5 Scripts to Confidently Explain Price Changes to Clients

Raising your prices can be one of the hardest parts of running a salon business. You know you need to do it. Your costs are up. Your time is more valuable. But then the doubt creeps in…

“What if I lose clients?”

“What if people push back?"

“What if people think I'm not worth it?”

Here’s the truth: Your clients already expect that prices might vary from appointment to appointment, especially when it comes to custom services like color.

They’ve seen the cost of everything go up lately: groceries, gas, coffee, lashes, even Spotify. So they’re not surprised when businesses adjust.

What companies like Spotify do well (and what you can do too) is create transparency. When you clearly explain your pricing and changes with confidence, it gives your clients time to process, and ultimately builds trust.

First: Let’s Talk About Confidence

If you feel weird raising your prices, remind yourself of this:

• Remember, it’s not “just a haircut or color,” you’re charging for your expertise, your time, and the full experience.
• Price increases are not personal. They are part of running a business.
• You don’t need to over-explain or apologize.

Think of it like this: “I’m doing what I need to do to run a sustainable business, to keep showing up for my clients.”

Clients can feel it when you believe in your value, and they will believe it too!

5 Scripts to Use When Raising Your Prices

Use these to help create your posts, texts, and convos. Adapt the tone to sound like you, but it’s a great place to start.

1. Social Media Post 

Post this 2–3 weeks before the change. Include a reminder in your stories the week of.

“Hey friends! Just a heads up: starting [Date], there will be a price increase on our services. Like everything else these days, my costs have gone up. This adjustment helps me continue delivering the quality you know and love. 

I use SalonScale to measure the exact cost of the color I use on each client. This ensures pricing is accurate, consistent, and fair.

I’m always happy to do a quick consultation and create something that works for you. I’m so grateful for your support, it truly means the world. 💜 If you have any questions, my DMs are open!”

You can also include the specific of your new pricing with an image of your updated service menu. 

2. Email or Text to Clients

Not everyone is on social media or sees all your posts. It’s important to send a quick, personal message to your regulars. This gives them time to process the change before they show up at the salon, and it keeps things from feeling like a surprise at checkout.

It doesn’t need to be long or overly formal, just a heads-up that shows you care and value their loyalty.

“Hi [First Name], I wanted to let you know that starting [Date], there will be a small price increase on my services. This reflects the rising cost of supplies, color, and operations.

I use SalonScale to track the exact cost of color used during each session, so your pricing is always based on what’s actually used.

If you ever need to stay within a certain budget, I’m happy to offer a quick consult to help it work. Your loyalty means so much to me.”

3. At the Chair 

Say it with confidence and ease. It doesn’t need to be a long explanation, just a professional heads-up to avoid sticker shock when it comes time to pay.

“Hey! Just a quick reminder, my updated prices are in effect now. You may have seen the heads-up on socials or via email, but I always like to mention it in person too. I’ve started using SalonScale to price color more accurately, so you’re only paying for the exact product used on your service.”

4. If a Client Pushes Back

This is probably the most dreaded scenario. But here’s the thing: not every client will stay with you forever. And that’s okay.

If someone pushes back on your pricing, don’t panic.Your job is to stay calm, kind, and confident, and offer solutions when it makes sense.

And if a client chooses to leave? That’s not a failure. That’s just part of building a clientele that actually fits you. You want people who value your time, your expertise, and your business. The right clients will understand, and they’ll stay.

“I totally hear you, it’s tough when everything feels like it’s going up. Trust me, I don’t take this lightly. But with rising costs on color, supplies, and time, this price adjustment helps me keep delivering the quality you expect.

One thing I love about using SalonScale is that it breaks down exactly what your service costs in real time, so your pricing is based on what’s actually being used.

I would love to do a consultation and we can get creative on how to fit your budget. For example, instead of a full foil, we could just brighten the top and hairline to give you that fresh, blonde look, without using as much product or time. Or we could alternate between a full and a partial every other visit.”

Final Thoughts: Price Increases Don’t Have to Be Scary

Raising your prices is just part of being a business owner. The more clearly and confidently you communicate your value, the more your clients will trust you, respect your process, and stick with you.

Tools like SalonScale make it easier to show the why behind your pricing and create transparency and understanding with clients.

If you’re not already using SalonScale, now’s the time.

• Know exactly how much product you're using (and what it costs)
• Charge accurately and profitably
• Build trust with clients through transparency
  
  

✨ Want to see how it works? Book a free 15-minute demo and we’ll walk you through it.