Mobile Hair Colour Prices in the UK Explained
What mobile hair colour typically costs in the UK, from root touch-ups to highlights and full colour changes, and how to avoid unexpected extras.
Hair colour is the most variable part of any hairdresser's price list. A quick root tint and a full balayage are different jobs in terms of time, skill and materials, and the price reflects that. Understanding how colour is priced helps you ask the right questions before you commit.
Rough price ranges
As a general guide, and bearing in mind that prices vary by region, stylist experience and hair length, you may typically see:
- Root tint or regrowth: around £35 to £65
- All-over single colour: around £50 to £100
- Half-head highlights or foils: around £60 to £110
- Full head highlights: around £80 to £150
- Balayage or freehand techniques: often £100 to £250 or more
- Toner or gloss: around £15 to £35 as an add-on
- Colour correction: usually quoted individually
London and the South East are typically higher. Long, thick or very dark hair that is being lightened tends to take longer and needs more product.
Why colour costs vary so much
Time
Lightening hair in stages, applying foils and waiting for processing all take time. A mobile stylist is dedicating a large slot to you, often several hours, and may not be able to book other clients around it.
Product quantity
Longer and thicker hair uses more colour and lightener. Many stylists base pricing partly on length for this reason.
Skill and consultation
A change from dark brown to blonde, or correcting a previous colour, needs knowledge and experience. This is where cheap quotes often become expensive in the long run.
Aftercare and toning
Colour is rarely finished at the washing stage. A toner, treatment or blow-dry may be extra.
The patch test and why it affects your booking
Most professional stylists will want a patch test before applying permanent colour, especially if you are a new client or have switched products. This is normally done at least 48 hours beforehand. It means you may need an extra short visit or a conversation before the main appointment. Read our guide on why a hair colour patch test matters.
Getting an accurate quote
The more you tell the stylist, the more accurate the quote. Include:
- Your current colour, and whether it has been coloured before
- A photo of your hair in natural light, plus an inspiration picture
- Hair length and thickness
- How much grey or regrowth there is
- Any products you have used at home, including box dye
Be honest about box dye. Previous home colour can behave unpredictably, and a stylist who knows in advance can plan properly and give a realistic price and timeline.
Ways to keep costs sensible
- Choose lower-maintenance colour. Root shadow or softer blends grow out more gracefully than strong regrowth lines.
- Schedule regular root appointments. Little and often can be simpler than a big correction.
- Ask about phased changes. Going much lighter in one sitting can be risky for hair. A staged plan may cost more in total but is kinder to your hair.
- Compare at-home care. See hair colour at home vs salon colour if you are weighing up options.
Booking through Compito
You can describe the colour you want when you send a request, share photos, and ask what the offer includes. Providers on Compito are ID-verified, and you can read reviews left after completed bookings. Messaging lets you agree details such as a patch test before the main appointment. More on the process is on the how it works page.
A worked example
Suppose you want a root tint and a gloss. A rough illustration for a mobile colourist might be £50 to £90 for a root tint, plus £20 to £40 for a gloss or toner, and a cut and blow-dry on top at £40 to £70. That could bring the total to somewhere between roughly £110 and £200 for a full visit, depending on your hair length, region and the colourist's experience. London and the South East are usually higher.
What changes the cost most
- Hair length and density: more hair needs more product and time.
- Starting point: going from dark to blonde takes multiple steps and costs more than a root touch-up.
- Technique: a single colour is cheaper than balayage or foils.
- Corrective work: fixing a home dye often costs more than starting fresh.
- Products: premium colour lines can add to the price.
Always ask for a full quote
- Is a patch test required, and is it free?
- Is toner or gloss included?
- What about a cut or blow-dry?
- Will I need follow-up appointments to reach this look?
- How long should the colour last before I rebook?
Planning the long game
Some colours are cheap to start but expensive to maintain, while others cost more at first but grow out gracefully. Ask your colourist about how many visits per year you should budget for. For help with the patch test, see hair colour patch test: why it matters.
Saving without compromising
Booking regular appointments, extending time between colours with a root shadow, or grouping a visit with a family member can all help. Be wary of shortcuts that skip testing or consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a mobile colour appointment priced per length?
Because product use and time increase with length and thickness. A short crop needs far less colour and processing time than waist-length hair, so a flat price would be unfair to one customer or the other.
Can a mobile hairdresser do highlights at home?
Yes, many can. It helps to have good natural light, a sink or wash area, and a comfortable seat. Confirm what the stylist needs before the day.
Is it cheaper to colour my own hair?
A box kit is cheaper per use, but results can be unpredictable and corrections can be costly. A professional is generally a better option for big colour changes or if you have previously coloured or bleached hair.