SmartStyle
SmartStyle - Big Rapids
21400 Perry Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Mon–Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm · Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm · Sun ClosedSat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm · Sun Closed
Adult $24 · Kids $19
Highlights · Big Rapids, MI · Spring 2026
Highlights in Big Rapids, MI
Quick answer: Highlights services in Big Rapids, MI start at $55 at SmartStyle. 1 location accepts walk-ins 6 days a week in Big Rapids, with online booking available at every salon.
- Walk-Ins Welcome
- No Appointment Needed
- Open 7 Days
- Online Booking
- Honest local prices
- Highlights in Big Rapids
- 1
- Starting from
- $55
- Time
- 90-150 min
- Walk-ins
- Welcome
About this service
What highlights includes at our Big Rapids salons
Highlights add dimension by lifting selected strands of hair to a lighter shade than the base color. The technique uses foils or balayage to isolate the strands during processing. Three common variants: full highlights cover the entire head for maximum brightness change, partial highlights focus on the top and around the face for a subtler effect, and mini highlights use a smaller foil count for the most natural look. Pricing varies by hair length and the extent of placement (mini, partial, or full). Most walk-in salons offer toner application as part of the service to ensure the lift lands at the desired tone.
A highlight appointment runs 90-150 minutes depending on length and placement extent. After consultation, the stylist sections the hair and weaves selected strands into foils, applying lightener to each. Foils typically process 30-45 minutes. After rinsing, a toner is applied and processes 10-20 minutes to refine the final shade. Then a shampoo, conditioner, and finishing blow dry. Most clients leave with a noticeable but natural-looking dimension change.
Spring 2026 angle
Highlights in Big Rapids this spring
Spring highlight bookings spike from late March through May. Most colorists recommend a partial highlight in spring (rather than full) to leave room for natural sun-lightening through summer.
Spring graduation, Mother's Day, and prom season drive up booking demand by mid-April.
Available at
Highlights salons in Big Rapids, MI
1 location offering highlights in Big Rapids. Big Rapids hosts Ferris State University (~10,000 students) along the Muskegon River. SmartStyle Big Rapids inside Walmart serves a primarily Ferris State demographic with seasonal peaks.
- Walk-ins
Pricing
Highlights pricing in Big Rapids
Highlights pricing in Big Rapids ranges from $55-$110 depending on the salon brand, hair length, and specific tier of service. Below are the typical price tiers across SmartStyle:
| Tier | Typical price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mini highlights - Short | $65 | 90 min |
| Partial highlights | $55-$65 | 90-105 min |
| Mini highlights - Long | $85-$95 | 105-120 min |
| Full highlights | $110 | 120-150 min |
What to expect
The highlights process at our Big Rapids salons
- 1
Consultation
Discuss desired brightness level, placement (face-frame, top, all over), and any prior color.
- 2
Sectioning + weaving
Hair is sectioned and strands selected for lifting based on placement plan.
- 3
Foil application
Lightener is applied to selected strands in foils — section by section.
- 4
Processing
Foils process 30-45 minutes depending on starting color and target lift.
- 5
Rinse + tone
Foils removed, hair shampooed, then toner applied 10-20 minutes for tone control.
- 6
Finish
Final shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, and style.
Time estimate
90-150 minutes
Recommended frequency
Full highlights: every 10-12 weeks. Partial highlights: every 8 weeks. Toner-only refresh: every 4-6 weeks.
Big Rapids tips
Tips for booking highlights in Big Rapids
Big Rapids hosts Ferris State University (~10,000 students) along the Muskegon River. SmartStyle Big Rapids inside Walmart serves a primarily Ferris State demographic with seasonal peaks.
Avoid the first 2 weeks of Ferris State semesters; Tuesday and Thursday mid-morning are the quietest.
Nearby reference points: Ferris State University, Muskegon River, Hemlock Park.
Before your appointment
- Come in unwashed for 24 hours — natural oils protect during processing
- Bring inspiration photos — placement language matters more than verbal description
- Plan a 2-hour window minimum
After your service
- Use purple shampoo weekly to keep brassy tones at bay (especially blondes)
- Avoid chlorinated pools first 1-2 weeks — chlorine pulls toner faster than regular shampooing
- Heat protectant before any hot tool use — lightened hair is more porous and prone to damage
Local detail
About Big Rapids, MI
Big Rapids is the county seat of Mecosta County in west-central Michigan and home to Ferris State University. The SmartStyle inside Walmart on Perry Ave serves FSU students, faculty, and Mecosta County residents with daily walk-in haircuts.
Neighborhoods we serve
- Ferris State campus
- Downtown Big Rapids
- Perry Ave corridor
- Morley area
Best time to walk in
Open Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. FSU academic-year weekends drive the highest volume. Summer weekday mornings are the fastest.
Parking
Free parking in the Walmart supercenter lot on Perry Ave, easily accessible from US-131.
Transit
Mecosta County Transit provides limited service. FSU students primarily drive or carpool.
Highlights in Big Rapids — FAQs
Quick answers about highlights pricing, walk-in availability, and what to expect at Big Rapids salons.
- Where can I get highlights in Big Rapids, MI?
- 1 salon offers highlights in Big Rapids: SmartStyle - Big Rapids. Big Rapids hosts Ferris State University (~10,000 students) along the Muskegon River.
- How much does highlights cost in Big Rapids?
- Highlights services in Big Rapids cost $55-$110 depending on the salon, hair length, and exact service tier. SmartStyle all post pricing on their service menus and can give you an exact quote at your appointment.
- Can I walk in for highlights in Big Rapids?
- Yes. All 1 SmartStyle location in Big Rapids accept walk-ins. Avoid the first 2 weeks of Ferris State semesters; Tuesday and Thursday mid-morning are the quietest.
- How much do highlights cost at a walk-in salon?
- Mini highlights start around $65 (short hair) and rise to $95 for extra long. Partial highlights run $55-65. Full highlights cost $110 across most lengths. Toners are usually included; specialty placements cost more.
- What is the difference between partial and full highlights?
- Partial highlights cover the top and front (face-framing) area only — about half the head. Full highlights cover the entire head, including the back and underneath layers. Partial costs less and grows out more naturally; full creates a more dramatic brightness change.
- How long do highlights last?
- Highlights themselves don't fade — the toner does. Most clients refresh tone every 4-6 weeks, with new full highlights every 10-12 weeks for maintenance. Timeline tightens in humid or sun-heavy climates.
- Are Big Rapids salons offering highlights open on Sundays?
- Most Big Rapids SmartStyle locations have reduced Sunday hours or are closed Sundays. Check the location card below for exact hours.
- What is the best time to walk in for highlights in Big Rapids?
- Avoid the first 2 weeks of Ferris State semesters; Tuesday and Thursday mid-morning are the quietest. For services that take longer than 30 minutes (like color or balayage), calling ahead 1-2 hours often secures a same-day slot.
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