+ |
Mixing Bowls | For holding bleach, hair color, or other products. Comes with new kits | If purchased separately $6-$25+ |
Hair Foil | Helps section the hair | $4-$35+ |
Shampoo | For washing the bleach and other products | $5-$20+ |
Bleach | To lighten your hair | $5-$45+ |
Heavy Duty Cleaners | For cleaning up stains or spills | $4-$35+ |
Developer | Helps the hair color to deposit on the hair | $4-$25+ |
Brushes | For product application on the hair; usually come with the kits | $3-$15+ when purchased separately |
Hair Clips | Used to section the hair | $1-$15+ |
Towels, T-shirts, or Old Rags | For covering up your body and the surrounding areas | You can use the ones you have at home |
Hair Bleach Powder | Used together with the developer | $5-$40 |
Creme Bleach (Creme Lightener) | Used as a less intense option in place of the bleach powder and has more nourishing ingredients | $4-$25 |
Although bleaching your hair from home helps you save money, ensure you invest in quality products to keep your hair safe.
Pros of At-Home Bleaching
Some benefits of bleaching your hair from home include the following:
- It keeps you from visiting stylists who may not know how to work with your hair type
- Use bleaching kits that come with most of the supplies you’ll need
- If you get the bleaching process right, you end up saving on labor charges and get the most value from your supplies
Cons of At-Home Bleaching
The disadvantages of bleaching your hair from home include:
- If you mess up while bleaching your hair from home, you’ll need to visit the salon for repair, and you’ll need to purchase more products to help heal your scalp and hair.
- The healing process after damage may take longer and could prevent you from seeking chemical treatments until you achieve healthy hair again.
Related: How to Bleach Bath Hair to Remove Color
Factors That Affect the Cost
Various factors affect the cost of hair bleaching. They are:
- Desired Level of Lightening
The bleaching process is quite time-consuming and tedious if you have black or brunette hair. Thus, the darker the hair, the more expensive the bleaching becomes as opposed to if you’re performing a retouch. After all, your stylist’s goal is to achieve an even bleach while avoiding patchy results.
- Hair Length
Shorter hair involves much less work compared to lengthy hair. You should therefore consider your time budget as much as the finances before getting the service done.
- Hair Thickness
Thicker hair requires more product than less dense hair. Therefore, consult your stylist before to know the amount of product you’ll need to use for budgeting in advance.
- Salon Location
It’ll cost you more if you visit a salon in high-end areas. Confirm the costs before setting up an appointment with the stylist.
Hair Bleach –Tips for Saving Money
Here are some money-saving tips to consider when bleaching your hair:
- If you have the know-how, you can save money by bleaching your hair at home
- Avoid visiting salons in high-end areas, which might mean you have to spend more than necessary to get your hair done
- Choose cheaper but great quality products because sometimes more expensive products don’t necessarily mean they’re worth it
- Opt for kits when bleaching from home because they come with most of the supplies you need
- Grow your natural hair to have an even base because it’s harder to work on multi-colored hair which makes the process more expensive
- Lookout for salons offering coupons or discounts and take advantage of them
- The more work your hair requires, the more expensive it becomes. Thus, it’s advisable that if you’re on a budget, you should choose a less dramatic hairstyle.
Salon vs. Home: Which Way to Go?
Bleaching your hair can be costly, and you should determine whether you understand how to do it at home or if visiting the stylist is your best option. Bleaching your hair at home can be tricky, and you must do it right. It includes following all instructions, donning protective gear, and taking all the proper precautions.
If you must visit the salon, then take your time to compare the cost differences with different stylists. At the end of the day, you want to ensure you stay within budget and simultaneously get value for your money. You should compare prices and shop around for the best deal before deciding.
How Much is Hair Bleach: FAQs
All it takes to do away with bleached hair is to let natural hair grow. How long it takes depends mostly on how rapidly your hair grows, but it usually takes two to three years. Alternatively, you can dye the hair back to its original color.
- Is It Worth Bleaching Your Hair at Home?
Yes, it’s worth it to bleach your hair at home if you know how to do it well. It’ll help you save on costs if the stylist does it. However, for better results, you should visit the salon.
- Is it Okay to Just Bleach Your Hair?
Yes, it’s okay to bleach your hair if it passes all the minimum requirements to withstand the bleaching chemicals. Before bleaching, whether at home or a salon, you’ll need professional advice to determine if you qualify.
- How Much is Hair Bleach at Sally’s?
Hair bleach at Sally’s ranges between $5 and $30. Check out their page for a wide selection of hair-bleaching brands to choose whatever fits your needs.
- How Much to Bleach and Dye Hair at Salon?
Bleaching and dyeing hair at the salon ranges between $150-$300 and above. Prices depend on factors such as current hair color, hair thickness, hair length, and salon location. Remember, the darker the hair, the more the bleaching application sessions, and the more expensive it becomes.
Conclusion
Bleaching your hair can be costly, and you should determine whether you understand how to do it at home or if visiting the stylist is your best option. Bleaching your hair at home can be tricky, and you must do it right. It includes following all instructions, donning protective gear, and taking all the proper precautions.
If you must visit the salon, then take your time to compare the cost differences with different stylists. At the end of the day, you want to ensure you stay within budget and simultaneously get value for your money. You should compare prices and shop around for the best deal before deciding.