How to charge for hair extensions

In every hair extension certification course we teach, stylists all ask the same question: “How do I charge for hair extensions?”

There are so many pricing strategies on the market, but as a company run by stylists for stylists, we’re here to help you maximize your earning potential. This is especially important considering the level of expertise and artistry developed by extension specialists, and the continuous investments made in education, equipment, and mastery.

At Laced, we approach hair extension pricing strategy from a package perspective, by offering clients an option of desired results to choose from, ranging from adding only volume, to a full impact length and volume transformation. 

Pricing for extensions this way allows hair extension specialists to simplify their offerings and cater to clients’ goals, while accounting for both product and time required to perform the service.

Before diving into the full pricing strategy, a stylist must first determine their hourly hair extension application pricing. One simple way to do this is by simply multiplying the cost of a hair cut (typically an hour long service) by 2 to account for the extensive amounts of education and expertise required to successfully perform a hair extension service. 

For the sake of simplicity, we’ll perform calculations based on a $75 haircut, so a $150/hour rate for hair extension application.

It’s also important to note that even with package pricing, each client’s hair is different, so it’s better to quote on the higher end of the spectrum and surprise your client with a lower price at checkout than a higher one.

Let’s break it down by method:

How to charge for hand tied hair extensions (plus machine sewn and interLaced)

For this pricing, we’ll calculate total cost based on a full impact transformation including 1.5 packs of hair.

When purchasing the hair extensions needed for the service with your stylist discount, you’re able to retain profit. To keep this service profitable, we recommend applying a 1.5-2x markup to account for time spent in consultation, shipping, etc.

For a pack of hair that costs you $550, plus a half pack at $275, the hair extension cost factored into the package price would total $1650.

Next, we need to take into account your hourly rate as a stylist. A 2.5 row transformation typically takes 3-4 hours, so we’ll estimate higher with 4 hours at the hourly hair extension application rate of $150, totaling $600.

The combination of product cost and hourly rate brings the total price for your highest impact hand tied extension application to $2250.

How to charge for tape-in extensions:

For this pricing, we’ll calculate total cost based on a volume only transformation including one pack of tape in extensions.

With the average cost of one bag of tape-in extensions sitting around $250 with your stylist discount, we’re able to adjust the product portion of the service to $500.

Then, we’ll factor in the service with one hour of extension application time at $150.

This takes the total cost for a volume only tape in hair extension transformation to $650.

Keep in mind that product cost for installations including interLaced tape-in extensions will need to increase slightly.

How to charge for strand by strand (keratin and I-tip) extensions:

For this pricing strategy, we’ll calculate total cost based on a standard length transformation.

A full transformation of keratin or I-tip extensions typically requires 7 packs of hair for the average client, but up to 9 packs for those with particularly thick natural hair. As time goes on, you’ll develop a knack for determining hair needed on the spot.

We’ll price this transformation based on 7 packs of hair.

For both keratin and I-tip, a pack of hair typically costs you around $100 and takes 20-30 minutes to apply depending on stylist experience. With markup and application time taken into account, it’s reasonable to charge $250 per bag.

For a 7 bag keratin or I-tip transformation, this totals to $1,750.

It’s important to keep in mind that keratin hair extensions may not be used again, and the extensions themselves last 5-6 months, so stylists may want to increase this price to reflect the lack of maintenance needed.

For a full breakdown of pricing strategy and online certification in all methods, feel free to browse our selection of courses at lacedacademy.com.