How Much Does a Mobile Hairdresser Cost in the UK?
A realistic guide to mobile hairdresser prices in the UK, what affects the bill, and how to compare quotes so there are no surprises on the day.
Mobile hairdressers travel to you, which is convenient but makes pricing a little different from walking into a salon. There is no single national price list, so the most useful thing is to understand what drives the figure and how to read a quote properly.
Typical price ranges
Prices vary by region, treatment and the experience of the stylist. London and the South East are usually higher than the North, Wales or Scotland. As a rough guide, you will typically see:
- Women's cut and blow-dry: around £35 to £70
- Men's cut: around £18 to £35
- Children's cut: around £12 to £25
- Restyle or long, thick hair: often at the upper end or above
- Wedding or event styling: frequently quoted separately, sometimes £60 to £150 or more
Treat these as ballpark figures only. A highly experienced stylist with a long waiting list will usually charge more than someone newly qualified, and that can be perfectly reasonable.
What changes the price
Travel and convenience
Some mobile stylists build travel into their hourly rate, others add a separate call-out charge, and some set a minimum spend. If you are on the edge of someone's service area, expect a higher figure.
Time and hair length
Pricing is often based on how long the appointment takes. Very long, thick or heavily layered hair takes more time to cut and dry. A fringe trim is quick; a full restyle is not.
Extra services
A cut is only part of the picture. Toners, conditioning treatments, colour, root touch-ups and heat styling are often priced as add-ons. Always ask what the headline price actually includes.
Timing
Weekends, evenings and bank holidays can cost more because they are in demand. Early weekday slots are sometimes cheaper or easier to secure.
How to compare quotes fairly
Prices only make sense when you are comparing like with like. When you ask for quotes, give each provider the same details:
- Hair length and thickness (a photo helps)
- What you want done: cut only, cut and finish, colour, or a combination
- Your postcode and whether anyone else in the household wants a trim
- Any access notes, such as stairs or a ground-floor bathroom with a sink
Then check whether the quote includes travel, products and any minimum charge. A slightly higher quote that is fully inclusive can work out cheaper than a low quote that grows on the day.
Saving money without cutting corners
- Book several people in one visit. If friends or family are nearby, a stylist may be able to see multiple clients in one trip, which can reduce the effective travel cost per head. Our guide to group bookings and pamper days at home covers how to organise this.
- Space appointments sensibly. Rebooking before your hair has grown out too far can mean quicker, simpler appointments. See how often to get a haircut.
- Be clear about what you want. Vague requests lead to long consultations or extra work.
Be wary of prices that look far below the typical range. Low rates are not always a red flag, but they are worth a conversation about what is included.
Using Compito to compare
On Compito you search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, and send a request describing what you need. The provider replies with an offer, and you can accept and pay online. You can message them first to clarify what is included, and reviews from completed bookings help you gauge what other customers experienced. You can read more in how it works.
A worked example
Imagine you want a restyle and blow-dry and your hairdresser visits you at home. A rough illustration might be a cut and blow-dry of around £45 to £90 depending on length and region, plus a travel charge. If you add a half head of highlights, the price will rise considerably because of the extra product, time and skill. Always ask for the total before the appointment, including anything extra. Prices vary and London and the South East are usually higher.
Hidden variables
- Hair length and density: long or thick hair takes longer and uses more product.
- Changing colour: correcting a previous colour is often priced separately.
- Number of people: a household booking can reduce the per-person price.
- Parking and distance: rural visits may cost more.
- Time of day: early, late or weekend slots can carry a premium.
Questions to ask for a clear quote
- What exactly is included in this price?
- Is there a travel fee, and how is it calculated?
- Would a patch test or consultation be extra?
- Do you charge for products used during the visit?
- What if the appointment takes longer than expected?
Spotting a quote that is too good
A very low price is not always a bargain. Ask about experience, qualifications and what is included. Reading reviews from completed bookings helps give context. Be cautious if the provider is vague about what the price covers.
Plan the longer term
A regular cut every six to eight weeks costs less per year than lots of corrective visits. See how often should you get a haircut to plan your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mobile hairdresser more expensive than a salon?
Sometimes, but not always. You are paying partly for convenience and one-to-one time, so the per-visit cost can be higher than a busy salon. Many people find it balances out once travel costs, parking and time away from home are taken into account.
Do I need to tip a mobile hairdresser?
Tipping is optional and a thank-you for good service rather than an expectation. Many self-employed stylists set their own prices to reflect their time, so a tip is a bonus. Our guide on tipping mobile beauty therapists goes into more detail.
Why was my quote different from a price I saw online?
Advertised prices are often starting points. The final figure depends on hair length, thickness, the specific service and any travel. Always ask for a quote based on your details so the number you accept is the number you pay.