A place near my house does a cut and color for $35, which isn't bad. I can cut it myself for free and the color runs about $5-$10 at the drug store, but I can see a big difference between when I do it myself and when the stylist does it!

I agree with the cost being high--to a point. My stylist does guarantee her work and I have had to go back twice for adjustments to the perm or color. Sometimes my hair will just not do as expected and it does change colors overnight...then she redoes it and it is the right coloring. I always have three separate colors woven into my hair so buying them and doing the separations would be horrific!!! She charges $70 for the three colors and a cut.

It's art, art is never free or cheap. And they also went to school for it so they won't fry your hair (usually) or turn it orange. Besides, most stylists/colorists have to rent their space from the salon, which can be either a flat rate or a percentage per month deal. They also have to buy their own supplies and styling equipment.

In the end, I think their rates are worth it to have it done right.

I get mine done at Best Cuts - I've been going to the same lady, who is the manager, for 7 years. A cut and foils costs me about $60.