The Cost of Hair Extensions:
Everything You Need to Know
Thinking hair extensions? You probably have questions about what you can expect to pay, from initial installation to long-term care. While extensions can be a significant investment, they’re also the best way to achieve the hair you’ve always wanted.
As extension specialists, we believe in being transparent about costs–it’s important to consider not just the initial installation but also ongoing maintenance and care. We’re here to break down all the costs involved and help you understand what goes into creating and maintaining your dream hair, so you can make the best decision for your hair goals and lifestyle.
If you want to get a comprehensive rundown about the different types of extensions and how they work, you can find all the details here.
What Influences Extension Costs?
Before we dive into specific prices, it’s helpful to understand what affects the cost of extensions. The main factors include your stylist’s expertise, hair quality, installation method, how much length and volume you’re adding, and color matching.
The installation method is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. Each type of extension requires different application techniques and varying amounts of time and expertise. A skilled stylist brings years of training and experience to create seamless, natural-looking results, and their expertise is crucial for achieving the look you want. The quality of hair used, especially when working with real human hair, significantly impacts both the price and how natural your extensions will look and feel.
Remy hair extensions are an investment that pays off in longevity and appearance. The more length or volume you’re adding, the more hair you’ll need. If you want long, ultra-thick mermaid hair, you’ll have to pay a bit more. Lastly, if you need custom color matching to blend perfectly with your natural hair, that’s another thing to consider.
We know this can be overwhelming, but these factors are what make the difference between obvious extensions and gorgeous extensions that are undetectable. Our goal is to create extensions that make you feel confident every time you look in the mirror–hair that moves, feels, and looks like it’s yours. That kind of personalized, natural result is what makes quality extensions worth the investment.
Different Extension Types and Their Costs
Not all extensions are created equal–each method has unique benefits, maintenance needs, and price points. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right type for your hair goals and lifestyle. Let’s explore the most popular extension methods and what you can expect to invest in each.
Beaded Row Extensions
At Portfolio, we specialize in hand-tied beaded row extensions because they offer the most natural look with minimal damage to your natural hair. The cost ranges from $300 to $1,200, depending on your hair goals. This method uses small, discreet beads to secure hand-tied wefts of hair, creating a comfortable and seamless blend. What we love about beaded rows is that they’re gentle on your natural hair and offer versatile styling options. You’ll need maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks for “move-ups” as your natural hair grows, and with proper care, the hair can last 7-12 months.
Clip-In Extensions
Think of clip-ins as a fantastic hair accessory–they’re perfect when you want the flexibility to switch up your look. Depending on length and quality, these temporary extensions typically cost between $150 to $400. The beauty of clip-ins is their simplicity–you can put them in and take them out whenever you want, no professional installation needed. While they’re the most budget-friendly option and great for special occasions, they are not for everyday wear. It’s important to note that frequent use can be hard on your natural hair at the clip sites.
Tape-In Extensions
Tape-in extensions are kind of like hair sandwiches–they use special adhesive tape to secure wefts of hair on either side of your natural hair. Depending on hair quality and length, these can range from $600 to $1,500. They lie flat against your head and can last 4-8 weeks before needing repositioning. While they’re relatively quick to install, they do require special care–oil-based products are a no-go as they can break down the adhesive. They’re a good choice if you’re new to extensions, but keep in mind they need more frequent maintenance visits than beaded rows.
Fusion Extensions
Fusion extensions, also known as k-tips, are the most expensive option. Each strand is individually bonded to your natural hair using keratin-based adhesive, a labor-intensive process that increases the price but it creates a very natural look. Because this type of extension is normally not able to be reused, it is very costly, (upwards of $2,000) but they can last 3-6 months without maintenance appointments.
Sew-In Extensions
Sew-in extensions involve braiding your natural hair into a cornrow pattern and sewing wefts of hair onto these braids. They typically cost between $600 to $1,500 and can last 6-8 weeks before needing maintenance. While they’re incredibly secure and great for thick hair types, they can feel tight initially and aren’t suitable for all hair textures. They’re particularly popular for adding significant length and volume, but the tight braiding pattern means they’re not the best choice for those with fine or thinning hair.
Beyond Installation: Ongoing Investment
When planning your extension budget, it is important to consider what needs to go into maintaining your gorgeous new hair. Regular maintenance appointments are essential to keep both your extensions and natural hair healthy–the timing varies by method, but you’ll want to plan for these touch-ups to ensure that fresh-from-the-salon look lasts and to keep your natural hair healthy.
Quality products make a real difference too. We recommend sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners (we love Oribe) along with proper extension brushes. A few thoughtful extras like silk pillowcases and gentle hair ties help prevent tangling and extra stress on your extensions. While these maintenance costs are part of the journey, we find our guests agree–waking up to long, beautiful hair every morning makes it all worth it.
If you want to learn more about caring for your extensions, you can check out our comprehensive guide on how to take care of hair extensions.
FAQs
Will Extensions Damage my Hair?
With proper installation and maintenance, extensions shouldn’t damage your hair. The key is choosing the right method for your hair type and following proper care guidelines. Learn more about keeping your natural hair healthy with extensions.
Is my hair long enough for extensions?
For the best blend with beaded row extensions, your natural hair should be at least chin length. We can help determine if your current length will work during a consultation or you can get a better idea about extensions for short hair here.
What types of extensions will work best for me?
This depends on your hair goals, lifestyle, and budget. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all these factors to find the perfect match for you.
What should I expect during the installation process?
Curious about the extension journey? Our guide, Getting Hair Extensions: What to Expect, will walk you through the entire process, from consultation to aftercare.
How long will my extensions last?
With proper care, extensions can last anywhere from 6-12 months. For detailed information about extension lifespan, we’ve got everything you need to know here.
Ready for Your Hair Transformation?
We know there’s a lot to consider when it comes to hair extensions, from choosing the right method to understanding the investment involved. But don’t let the details overwhelm you! At Portfolio, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. We’ve chosen to specialize in beaded row extensions because we believe they offer the perfect balance of natural looks, comfort, and longevity for our clients.
Whether you’re ready to book or just starting to explore your options, we’d love to sit down with you for a complimentary consultation. We’ll talk through your hair goals, look at color options, and create a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. No pressure–just honest advice and answers to all your questions about the process.
Ready to discover your dream hair? Book your consultation today, and let’s get you your dream hair!
Book Today
Ready for a hair transformation? Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our certified professionals. We’ll discuss your needs, match colors, and plan your unique hair extension journey.
- Classic Hair Cut
- Highlights
- Extensions
- Root Care
- Coloring
- Balayage
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Monday - Saturday
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Stansbury Park, UT 84074
Our Services
Coloring
Coloring: Enhance your hair with our all-over coloring. Choose from Demi-permanent or permanent tints to add shine, depth, and full grey coverage.
Money Piece
Brighten your look with a ‘Money Piece’ highlight, adding a pop of color around your face for a trendy, modern style.
Lived in Color
Our low-maintenance ‘Lived in Color’ blends highlights and roots for a graceful grow-out and a natural blonde look.
Extensions
Transform your style with extensions ranging from 14”-22”. Customizable for volume, length, and color to perfectly match your hair.
Blonding
Achieve your desired blonde with techniques like babylights, highlights, and global blending, complemented by custom toners for added gloss and shine.
Corrections
Specializing in correcting extreme color changes or nonprofessional dyes, we aim to balance and even out tones while maintaining hair integrity.