How much do hair extensions cost?
How much do hair extensions cost?
$200 – $600 total cost (clip-in)
$600 – $3,000 total cost (fusion)
$300 – $2,500 total cost (sew-in / weave)
Average cost of hair extensions
Hair extensions cost $200 to $3,000 at a salon, depending on the length, texture, method, and whether the hair is synthetic or real. Clip-in extensions cost $200 to $600 and are the most common, affordable option. More permanent methods like fusion cost $600 to $3,000 but look more realistic.
| Extension type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Clip-in | $200 – $600 |
| Tape-in | $200 – $1,000 |
| Sew-in / weave | $300 – $2,500 |
| Fusion | $600 – $3,000 |
| Dreadlocks | $300 – $1,400 |
Each type of hair extensions comes in a variety of lengths, textures, and colors.
Clip-in
Clip-in hair extensions cost $200 to $600 at a salon. These are the most temporary, flexible option because you can wear them for special occasions or daily use. However, many people remove clip-ins at night or adjust sleep habits because the extensions tend to be uncomfortable to sleep in.
Tape-in
Tape-in extensions cost $200 to $1,000 and use adhesives to attach small wefts of hair to your natural hair. Tape-in extensions are easy to apply and often take less than an hour total. This option is fast and convenient but is not easy to remove like clip-ins.
Sew-in / weave
Sew-in extensions cost $300 to $2,500 and use microbeads or thread to attach wefts of hair to your natural hair, which the stylist will braid into cornrows first to serve as a base. Sew-in extensions are low maintenance, and you can sleep on and style them as if they were your own hair. However, they’re not a great choice for people with sensitive scalps.
Fusion
Fusion hair extensions cost $600 to $3,000 and use heat to attach to your hair with keratin bonds. This type looks seamless and is very low maintenance. However, they are more expensive and time-consuming to apply than most other options.
Cold fusion extensions, also known as micro links or i-tips, use an ultrasound applicator to bond the extensions to your hair instead of heat. This is a gentler method but costs about the same as normal fusion extensions.
Dreadlocks
Real human hair extensions styled in dreadlocks cost $300 to $1,400+. Dreadlocks, also known as locs, are a hairstyle with a rich history. Hair sections are twisted or interlocked, maturing over time into distinct rope-like strands. Locs come in a variety of styles and sizes, offering a unique and personal way to express yourself.
Hair extension cost factors
The following factors impact the total cost of hair extensions at a salon:
Length: The longer the extensions, the more they will cost. Most extensions are 12” to 24”, but you can cut them to the desired length.
Quality: Higher-quality hair extensions cost more than lower-quality ones but tend to last longer and look more natural.
Synthetic vs. human: Real human hair typically costs more than synthetic hair, which costs less but sometimes looks fake and gets tangled easily. Human hair comes from different countries, each with different textures and curl levels. “Virgin” hair is human hair that has never been dyed or processed.
Brand: Popular extension brands like Halo or Remy cost $150 to $600 on average for the hair itself.
Stylist's experience: Stylists with more skill and experience typically charge higher rates.
Location: Salons in large cities or more affluent areas may charge more than average.
Packages: Ask the salon if they offer any deals for combining services with getting extensions, like a cut, color, wax, or nails.
Ask the salon if they specialize in a specific type of extension. If they don’t have much experience with the kind you want, you may want to look elsewhere.
Hair extension maintenance cost
Most people pay a hairdresser $100 to $250 to adjust their hair extensions every 4 to 8 weeks. If your hair grows faster than average, you’ll have to visit the salon more often to move the extensions closer to your roots.
Hair extensions FAQs
Can I shower with hair extensions?
Yes, you can shower with hair extensions in. Depending on the type of extensions you choose, your stylist may give you specific instructions to follow. Try to avoid exposing extensions to excessive moisture and heat, which may make them frizzy or tangled.
Can I sleep with hair extensions?
You can sleep with semi-permanent extension types like sew-in or fusion, but most stylists recommend removing clip-ins before sleeping. Friction and pressure from sleeping can damage your natural hair and the extensions themselves.
How long do hair extensions last?
Hair extensions last 4 to 8 weeks on average before needing an adjustment, depending on the extension type, how well you take care of them, and how fast your hair grows. If you only use clip-in extensions occasionally, they may last up to one year.
Do extensions damage your hair?
Some types of hair extensions can damage your hair. Temporary clip-ins do the least damage, and you can remove them frequently as needed. Sew-in extensions can pull on your hair and scalp, and the heat from fusion extensions can be hard on your hair.
The most significant damage occurs when you don't remove hair extensions correctly. Without the right tools and technique, you may cause breakage and fraying.
Getting estimates from salons
Before choosing a stylist for hair extensions near you, follow these steps:
Compare several prices from reputable hair salons.
Confirm the salons have business licenses and insurance.
Read the stylists’ reviews on Fash and Google.
Avoid extremely low prices, which usually indicate low-quality work.
Ask if they charge any additional fees.
Questions to ask stylists
Ask the following questions to find the best stylist possible:
Are all fees included in the price on your website?
How long will these extensions last?
Can I wash my hair with these extensions in?
Will using heat styling damage the extensions?
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
What color and length would you recommend for me?
I’m not sure if I have a sensitive scalp. Is there any way to test a section of my hair before choosing an extension style?
Do you offer any discounts or deals?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.