The Big Benefit of Extension Services: Why Add Hair Extensions?

The fact of the matter is extension services are a must-add to your service list for a lot of reasons.

We know, we know, the thought of adding another service (even just one more!) is super overwhelming–but honestly, this particular one will pay off big!

Here’s why:

High ROI = More Profit for You

By this, we don’t mean it’s low-cost to get into the hair extension game–but we do mean the return on that initial investment you’ll make is going to come back at you hard.

Lots of stylists will see their bottom lines increase and their profits boom when they add extensions onto their service list.

Another unique thing about extensions? It’s not really a one-charge fit-all kind of service.

If you need to up the ante with more advanced techniques like tape-ins and wefts, you’ll be able to charge more for that skill.  

The Audience is There, If You’re Not Offering it, You’re Missing Out.

Unlike other trends that may or may not catch on, the target audience who wants extensions is out there–and that audience is pretty large.

This is especially true when you think about extensions from every angle. No, not every client wants tailbone-length hair–sometimes they want a little length but a lot of volume ASAP, something that only extensions can provide.

The truth is, your clients are already looking for this service; if you don’t offer it, they’ll find someone else who will.   

Extension Mean Long-Term Client Relationships

Barring that anything goes horribly, horribly wrong (which, let’s face it, that’s pretty unlikely), opting to add extensions to your service list means making an investment in long-term relationships with clients.

Why? Because unlike a cut or a color, it’s inherently more complex for extensions to be a one-and-done kind of service. With extensions, you’ll need to carefully place and apply them, remove and reapply every 6-8 weeks, and then, eventually (if this ever happens), be responsible for removing them entirely.

This screams consistent, continuous service, making them one of the most profitable salon services you can offer.

It’s the Ultimate Transformation Service

And people want that.

Trust us; nothing is more transformative (not a chop, not a color, not a funky style that comes out of left field) like extensions. Your clients–and your soon-to-be clients–want these transformations, and they want them fast. In other words, if they want length or volume, they want it immediately–and only extensions can offer that.

How to Add Hair Extensions to Your Service List: A Step-by-Step Guide

Even if you’ve done extensions before, adding them to your service list can be really intimidating. The good news? The process doesn’t have to be.

We’ve laid out a few steps to give you an easy, breezy path toward extension service success.

Certs Come First

Yep, it’s time to get–yet another–certification. But trust us, this one is definitely worth it.

(Besides, continued education is a big deal in this career path, so it’s probably time to hop on that train anyway).

It’s crucial to learn proper installation, maintenance, removal, care, and beyond before you begin offering these services. Look for online and in-person options that can help you learn how to bring extensions to your service list. Make sure you’re opting for a quality program that’s going to teach you what you need to know–in other words, even though it’s tempting, don’t opt for the cheapest program just because it’s the most affordable.

Start With Your Regulars & Build from There

If you want to show the world your extension skills, you’re going to need a little social proof first. Chat with your regulars, your loyals, and your go-to salon clients to see if they’d like to give extensions a try.

Offer complimentary trials or price-reduced services to get some of your clients on board and show them what hair extensions (even just a few) can do for their look.

Gifting $25-$50 of extensions to your client is an investment in your future, not just a freebie!

Make it Subtle

Often, when clients think “extensions,” they’re thinking huge transformations–like shoulder-length hair to tailbone-length hair.

Obviously, this isn’t what every client out there is looking for.

Explain to your clients that extension services aren’t just about these enormous transformations but rather subtle changes that can make their hair dreams come true.

Do they want thicker, more voluminous hair? A few extensions can do the trick.

Do they want their braids to look fuller and thicker? Hair extensions are a go-to. Do they want to add a little length ASAP without it looking too wild? Once again, extensions.

Extensions aren’t just for those who want an entirely different look than the one they have–sometimes, they’re perfect for adding subtle elevation for a natural look.

Did we light the fire you needed to get going on extensions? We hope so.

If you already offer extension services at your salon or shop, do our community a favor and drop a few helpful tips and tricks below to get them started on the right foot of their journey.

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