Most salon services are one-off. A client comes in, you do the work, and you hope they rebook. Extensions are different. A single install turns into regular maintenance appointments for as long as the client wears them — which is why so many salons are adding extensions to their menu.
So what can a salon actually earn? Here's a realistic breakdown.
The two income streams
- The install. The client pays for the hair and your time to colour match, fit and cut it in.
- Maintenance. Every 6 to 8 weeks the wefts are moved up as the natural hair grows. This is service time only — the hair is reused.
The second stream is what makes extensions such a strong business. It's predictable, it books itself, and it keeps clients loyal to your salon.
An example using Mane Baby pricing
Based on Mane Baby's standard wholesale pricing and recommended retail prices:
- 20" half head: $418 wholesale, $990 recommended retail — around $572 before your costs
- 20" full head: $836 wholesale, $1,630 recommended retail — around $794 before your costs
- Relift / maintenance (every 6–8 weeks): no new hair needed, typically $200+ per appointment
Actual margins vary with your pricing, location and how you run your book. Stockists get a full profit breakdown when they apply.
What a single client can be worth
With the right aftercare, Mane Baby hybrid flat wefts last 9 to 12 months. That means one full-head client could book the install plus several maintenance appointments across the life of their hair — and then, if they love the result, a new install.
Multiply that across even a handful of regular extension clients and it becomes a meaningful, stable part of your revenue.
What eats into the margin
Be honest with your numbers. The things that reduce profit are usually avoidable:
- Your time. Installs take longer than most colour services. Price for it.
- Waste. Opening large packs for a partial head leaves leftover hair. Smaller packs help — we explain in why 55g packs reduce waste.
- Colour correction. A limited shade range means more custom colouring. A wide pre-coloured range saves hours.
- Re-dos. Poor-quality hair that sheds or tangles leads to complaints and free fixes.
- Clients who don't do aftercare. Hair that's looked after lasts longer and keeps clients happy. Give every client an aftercare guide and point them to the right brush.
Retail adds up too
Extension clients need the right tools at home. Selling a brush that's safe on extensions is an easy add-on that protects your work. See the Mane Baby brushes.
How to price your services
Retail pricing is its own topic — hair cost, time, experience, location and what's included in a consult all play a part. We cover it step by step in how to price hair extension services.
Getting started
If you're ready to see the full numbers for your salon, apply to become a Mane Baby stockist for complete wholesale pricing, training and support.