How Much Does Hair Colour Cost in Canada? (2026 Salon Guide)

Single-process hair colour is one of the most routinely booked salon services in Canada — whether that means an all-over shade change, a root touch-up to cover regrowth, or a grey-blending gloss. Based on publicly advertised prices collected from 41 independent Canadian businesses across 8 provinces in October 2026, all-over colour prices range from $85 to $135, with a national median of $110. The middle 50% of salons charge between $105 and $125.

Root touch-ups are a related but distinct service and are priced separately at most salons — typically lower, since they cover new growth only rather than the full length.

What single-process hair colour costs in Canada (2026)

All figures below are in CAD and exclude provincial sales tax, gratuity, and add-ons. The sample covers 41 independent businesses across 14 cities in 8 provinces.

The $110 median for all-over colour and $80 median for root touch-up represent the clearest national benchmarks this research can offer. The middle 50% for all-over colour is $105–$125.

The difference between all-over colour and a root touch-up

These two services share the same technique (permanent or semi-permanent colour application) but cover different territory:

All-over colour applies fresh colour from root to end across the full head. It is appropriate for a complete shade change, first-time colour, or when the lengths also need refreshing.

Root touch-up / regrowth application applies new colour to the new growth only. It is designed to maintain an existing colour, not change it. Because it covers less hair and uses less product, it is priced lower at most salons. For the root-only price sample, see our root touch-up cost guide.

Many clients who colour-treated their hair routinely visit for root touch-ups between less-frequent all-over colour sessions. The two services are rarely interchangeable, and booking the wrong one can result in uneven results or an unexpected charge at the chair.

Provincial prices for all-over colour

Ontario has the highest provincial median at $125, followed by British Columbia at $120. New Brunswick’s provincial median of $105 falls below the national median of $110. Nova Scotia, with only two salons in the sample, also recorded a $105 median — that figure is indicative rather than definitive.

City-by-city comparison for all-over colour

Notes on the table:

• Toronto and Vancouver share the same full range ($85–$135) but their medians differ — $125 vs $120 — reflecting slightly different market compositions in each city’s sample.
• Fredericton’s median of $105 and Saint John’s of $101.50 both sit at or below the national median, consistent with what was observed in the balayage and highlights samples for those markets.
• Moncton’s median of $110 matches the national median exactly, putting it squarely in the middle of the market.
• Cities with limited samples (n=2 or n=1) should be treated as indicative, not representative.

New Brunswick hair colour pricing

Hair colour was one of the most consistently priced services found in New Brunswick’s 14-salon sample, with the provincial range running $85 to $125. The spread is tighter than it appeared for balayage, which reflects the more standardized nature of single-process colour application.

Fredericton (5 salons — sufficient city sample)

All-over colour in Fredericton ranged from $85 to $115, with a median of $105. The $85 low end is below most other sampled cities and likely reflects a lower-price provider or introductory menu. The majority of established Fredericton salons publishing menus sat in the $95–$115 range. Explore Fredericton hair salons to compare current providers.

Moncton and Dieppe (5 salons — sufficient city sample)

Moncton’s range of $105 to $125 is notably narrower than Fredericton’s, with a median of $110. This suggests a more consistent pricing band among the Moncton salons surveyed. Clients in Moncton can reasonably expect most published all-over colour prices to fall in the $105–$120 range.

Saint John (4 salons — sufficient city sample)

Saint John had four salons in this sample, with prices from $95 to $125 and a median of $101.50. The median here is the lowest of the three New Brunswick cities, though the range overlaps significantly with Fredericton and Moncton. Four businesses is a sufficient sample for a general indicator, though the city is smaller than Moncton and some variation would be expected as more salons publish transparent pricing.

What drives the cost of hair colour

Single-process colour has a more predictable price structure than balayage or highlights, but several factors still cause the final bill to differ from the listed starting price.

All-over vs root only. The largest pricing split in this service category. An all-over colour takes more time, more product, and more technique than regrowth — typically $25 to $30 more in most markets.

Hair length and density. Thick hair or very long lengths require more colour. Many salons add an extra colour bowl charge — typically $20 to $35 per additional bowl needed.

Stylist seniority. The jump from junior to senior or master colourist is typically $25 to $90 more. This is the same tiered structure observed across all colour services.

Grey coverage requirements. Dense grey hair is sometimes more difficult to colour evenly and may require stronger or specialized formulas. Some salons note this as a factor; few publish a flat surcharge for it. Confirm at consultation if this applies to you.

Gloss or toner services. A demi-permanent gloss is sometimes booked as a standalone refresh between all-over colour sessions, typically priced between $45 and $75 depending on the salon. This is not the same as the toner included in a highlighting service — it is a full application of toner or demi to the existing colour.

Bond treatments. Olaplex, K18, or similar add-ons typically run $30 to $50 extra where offered. Not mandatory for routine colour, but sometimes recommended for previously bleached or compromised hair.

What is typically included

Typically included in the advertised all-over colour or root touch-up price:

• Pre-service consultation
• Colour mixing and application
• Processing time
• Rinse and basic finishing blow-dry

Commonly charged as extras:

• Extra colour product for thick or long hair ($20–$35 per bowl)
• Stylist seniority surcharge
• Bond builder treatment ($30–$50)
• Toner or gloss applied separately from the service
• Haircut or trim added to the appointment
• Provincial sales tax (HST/GST/PST not included in advertised menu prices)
• Gratuity (typically 15–20%)

Questions to ask before booking

• Is this price for all-over colour, or only regrowth / root touch-up?
• Does it cover grey hair specifically, or is there a surcharge for resistant grey?
• Is a toner or gloss included in the finish, or priced separately?
• Does the price apply to my hair length and density?
• Which stylist level is this appointment booked for?

Frequently asked questions

How much does hair colour cost at a salon in Canada?

Based on publicly advertised prices from 41 independent salons across 8 provinces in October 2026, all-over colour ranges from $85 to $135, with a national median of $110. Root touch-ups are priced lower — observed range $65 to $95, median $80. These are starting prices from advertised menus; thick or long hair, stylist seniority, and add-ons can increase the total.

How much does a root touch-up cost in Canada?

The research found root touch-up prices ranging from $65 to $95, with a national median of $80 and a middle-50% range of $75 to $85. This is for regrowth coverage only; if you also want fresh colour through the lengths, a full all-over colour appointment is the appropriate service.

Is grey coverage more expensive?

There is no explicit grey-coverage surcharge in the menu data collected. Grey hair can sometimes be more resistant to colour and may require additional product or time, which some salons handle through the extra-bowl charge ($20–$35). Confirm at consultation whether this applies.

What is the difference between hair colour and balayage?

Single-process hair colour applies one shade (or root touch-up) using an all-over technique. Balayage is a freehand lightening technique producing a graduated, multi-tonal result. They serve completely different purposes and are priced accordingly — the median advertised balayage price in this research ($190) is substantially higher than all-over colour ($110). If you are considering a lightening or dimensional service, compare our balayage cost guide and hair highlights pricing guide.

When should I consider colour correction instead of routine colour?

If you have an uneven result from a previous salon visit, box dye at home, or significant banding or tone problems, standard colour pricing does not apply. Corrective work is a different service category, typically billed by the hour. See our hair colour correction cost guide for its hourly pricing structure, consultation, and session costs. That separate service category falls outside this guide’s single-process comparison.

About these prices

Pricing in this article was compiled from advertised colour service menus at 41 independent Canadian businesses across 14 cities in 8 provinces. Research was conducted in October 2026. Businesses were identified through first-party salon websites; booking platform data was used where direct menus were unavailable. All prices are in CAD and represent publicly advertised starting rates.

Actual costs can vary based on:

• All-over colour vs root touch-up service type
• Hair length and density
• Extra colour product required
• Stylist or colourist seniority level
• Grey coverage difficulty
• Bond builder or gloss add-ons
• Provincial sales tax (HST/GST/PST excluded from all listed prices)
• Gratuity (typically 15–20%)

Prices change. Confirm the current rate with the salon directly before your appointment.

Browse hair colour services across Canada or explore our high-lift hair colour guide for information on dramatic lightening. For a global blonding quote, see the going blonde cost guide. For balayage pricing, see the balayage cost guide. For corrective or restorative work, confirm the separate service scope and pricing directly with the salon. You can also find Fredericton hair salons for New Brunswick-specific options.

Compare other service categories in our Canadian salon and spa pricing guides.