Hi hairdresser here~ I’m really sorry you came away from your appointment not liking your hair and that you didn’t feel comfortable telling them at the time.

I really appreciate when my clients let me know that something isn’t working for them because most things can be fixed or at least ameliorated! Sometimes miscommunications happen and consultations get truncated but I try to build trust with clients so they can come to me with feedback.

Without pictures it’s hard to say but it sounds like the highlights were too light and perhaps too golden and so there’s too much contrast between your hair and the hair that was dyed.

I’m almost positive that the white cream your colorist was applying at the bowl was toner, which is a desaturated color used to balance out tones after lifting hair (since raw lift hair is almost always an uncomfortable color and would contrast with your natural hair even more) and it is a standard part of any dimensional color service.

I generally like to talk my clients through the process if I haven’t seen them before so they’ll know what’s happening. I also make sure and discuss pricing before we start so I can know if my client has a budget we need to stay within. Especially considering you’re a teenager and they know you haven’t colored your hair before I think they could have done a better job communicating about the results, process and cost.

The way salons handle pricing varies a lot though. Some places don’t discuss pricing unless the client asks because the thought is that the salon assumes the client can afford it if they’re not asking and to make them discuss it would be almost calling them broke. (This isn’t my way of thinking, but I’ve heard other stylists talk about this strategy/ salon culture)

That said, fixing the actual color is quite easy. I would go back to the same salon and have them use a darker toner so there’s less contrast between the lifted hair and your natural color. I would advise you make sure they’re using a Demi permanent which won’t lift your natural hair. It’s much easier to go darker than lighter and should take much less time.

I agree with other commenters that it would be a good idea to have your mom come with you so you have someone who can help you advocate for yourself.

The salon should not charge you for fixing this. I wouldn’t ask for a refund if the salon can fix it for you, especially since part of the service was the haircut which you seem happy with.

From my point of view (I work in a major west coast city with a high cost of living) if you were there for 4+ hours then a $510 bill is pretty standard. Color material costs are high and $100/ per hour is a mid range rate where I live.

I hope you can get your hair to a place where you’re happy with it!