Salon Pricing Strategy: Set Prices That Sustain You
Cost-plus, value-based, and tiered pricing — pick the model that fits your salon.
9 min read
Cost-plus — calculate cost per service (labor + product + overhead) and add target margin. Reliable, but slow to adjust to market.
Value-based — price to the outcome (e.g., bridal trial that anchors a $4k wedding). Best for specialty work.
Tiered (junior/senior/master) — keeps a price ladder for client retention as stylists grow.
Most common mistake
Under-pricing during slow seasons and forgetting to raise prices when fully booked. Annual increases are normal — communicate them 60 days in advance.