Great Clips, one of the largest hair salon chains in North America with over 4,400 locations, offers reduced pricing for customers aged 60 and older at most franchises. However, the discount structure isn't quite what you might expect from a national chain. Unlike some retailers with uniform senior pricing across all stores, Great Clips operates as a franchise system, which means individual salon owners set their own discount policies and amounts. This creates a situation where your local Great Clips may offer a different senior discount than the one 10 miles away.
Free Guide to Starting a Private Equity Firm →
The typical senior discount at Great Clips ranges from $2 to $5 off regular haircut prices, though some locations offer discounts on additional services like coloring or styling. A standard adult haircut at Great Clips typically costs between $16 and $22 depending on location and style complexity, so a $3 to $5 senior discount represents a meaningful reduction—roughly 15 to 30 percent off. Some salons also extend discounts to seniors on perms, color treatments, or other add-on services beyond just the basic haircut.
One important detail: most Great Clips locations do not require advance notice to receive a senior discount. You generally just mention you're a senior when checking in or paying, though having a valid ID showing your age can be helpful if there's any question. The salon may ask for verification, typically a driver's license, state ID, or Medicare card.
Practical takeaway: Call your specific Great Clips location before your visit to confirm they offer senior discounts and what percentage or dollar amount they provide. This single phone call prevents the disappointment of arriving expecting a discount that your particular salon doesn't offer.
Locating Great Clips salons near you is straightforward. The company maintains a location finder on their website (greatclips.com) where you can enter your zip code or city to see all nearby salons, their hours, and often their phone numbers. The website also shows which services each location offers and sometimes displays photos of the salon interior. For seniors who want to plan ahead, this online tool can save a trip by providing complete information before you go.
Learn About Credit Union Login Basics →
When you find a location, calling directly is the most reliable way to confirm senior discount details. Ask specifically: "Do you offer a senior discount, and what is the amount?" and "What age qualifies for the discount?" While most locations that offer senior discounts start at age 60, some may have different age thresholds—perhaps 55 or 62. Getting this information from the salon manager or staff member, rather than relying on general information, ensures you have accurate pricing for that specific location.
Many seniors find it useful to keep a short list of nearby Great Clips locations and their individual discount policies. This helps when you're planning trips or running errands in different parts of town. Some salons are busier during certain times of the week, so you might also ask about slower hours when calling—this information can help you avoid long waits.
Great Clips also operates through their mobile app and website booking system. While you can schedule appointments online, the booking system typically shows base pricing rather than senior-specific pricing. This is another reason to call ahead: you'll get clear information and can even mention when you make an online appointment that you're a senior, so the staff knows to apply the discount when you arrive.
Practical takeaway: Spend five minutes calling your nearest Great Clips location. Write down the exact senior discount amount, the age requirement, and the salon's hours. This small investment prevents confusion at checkout and ensures you receive the discount you're looking for.
To understand whether a Great Clips senior discount represents good value, it helps to compare it with other hair salon chains and independent salons in your area. Different salon types have different pricing structures and discount philosophies.
How To Log Out Of Paramount Plus On TV →
National salon chains like Supercuts, Sport Clips, and Fantastic Sams also serve millions of customers annually and typically offer senior discounts, though the amounts vary by location just as they do at Great Clips. Supercuts, for example, often provides senior discounts ranging from $2 to $4, similar to Great Clips. Sport Clips, which specializes in men's haircuts, frequently offers senior pricing in a comparable range. These chains tend to have similar base pricing to Great Clips ($15 to $22 for a standard cut), so the actual discount percentage might be quite similar across different chains.
Local, independent salons in your community may offer different discount structures. Some family-owned salons provide steeper senior discounts—sometimes 20 to 25 percent off—because they have lower overhead costs than large chains. However, they may not be located as conveniently, or they might have longer wait times. On the other hand, some upscale salons offer minimal or no senior discounts, as their pricing model is based on specialized services and experienced stylists.
The real cost of a haircut also depends on what you're getting. If you're looking for a basic short haircut with no additional services, the $2 to $5 Great Clips discount is straightforward to evaluate. But if you want coloring, perms, or styling services, check whether those services have separate discounts and how they compare to other salons. A salon offering 15 percent off all services, including color treatments, might provide better overall value than one offering a flat $3 off haircuts only.
Practical takeaway: If you regularly get haircuts, visit three different types of salons in your area—a Great Clips, another national chain, and a local salon—and ask about their senior pricing on the specific services you want. Compare not just the discount amount but the base price and service quality to determine which offers you the best overall value.
Understanding exactly what a Great Clips senior discount covers prevents disappointment when you receive your bill. At most locations, the senior discount applies to the base haircut service. For men, this typically means a standard short haircut. For women, it usually means a basic cut, which might include a wash and simple styling but not more complex services.
Learn About BP Visa Gas Station Credit Card Options →
Services that typically do NOT include senior discounts at Great Clips are specialty add-ons. Chemical services like hair coloring, perms, relaxers, and keratin treatments are often separately priced and may not have senior discounts applied, even if the basic haircut does. Styling services beyond the standard included cut—such as updos for special occasions or elaborate blow-outs—typically aren't discounted. Hair treatments and conditioning services, if offered at your location, also usually fall outside the senior discount structure.
However, this isn't universal. Some Great Clips locations do extend their senior discount to these additional services, offering a percentage discount that applies to the entire bill. This is precisely why calling ahead matters: you need to know whether your specific location offers a discount on services beyond basic haircuts.
Some salons offer tiered pricing for different haircut types. For example, a "basic haircut" might be $18, while a "specialty men's cut" or "women's cut with styling" might be $22 or more. The senior discount typically applies to the service level you choose, but it's worth confirming. A salon might offer a $3 senior discount on a $18 basic haircut but not apply it if you upgrade to a more complex cut priced higher.
It's also important to note that senior discounts are separate from other promotional offers. If Great Clips is running a special—such as "haircuts $12.99"—you should confirm whether the senior discount stacks on top of that price or whether you get one or the other. Most salons apply whichever is greater, but individual locations may have different policies.
Practical takeaway: Before your appointment, specifically ask: "Does the senior discount apply to my entire bill or just the haircut?" and "Does it apply if I'm getting color or other services?" Write down the exact answer so you know what to expect when you pay.
Great Clips locations accept multiple payment methods, which matters because you might be asked to provide age verification to receive your senior discount. Most commonly, salons accept cash, debit cards, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.