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In this article we'll explain the average cost of hair extensions, and outline some of the things you need to be careful of.
Are you dreaming about long, thick luscious locks? And wondering "how much are hair extensions?"
This a good question. The average cost of hair extensions may not be as high as you think. Turns out you can get top-shelf hair extensions without having to pay top dollar.
But there are some things that you will need to be careful of.
And as with anything the average cost of hair extensions also depends a lot on the type of extensions you are looking at.
So let's drill down and find out how much are hair extensions, and which ones you should buy.
NOTE: All price estimates are in Australian dollars. To exchange AUD to your local currency just Google "AUD to [your currency]" and add the AUD price to calculate the conversion.
How much are hair extensions?
While some hair extensions can cost as little as $20, or as much as $3,000. We would advise steering clear of those ones.
The average cost of good non-permanent hair extensions is between $200 - $500. Such as halos or clip-ins. Professional permanent extensions usually range between $600 - $3000.
Yup, they get pretty expensive. The thing is, the average cost of hair extensions in both categories will also vary greatly depending on several factors;
- From the type of hair extension you're after.
- To the amount of hair you need.
- And the method of application.
So if you're thinking about investing in hair extensions there are some things you should consider. The first thing you may want to consider Is the type of hair extension you want.
Also read: The Best Hair Extensions For Thin Hair
How much are permanent hair extensions?
Permanent hair extensions are applied by a hairdresser. So the real question is "How much are hair extensions at a salon?" So let's look at this...
Permanent hair extensions include:
- Tape-ins
- Microbeads
- Weave ins
- And fusion extensions.
The average cost of permanent hair extensions varies. And the cost depends on:
- The method (manufacturing of the hair extensions)
- The quality of hair (different hair qualities incur different cost)
- And what your stylist/hairdresser charges.
You will also need to factor for ongoing maintenance. Because, as your hair grows you will need to reset your permanent hair extensions.
Otherwise your hair will grow out and your extensions will start to show. Therefore, every 4-6 weeks you'll need to visit the hairdresser to have the hair extensions brought back up closer to your roots again.
To calculate the average cost of permanent hair extensions, see our market based estimates below:
Also read: 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Halo Hair Extensions
How much are Tape-In hair extensions?
The average cost of tape in hair extensions ranges between $200-$400 (average of $300). Plus installation at the hairdresser, which is about $200.
And they'll need to be adjusted and moved up every 4-6 weeks or so depending on the rate your hair grows. The cost of maintenance will depend entirely on what your stylist charges.
But this could set you back around $120 each time. So while on first inspection the cost of tape-ins may seem like an effective option, the overall cost outweigh their initial appeal.
Total cost of tape in hair extensions over 12 months:
- $200 for the hair hair extensions (assuming average quality hair)
- $300 for installation at the hairdressers
- $120 for maintenance x 8 per year = $960
- TOTAL: $1,460 per year
And every year you will need to buy new hair.
Popular: The Ultimate Guide For Using Hair Extensions On Short Hair
How much are fusion/keratin hair extensions?
Fusions extension will set you back between $300 - $1000 (average of $550) plus the cost of the hair which is roughly $200. And they have to be reset at the hairdresser every 3 months.
There's also the option for cold-fusion hair extensions, these will last you even longer. These are better for your hair. However the average cost of these hair extensions is between $1500 - $3000, so let's not focus on those for now.
Needless to say this is one of the priciest options when it comes to permanent hair extensions. But if you do prefer permanent locks then fusions extensions are probably worth dropping some dollars.
Here's how fusion extensions work:
These extensions are bonded to your hair using keratin bonds, which has a molecular structure the same as your hair, and literally fuses to your hair. This means there is no hardness or hair damage which can be caused by the glue from other permanent hair extension methods.
The only thing to remember is if your hair is sensitive, the weight of the bond might cause hair loss from simply having the pressure on your hair.
This is a real issue. A constant pulling weight on your hair follicles can cause hair loss for girls with sensitive and fine hair. Which isn't ideal.
Total cost of fusion hair extensions over 12 months:
- $200 for the hair hair extensions (assuming average quality hair).
- $550 for installation at the hairdresser.
- $550 for maintenance 3.5x per year = $1,925.
- TOTAL: $2,675 per year.
And every year you will need to buy new hair.
Also read: Protective Sleep Hairstyles to Avoid Hair Damage
How much are weave in hair extensions?
The average cost of these hair extensions is around $200 - $600 (average of $300) plus the cost of installation of about $150, and the ongoing maintenance every 6 weeks.
Which involves;
- The weaves being undone
- Your hair washed
- And then the wefts woven back into your hair again.
This will normally set you back about $150 per session, every 6 weeks.
Weaves traditionally involve hair being attached to braids. However, the weft hair extension is sort of a modern evolution of this.
Wefts are one of the quicker hair extensions methods because it doesn't involve strand by strand application. But rather, a weft, or more often, several layers of wefts, are woven into your hair.
Keep in mind that the weaves are very uncomfortable when they're freshly woven in. The tight wefts can cause headaches. And the constant pulling on your hair can lead to short term hair loss.
Total cost of weave in hair extensions over 12 months:
- $300 for the hair.
- $150 for installation by the hairdresser.
- $150 for ongoing maintenance x 8 per year = $1,200
- TOTAL: $1,650 per year
And every year you will need to buy new hair.
How much are microlink/bead hair extensions?
Microbead hair extensions will set you back between $200 - $600 (average of $300) plus installation at the hairdresser which costs about $400. And ongoing maintenance every 6 weeks at $150 per session.
These can be a great option. However, like all permanent hair extensions, the constant pulling on your hair can cause hair loss for some women. And this isn't ideal.
Total cost of micro bead hair extensions over 12 months:
- $300 for the hair.
- $400 for installation at the hairdresser.
- $150 for ongoing maintenance x8 per year = $1,200
= $1,900 per year
And every year you will need to buy new hair.
Read next: 5 Simple Tips For Growing Your Hair in 3 Months Or Less
@kaitlinjadehairartistry styles The THICK Halo in col. Beige Blonde 613.
How much are non-permanent hair extensions:
Non-permanent hair extensions are hair extensions that don't permanently attach to your own natural hair.
Therefore they're easy to put in. And take out. And you can do it all yourself, from the comfort of your bathroom.
The cost tends to be a lot lower because you don't have to pay for;
- Installation
- And maintenance.
Here are our market estimates for non-permanent hair extensions (clip in hair extensions and halo hair extensions):
Watch: why I love non-permanent hair extensions:
In this video Taryn and Jordy talk about why they love non-permanent hair extension (among other things).
Image: Clip in hair extensions
How much are clip in hair extensions?
The cost of clip in hair extensions depends on the quality and length of hair. You can score some for as a little as $50... however these would not be human hair, and probably of very low quality.
So although the price tag might be appealing, I'd suggest avoiding these. at all costs.
Seriously, just no.
The average cost of clip in hair extensions is $200 and they will last 6-12 months, depending on how much you wear them.
The major downside of clip in hair extensions is that although they're often advertised as "causing no damage" they can in fact cause severe damage to your own hair.
When you hear stories about how some poor girl has bald spots from hair extensions, it's clip in extensions she's referring to.
This is because these extensions are applied to the same spots in your hair, day after day. And over time, the constant pulling on those follicles will cause the hair to fall out, leaving hair-less spots on your scalp.
Don't believe me? Google it. Or as your hairdresser. We use to have a studio and we saw this all the time.
So the cost of treatment for your hair is a factor that needs to be considered too.
Total cost of clip in hair extensions over 12 months:
- $200 for the hair.
- $75 for an initial cut in at the hairdresser.
- $300 for hair treatment to fix damage caused by clip in extensions.
- TOTAL: $575 per year
Then add to this the cost of the next set of hair extensions you pay for to replace your clip ins once you notice how much they're damaging your hair.
Image: Halo Hair Extensions
How much are halo hair extensions?
The average cost of these hair extensions is between $200 and $500 for a good quality, 100% Remy Hair Halo.
Halo hair extensions are well worth the price because they're super low maintenance, easy to wear and easy to style.
The price of halo hair extensions will vary depending on the thickness of the product. Here at Sitting Pretty we offer three Halos; a FINE, MEDIUM and THICK option to suit all hair types.
And, call me biased but Halos are truly the holy grail of non-permanent hair extensions. (And hair extensions in general!)
Think about it:
- No finicky clips.
- No regular visits to the salon.
- No damage.
Isn't that the dream? 😂 They're super easy to put in. They blend beautifully. And look absolutely natural.
Total cost of clip in hair extensions over 12 months:
- $300 (hair)
- $75 (initial cut in at the hairdresser)
= $375 per year
And the best part? These will be the last hair extensions you ever use. Once you've tried halo hair extensions you won't look back.
Also read: 8 Smart Reasons To Invest In Halo Hair Extensions
@cathlinulrichsen wears the MEDIUM halo in col. Ash Blonde 18 styled by @emmachenartistry
