The Average Cost of Hair Extensions - Are The Benefits Worth It?

May 9, 2025
The Average Cost of Hair Extensions - Are The Benefits Worth It?
All Hair Extension Articles

Are Hair Extensions Benefits Worth the Cost? A First-Impression Power Move That Pays Off ✨

When people say, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” science tells a different story. Studies show that first impressions are formed in just milliseconds—and they often stick. Hair is one of the first things we notice about someone. It frames the face, expresses personal style, and speaks volumes before we say a word. That’s why choosing to get hair extensions isn’t just about vanity—it’s a smart, intentional decision about how we carry ourselves into the world.

In this blog, we’ll explore what goes into the cost of hair extensions, the different types of hair extensions, how to decide what’s right for your hair type and lifestyle, and why investing in high-quality extensions is so much more than a beauty choice—it’s a confidence strategy.💫

💖What Makes Hair Extensions Benefits Worth the Investment?

Hair extensions are more than just a styling tool—they’re a confidence catalyst. From boosting volume to instantly upgrading your style, extensions offer a transformation that goes beyond appearance. For many, this investment means showing up with pride, power, and poise. 💪

Psychology studies confirm that first impressions strongly influence how we’re perceived. Hair plays a vital role in this perception. The quality, style, and presence of your hair can convey professionalism, health, and confidence.

If you’ve ever considered whether hair extensions are worth the overall cost, the answer lies in how they make you feel when you walk out the door.

💸What Affects the Cost of Hair Extensions?

The cost of hair extensions can vary widely depending on several factors:

  • Type of extensions (e.g., clip-in, tape-in, bead, or weft)

  • Hair used (low vs. high quality human hair)

  • Amount of additional hair needed

  • Your stylist’s expertise and location📍

High quality hair extensions made from 100% natural human hair will cost more—but they also last longer (ie. better long term investment) and make day to day styling MUCH more simple.✔️

📊What Is the Average Cost of Hair Extensions?

While the cost of hair extensions varies, the average cost of hair extensions ranges from $100 to over $1,500.

Here's a breakdown:

Extension Type Pricing of Hair + Install (Average)
Clip-in extensions $100–$300
Tape-in extensions $300–$800
Bead extensions / wefts $600–$1,500+
Flex-tip nanos $600–$1,500+

These figures vary based on the hair type, hair quality, amount of hair used, and how often your extensions require service.🛠️

🧵What Are the Different Types of Hair Extensions?

There are many types of hair extensions, each with their own application method, maintenance needs, and suitability for different hair types:

  • Tape-in extensions: Lightweight, flat, and blend well with natural hair. Great for medium-long term wear.

  • Clip-in hair extensions: Temporary, versatile, and ideal for special events. Easy to apply and remove.  This category often includes toppers - which are great for adding bangs and top volume.

  • Weft extensions (hand-tied or volume wefts): Rows attached with premium micro beads.

  • Nano bead extensions: attached to hair using small metal rings. Great for thin hair and fine hair.

Knowing the type of extensions that best suit your hair type and lifestyle ensures your extensions blend seamlessly and last as long as possible.🙌

🧬Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions: What’s the Difference?

The biggest cost factor is the hair used. High quality human hair extensions can be styled, washed, and maintained just like your natural hair, whereas low quality human or synthetic hair may cost less upfront but has limited versatility and a shorter lifespan.

✔️Premium human hair offers the best value over time because it looks more natural, lasts longer, and offers full styling flexibility. 

❌Low quality hair: If your hair extensions are a lower quality, hair extensions can feel impossible to control after washing your extensions.  This is a sign that you may need to change your care routine (to eliminate waxes) or upgrade the quality to a true cuticle-intact hair.

Pro-tip: If you're comparing the costs of extensions, always factor in how long the extensions last.  Quality of the extensions may not always be obvious and sadly, the extensions industry has some unscrupulous players out for a quick buck.  Buying from a trusted source (like us!) ensures quality extensions can give you the hair of your dreams.

⏳How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?

High-quality hair extensions can last over a year but should keep in mind:

  • The method used (some methods are easier to re-use)

  • Your at-home care routine (we recommend Amika products - we aren't sponsored, we just like them)

  • The quality of the hair (like our Bliss line 💎)

Quality tape-in extensions, wefts and nano tipped hair will need professional upkeep every 6–8 weeks.  Upkeep or maintenance is when you move the extensions up closer to the roots to keep them feeling secure.  Extensions last as long as the speed at which your hair grows.  Quality extensions should last through multiple maintenance sessions.  Clip-in extensions are self-installed and not meant to be worn or washed daily.  

🗓️Proper care—including how you wash your hair, tie your hair, and style your hair—will affect the longevity of your investment.

🧼Are Hair Extensions Easy to Maintain?

Hair extensions are easy to maintain if you follow the recommended routine: 💕

  • Use gentle, sulfate-free products (subtle plug for Amika again 🌿- we really like the Kure line!)

  • Avoid excessive heat or tight hairstyles (this can burn or break hair)

  • Brush gently, starting from the ends 

Learning how to take care of your hair extensions ensures they stay healthy, blend with your natural hair, and deliver maximum return on your investment. 🌟

🛡️Do Extensions Damage Your Natural Hair?

Not when done correctly.👩🔬

Poor installation or incorrect home care can lead to damage to your hair or damage to your natural hair, but properly installed high-quality extensions are safe and secure.  Extensions are designed to give fuller hair or more voluminous hair safely.

✅Work with a certified stylist who understands how extensions are attached, how to assess your hair type, and how to match your hair goals with a suitable method.

💁♀️How Do Extensions Impact Everyday Confidence?

The biggest benefit of hair extensions is their ability to transform how you feel in your skin. They offer:

  • ✨Effortless styling (if you use high quality hair)

  • ✨Consistent volume and shape

  • ✨The ability to style your hair with confidence

You’re not just investing in beauty—you’re investing in presence. Extensions help you wake up feeling ready, whether you’re putting your hair in a loose messy bun or prepping for a big event.  Extensions can be a game-changer for voluminous updos!  Some of us weren't blessed with amazing hair and will need extensions to create certain styles.  That's okay - There are many different solutions in the world of hair extensions! 💃

🏷️Are Hair Extensions Worth the Cost?

Hair extensions for the first time can bring up some investment anxiety.  We believe they are absolutely worth it.  When you consider how often you see yourself in the mirror, interact with others, or make that important first impression, hair extensions deserve a spot at the top of your beauty priorities.

Despite a higher initial cost, they offer long-term emotional and stylistic return. Extensions provide volume, consistency, and ease in a way that few beauty tools can match.

Hair extensions provide new styling possibilities, and extensions are a popular choice to "wake up with makeup."  The amount of time they can save you in your morning routine alone can make them worth the effort.

They’re not just extensions to your natural hair—they’re an extension of your confidence, your personal brand, and your readiness to show up fully.  

Summary: What to Know About the Cost and Worth of Hair Extensions

  • First impressions matter—and your hair extension choice is part of your presence

  • Hair extensions cost more for high-quality hair, but last longer and look better

  • There are many different types of hair extensions—each suited to specific needs

  • High quality human hair is the gold standard for natural look and feel

  • Maintenance is simple with the right guidance

  • Extensions offer everyday confidence and styling ease

  • When professionally done, extensions are safe and blend seamlessly

  • Extensions to your natural hair can even cover hair loss and can help hair growth by hiding damage and making daily styling less intensive

✨ Hair extensions are a fantastic investment in how you show up in the world. They’re not just about looking good—they’re about feeling seen.

Explore high-quality hair extensions here.  Questions?  Drop us a line at hello@doctoredlocks.com

Share:
Hair Extensions for Thin Hair: How the Best Hair Extensions Heal
Hair Extensions for Thin Hair: How the Best Hair Extensions Heal
Struggling with thinning hair? You’re not alone.This heartfelt guide explores the best hair extensions for thin or fine hair—like Flex-Tip Nanos, toppers, and hand-tied wefts—designed to restore confidence and transform your reflection. Learn how to choose safe, seamless options that protect your natural hair and help you feel like you again. 
Learn More
Hair Extensions and MRI Scan Images: Metallic Microbeads
Hair Extensions and MRI Scan Images: Metallic Microbeads
MRI and Hair Extensions: What Every Stylist and Client Needs to Know Before a Scan For many clients, wearing hair extensions is about more than just hair—it’s about confidence, identity, and feeling whole. But when medical needs arise, such as an upcoming MRI scan, these same extensions can become a source of stress. Stylists are often the first people a client turns to when faced with this situation—and we have an opportunity to offer not just answers, but support. In this post, we’ll explore which extensions are MRI-safe, how to help your clients navigate this process, and why choosing the right method matters when it comes to both image clarity and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a stylist looking to stay informed or a client feeling unsure about your upcoming MRI, this article offers clarity, comfort, and a path forward. What Happens During an MRI Scan? An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a powerful medical tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, an MRI scan doesn’t use radiation. Instead, it works by reacting to water molecules inside your body and produces extremely accurate visuals of bones, organs, and tissues. The machine uses a strong magnet, so metal of any kind is a concern. When a patient enters the scanner, they’re typically asked to remove all metal items—jewelry, belts, piercings, and yes, even some hair extensions. Why Are Hair Extensions a Concern During an MRI? Many popular hair extension methods—especially those using microbeads or metal beads—contain small amounts of metal. Even though these components are tiny, they can still pose a risk when exposed to the magnet inside an MRI machine. Here’s why: Metal can heat up during the scan, which can cause discomfort or even a burn. Metallic microbeads may distort the image, interfering with the accuracy of the MRI. The technician may have to stop or reschedule the scan if unknown objects are detected in the patient's hair. That’s why many imaging centers require full removal of extensions that contain any metal, especially if the scan is of the head, neck, or spine. Which Types of Hair Extensions Are MRI-Safe? Not all extensions are created equal—especially when it comes to MRI safety. The safest option by far is tape-in hair extensions. These are applied using adhesive strips—no metal, no clips, no microbeads—making them ideal for patients undergoing an MRI scan. 💡 Always confirm with your client’s radiology department to ensure they allow tape-ins during the specific type of scan being performed. Which Types of Extensions Should Be Avoided? Extensions that include metallic microbeads, rings, or clips should be removed before a scan. These include: I-tip (prebond) extensions (strands inserted into beads) Microbead extensions (strands with metal rings attached) Volume weft with beads (any beaded rows, invisible wefts, butterfly wefts etc)  Clip-in hair extensions (metal clips attached to rows of hair) These styles, while popular, contain metal that can interfere with MRI images, reduce safety, and even delay the process. Some technicians have reported stopping scans mid-procedure due to unexpected objects showing up on the image.  Yikes! Can Extensions Really Affect an MRI Image? Yes. Even the smallest metal components can create what’s known as an artifact on an MRI image. This interference can block important details and lead to incomplete or inaccurate readings. In serious cases, a second MRI may be required, especially for areas like the cervical spine under anesthesia or the head and neck, where the hair extensions are in close proximity to the area being scanned. That’s why clear communication between stylist, client, and clinical technician is so important. What Should Stylists Do When a Client Needs an MRI? As a stylist, your role goes far beyond creating beautiful hair. In times like this, your guidance can mean the world. Here’s how to support your client: Listen with empathy. Understand the medical and emotional weight of this moment. Review their current method. If they’re wearing metal beads, take a moment to do a risk assessment and discuss switching to a safer option like tape-ins. Offer temporary alternatives. Let them know they won’t have to go without hair extensions if they switch methods. Schedule a reinstall. For clients needing to remove extensions, book a post-scan appointment to reinstall as soon as they’re cleared. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about helping someone feel like themselves when everything else feels uncertain. What Happened with Savannah McAllister? On TikTok, user Savannah McAllister shared a powerful video describing how her microbead extensions created a stressful situation before her MRI scan. The technician asked her to remove them, leaving her anxious and unprepared. Her story brought widespread attention to the issue, with many viewers commenting that they’d never been warned about hair extension concerns before their MRI. Her experience emphasized the importance of awareness, screening, and supportive salon care.   Will Tape-Ins Interfere with Head or Neck MRIs? Usually not. Tape-in hair extensions are flat, soft, and non-metal, making them far less likely to affect head, neck, or spine MRIs. However, we recommend clients confirm with their provider before the scan, especially if the image will be taken near the scalp. Adding a simple note to their intake paperwork—something like “client is wearing tape-in extensions, no metal present”—can streamline the process and avoid delays. What If a Client Is Nervous About Switching Extension Types? Change is hard—especially for clients facing health stress. Your role is to ease that transition. Here’s how: Show photos or videos of tape-in transformations. Reassure them that tape-ins are lightweight, discreet, and easy to remove or adjust. Highlight the safety, comfort, and versatility of tape-ins during this time. One thoughtful comment, one helpful tip, or one kind offer can truly make all the difference for a client facing medical uncertainty. Can I Share This Info With My Clients? Yes—please do. Share this post, print out a note with safety guidance, or even create a quick video walkthrough for your clients. They’ll thank you for being proactive and informed. You can also include this in your salon’s post-care instructions or consultation process, especially for clients who have a known medical history or are scheduling routine imaging.  The more we can get this updated info out there, the shocked reaction, that hair users like McAllister experienced, can be avoided.   Key Takeaways: Hair Extensions and MRI Safety Metal beads, clips, and microbeads should be removed before an MRI scan. Tape-in hair extensions are typically MRI-safe and can remain in place for many scans. MRI images can be affected by metal, leading to delayed or inaccurate results. Clients should always notify their technician about their extensions during the screening process. Stylists play a powerful role in offering alternatives and emotional support. Viral stories like Savannah McAllister’s have helped highlight this important issue. The NHS, FDA, and other experts recommend minimal metal and clear documentation. You’re Not Alone—And Neither Are They 💗 As a stylist, you’re more than a technician—you’re a guide, a cheerleader, and often a lifeline. When a client is facing medical procedures, your kindness, clarity, and expert advice can ease their fear and remind them they’re still seen, still valued, and still beautiful. If your clients are navigating MRI-related stress, let them know they don’t have to go through it alone. You’ve got options. You’ve got answers. And most of all—you’ve got them. 👉 Need MRI-safe tape-in extensions for your clients?Browse our trusted selection here: SHOP TAPE EXTENSIONS Together, we can keep beauty, safety, and confidence in every strand.  
Learn More
confident stylist
💖✂️ Supporting Stylists Through Uncertain Times - Tariff Edition! 💖✂️
To Our Stylists: We See You. We’ve Got You. We know the past few months have been hard. Prices keep going up, clients are holding off on services, and things feel uncertain 😟. If you’re worried about your business—you’re not alone. We get it because we’re feeling it too. But being a smaller company has helped us stay flexible and make changes quickly. When things started shifting, we didn’t wait—we reached out to our partners, made smart moves, and worked hard to keep the products you love in stock ✨. And we didn’t cut corners to do it:❌ We didn’t switch to lower-quality hair.❌ We didn’t double prices quietly in the night. ✅ In fact, we’re growing. Some of our lines are expanding because we know you still need great tools and support—even when times are tough. We know your chair is more than just a place to work. It’s where you help people feel confident and seen 🌟. It’s where you do what you love—and we want to help you keep doing that 💕. While some big companies are charging double (or even triple?! 😬) or quietly changing their product quality, hoping no one notices—we promise: We’ll never lower our standards. You deserve better, and we’re here to deliver it 💯. The truth is, as I write this, some things are still shifting. But we’re confident in the resilient network we’ve built and the relationships we’ve nurtured over the years. We’re ready to keep going, no matter what. You’re not just a customer—you’re part of our community 🫶. We’re here to support your business, your dreams, and your future 🌱. Take a deep breath. We’ve got you.  Stay strong, stay inspired, and keep creating.With love,The Doctored Locks Team 💖
Learn More
All Hair Extension Articles