How Much Are Hair Extensions in the UK?

Hair extensions are growing in popularity and are a fantastic way to change your look, boost volume, add length, or even colour without needing to visit a hairdresser, or wait for your hair to naturally grow. 

In the UK, prices for hair extensions vary significantly depending on the type, method of application, and maintenance required. For people looking into hair extensions for the first time, the range of different options, styles and price ranges can seem to be a bit of a minefield.

Why Does This Matter?

At Naturyl Extensions, we are passionate about hair extensions and the boost they can bring to your self esteem and confidence. This is why we feel it’s important to provide honest educational content about the industry and the options customers have available to them - even the ones we don’t offer ourselves.

With that in mind, today we’re putting together a complete guide to hair extension prices that covers everything you need to know to make an informed choice, including the costs you can expect for different types of extensions and how much additional cost and work may be involved to care for your new hair.

First, the most important question to consider: what actually influences the price of hair extensions and why do they vary so much?

Let’s take a look: 

Factors That Influence Hair Extension Costs

Hair extension prices are not fixed. Here’s what typically drives the price:

1. Hair Type:
Human hair is more expensive than synthetic hair. While synthetic hair extensions can be acquired for a very low price, there is a reason for this. Synthetic hair rarely feels soft like human hair, and can have numerous downsides such as being sweaty, breaking easily and getting tangled. Human hair looks more natural and blends well with your own hair, while synthetic hair tends to be less flexible in styling and doesn’t last as long. 

The highest quality to look out for is remy human hair, which comes with intact cuticles. This prevents matting and tangling, while also appearing more natural and blending in more naturally with your existing hair.

2. Application Method:
Some methods are quicker to apply and remove, while others require a more complex fitting. Clip-ins are easy to do yourself and tend to be more affordable, while professional methods like keratin bonds or micro rings involve more work and expertise.

3. Length and Thickness:
Longer extensions need more hair, which increases the cost. If you want fuller volume, this will also add to the price.

Hair Extension Types and Average Costs

Let’s take a closer look at the main types of hair extensions available in the UK and what they typically cost.

Clip-In Extensions

What They Are:
Clip-ins are hairpieces that you attach yourself at home. They’re popular because they’re easy to use and don’t involve any chemicals or glue. They are usually the easiest to use and most versatile. They typically last 3-6 months although can last for longer with good care.

Typical Cost:
You can expect to pay around £39-300 for a good set of clip-ins. Human hair options will be at the top end of that range, while low quality synthetic hair ones can be lower.

Pros and Cons:
They’re ideal for occasional use or special events because you can put them in and take them out whenever you like. The downside is that they don’t work well for daily wear if you want a seamless, natural look every day.

Maintenance:
Because you remove them each night, they don’t require expensive salon appointments. However, they may need washing and brushing occasionally to keep them looking their best.

Tape-In Extensions

What They Are:
Tape-in extensions use adhesive strips to stick hair wefts to your natural hair. They lie flat against your head and blend easily.

Typical Cost:
These usually cost between £250 and £700. Human hair options are more expensive because they last longer and look more natural.

Pros and Cons:
Tape-ins are lightweight and comfortable, making them popular for those with fine hair. They’re semi-permanent, staying in place for around six to eight weeks before needing to be re-fitted.

Maintenance:
You’ll need to visit a salon for removal and reapplication. Extensions can be reused if they’re still in good condition, making them more affordable in the long run.

Micro Ring Extensions

What They Are:
Micro rings involve clamping small sections of extension hair to your natural hair with tiny metal rings. There’s no heat or glue, which is better for your natural hair’s health.

Typical Cost:
Expect to pay £200 to £800, depending on how many strands you’re adding and the hair quality.

Pros and Cons:
They’re known for blending naturally and feeling lightweight. However, they can slip if not looked after properly, and you’ll need regular salon visits to keep them secure.

Maintenance:
Every six to eight weeks, you’ll need to have them moved back up as your hair grows. This costs £60 to £120 each time.

Nano Ring Extensions

What They Are:
Nano rings are similar to micro rings but use even smaller rings, making them less noticeable. This method is a good choice if you’re concerned about visible bonds.

Typical Cost:
Prices usually fall between £200 and £800, much like micro rings.

Pros and Cons:
They’re very discreet and lightweight. The main downside is the need for regular maintenance, and they’re best for people who are gentle with their hair.

Maintenance:
The tiny rings need to be repositioned as your hair grows, so budget for salon appointments every few months.

Keratin Bond Extensions

What They Are:
Keratin bonds (also known as fusion bonds) use heat to attach small strands of hair. The keratin bond fuses to your natural hair, creating a very natural-looking result.

Typical Cost:
These tend to be the most expensive, ranging from £400 to £800 and sometimes more for longer lengths and high-quality hair.

Pros and Cons:
They’re durable and long-lasting, usually staying in place for up to six months. But application can take several hours, and the process involves heat, which might not suit very fine hair.

Maintenance:
They don’t require much day-to-day care, but you’ll need a professional to remove them properly to avoid damage.

Weft Extensions

What They Are:
Weft extensions involve sewing or gluing tracks of hair into your natural hair. They’re a popular choice for those with thicker hair as they add a lot of volume.

Typical Cost:
Weft extensions typically cost £80 to £160 per pack. Installation is extra and varies based on the salon and technique.

Pros and Cons:
Wefts can give you dramatic volume and length. They can feel heavy for some people and need careful fitting to avoid tension on your scalp.

Maintenance:
Like other semi-permanent options, you’ll need regular maintenance to keep them neat and secure.

Invisible Wire Extensions

What They Are:
Invisible wire extensions, sometimes called flip-in extensions, use a thin, clear wire that sits on top of your head like a headband. The extensions blend with your natural hair and are held in place by the wire rather than clips, glue, or rings.

Typical Cost:
Prices for invisible wire extensions typically start at around £80 and can go up to £200 or more, depending on the quality of hair and length.

Pros and Cons:
They’re very quick and easy to apply and remove, taking just a few seconds. They don’t damage your hair because there’s no glue, heat, or tension involved. However, they’re best for temporary wear rather than permanent solutions and may not blend as seamlessly as clip in extensions for fine or very short hair.

Maintenance:
Since you remove them every time you take them off, they require little maintenance beyond occasional washing and brushing. They’re a convenient, damage-free option for adding volume or length for special occasions.

Maintenance Costs to Consider

Hair extensions are an investment. In addition to the initial fitting, you’ll need to factor in maintenance:

• Re-fitting Costs: £60 – £120 every six to eight weeks.
  
  

• Removal Fees: £50 – £100 for safe removal of semi-permanent extensions.

• Specialist Products: Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners helps maintain the extensions and keep them looking good for longer.
  
  

• Daily Care: Gentle brushing, avoiding excessive heat, and tying hair back while sleeping can extend their life.
  
  

Cost Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Extensions for You

When deciding which type to go for, consider:

• Lifestyle:
  If you love switching styles for nights out, clip-ins are the most likely to suit you. Other types are a lot more effort to maintain and change, but could still be good options for those looking for a more long term change.
  
  

• Hair Type:
  Fine hair often works better with lighter methods like clip-ins or nano rings. Thicker hair is more likely to be able to handle wefts or micro rings without damage.
  
  

• Budget:
  It’s not just the fitting cost—remember to include maintenance and product costs in your budget. Also avoid being tricked by low prices that are actually for synthetic hair. This is low quality, doesn’t feel good or blend well, and doesn’t last, meaning you’ll likely spend more in the long run. Consider the difference between your natural hair and low cost synthetic hair found in, for example, cheap halloween wigs.
  
  

• Desired Look:
  Check model photos and reviews to find the best extension type for your hair type or for the look you’re aiming for.
  
  

Hair extensions in the UK can range from a budget-friendly £39 for clip-ins (such as the highest standard face framing extensions) to £800 or more for luxury, long-lasting options like keratin bonds. The right choice depends on how long you want to wear them, your hair type, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Regular care is key to keeping extensions in good condition and ensuring they blend beautifully with your natural hair.

How to Choose the Right Hair Extensions For You

The key things to look out for when choosing hair extensions are:

• Real human hair. For us, this is a must. While synthetic hair extensions are cheap and may work as a one off, they are low quality and best avoided for the majority of customers.

• Reasonable cost from a trustworthy supplier. While it’s never a good idea to go for the cheapest options and you should invest in quality since you will be wearing the extensions daily - there is no need to be spending hundreds and hundreds either. Stick to UK brands with reasonable prices and easy to reach customer service.

• Check reviews. In the age of social media, people often post about their experience with products. A good quality hair extensions brand will have reviews singing its praises, and will be happy to repost them. A brand with no published reviews should be avoided for obvious reasons. 

• Consider the hair style you’re looking to achieve. Choosing the right hair extension will go a long way towards helping you achieve it.

• Take care with colour matching. Good quality human hair will match closely with your existing natural hair, but only if you choose the right colour.

• Speak to a professional. If you’re unsure about this, ask a hair stylist or reach out to us if you have a specific question.