How Much is a Haircut? Average Price Guide (2026)

Whether you’re new to an area, switching barbers, or just wondering if you’re overpaying, knowing the going rate for a haircut helps. UK haircut prices vary a lot by region, the type of cut, and what’s included — so here’s the full breakdown for 2026.

Average UK Haircut Prices (2026)

Men’s Haircuts

• Standard barbershop cut: £15–£25 (outside London)
• London barbershop cut: £25–£40
• Skin fade / detailed cut: £20–£35
• Cut + beard trim package: £25–£45
• Premium / Mayfair-style barber: £40–£70+

Women’s Haircuts

• Cut and blow-dry (standard salon): £35–£60
• London salon cut and finish: £55–£85+
• Dry cut (no wash/blow-dry): £20–£35
• Restyle (major change): £45–£90
• High-end / celebrity salon: £90–£150+

Children’s Haircuts

• Under-12s cut: £10–£20
• Teen cut: £12–£25

What Affects the Price?

1. Location

This is the biggest factor. A cut in central London can easily cost double what you’d pay in Leeds, Glasgow, or Cardiff. Even within London, prices drop significantly in outer boroughs compared to Zone 1. The South East generally runs higher than the North and Midlands.

2. What’s Included

A basic barbershop cut might be clippers-and-scissors, no wash. A salon cut and finish includes consultation, wash, cut, and blow-dry styling. Always check what’s included — a £20 cut with no wash isn’t necessarily cheaper than a £30 cut with wash, cut, and finish.

3. Stylist Seniority

Many salons use tiered pricing: junior stylist, stylist, senior stylist, creative director. A junior might charge £30 while the creative director charges £70 for the same cut. Juniors are often excellent value — they’re trained to the salon’s standards and keen to impress.

4. Hair Length and Complexity

Long, thick hair takes more time and product, so it costs more. Complex styles like fades with designs, or restyles from long to short, also command higher prices.

Colouring Prices (for Reference)

If you’re adding colour, budget considerably more:

• Root tint / regrowth: £40–£70
• Full head colour: £55–£95
• Half head highlights: £60–£110
• Full head highlights / balayage: £90–£180+

Regional Price Differences Across the UK

To give you a clearer picture, here’s roughly what you’d pay for a standard men’s cut and a women’s cut and finish in different parts of the country:

• London (central): Men £28–£45 / Women £55–£95
• London (outer boroughs): Men £20–£32 / Women £40–£65
• South East (e.g. Brighton, Reading): Men £18–£30 / Women £38–£60
• Midlands (e.g. Birmingham, Nottingham): Men £15–£25 / Women £32–£55
• North (e.g. Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle): Men £14–£24 / Women £30–£52
• Scotland (e.g. Glasgow, Edinburgh): Men £15–£26 / Women £32–£55
• Wales & Northern Ireland: Men £14–£24 / Women £30–£50

These are typical high-street ranges — you’ll always find cheaper and pricier options at either end.

Do You Tip in the UK?

Tipping isn’t obligatory in the UK, unlike in the US. That said, it’s common to round up or add £2–£5 for good service, and many people tip more generously at Christmas. If you pay by card, ask if tips go to the stylist — some salons pool them. A genuine thank-you and rebooking mean as much as cash to most barbers and stylists.

How to Save Money on Haircuts

• Try a junior stylist — same salon standards, lower price.
• Look for off-peak deals. Some salons discount Tuesday–Thursday appointments.
• Check training academies. Colleges like the London School of Barbering offer cheap cuts by supervised trainees.
• Ask about loyalty schemes. Many barbershops do “every 6th cut free” cards.
• Stretch the gap. A good cut grows out well — going 6 weeks instead of 4 saves you 30% a year.
• Student discount. Many salons offer 10–20% off with valid student ID.
• Dry cuts. Skipping the wash and blow-dry can save £10–£15.
• Compare before you commit. Price-comparison and money-saving sites like MoneySavingExpert regularly feature salon deals and discount codes.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation also publishes guidance on fair pricing in the industry, which can help you judge whether a quote is reasonable for your area.

FAQs

How much is a haircut at a Turkish barbershop?

Turkish barbershops are popular across the UK and typically charge £15–£30 for a cut, often including a hot towel finish and extras like ear/nose hair singeing. Great value for the experience.

Why are women’s haircuts more expensive than men’s?

They take longer (wash, cut, blow-dry, styling), use more product, and involve more complex techniques. The price reflects the time and skill involved, not the gender as such — a man with long hair getting a salon cut and finish would pay similar prices.

How much should I pay for my child’s first haircut?

Many barbershops offer first-haircut packages for £10–£15, sometimes including a certificate and a lock of hair. It’s a lovely keepsake — worth asking about.

Are expensive haircuts worth it?

Sometimes. A great cut from a skilled stylist grows out better and needs less daily effort. But price doesn’t always equal quality — a £25 barber who knows your hair beats a £70 salon that doesn’t. Find someone good and stick with them.

Conclusion

Budget £15–£35 for a men’s cut and £35–£85 for a women’s cut and finish in the UK, with London at the top end. Check what’s included, consider a junior stylist for value, and remember that the best haircut isn’t the most expensive one — it’s the one from someone who understands your hair.