Stop Spending Hundreds—Find Out How Much Hair Extensions Really Cost!
About the prices on this page.
These figures were written in 2022 and have not been re-checked since. Treat them as a rough historical range, not as today's prices. The amounts are in US dollars and are not adjusted for your region — extension pricing varies widely by city, and by whether a quote covers the hair, the labour, or both.
This site has several other pages answering this same question, and their numbers do not always agree with each other. They were written separately and none of them is more authoritative than the others, so finding a similar figure on a second page here is not independent confirmation. For a real number, ask a local salon for an itemised quote — and ask what a move-up costs and how often it is needed, because the recurring cost usually matters more than the first appointment.
When it comes to making a major beauty investment, getting hair extensions can be one of the priciest. Of course, a luxurious-looking head of gorgeous locks doesn't come cheap, right? Wrong! The truth is, there's actually a lot more you can do to get the same end-result without breaking the bank. Whether you want to go cheaper or splurge, here's a look at how much hair extensions can cost.
The first factor that affects price is the type of hair extensions you choose. Generally, natural hair extensions, such as human hair or premium synthetic hair, are more expensive than synthetic options like carbon complex-based or heat-resistant fibers. Human hair extensions are routinely priced anywhere between $100 and $600 for a full head, depending on the quality and length of the hair purchased. On the other end of the spectrum, synthetic hair extensions are often priced between $25 and $100 for the same amount.
Another key factor to consider when shopping for hair extensions is the type of installation. Clip-ins are typically the most affordable type of extensions, costing around $50-$100 per application, while spot weaves, which are attached to small areas of hair, cost $200-$340 each. For a more permanent solution, sew-ins, which involve braiding natural hair into a base and sewing hair extensions onto the braids, can range between $50 and $400.
If you prefer a more seamless look, then the cold-bond method may be your best bet. This method involves using a special glue to attach the extensions directly to naturally-bonded hair, and can cost anywhere between $50-$400. Finally, if you want to ensure the most natural look, an individual strand-by-strand method of hair extensions is recommended, with pricing between $400-$1,500.
But before you splurge on long, luscious hair, it's important you have a clear idea of exactly what you desire. It's also wise to research different salons and remember to ask about any special deals or discounts. Thankfully, the overall cost of hair extensions can vary widely—so no matter what your budget or beauty needs may be, you can still get that designer hair look without the designer price tag.