Is My Hair Stylist Overcharging Me For My Hair Extensions?

Question

My stylist has never told me if the hair he uses is 100% virgin or where it comes from. I do know that it feels like human hair on my head.

He orders all the hair from one of his own suppliers, but I don't know who the supplier is.

He charges $250 just for the hair.

Another stylist has told me that the hair my stylist uses shouldn't cost $250.

Is this true?  The other stylist told me that you can get good quality hair for $85 a bag.  I find this hard to believe.

Can you help me answer some of these questions?  I would appreciate any help you could give me.

Thanks for your time. Becky

Answer

Dear Becky,

There are endless possibilities when it comes to the hair used in extensions, which includes but is not limited to:

1.  Whether hair is 100% human, synthetic, or mixed hair

2.  Hair's area of origin - European, Asian, South American, Other

3.  Length of hair to be attached

4.  Texture of the hair

5.  Quality and overall condition of the hair

6.  How hair is pre-treated before attachment (cut, color, texture)

The ultimate price of the hair used in extensions depends on the variables listed above.

It also depends on the hairstylist's ability to negotiate the best price for the hair.

The price always fluctuates depending upon the marketplace supply and demand.

Extension Hair May Have To Be Trimmed Or Chemically Treated

In some cases, extension hair has to be prepped before it can be attached.  It may need to be cut, colored, and/or chemically treated to match the natural hair.

Stylists almost always apply a markup to any hair they purchase to be used in extensions. They must be compensated for their time arranging to buy the hair and for any pre-attachment prep work.

The amount of markup they apply is variable and depends upon each individual stylist.  They may charge an hourly rate or a flat rate for the entire extension project.

Some Stylists Allow You To Purchase Your Own Hair

Every hair extension professional has a set of pricing scales for charging for the hair they use.

Some hair extension experts will allow you to buy your own wholesale hair.  Then you are required to bring it to the salon to be attached to your head.

If you purchase your own hair, you will still be charged for the time it takes to add the extensions to your head.

When prep work is required (trimming, coloring, or texturing), you will also be charged for that time.

That amount may vary depending upon the time it takes.

A Stylist May Have Quality Concerns

Some extension pros will not use client-acquired hair. This makes sense, as hair quality could be a major issue or concern for them.

Extensionists may also be picky about the hair they use and only be willing to use what they hand-pick on your behalf.

They may also have a history of success with a specific hair supplier and only want to work with that provider. If you trust your extensionist and want the best possible results, let them use the hair they prefer.

Do Some Comparison Shopping Before You Commit

If you're unsure if your stylist is overcharging you, do your own research. Consider all the possible factors and come to your own conclusions.

Ultimately, you have to feel comfortable with the price you pay for your hair extension. Call and get competitive quotes from other hair extension experts for the same type, quality, and texture of hair your current stylist uses.

Ask the other stylist who suggested you get hair for $85 a bag how you can check out that type of hair.

While hair comes in every imaginable price, remember that it also comes in every imaginable quality.  Is the $85 hair the same quality your stylist currently uses on your hair?

Ask For Documentation

In the meantime, you can ask your stylist for documentation on the hair he or she uses.

Keep in mind that this may offend them if they suspect you mistrust them.

Ask for details on the hair's origin (European, Asian, or Other), composition (100% human or other), and what type of prep work or pre-treatment the stylist performs before attaching it to your head.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can also ask what percentage of markup the stylist charges for the hair.

Some extension experts mark up the hair to recover some of their costs for the extension process and will not allow you to bring your own hair.

Hair extensionists need to be fairly compensated for their time and the quality of their work.

Best wishes,

Karen Marie Shelton

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