When you hear bleach and tone, a two-step hair lightening process that removes pigment and then neutralizes unwanted yellow or orange tones. Also known as lightening and toning, it’s the go-to method for achieving icy blonde, ash gray, or soft champagne hair without going full platinum in one sitting. But here’s the thing—most people don’t realize how much the price can swing based on your hair’s starting point, length, and how much damage it’s already done. It’s not just about the product. It’s about the time, skill, and aftercare that goes into making it look natural and healthy.
At Halo Hair North Carolina, a local salon specializing in hair coloring, extensions, and precise beauty services, a basic bleach and tone on shoulder-length hair with minimal previous color usually starts around $180. But if your hair is dark, thick, or has been dyed before, you’re looking at $250 to $350. Why? Dark hair needs more bleach. Thick hair takes more product. And if you’ve been coloring your hair for years, the bleach has to work harder—sometimes even twice—to get to the right level. That’s not upselling. That’s science. And if your hair’s already fragile from past treatments? We won’t push it. We’ll suggest a gradual lightening plan to keep your strands intact. That’s why some salons charge less—they’re cutting corners. We charge more because we’re protecting your hair.
Then there’s the toner, a semi-permanent color used after bleaching to cancel out brassiness and add depth. Also known as purple shampoo for professionals, it’s not optional—it’s what turns your orangey-yellow mess into cool, polished blonde. The right toner depends on your skin tone, the level you bleached to, and whether you want ashy, beige, or platinum. A bad toner? It can leave you looking muddy or even green. A good one? It makes your hair look expensive—even if you didn’t spend a fortune. And yes, toner needs touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks. That’s normal. That’s not a scam. It’s like maintaining a paint job on your car. You don’t expect it to last forever without care.
What you won’t find in most price lists? The hidden costs. Like how many sessions it takes to get your hair to the right level. Or how much extra time it takes to protect your scalp. Or whether your stylist uses a bond builder during the process to prevent breakage. At Halo Hair, we include bond repair in every bleach and tone service because we’ve seen too many clients come in with hair that snaps off at the roots after a cheap job. We don’t do quick fixes. We do results that last.
If you’re thinking about going blonde, you’ve probably scrolled through Instagram and seen flawless, glowing hair. But you haven’t seen the three months of maintenance, the $50 purple shampoo bottles, or the $120 root touch-ups. What you’re really paying for isn’t just the color—it’s the expertise to get there safely. And that’s worth more than a bargain.
Below, you’ll find real posts from people who’ve been through it—the good, the bad, and the surprisingly simple tips that made all the difference. Whether you’re wondering how long halo extensions last after bleaching, how to pick the right shade, or why your last toner turned your hair green, we’ve got the answers that actually help.
How much does it really cost to dye your hair blonde in 2025? From dark hair to platinum, learn the real prices, hidden fees, and maintenance costs you need to know before booking your appointment.
14
