Investing in high-quality hair extensions can be truly transformational, giving you the length, volume and confidence you’ve always wanted. But, one of the most common questions people always ask is: How much do hair extensions really cost?
The answer? There’s no one-size-fits-all price. Costs vary depending on factors such as hair type, application method, length, volume and the salon’s expertise.
While you might be able to pick up some cheap synthetic hair extensions online for as little as £30, these won’t last long, and they won’t give you the stunning transformation you’re looking for. For higher-quality, long-lasting results, salon-installed hair extensions made from real human hair range from £550 for a full head of European hair up to £1,700+ for Virgin Russian hair, depending on length and volume.
At The Hair Alchemist, we specialise in luxury Russian hair extensions installed using non-damaging methods, such as micro rings and miniature micro rings, ensuring your hair looks stunning and stays healthy. Check out our price list to see what we offer or get in touch for a bespoke quote.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What Factors Affect the Cost of Hair Extensions?
- Average Hair Extension Prices in the UK – broken down by installation method, hair type, extension length and coverage.
- Is Fitting Included in the Price of Hair Extensions?
- Cheap vs Luxury Hair Extensions: What’s the Difference?
- Luxury Hair Extensions By The Hair Alchemist
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to invest wisely in hair extensions that will transform your appearance for years to come.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions can vary wildly in terms of both cost and quality. Here’s an overview of the main factors that will affect the price of your hair extensions.
Hair Quality
Hair quality is usually the factor that has the biggest impact on the price of your hair extensions. Below, we break down the different types of hair that can be used in hair extensions.
Real Hair vs Synthetic Hair Extensions
Real human hair will have a much higher price tag than synthetic hair (but it’s also much better quality).
Human hair extensions:
- Look natural and blends seamlessly with your own hair.
- Can be washed, styled with heat, and coloured.
- Last significantly longer than synthetic options when cared for properly.
You might be tempted by synthetic hair extensions due to their low cost, but synthetic hair extensions:
- Cannot be heat-styled or dyed.
- Tend to tangle, frizz and degrade quickly.
- Often look less natural, especially under light.
Want a more in-depth breakdown of the difference between synthetic and human hair extensions? Our blog, ‘Are Synthetic Hair Extensions Good? Synthetic Vs Human Hair’, covers everything you need to know.
Russian vs European Hair Extensions
Russian hair is more expensive than European hair because it’s known for being soft, strong and luxurious. Virgin Russian hair, which is completely unprocessed, untreated and uncoloured, is the highest quality of human hair available! Its natural shine, durability, and ability to take colour make it a favourite for luxury hair extensions. If you’re looking for the very best, The Hair Alchemist specialises in both Russian and Virgin Russian hair extensions.
Remy vs Non-Remy Hair Extensions
Remy hair is sourced so that all the hair cuticles are aligned in the same direction. This ensures:
- Minimal tangling and matting.
- Smooth, glossy, natural movement.
- Longer lifespan with proper maintenance.
Non-Remy hair often has cuticles running in different directions, which can:
- Lead to tangling and matting.
- Look less natural and feel rough.
- Require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.
At The Hair Alchemist, we exclusively use high-quality Remy European, Russian and Virgin Russian hair, ensuring your extensions last as long as possible. Check out our client gallery to see more client transformations like the example opposite!
Application Methods
The way that hair extensions are installed can also have a significant impact on the price. Clip-in extensions that can be attached by yourself are typically cheaper than other types of extensions, which have to be installed by a professional salon. Permanent hair extensions, including micro rings, keratin bonds and sew-ins, are typically more expensive than temporary extensions (such as clip-ins) or semi-permanent options (such as tape-ins).
The most common types of hair extension installation methods are:
- Clip-In Extensions
- Tape-In Extensions
- Micro Ring Extensions
- Keratin Bond Extensions
- Sew-In Extensions
Not sure which type of hair extensions are right for you? Read our blog, ‘The Best Hair Extensions to get for your Hair’, for a full breakdown of the different types.
At The Hair Alchemist, we only offer damage-free extensions, so all our hair extensions are installed using micro rings or miniature micro rings – this is the best way to keep your natural hair happy and healthy! We also offer clip-ins if you’re looking for damage-free temporary hair extensions. Get in touch with us if you’re not sure which installation method is right for you.
Length & Volume
Extensions are priced based on both length and volume:
- Length: Longer extensions require more hair, which increases the cost. For example, a full head of 22–24 inch hair will be more expensive than 12–14 inch hair.
- Volume: A fuller look requires more grams of hair. If you’re just looking to add extra volume, a half head of hair extensions will be the cheaper option. However, if you’re looking to add extra length, you’ll need to invest in a full head of extensions.
Check out our pricing page to see how your desired length and volume make a difference to the price of our hair extensions.
Stylist Expertise
The skill of the stylist plays a crucial role in the final result of your hair extensions. Experienced stylists can seamlessly blend extensions, ensure even distribution and customise colour and texture for a natural finish. Professional installation also reduces the risk of damage to your natural hair and ensures your hair extensions last longer.
Location
Where the hair extension salon is located will also have an impact on pricing. London salons may charge between 20-30% more than salons outside the capital. The Hair Alchemist is based in Harrogate in Yorkshire, offering a competitive price for premium Russian hair extensions and a bespoke service.
Additional Styling
Although the aim of investing in hair extensions is to add length and volume, your new hair extensions will also require styling to look as natural as possible:
- Cutting: Extensions often need to be trimmed to blend with your natural layers.
- Colour-Matching: High-quality extensions can be dyed or custom-coloured to match your hair perfectly. At The Hair Alchemist, we offer a Custom Colour Blending Service for seamless, natural-looking extensions.
How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost in the UK?
Investing in hair extensions can vary greatly depending on hair quality, length and application method. In this section, we’ll provide you with a broad overview of the typical costs you can expect for different types of extensions. It’s designed to give you a clear starting point when budgeting for your new look – so you can choose the right hair extension for the look you want and your budget!
Average Hair Extension Prices By Installation Method
The method used to install your hair extensions plays a major role in the final cost. Professional installation ensures a natural finish, protects your hair and can prolong the lifespan of your extensions. The table below outlines average prices, typical lifespans and the main pros and cons of each method:
| Extension Type | Average Price | Typical Lifespan | Pros | Cons |
| Clip-In Extensions | £70–£330 | 3–12 months | Easy to apply/remove, temporary, affordable, reusable | Can look unnatural, limited lifespan, not for permanent use |
| Tape-In Extensions | £275–£420 | 6–8 weeks | Quick to apply, reusable, natural-looking, semi-permanent | Requires professional application, adhesive may slip, very regular maintenance is needed |
| Fusion/ Keratin Bonds | £400–£700+ | 4–6 months | Seamless look, long-lasting, can be styled with heat | Professional removal required, potential for damage to your natural hair, not reusable, can dry out your natural hair |
| Weft/Sew-In Extensions | £150–£750 | 6–8 weeks | Adds significant volume, suitable for thick hair | Can be heavy, requires maintenance, not ideal for fine/thin hair |
| Micro Ring | £500–£1000+ | Up to 5 years, with refitting every 6-8 weeks | Damage-free, reusable, no heat/glue, long-lasting, natural look, suitable for thin/fine hair | Requires regular professional maintenance |
If you’d like more detailed information on how long hair extensions last, check out our blog, ‘How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?’.
Average Hair Extension Prices By Hair Type
Hair quality significantly affects both price and longevity. Choosing high-quality hair ensures better blending, durability and a more natural look – we always recommend choosing the highest quality hair you can afford!
This table compares the average prices for synthetic, European/Slavic, Russian and Virgin Russian hair extensions:
| Hair Type | Price Range (full head) | Pros | Cons |
| Synthetic Hair | £20–£60 | Affordable, temporary use, low maintenance | Cannot be heat-styled, shorter lifespan, doesn’t look natural |
| European/ Slavic Hair | £550–£750 | Premium quality, natural look, can be styled with heat | More expensive, may require professional installation |
| Russian Hair | £750–£1050 | Strong, durable, long-lasting, blends well | Higher cost, professional application recommended |
| Virgin Russian Hair | £1050–£1700+ | Highest quality, untreated, long-lasting, can dye & style | Expensive, requires professional application and maintenance |
Hair Extension Prices By Hair Length
Length also impacts cost, with longer extensions requiring more hair and therefore higher prices. Not sure how long your hair extension should be? At The Hair Alchemist, most of our clients opt for 18–20 inch extensions, which provide a natural, luxurious look without excessive weight.
The table below shows full-head prices for premium Russian hair extensions at various lengths:
| Length | Full Head Price (£) |
| 12–14 inch | £710 |
| 14–15 inch | £840 |
| 16–18 inch | £990 |
| 18–20 inch | £1,040 |
| 22–24 inch | £1,049 |
Hair Extension Prices By Coverage
Not every client needs a full head of extensions. Partial coverage is a popular option for adding volume or filling in thinning areas. The table below shows pricing for different coverage levels for our premium Russian hair extensions (18–20 inches of length):
| Coverage | Price |
| 1/2 Head | £560 |
| 3/4 Head | £830 |
| Full Head | £1,040 |
| Extra Full Head | £1,120 |
| Limitless | £1,150 |
Is Fitting Included in the Price of Hair Extensions?
When budgeting for hair extensions, it’s important to understand what the quoted price covers. Most professional hair extension salons include the price of fitting in the cost of their hair extensions. However, some salons may charge extra for additional services, such as:
- Custom colour-matching to blend extensions perfectly with your natural hair.
- Additional cutting or layering to integrate the extensions seamlessly.
- Extra volume beyond a standard full-head set.
- Double drawn hair extensions (these hair extensions are the same thickness from root to tip, for an extra voluminous look).
Ongoing Costs: Maintenance & Aftercare
Hair extensions require ongoing investment to keep them looking natural and ensure your hair stays healthy. When considering hair extension costs, you should think about:
- Regular Maintenance Appointments: Most professional extensions require maintenance every 6–8 weeks (micro rings) so that the hair extensions stay synchronised with the growth of your natural hair.
- Aftercare: Using sulphate-free shampoos, conditioners and specialist brushes preserves the hair and extends the lifespan of your extensions.
Cheap vs Luxury Hair Extensions: What’s the Difference?
Not all hair extensions are made equal. You may think that you can keep costs down by choosing cheaper hair extensions, but ultimately, this means you won’t get the result you want, and you may even end up damaging your natural hair.
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between cheap vs. luxury hair extensions.
Cheap Extensions (synthetic hair, DIY install):
- Short lifespan, often a few months.
- Can cause damage if used repeatedly.
- Limited styling options
- Look less natural.
Luxury Extensions (Russian hair, professionally installed)
- Long-lasting (1–5 years with proper care and maintenance).
- Soft, strong and durable.
- Safest option for your natural hair, with minimal damage risk.
- Stunning natural-looking results.
Are Luxury Hair Extensions Worth the Cost?
If you want natural-looking hair extensions that give you the confidence you’ve always wanted, luxury hair extensions are worth every penny. Although they require a higher upfront cost, our luxury Russian hair extensions can last up to five years, provided they are maintained correctly, making them a worthwhile long-term investment. Premium hair extensions may even offer a better cost-per-wear value compared to cheaper alternatives. Plus, with our damage-free installation methods, there’s no need to worry about damaging your natural hair!
Luxury Hair Extensions: A Complete Transformation
At The Hair Alchemist, our team creates stunning transformations with the highest-quality hair extensions. Using virgin Russian hair, we are able to achieve colour lifts and gradients that are almost impossible with cheaper extensions.
In one recent transformation, our team gently lifted the ends of the extensions using bleach, showcasing our expert colour-matching service. Unlike typical processed extensions that are coated in silicone, our virgin Russian hair is completely raw and untreated, allowing for natural lightening and styling.
We took raw ponytails and crafted bespoke extensions perfectly matched to our client’s brown hair with blonde highlights. The ends were carefully treated to create a seamless, natural gradient, highlighting the luxurious, gravity-defying quality of our Russian hair!
Luxury Hair Extensions By The Hair Alchemist
The Hair Alchemist is an award-winning hair extension salon based in Harrogate, specialising in luxury Russian hair extensions. We only install our premium hair extensions using damage-free methods, including micro rings, miniature micro rings and clip-in extensions. Check out our pricing page for detailed pricing information or get in touch with our team for a bespoke quote.
At The Hair Alchemist, we prioritise luxury hair extensions and exceptional customer service. Our salon is meticulously created to enhance your experience – enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can browse our hair menu, indulge in a coffee or gin from our in-salon bar, and receive expert guidance on caring for your extensions and styling tips. Contact us today to book your appointment!
