Ombre highlights are a choice when you want a lighter blended color that does not change too sharply. Ombre highlight pricing can differ based on your hair length, hair color, and the treatment you pick. When you compare prices, it is important to see what is included, such as a toner, a haircut, or a blow‑dry. In this guide I will look at ombre highlight prices across the UK and London, compare the treatment options, and show the prices at Patel Sisters Clinic.
What Is an Ombre Highlights Treatment?
Ombre highlights produce a color shift from darker roots to lighter ends. Ombre highlights blend the color throughout the hair, giving a transition instead of a sharp line between shades. Ombre highlights can be adjusted for hair colors and lengths depending on the result you want.
The process usually means lightening parts of the hair before the hair color is mixed and smoothed. A toner can also be used to get the hair shade and finish. The final result can go from caramel and honey tones to brighter blonde ends depending on the initial hair color and the chosen style.

How Much Do Ombre Highlights Cost in the UK?
Ombre highlights can cost between about £100 and £350 or even more in the UK. The price changes based on the salon, the length and thickness of your hair, and what the appointment includes. A basic ombre service might be cheaper. Adding toner, a haircut, and a blow‑dry can raise the cost. When checking out salons, it is better to look at the service details than just the starting price.
Typical Ombre Highlights Prices in the UK
Prices can vary between a local salon and a premium color specialist. A basic ombre service will usually sit at the lower end of the range, while a more complete service with toner and finishing can cost considerably more.
| Ombre Highlights Service | Lower-Priced Salons | Mid-Range Salons | Premium Salons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ombre Highlights | £100–£150 | £150–£200 | £200–£300+ |
| Ombre + Toner | £120–£170 | £170–£220 | £220–£320+ |
| Ombre + Haircut & Blow-dry | £130–£180 | £180–£230 | £230–£330+ |
| Ombre + Toner + Haircut & Blow-dry | £150–£200 | £200–£260 | £250–£350+ |
These prices can help give you an idea. They are not official UK prices. Some salons charge based on how the hair is, and others have a base price with extra costs for more products or longer time slots. Always look at the service to see which option gives the best value.
How Much Can Ombre Highlights Cost Over a Year?
The first appointment is not the cost to think about. Ombre highlights can stay looking good for months, but the color might start to fade over time. When the lighter sections lose their look, a touch-up may be needed. Some people go one or two times a year for a full service. Others like to keep things looking fresh with frequent visits.
| Maintenance Style | Example Annual Schedule | Estimated Yearly Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional | 2 full Ombre appointments | £200–£600 |
| Regular | 2 full Ombre + 2 toner refreshes | £300–£800 |
| High maintenance | 3 full Ombre + 2 toner refreshes | £400–£1,000+ |
For someone who wants to keep the same color throughout the year, the annual ombre highlights cost can, therefore, be quite different from the price of one appointment. Toner refreshes may be enough between full ombre appointments, while some clients may also add haircuts or conditioning treatments.
The best way to estimate your own yearly cost is to look at how often you realistically want your color refreshed, rather than simply multiplying the salon’s full treatment price by 12.
Ombre Highlights Cost by Hair Length
Hair length can make a noticeable difference to the cost of ombre highlights. Short hair usually needs less product and takes less time to work through, while longer or thicker hair needs more sections, product, and blending. The treatment you choose also matters, as toner, a haircut, and a blow-dry can all change the final price.

Ombre Highlights for Short Hair
Short hair generally needs less product and application time than longer hair. This can make it a more affordable option, although the final price still depends on what is included in the service.
For short hair, typical London prices can be around the following:
- Ombre Highlights with Blow-dry: A basic ombre service finished with a blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £145 to £200.
- Ombre incl. Toner & Blow-dry: Includes a toner to refine the color before the final blow dry. Typical London prices range from £175 to £240.
- Ombre Highlights, Haircut & Blow-dry: Combines the ombre service with a haircut and finished blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £200 to £275.
- Ombre incl. Toner, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes ombre, toner, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £225 to £320.
Ombre Highlights for Medium-Length Hair
Medium-length hair needs more product and working time than short hair. There is also more length to section and blend, so the price can move up when you choose a more complete service.
For medium-length hair, typical London prices can be around the following:
- Ombre Highlights with Blow-dry: A basic ombre service finished with a blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £155 to £210.
- Ombre incl. Toner & Blow-dry: Includes toner to refine and balance the finished color. Typical London prices range from £185 to £250.
- Ombre Highlights, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes the ombre service, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £210–£285.
- Ombre incl. Toner, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes the full color service with toner, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £240–£330.
Ombre Highlights for Long Hair
Long hair usually takes longer to section, lighten, and blend. More product may also be needed to work through the lengths and ends, which can increase the overall cost.
For long hair, typical London prices can be around the following:
- Ombre Highlights with Blow-dry: A basic ombre service finished with a blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £165 to £225.
- Ombre incl. Toner & Blow-dry: Includes toner and a finished blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £195 to £270.
- Ombre Highlights, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes ombre, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £220–£300.
- Ombre incl. Toner, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes ombre, toner, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £250–£350+.
Ombre Highlights for Thick or Extra-Long Hair
Hair thickness can matter just as much as length. Very thick or extra-long hair may need more sections, additional product, and a longer appointment. Some salons include this within their long-hair price, while others add a charge when considerably more work is required.
For thick or extra-long hair, typical London prices can be around the following:
- Ombre Highlights with Blow-dry: A basic ombre service finished with a blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £180–£250+.
- Ombre incl. Toner & Blow-dry: Includes toner and a finished blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £210–£290+.
- Ombre Highlights, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes ombre, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £240–£320+.
- Ombre incl. Toner, Haircut & Blow-dry: Includes ombre, toner, haircut, and blow-dry. Typical London prices range from £270–£380+.
Patel Sisters vs London Price at a Glance
If you want a quick comparison, the table below puts the main Ombre services side by side. This makes it easier to compare the Patel Sisters price with the typical London cost for a similar service.
| Treatment | Patel Sisters | Typical London Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ombre Highlights with Blow Dry | £190 | £145–£225 |
| Ombre incl. Toner & Blowdry | £240 | £175–£290 |
| Ombre Highlights, Haircut & Blowdry | £220 | £200–£320 |
| Ombre incl. Toner, Haircut & Blowdry | £260 | £225–£380 |
What Factors Affect the Cost of Ombre Highlights?
The cost of ombre highlights can be different for each person even if they want a style. Your original color and how your hair has been treated before. The shade you’re aiming for can affect how much effort the colorist has to put in.
Your Starting Hair Colour
- Natural hair: Natural hair can sometimes be easier to lighten because there is no previous artificial color to work through.
- Darker hair: Dark hair may need more lightening to create noticeably lighter ombre ends.
- Previously colored hair: Existing color can affect how evenly the new shade develops and may require additional color work.
- Amount of lightening: The more your hair needs to be lightened to reach your chosen shade, the more time and product may be needed.
Your Desired Ombre Colour
- Blonde tones: A lighter blonde ombre may require more lightening than a darker finish.
- Caramel tones: Caramel can give a softer transition and may need less dramatic lightening depending on your starting color.
- Ash tones: Ash shades may require careful toning to achieve the cooler finish without unwanted warmth.
- Warmer shades: Golden, honey, and other warm shades can require a different color and toning approach.
- Dramatic color changes: Moving from a very dark base to much lighter ends usually involves more work than creating a subtle ombre.
Your Hair Condition and Previous Colour Treatments
- Previously bleached hair: Already lightened hair may need a more careful approach because further lightening can make hair dry and brittle.
- Box dye: The previous box color can make the lightening process less predictable.
- Color correction: If an existing color needs correcting first, this can add extra time and cost.
- Hair condition: The colorist may recommend additional care if your hair is dry, fragile, or heavily processed.
- Additional work: Extra color services may be needed before the desired ombre shade can be achieved.
Toner, Treatments and Other Add-Ons
- Toner: A toner can be used to refine the final shade and control unwanted warmth.
- Hair treatments: Conditioning or restorative treatments may be added when the hair needs extra care.
- Bond-building treatments: These may be recommended during lightening to provide additional support for the hair.
- Additional color: More color work may be needed when the existing shade makes the desired ombre difficult to achieve.
- Cut and styling: A haircut or blow-dry may be included in some salon packages but charged separately by others.
Ombre Highlights vs Other Hair Colouring Techniques
Ombre can be compared with balayage, traditional highlights, or full hair color. They can all help you achieve a lighter-colored result, but the upkeep and price and even result of the treatments can vary enormously!

Ombre vs Balayage
- Color: Ombre starts darker. Gradually becomes lighter towards the ends. Balayage uses pieces painted through the hair.
- Look: Ombre shows a change from dark to light. Balayage gives a more natural look.
- Maintenance: Both can grow out softly, so you may not need frequent root appointments.
- Cost: Ombre can cost around £145–£350+ in London, while balayage is often around £150–£300+.
Ombre vs Traditional Highlights
- Color: Traditional highlights frequently use foils. They add pieces that come from closer, to the roots.
- Look: Highlights may need regular touch-ups as the roots grow. Highlights may need regular touch-ups as the roots grow.
- Maintenance: The highlights may need touch-ups. The roots grow out over time.
- Cost: Traditional highlights can cost about £100 to £250 or more. The cost of ombre can be about £145 to £350 or more in London.
Ombre vs Full Hair Colour
- Color: Ombre mainly lightens the lengths and ends, while full color is applied across the hair.
- Look: Ombre gives you different shades that blend together, while full color gives a more even color throughout.
- Maintenance: Ombre usually grows out more softly, while full color may need regular root touch-ups.
- Cost: Full hair color can cost around £80–£180+, while ombre can range from around £145–£350+ in London.
Ombre Highlights Pricing at Patel Sisters Clinic
Patel Sisters offers different ombre options depending on how you want your hair finished. The price also changes with hair length, so you can choose the service that suits your hair and the result you want.
| Ombre Highlights Service | Short Hair | Medium Hair | Long Hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ombre Highlights with Blow Dry | £150 | — | £190 |
| Ombre incl. Toner & Blowdry | £200 | £220 | £240 |
| Ombre Highlights, Haircut & Blowdry | £180 | — | £220 |
| Ombre incl. Toner, Haircut & Blowdry | £200 | £240 | £260 |
Why Choose Patel Sisters Clinic for Ombre Highlights?
Patel Sisters Clinic offers clear, hair-length-based pricing with different ombre options to suit your needs. You can choose a simple ombre with a blow-dry or a more complete service with toner, haircut, and blow-dry, making it easier to know what you are paying for before booking. The service can also be tailored to your starting hair color, hair condition, and the ombre shade you want, so the focus is on creating a result that suits your hair rather than using the same approach for everyone.

FAQs
How Long Do Ombre Highlights Last?
Ombre highlights usually last around 3–6 months. A toner may be enough to refresh the color as it fades.
Can I Get Ombre Highlights If I Have Dark Hair?
Yes. Dark hair may need more lightening, so the colorist may build the result gradually.
Will Ombre Highlights Damage My Hair?
Lightening can affect hair condition. Your starting hair and previous color treatments can make a difference.
Why Has My Ombre Turned Brassy?
Lightened hair can become warmer as the color fades. A toner may help refresh the shade without redoing the full ombre.
Do I Need a Full Ombre Again When the Color Fades?
Not always. If the ombre placement still looks good, a toner or color refresh may be all you need.