Thursday, July 3, 2008

Do you know about Hair Extensions Costs?

Your first question when you start looking at hair extensions will probably be, “Why do they cost so much?” The answer to that is very simple. Hair extensions are a time-intensive, tedious service and the supplies needed for quality extensions are expensive.

Demand:

As more and more women rush to the salon to get hair extensions, the supply of good quality human hair becomes less. This of course will drive up the price for hair extension services.

Time-Intensive:

A lot of the hair extension methods require several hours to attach a full head, around 3-5 hours. There is a direct relationship between prices and the time it takes to attach the extensions. The more time it takes, the higher the price. The stylist cannot schedule any other clients during that time. Plus, the stylist has invested a good amount of money to be trained and/or certified for hair extensions.

There are new and improved methods of hair extension that require a lot less time to attach. So, your first thought may be, If it takes less time, it should be less expensive. Eventually, these faster methods will be less expensive. But right now, the stylist has to invest a lot of money for the new and improved machine or tool required.

Hair extensions can be added to your own natural hair to add length, volume, and body. They can also be an easy, non-chemical way to add highlights or lowlights. Hair extensions can be a one-night change or one that lasts six months.

How much do hair extensions cost? The price can vary widely, depending on type of hair and method used. Synthetic hair costs much less than human hair. Raw or virgin (untreated) human hair costs more than other types of human hair. For now, though, we will focus on hair extension prices for different methods.

Clip-Ons:

Clip-on hair extensions are a temporary solution, and their price reflects that. Hair Replacement Centers offer clip-ons from $19.50 to $269 for a kit.

Hot Fusion or Bonding:

In this method, extensions are hot glued to your natural hair. This is the traditional method, and it costs around $300.

Cold Fusion:

This is a new technology that is meant to be gentle on the hair. It costs from $1,500 to $3,500.

Weave:

In this method, hair extensions are braided into the natural hair. This method costs around $1,200.

There are salons that offer hair extension prices much less than these listed. Before buying discount hair extensions, however, make sure that the hairdresser is qualified. He or she should be a licensed cosmetologist with experience in applying hair extensions. Many hair extension companies offer certifications in hair extension application. Find out if your hairdresser is certified. Do not choose a hairdresser based solely on price -- the cost to your hair could be too great.


The cost of hair extensions varies based on: the quality, type and length of hair extension chosen, the method of application and the length and density of the natural hair.

Typical costs:

* Hair extensions typically cost between $150 and $300, plus the cost of the hair, for a partial head of extensions. Total cost ranges from $400 to $800.
* Hair extensions typically cost between $300 and $600, plus the cost of the hair, for a full head of extensions for fullness only. Total cost ranges from $1,300 to $1,600.
* Hair extensions typically costs $600 to $1500 and up, plus the cost of the hair, for a full head of extensions for fullness and added length. Total cost ranges from $1,600 to $4,000.
* High-quality human hair that is cut -- not brushed -- off usually costs from $250 to $500 for a partial head and $1,000 to $2,500 for a full head, depending on length and origin. Synthetic hair and low-quality human hair, which are not recommended, cost much less.

What should be included:

* The stylist will schedule an initial consultation to assess your hair and discuss to desired results and cost.
* Bonding methods include braiding, weaving, sewing and fusion, in which the hair comes coated at the tips with a substance that, when heated, bonds with your own hair.
* If necessary, the hair extensions will be color matched to your own hair.
* At the appointment, the stylist will trim your hair and then use the chosen method to attach the hair extensions. Depending on the method and how many extensions are being applied, this can take anywhere from two to six hours. After application, the stylist will trim the hair for a blended look.

Additional costs:

* Some bonding techniques require regular application of a product to keep the bond in good shape, for about $20 per month.
* As hair grows, extensions need to be trimmed. This costs about the same as a traditional haircut.
* Color touch-ups are sometimes necessary on extensions; this can cost $50 or more
* As hair grows, hair extensions will need to be taken out and reapplied; hair extensions usually last an average of four to six months. This re-application will cost as much as the first for labor, but high-quality human hair usually can be reused.
* Removal, which can take an hour or two, usually costs the stylist's hourly rate, unless new extensions are being applied.

Discounts:

* Some salons will charge an hourly rate to apply extensions you buy yourself; however, it usually is a better idea to purchase hair through a licensed hairdresser.
* Using a "weft" -- a grouping of hairs that have been sewn together in a seam -- is generally quite a bit cheaper than strand-by-strand hair extensions, but tends not to look as natural or allow as much versatility.
* Clip-in hair extensions can be used for an inexpensive, temporary style; a stylist can show you how to put them in and take them out.
* Some salons offer discounts for senior citizens or cancer survivors.

Now, we are aware for the cost of Hair Extensions.

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