Adding extensions to your salon can transform your business — higher-value services, loyal clients and regular maintenance bookings. But it pays to set it up properly. Here's a practical checklist to get you from "thinking about it" to your first confident install.
1. Choose your method
Decide which extension type suits your clientele. If many of your clients have fine hair or wear their hair up, a flat, discreet weft makes life easier. Compare the options in hybrid flat vs hand-tied vs genius wefts.
☐ Method chosen for your typical client
2. Choose your supplier
Look at hair quality, shade range, pack sizes, training, margins and support. Our full guide: how to choose a wholesale hair extension supplier.
☐ Wholesale account applied for
3. Get trained
Hands-on training with a small class is the fastest way to confident results. Make sure it includes a live model, colour matching and the business side. What to look for in extension training.
☐ Training booked
4. Set your prices
Price installs, maintenance and removal separately, and price for your real time. Step-by-step: how to price hair extension services.
☐ Install, maintenance and removal prices set
5. Plan your stock
You don't need every shade on day one. Start with the colours that match most of your clientele and order to each booking. Smaller packs make this easier — see why 55g packs reduce waste.
☐ Colour ring in the salon
☐ Core shades identified
6. Set up your consultation
Every extension client needs a consultation before the install. Cover hair density and scalp health, lifestyle, the look they want, colour match, budget, and the commitment to maintenance every 6 to 8 weeks.
☐ Consultation form ready (Mane Baby stockists get a template)
7. Have your tools ready
- Sectioning clips that hold a full section
- Bead tools and your installation kit
- A colour ring
- An extension-safe brush for styling and to recommend to clients
☐ Kit complete — see extension tools and Mane Baby brushes
8. Prepare aftercare
Clients who follow good aftercare get longer-lasting results — and that reflects on you. Hand every client an aftercare guide and walk them through it. See the Mane Baby aftercare guide.
☐ Aftercare guide ready to share
9. Market your new service
- Photograph and film your installs (with permission) — before and afters are your best marketing
- Tell your existing clients first
- Add extensions to your booking system and website
- List yourself as a stockist so clients can find you
☐ Content plan in place
10. Book your first clients
Start with a few clients you know well. Take your time, get feedback, and build from there.
☐ First installs booked
Ready to start?
Mane Baby supports stockists with wholesale pricing, hands-on training, a training library, a consultation form template, client aftercare resources and a dedicated support team. Apply to become a Mane Baby stockist.