How Much Does Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost?

Walking down the aisle in your wedding dress is probably the first image that comes to mind when you envision your big-day look. But without the right finishing touches, like your wedding hair and makeup, your attire can easily fall flat. In order to achieve your desired impact, your glam is pivotal. “Some may think the dress is most important, but hair and makeup can make any wedding dress look so much more elevated and timeless—and that can really make or break the look,” professional makeup artist Briana Lorenn Garrett says. Not only does your beauty look accentuate your gown and facial features, but it’s also integral to boosting your confidence and making you feel your absolute best.

Once you identify the hair and makeup look you want for your nuptials, you’ll need to find the right hairstylist and makeup artist to bring your vision to life. As you begin the vetting process for these vendors, there are a number of details you’ll want to assess, including the price—especially if you’re dealing with a tight budget. During your hunt, you might be wondering what the average cost is for these beauty services. To help guide your search, we asked the experts to break it down for you.

Ahead, how much wedding hair and makeup cost.

The Average Cost of Wedding Hair

The average cost of wedding hair is $100 to $350, according to bridal hairstylist Sarah Naslund. However, the total bill varies depending on the location of your wedding, the complexity of your chosen style, and the experience level of the artist, among other factors. For instance, getting your hair done in New York City will cost more than styling your locks in Nebraska. And if you’re throwing a destination wedding, you might need to cover additional expenses that will increase the bill, like your hairdresser’s airfare and lodging.

These beauticians usually charge by the hour, so the longer your vendor works, the more expensive the cost of your hairstyle will likely be. This typically means that elaborate hairdos, which are more labor-intensive and time-consuming, will cost more money comparatively. Since an updo is more involved than a blowout, for example, your hairstylist will probably charge you a larger fee for the former. Generally, for more intricate styles, you can expect to pay about $45 more. And if your technician has years of experience under their belt, that will also contribute to a larger sum.

The Average Cost of Wedding Makeup

The average cost of wedding makeup is $140, but according to makeup artist Felicia Graham, you can pay up to $1,500 depending on where you’re getting beautified, the amount of expertise your bridal artist has, and the services they’re providing—which are similar to the factors that affect the price of your wedding hair. Cities where the cost of living is higher and locales that require extra travel will boost the total bill, while those working at a senior level versus a beginner level will charge more.

Graham notes that every makeup artist has their own method for determining the price. For instance, some technicians offer packages that include your trial and the day-of wedding makeup, often complete with skin prep, makeup application, and touch-ups, according to Lorenn Garrett. Since you’re paying for the artist’s time and labor, the more steps included in the beautification process, the more money you’ll probably be spending. 

Additional Wedding Hair and Makeups Costs to Consider

While an array of factors, such as location, time, and experience, will increase the cost of your wedding hair and makeup, there are also add-on services to budget for that cost extra money. It’s important to note that some stylists include certain services in the total bill, while others request a supplemental fee for them. For example, Naslund charges $275 for the bridal hairstyle itself, but travel (if applicable) and the hair trial will cost more cash. However, if you want Naslund to clip on extensions, you won’t need to pay extra money, which some artists charge extra for. Since every payment method is different, make sure to review the contract and gauge expectations with your beautician beforehand.

The Hair and Makeup Trial

Many brides book a trial before their big day to figure out their ideal beauty look, and the average price for one of these appointments is between $50 to $200. Although there’s a significant degree of variation, just know that the service will never be more than half of the big-day price. Some professionals factor the cost of a trial into their bridal packages, but others charge an additional fee, so if that’s the case, be sure to add the cost to your budget. 

While not all technicians require a trial, Naslund strongly encourages one to test how your imagined glam will look on you—unless your budget is limited; then, she recommends skipping it. “Occasionally, you just nail the perfect style in one try, but most of the time it’s more exploration,” she explains.

Elaborate Hairstyles and Accessories

More intricate hairstyles lead to a larger bill. So, a twisted chignon with clip-in extensions will cost more than classic curls. Like we previously mentioned, an elaborate hairdo will add an extra $45 on average to the sum. Adding hair accessories will also increase the price. If you’re adorning your tresses with fresh flowers or a flower crown, in particular, you’ll need to pay your florist a separate cost.

Airbrush Makeup

Instead of applying foundation with a Beauty Blender or brush, airbrush makeup sprays the cosmetic product directly onto the skin with a special machine. This leads to a smoother, longer-lasting finish. Since working this handheld device requires more time and expertise, your technician will charge more money for it—between $100 to $200.

False Eyelashes

For thick, fluttery lashes that mascara just can’t produce, you might be interested in adding false eyelashes to your look. Since gluing them on requires time, concentration, and patience, your makeup artist will likely ask for a supplemental fee.

Additional Hours

Since you’re paying your hairstylist and makeup artist for their time, revamping your look for the reception or getting touch-ups throughout the evening will cost more money, according to Lorenn Garrett. The cost for additional hours can range from $30 to $125 per hour, plus additional fees if your vendor charges for travel and transportation.

Gratuity

Since styling your mane and glamorizing your facial features is hard work, giving your hair stylist and makeup artist a considerate tip, between 15 to 25 percent of the total bill, is strongly encouraged. If you have multiple stylists, you’ll want to pay each of them a separate amount. Keep in mind that some vendors have a built-in gratuity, so read the contract in depth to assess whether you’ll need to allocate this fund.