A Guide to Hair Extension Costs

If you're thinking about instantly adding length and volume to your hair, you're probably considering getting hair extensions. 

Also, you might wonder how expensive are hair extensions? Or maybe you've already read a lot of articles, watched a few videos, and spent a few hours on the internet looking for information on how much hair extensions cost.

There are so many options available when it comes to hair extensions, and it can be a little daunting to figure out which type of hair extension is best for you and how much it will cost. 

Human hair extensions, synthetic extensions, clip-ins, tape extensions, and sew-ins are available at different price ranges. The price of hair extensions also varies by quality, brand, hair length, hair volume, and hair thickness. 

In this post, we'll walk you through the different factors that determine the price of hair extensions. We'll also help you choose high-quality extensions without breaking the bank.

The Average Price of Hair Extensions

Depending on the hair extension type, it can cost you as little as $25 or as much as $3,500. It is a good idea to avoid both extreme ends of this price range because the cheapest ones are poor in quality and the most expensive ones may exceed your budget. 

The average price of high-quality temporary extensions ranges from $200 to $500. 

So, how much are clip-in hair extensions, you may ask!

A set of good quality clip-in hair extensions will cost you $150 to $450. But the price can go up depending on the brand, type of hair, hair length, hair volume, the number of wefts, and more. 

And when it comes to permanent hair extensions like tape-ins, they might cost in the range of $300 to $3,000. But you can buy a basic 5-piece set of high-quality tape extensions for as little as $60. 

The price of other extension types like microbeads, sew-ins, weave-ins, and fusion extensions depends on factors like the wefts’ production methods, hair quality, hair type (Remy human hair, human hair, or synthetic), and more.

Installation and Maintenance Cost

??When buying hair extensions, make sure to factor in the installation and maintenance costs. Clip-in wefts are more popular because they are cheaper in terms of installation. The best part is that you can apply them at home without visiting a salon...zero application fees!

Clip-ins are easy to apply and remove. With some guidance from YouTube and some practice, you can apply and remove the wefts within minutes. So, no need for a costly salon visit!

But when it comes to installing tape-in wefts, you must visit a hairdresser or stylist. You may damage your natural hair and the extensions if you try to apply and remove tape extensions at home. 

Your stylist may charge you between $150 to $200 for putting in the extensions. Also, you'll have to visit your stylist for maintenance like adjusting and moving up the wefts every 4 to 6 weeks. The maintenance cost can range from $80 to $120 per salon visit.

Remember that all permanent hair extensions, including tape-ins, sew-ins, weave-ins, and fusion extensions, are high-maintenance. Since your hair grows, you'll have to visit a salon to adjust the wefts. 

Without regular maintenance, it will become apparent that you're wearing extensions. 

If your budget has no room for maintenance costs, consider getting the temporary clip-in wefts instead of permanent extensions. 

Total Yearly Average Cost of Having Hair Extensions

Below is the average yearly cost of wearing hair extensions. The cost can vary, depending on many different factors (some mentioned above).

Clip-in Hair Extensions

• $200 for a good set of hair extensions
• 0 installation cost
• 0 maintenance cost
• Total: $200 per year

*Add $150 if you want to get an initial trim/styling at a salon.

Tape-In Extensions

• $250 for high-quality extensions
• $200 for installation at the salon
• $600 for maintenance (6 salon visits at $100 per visit) 
• Total: $1050 per year

Weave-In Wefts

• $250 for the extensions
• $150 for installation at the salon
• $800 for maintenance (8 salon visits x $100 per visit)
• Total: $1200 per year

Micro-Beads

• $300 for the wefts
• $400 for installation at the salon
• $1200 for maintenance (8 salon visits x $150 per visit)
• Total: $1,900 per year

So, you see that you can save a considerable amount every year by choosing temporary hair extensions instead of permanent ones. We'd recommend clip-ins if you want to transform your hair and overall appearance on a budget.

But since you've many good options to choose from, the final cost depends on what you can afford. In any case, make sure to buy only real human hair extensions. And, if possible, choose 100% Remy human hair extensions because they last long, blend well with your natural hair, and look completely natural.