Extensions are a premium service, but plenty of stylists underprice them — especially when they're starting out. The result is long days, thin margins and burnout. Here's a practical way to price extension services so they're worth your time.
Step 1: Know your hair cost per install
Start with what the hair actually costs you for each type of install. A typical install uses around 110g to 165g of hair across two to three rows, depending on the client's density and the look they want. Work out your wholesale cost for a half head and a full head at each length you offer.
Step 2: Time every stage honestly
List everything that happens, not just the fitting:
- Consultation and colour matching
- Any pre-colour or toning
- Sectioning and installation
- Cutting in and blending
- Styling and aftercare explanation
Time yourself over a few installs. Most stylists underestimate by a long way.
Step 3: Set your hourly rate
Your extension hourly rate should reflect specialist skill, not your standard cut rate. Consider your experience, your training and certification, and what other specialist services in your area charge.
Step 4: Build the install price
A simple formula:
Install price = hair cost + (hours × hourly rate) + product and consumables
Then sense-check it against the market. For reference, Mane Baby's recommended retail price for a 20" half head is $990 and for a 20" full head $1,630.
Step 5: Price maintenance separately
Maintenance (moving the wefts up every 6 to 8 weeks) uses no new hair, so it's priced on time. Many salons charge $200 or more per relift. Be clear with clients upfront that maintenance is part of wearing extensions, so it's budgeted from day one.
Step 6: Decide what's included
Clients value clarity. Spell out whether your install price includes:
- The consultation and colour match
- A cut and style
- An aftercare kit or guide
- A follow-up check
Mane Baby stockists get a client aftercare guide and consultation form template to make this easy.
Step 7: Offer retail at the chair
An extension-safe brush is the one tool every client needs. Recommending it protects your work and adds to the ticket. Mane Baby brushes are designed for exactly this.
Common pricing mistakes
- Pricing like a colour service. Extensions take longer and require specialist skill.
- Forgetting consultation time. Colour matching and planning take real time.
- Absorbing waste. Leftover hair from oversized packs is a hidden cost. See why smaller packs help.
- Not charging for removal. Removal and re-installation take time too.
- Discounting to win clients. It attracts price shoppers, not loyal extension clients.
See what the numbers could look like
Read how much a salon can earn from extensions, or apply to become a Mane Baby stockist for full wholesale pricing.