How Much Can You Charge for Hair Extensions?
If you’re thinking about offering hair extensions in your salon, or you’re already installing them and wondering if you’re charging enough, this guide is for you. One of the most common questions stylists ask is:
“How much should I charge for hair extensions?”
Pricing hair extensions can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to balance your skill level, product cost, local market, and time spent. And because hair extensions are a specialized service, the range of pricing is big — from $200 installs to $2,000 full transformations.
But here’s the good news:
Hair extensions are one of the MOST profitable services in the entire beauty industry.
Done correctly, they can multiply your income, bring in high-value clients, and completely elevate your business.
So let’s break down exactly what the average pricing looks like, what factors determine your rates, and how you can confidently charge what you’re worth — without apology.
Average Hair Extension Installation Pricing
Every stylist charges differently based on location, experience, and technique. But here are industry standard average prices for installs only, not including the hair itself:
| Extension Method | Average Install Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Clip-in Install | $50 – $150 |
| Tape-in Install | $250 – $600 |
| Sew-in / Machine Weft | $200 – $450 |
| Hand-Tied Weft Install | $350 – $800 |
| Butterfly Weft Install | $400 – $1,000 |
| Micro-links / Beaded Rows | $300 – $900 |
| Nano Beads | $450 – $1,200 |
| Keratin Fusion / K-Tips | $600 – $1,500 |
| I-Tips | $350 – $900 |
| Maintenance / Move-Up | $100 – $250 every 6–8 weeks |
Pricing varies based on region:
New York, Los Angeles, London, Toronto = highest pricing
Midwest or smaller cities = slightly lower ranges
Even at the low end, installs are highly profitable.
Pricing When You Supply the Hair vs When Clients Bring Hair
There’s a HUGE difference between:
-
Charging only for installation
vs. -
Charging for installation plus selling the hair
Selling the hair yourself is where income truly grows. Here’s an example using hand-tied or butterfly wefts:
Example Client Pricing
| Client Buys Hair from You | Client Brings Hair | |
|---|---|---|
| Hair extensions | $300 – $800 | $0 |
| Installation | $400 – $1,000 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Total Earnings | $700 – $1,800 | $400 – $1,000 |
You can literally double your earnings per client just by supplying the hair instead of letting them order elsewhere.
That’s why so many stylists partner with high-quality wholesale brands like Cooviphair, which offers premium hair and reliable availability.
Factors That Affect Pricing
Not all installs are created equal. Here are the main factors that determine how much YOU should charge:
1. Your Skill Level & Training
A certified stylist who has taken advanced courses should always charge more than someone self-taught.
2. Time Required
A sew-in may take 1–2 hours… while a butterfly weft install may take 3–5 hours. Time = money.
3. Extension Method Difficulty
Some techniques require more precision and experience, so they cost more.
4. Location
Big cities and high-end salons charge premium rates — and clients expect it.
5. Hair Quality
Raw or virgin extensions last longer and cost more than processed hair.
6. Client Consultation & Aftercare
If you provide detailed education, written care guides, and a luxury experience, you should charge accordingly.
7. Your Brand Positioning
Luxury brand = luxury prices
Discount brand = discount prices
Your client experience influences your value.
How to Know If You’re Undercharging
Here are some signs:
You feel nervous telling your price
You’re fully booked but not profiting
You’re exhausted after installs but earnings don’t reflect it
Clients say, “Girl, you should charge more!”
You struggle to afford inventory and tools
You want to raise prices but feel guilty
The truth: If you are GOOD, you SHOULD charge more.
Extensions are a specialty skill — not a budget service.
How Much Can You Earn Per Month Doing Hair Extensions? (Real Numbers)
Let’s calculate using a modest example — just 4 extension clients per week.
Scenario: Hair + Install Package
Average per-client — $1,200
Weekly — 4 clients = $4,800
Monthly — $19,200
Yearly — $230,400
Even if you do half of that, the income is life-changing.
Plus, each client returns every 6–8 weeks for maintenance:
Maintenance earnings: $100 – $250 per session
Add retail aftercare products (brushes, shampoo, bonnets, oils) and your profit grows even more.
Why Selling Hair Extensions Boosts Your Earnings
Wholesale pricing example from high-quality suppliers like Cooviphair:
| Wholesale Price | Retail Selling Price |
|---|---|
| $45 – $80 per weft | $120 – $240 |
| $100 – $200 per bundle | $250 – $450 |
| $160–$300 raw bundle | $350–$650 |
Most clients need 2–4 bundles or 2–4 wefts.
Profit Example
Wholesale cost: $200
Retail sale: $550
Profit: $350 (just from hair)
Add install profit and you’re earning over $1,000 per client.
That’s why top stylists never allow clients to bring hair — they provide it.
How to Confidently Set Your Pricing Structure
Separate the price of hair and installation
Example:
Hair: $650
Install: $450
Total: $1,100
Use consultations
Give personalized estimates based on goals and hair density.
Require deposits
Prevents last-minute cancellations.
Charge more for thicker heads of hair
Extensions are customized, not one-price-fits-all.
Add an “experience fee”
Luxury goes beyond application — charge for it.
Review & raise pricing every 6 months
Your skills increase, so should your income.
Should You Offer Payment Plans?
YES — financing increases booking conversions dramatically.
Options include:
-
Klarna
-
Afterpay
-
PayPal Pay Later
-
Sezzle
-
Affirm
A $1,200 install becomes $300 every 2 weeks — much easier for clients to commit to.
What Type of Clients Pay for Hair Extensions?
Brides
Busy professionals
Moms with postpartum hair loss
Women experiencing thinning
Beauty lovers who want luxury
Influencers & models
People who want long-lasting solutions
These are loyal, high-value clients who aren’t price-shopping. They’re looking for trust, expertise, and quality.
How to Raise Your Prices Without Feeling Guilty
Say this confidently:
“My pricing reflects my advanced training, premium-quality hair, and the time and care put into each transformation.”
You’re not charging for hair.
You’re charging for:
-
Technique
-
Experience
-
Knowledge
-
Quality
-
Confidence
-
Safety
-
The results
Those things are priceless.
The Secret to Becoming a Fully Booked Extension Artist
Stunning results
Consistent social media content
Before & after photos
Word-of-mouth referrals
Professional branding
Quality hair
Clear pricing
Customer experience excellence
If you combine all of these, you WILL attract premium clients.
Final Answer: How Much Can You Charge for Hair Extensions?
Install Pricing Range
$200 – $1,500+ per install
Maintenance
$100 – $250 every 6–8 weeks
Hair Sales
$300 – $900+
Total Per Client
$700 – $1,800+
Average Yearly Income Potential
$85,000 – $250,000+
And yes — clients are paying these prices every day.
Because it’s not just hair…
It’s confidence, beauty, transformation, and self-expression.
Ready to Charge Premium Prices & Grow Your Extension Business?
If you want to elevate your prices, attract premium clients, and build a professional extension brand, you need a reliable hair supplier.
That’s where Cooviphair comes in.
We provide:
Luxury salon-grade extensions
Butterfly wefts
Tape-ins
Hand-tied and machine wefts
HD lace wigs
Wholesale pricing
Private label options
Fast shipping
The highest-quality hair for stylists
