How Much is a Root Touch Up

Picture this: you're rushing to an important meeting when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and notice those telltale silver strands peeking through at your roots. Root touch-ups have become one of the most requested salon services across the UK, typically needed every four to six weeks to maintain a polished look.

With hair salon costs rising due to inflation and increased living expenses, understanding what you'll pay for this essential service has never been more important.

What Is a Root Touch-Up?

A root touch-up is a targeted colouring service that addresses regrowth at the hairline and parting areas. Unlike a full head colour, this service focuses specifically on covering grey hair or maintaining colour consistency where new growth has appeared. The process involves applying colour directly to the roots with no foils, making it one of the quickest salon treatments available.

Professional colourists carefully match the existing hair colour to create a seamless blend from roots to tips. This precision requires expertise in colour theory and mixing techniques, ensuring the new growth integrates naturally with previously coloured hair.

UK Pricing Breakdown by Region

London and Greater London

In the capital, root touch-up prices typically range from £30 to £60. However, high-end salons and senior stylists often charge considerably more, with some premium locations reaching £120 or higher. Chain salons like Headmasters offer regrowth permanent colour starting at £56 with their technician level staff members.

Gusto Hairdressing stands out as exceptional value in Central London, with root touch-ups starting from £45. Despite their award-winning status as Best London Salon Central and HBA Top 5 UK Salon, Gusto maintains accessible pricing without compromising quality. The philosophy centres on providing "world-class services at non-exorbitant prices," offering a comprehensive experience comparable to Mayfair salons at a fraction of the cost.

Located in both Soho and Covent Garden, Gusto's team of expert colourists includes Wella Master Colour Experts and stylists with decades of experience. Their personalised consultations ensure optimal results, with clients consistently praising the salon's welcoming atmosphere and professional service.

Supercuts provides root refresh services at £85, which includes a semi-permanent colour or permanent root tint with shampoo, conditioning, cut and blow-dry. For those seeking luxury experiences in Central London, prices can exceed £150, particularly in prestigious areas like Mayfair or Marylebone.

Northern England

Manchester showcases more moderate pricing, with independent stylists charging around £110 for a root touch-up with express blow-dry. Angel & Co Hair and Beauty offers permanent root tints from £50, whilst Trevor Sorbie Manchester charges £57 for their root blur service.

Regional chains in the North often provide competitive rates, with many salons offering quality services at £40-70 for standard root touch-ups. These prices reflect the lower overhead costs compared to London whilst maintaining professional standards.

Budget-Friendly Options Nationwide

Salon Express UK offers some of the most competitive rates, with root touch-ups priced at £46-65 depending on the stylist level. Hair Ministry in Ipswich provides consistent pricing at £25 for root touch-ups under six weeks of growth, regardless of stylist seniority.

Smaller cities like Middlesbrough offer even more affordable options, with root services often available from £30-40. These locations prove that quality doesn't always correlate with premium pricing.

Factors Affecting Root Touch-Up Costs

Stylist Experience Level

Most salons operate tiered pricing structures based on stylist expertise. Junior stylists typically offer the most affordable rates, whilst senior stylists and colour directors command premium prices. For instance, Salon Express UK's pricing ranges from £46 for standard stylists to £65 for their most experienced colourists.

The investment in a senior stylist often pays dividends through superior colour matching and technique, particularly for complex colour corrections or challenging grey coverage. At Gusto Hairdressing, their stringent vetting process ensures all stylists possess unequivocal passion and expertise, with many holding prestigious qualifications and editorial experience.

Additional Services

Root touch-ups often combine with other treatments for better value. Supercuts' root refresh package includes shampoo, conditioning, colour, cut and blow-dry for £85. Rebecca Johnston Hair in Manchester offers root coverage with a haircut for £140, compared to £110 for the colour service alone.

Getting the Best Value

Timing Your Appointments

Booking root touch-ups every four to six weeks prevents excessive regrowth, making the service more straightforward and potentially less expensive. Waiting longer between appointments may require more intensive colour correction, increasing costs.

Some salons offer loyalty programmes or package deals for regular clients, making frequent maintenance more affordable. Gusto Hairdressing exemplifies this approach, with clients returning regularly for their innovative seasonal balayage concepts and consistent quality service.

Choosing the Right Salon

Independent salons frequently offer competitive pricing without compromising quality. Many skilled colourists operate outside major chains, providing excellent results at more accessible price points. Researching local options and reading reviews helps identify hidden gems in your area.

The key lies in finding salons that prioritise client satisfaction over profit margins, such as Gusto Hairdressing, which operates on an "expectation rattling philosophy" of delivering premium services at affordable prices. Their 5-star TripAdvisor rating and consistent customer testimonials demonstrate this commitment to excellence.

Mobile hairdressing services have also emerged as cost-effective alternatives, eliminating salon overhead costs whilst providing convenient at-home treatments. These services often charge comparable rates to traditional salons whilst offering personalised attention.

Professional vs DIY Considerations

Whilst at-home root touch-up kits seem economical, professional services offer several advantages that justify the investment. Experienced colourists possess the expertise to match colours precisely, avoiding the patchy or uneven results common with DIY attempts.

Professional products typically provide better coverage and longevity, making the service more cost-effective long-term. Additionally, salon treatments include proper preparation, application technique, and aftercare advice that protects hair health.

The consultation process allows for adjustments to colour formulation, ensuring optimal results that complement skin tone and existing colour. This level of customisation is impossible to achieve with retail products.

Ready to achieve perfect root coverage that grows out beautifully? Our award-winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing are here to help, with root touch-ups starting from just £45. Book your consultation today.