How much do hair extensions cost?
Updated 19 Oct 2026
Typical cost fitted
£200 – £600
Hair extensions in the UK typically cost £200–£600 fitted, and the range is wide because method, hair quality and length all move the price substantially. The fitting is only part of the cost — extensions need maintenance every few months and eventual removal, so the honest figure to budget for is the yearly total rather than the first appointment.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Tape-in extensions | £150 – £350 |
| Weave / sew-in | £200 – £450 |
| Micro-ring | £250 – £500 |
| Nano-ring | £300 – £600 |
| Keratin bonds | £350 – £700 |
| Maintenance / move-up | £80 – £200 |
| Removal | £50 – £120 |
Typical UK guide prices — see the note at the foot of this page.
The methods, and what they cost to keep
Tape-ins are wefts taped either side of a section of your own hair. They are quick to fit, comfortable and among the cheapest, but need moving up every six to eight weeks.
Micro-ring and nano-ring attach small sections with tiny metal rings, without heat or glue. Nano rings are smaller and less visible, which is part of why they cost more. Both need maintenance every two to three months.
Keratin bonds use heat-fused keratin tips and last longest between fittings — often three to four months — which is why the higher up-front price is not the whole comparison.
Weaves involve braiding your own hair and sewing wefts to the braid. Popular for textured hair, and the maintenance rhythm differs.
The key point: compare the annual cost, not the fitting price. A cheaper method needing five maintenance appointments a year can cost more than a dearer one needing three.
Hair quality is most of the price difference
Two sets of extensions fitted identically can cost hundreds of pounds apart, and the difference is usually the hair itself.
Synthetic hair is cheapest, cannot be heat-styled in most cases, and looks synthetic in daylight. Human hair looks and behaves like hair.
Within human hair, Remy means the cuticles are aligned in the same direction, which is what stops it tangling and matting after a few weeks. Non-Remy human hair is cheaper and is the usual reason extensions become unmanageable quickly.
Length and thickness matter too — more grams of hair costs more, and long thick sets need considerably more.
Ask what hair is being used, whether it is Remy, and where it is from. A stylist who is confident in their supplier will tell you readily.
Protecting your own hair
Badly fitted or badly maintained extensions cause traction alopecia — hair loss from sustained tension on the follicles. It is the main risk and it is largely avoidable.
The safeguards are straightforward. Have them fitted by someone trained in that specific method. Do not leave them in past their maintenance date, because as your hair grows the weight sits further from the root and pulls more. Never pull extensions out yourself — removal is a skill and rushing it takes your own hair with it.
Expect a consultation first, covering the condition of your hair, how much weight it can carry, and whether extensions are appropriate at all. Fine or already-damaged hair may not be suitable for heavier methods, and a good stylist will say so.
Budget for professional removal at £50–£120 as part of the plan, not as an unwelcome surprise later.
How to keep the cost down
Choose a method whose maintenance rhythm suits you, and compare annual totals rather than fitting prices.
Have fewer strands well placed rather than a full head, if you only want thickness or length in specific areas. Partial sets cost considerably less.
Buy quality hair. Cheap non-Remy hair matting after two months means paying again, which is the most expensive way to save money here.
Look after them: the recommended brush, sleeping with hair tied loosely, and sulphate-free products all extend the life of a set.
And keep to the maintenance schedule. Late appointments cost more to put right and risk your own hair.
Frequently asked questions
How much do hair extensions cost?+
£200–£600 fitted for most methods. Tape-ins are cheapest at £150–£350 and keratin bonds dearest at £350–£700, with hair quality accounting for much of the spread.
How long do extensions last?+
Tape-ins need moving up every six to eight weeks, ring methods every two to three months, and keratin bonds every three to four. The hair itself can often be reused several times if it is good quality.
What does Remy hair mean?+
The cuticles are aligned in the same direction, which stops the hair tangling and matting. Non-Remy human hair is cheaper and is the usual reason extensions become unmanageable after a few weeks.
Can extensions damage my hair?+
Yes, if badly fitted or left too long — sustained tension causes traction alopecia. Use someone trained in that method, keep to maintenance dates, and never remove them yourself.
How much does maintenance cost?+
£80–£200 per appointment depending on method and how many strands. Budget the annual total rather than just the fitting, since maintenance is where much of the real cost sits.
How much does removal cost?+
£50–£120 professionally. It is worth paying for — pulling extensions out yourself is the fastest way to take your own hair with them.
Are extensions suitable for fine hair?+
Sometimes, but not all methods. Fine or damaged hair may not carry heavier sets safely, and a good stylist will assess this at consultation and tell you if it is not advisable.
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