Salon Pricing Guide: Setting the Right Prices for Your Services
Pricing your salon services can feel like a balancing act. Charge too much, and clients might look elsewhere. Charge too little, and you risk undercutting your own value. The key is finding that sweet spot—where your rates reflect the quality of your work, support your business goals, and meet the expectations of your target audience.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the process of setting salon prices that make sense for your business and your clients. Plus, we’ll touch on when and how to raise prices, what strategies to consider, and how to stay profitable in a competitive industry.
What Impacts Your Salon Pricing?
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to pricing your services. Instead, you’ll want to take a few key factors into account:
1. Operating Costs
Rent, utilities, staff wages, and product costs all need to be factored in. Make sure your prices cover these essentials while still generating a healthy profit. As costs rise, your pricing should adapt accordingly.
2. Competitor Pricing
Research what others in your area are charging for similar services. This helps you gauge market expectations and position yourself accordingly. Just be careful not to fall into a price war—your value goes beyond just cost.
💡 Pro Tip: As a member of the ISOCLEAN Pro Programme, you’ll be part of a supportive community of professionals where pricing, positioning, and profitability are common discussion topics. Get insight from those who’ve been there.
3. Quality of Service
If you're using premium tools, providing a luxe experience, or offering expert-level treatments, your prices should reflect that. Customers are usually happy to pay more when they feel the difference in quality.
4. Type of Services Offered
Not every service brings in the same margin. Some are high-volume and quick, while others are more specialized and time-consuming. A well-balanced price list factors in both profitability and customer appeal.
5. Location
Whether you’re in a busy city centre or a smaller town, location affects pricing. Higher rent areas and trend-forward cities often come with clients who expect to pay more—just make sure your service backs it up.
How to Set the Right Price for Your Salon Services
Once you’ve looked at the basics, it’s time to build a pricing structure that supports your business. Here's where to start:
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Calculate Costs: Tally up what it costs you to perform each service—products, time, energy, and overhead.
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Define Your Profit Margin: Decide how much you want to make per service and add it to your base cost.
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Check Demand: High-demand services can often be priced higher—just be mindful of client sensitivity.
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Benchmark Competitors: Keep an eye on your local market, but don’t feel pressured to match every price.
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Salon Pricing Models That Work
There are several pricing approaches salons use depending on their clientele and goals:
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Hourly Rates: Ideal for custom services or treatments where time varies.
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Set Pricing per Service: Keeps things simple and predictable for both you and your clients.
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Package Deals: Bundle services to increase value and upsell without pressure.
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Limited-Time Offers: Great for attracting new clients, but use sparingly to avoid undercutting long-term value.
What Services Are Most Profitable?
Some treatments naturally bring in higher margins, especially when they require low product use and high expertise. These often include:
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Luxury add-ons like hair extensions or bridal styling
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Quick-turnaround services such as brows, waxing, and facials
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Seasonal services like holiday makeup or special event packages
Maximising profitability doesn’t mean doing everything—it means doing the right things well.
🚀 The ISOCLEAN Pro Programme is here to support you in identifying what services bring the best returns and how to market them strategically. Plus, members get lifetime 50% off ISOCLEAN hygiene products, keeping your costs down and standards high.
How (and When) to Raise Your Prices
Raising your prices can feel nerve-wracking—but it’s often necessary for growth. You might need to adjust your rates when:
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Your salon is fully booked and demand is high
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Supplier or energy costs have gone up
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You’ve added premium offerings or advanced techniques
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You’re due for a brand refresh
To keep your clients on board:
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Give them a heads-up before changes go into effect
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Highlight any service improvements or upgrades
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Consider a tiered pricing approach with options for different budgets
Staying Competitive Without Cutting Your Value
It's tempting to compete on price alone, especially if a new salon opens nearby. But staying competitive doesn't mean being the cheapest—it means being the best value. Focus on what sets you apart:
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Your expertise and experience
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Consistent cleanliness and hygiene
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Personalised service and attention to detail
And don’t forget: marketing plays a big role in client perception. Let people know why your services are worth it.
💬 Need help building your brand story and showcasing your value? The ISOCLEAN Pro community is full of seasoned professionals and industry mentors ready to support your journey—day or night.
Should Mobile Services Be Priced Differently?
Offering treatments on the go can save you overhead costs—but don’t automatically assume mobile = cheaper. Many clients see at-home services as a luxury and are willing to pay more for the convenience.
Be sure to account for travel time, setup, and mileage when setting these prices. If you’re bringing a high-end experience to their doorstep, your pricing should reflect that.
Review Your Prices Regularly
The beauty industry moves fast—and so should your pricing strategy. Schedule regular reviews (annually at minimum) and be open to adjusting based on:
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Consistently full books or waitlists
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Increased product or service costs
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Market changes in your area
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Services that aren’t bringing in expected revenue
Final Thoughts
Your pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s a reflection of your expertise, your experience, and your brand. By staying aware of the numbers, understanding your value, and reviewing your strategy regularly, you can create a pricing structure that’s fair, profitable, and sustainable.
Ready to take control of your pricing—and your business growth?
Join the ISOCLEAN Pro Programme for access to industry knowledge, peer support, exclusive discounts, and the confidence to run your salon like a true professional.
