How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost?
Kim is a holistic health coach and a toxic-free lifestyle consultant. She obtained her studies from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Hair extensions range from affordable to expensive. Learn more about the different costs and types.
How Much Are Hair Extensions?
Do you want longer, fuller hair? Hair extensions can make your hairstyle change dramatically. Depending on the type of hair you're buying, how much of it you're buying, and who's applying it to your head, hair extensions cost anywhere from $30 to $5,000.
If you are considering buying extensions, read on to understand the different factors that affect cost. The price varies quite a lot and will depend on three factors.
3 Factors That Affect the Cost
- Type of hair
- How much hair you want
- Application
Extensions have come a long way since they were first introduced around 3400 BCE in Egypt. Nowadays, you have more options.
A clip-on extension might look like this.
Pixabay
1. Types of Hair Extensions and What They Cost
Clip-ons
- These are the cheapest option. They can range anywhere from $30 to $300.
- They are easy and fast to apply. If you are looking for a temporary hairdo, you should consider buying these.
- You can find both synthetic and real human hair clip-ons at retail stores, such as Sally's Beauty, or on Amazon.
Synthetic Hair
- Synthetic hair can range from $50 to $300.
- While synthetic hair is more affordable than human hair, most will melt when they are exposed to heat, such as a curling iron.
- One of the benefits of synthetic hair is that it has already been set and pre-styled. That also means it will not get frizzy from humidity or rain.
- The drawback is that you cannot blow-dry, curl, or color it. It can't be reused like human hair.
- It also doesn't last as long (usually 1-3 months).
- If you have a smaller budget and plan on wearing the extension for only a short period of time (one night of clubbing), then a clip-on extension made from synthetic hair is the best choice.
Human Hair
- Human hair costs anywhere from $80 to $500.
- It is the most expensive option, but you definitely get your money's worth because it looks the most natural and lasts the longest.
- The highest-quality extensions are made of 100% human hair that has not been treated with chemicals. This is also known as "virgin human hair."
2. The Amount of Hair
The cost of extensions also depends on the length and the amount of hair you want. Obviously, the more hair you need, the more expensive it will be.
3. Application Methods and Costs
- Hot Fusion Bonding. This is a more common method that uses hot glue to attach the extensions to your own hair. This method can cost anywhere between $300 to $500.
- Cold Fusion Bonding. Professionals use this method by applying a keratin-based polymer to secure the extension to your hair. While this method is more expensive, the results can last really long (up to half a year). Bonding will set you back $1500-$3000.
- Weave. This method is more time-consuming as it involves braiding the extension into your natural hair. Some people may choose this method to fill in thinner areas on their scalp. Weaves cost anywhere from $1000 to $5,000.
- Coil Hair Extensions. Coil hair extensions involve stringing your hair through tiny copper coils. This method is gentle and does not involve the use of chemicals. It costs $750-$2000.
Other Factors That Affect the Cost
- Color. The cost may also vary with color. Black is the cheapest.
- Maintenance. You should factor in the cost of maintenance in addition to the initial cost. After your hair extensions have been attached, it's important to follow the specialist's recommendation for maintenance. Taking special care of your new hair extensions will ensure that they last long and stay beautiful!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Comments
Kim Lam (author) from California on October 29, 2014:
Thanks Samantha for your feedback!
Samantha on October 15, 2014:
Read More From Bellatory
Love hearing all of these comments about hair extensions because I have bee reading up on a lot of them. I so far believe Cashmere Hair is a pretty good brand and from what I read they don't do fake reviews like Bellami Hair and Luxy Hair. I will love for any feedback as well
Chicagofrank from Chicago on January 01, 2014:
Very good article!
RomainYanda on June 24, 2013:
I am new to this site. $3000 for a set of human hair extensions is too much. Yanda Beauty has many types, including remy and Indian hair, for less than that price. http://www.yandaonline.com/servlet/the-Clip-In-Hai...
Kim Lam (author) from California on February 23, 2013:
That's a lot of great info! Thanks!
Tiffany Letourneau from West Palm Beach,FL on February 16, 2013:
Great info! I'm brand new and I wrote an article about hair extensions as well its packed with info about the fibers in synthetic hair and the different types of hair (Indian etc) also some tips to keep your hair looking amazing! Check it out(:
https://hubpages.com/style/Hair-extensions-How-to-...
poetmel from Florida on January 17, 2013:
$3000 for hair extensions are very expensive you can get human vigin hair for a lot less money at http://www.sallyhairextensions.com
Kara Niranjana on December 15, 2012:
I finally found a good "virgin" hair site https://soluxehairextensions.bigcartel.com/
Too bad they only sell two kinds of hair.. I've never heard of those prices for getting a weave done though!
healthylife2 on July 31, 2012:
I spent 3000 on mine and I pay 400 every ten weeks for maintenance! They were done with a variation of the coil technique that is supposed to be the safest for the natural hair. They are very high maintenance but a lifesaver while my hair is growing in after chemotherapy. Voted up!
Marcy Goodfleisch from Planet Earth on July 30, 2012:
I've wondered about hair extensions - the ones I've heard about were terribly expensive (like, $2,000, and they only lasted about 4 months). That's just too much high-maintenance for me! But heck, if I had the money for it, and I felt it would look good, I might do it! Thanks for this great rundown of the options! Voted up and up! And shared!
