What Do Hair Extensions Actually Cost and Are They Worth It in Calgary?
Share
One of the most common things I see from my chair is a guest scrolling through Instagram, seeing gorgeous, flowing hair, and then quietly asking, "So... what do extensions really cost?"
It's a great question, and the internet is full of confusing answers. My name is Michelle, and as the manager and an extension specialist here at Urban Texture Hair Studio, I've had this conversation hundreds of times. Extensions are more than just hair. They're an investment in your confidence and your time.
Last week, I had a consultation with a woman named Amanda. She'd been thinking about extensions for two years but kept putting it off because she couldn't get a straight answer about the real cost.
"I see prices online that range from $500 to $5,000," she said, frustrated. "I have no idea what I should actually expect to pay or what I'm even paying for."
She'd been to two other salons for consultations. One quoted her $600 and refused to explain what that included. Another quoted her $2,200 but couldn't tell her what her annual maintenance would cost.
"I just want someone to be honest with me," she said. "What does this really cost? Not just today, but over the next year?"
So let's pull back the curtain. Forget the vague price lists. Let's have a real, honest chat about what it takes to get and maintain the hair you've been dreaming of, right here in Calgary.
Check out all our extension services here.
What Should You Expect to Pay for Installation?
Think of the initial installation as laying the foundation. The price tag covers two major things: the cost of the premium human hair itself and the expert time it takes to place it perfectly. The total investment can vary quite a bit based on the length and volume you want to achieve, but here's a general idea of what to expect for different methods.
Beaded Weft Extensions: $800 to $1500
This is one of our most popular methods. We attach sections of hair (wefts) using tiny silicone-lined beads. It's a fantastic way to get serious volume and length without any tape or glue. The price range reflects whether you're adding just a bit of fullness or going for full-on mermaid length.
Tape-In Extensions: $600 to $1200
Tape-ins are exactly what they sound like. Wefts of hair are attached with a special, medical-grade adhesive. They lay incredibly flat and are quicker to apply, which is why the initial investment can be a little lower. They are perfect for guests wanting a seamless blend.
Nano Ring Extensions: $1000 to $1800
This is the most meticulous method. We attach tiny, individual strands of hair with a bead that's about 90% smaller than a standard microbead. It takes more time to apply them perfectly, but the result is incredibly discrete and allows for maximum movement. This is a favourite for guests who love wearing their hair up.
Sew-In Extensions: $700 to $1400
A classic for a reason. This method involves creating a small braid or a track of beads close to the scalp and then sewing the weft of hair onto it. It's a very secure method that's been trusted for decades.
Amanda's hair was fine with medium density. She wanted shoulder-blade length with volume. We recommended genius wefts. Her installation cost was $1,350.
"Okay," she said. "That's actually in the range I was expecting. But what comes after?"
That's the question most people don't ask.
What Will You Actually Spend Over a Year?
Here's the part that often gets left out of the conversation. Great extensions aren't a one-time purchase. They are a commitment to yourself. The global hair extension market is growing because more and more people are realizing the long-term value, with a huge 59.5% of that market being for quality human hair. Planning for maintenance is the key to protecting your investment and keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.
Here's a realistic breakdown of the annual costs.
Move-Up Appointments: $150 to $300 each
As your natural hair grows, the extensions move down with it. Every 6 to 10 weeks, you'll come back to the salon so we can move them back up. This is non-negotiable for preventing tangles and ensuring the extensions don't put any stress on your hair. Over a year, you're looking at 5 to 8 of these appointments.
Hair Replacement: $200 to $400+
With amazing care, a set of high-quality wefts can last you anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Eventually, you'll need to invest in new hair to keep your look fresh.
The Right Products: $50 to $100 monthly
You can't use just any shampoo. Professional extensions require sulfate-free shampoos, hydrating conditioners, and proper heat protectants to stay soft and healthy. Think of it as insurance for your hair.
When you add it all up, a realistic annual maintenance budget lands somewhere between $1800 and $3000. It sounds like a lot, but let's put that number into perspective.
Amanda did the math. Installation ($1,350) plus annual maintenance ($2,200 for her, since she'd need 7 move-ups and new hair after 10 months). Total first year: $3,550.
"That's more than I thought," she admitted.
I nodded. "I know. But let me show you what you're actually getting for that."
Browse our professional products for extension care.
What's the Real Cost Per Day?
Okay, let's do some quick math. If your total investment for the year (installation plus maintenance) is around $4,000, that breaks down to just under $11 a day.
For many of our guests, that's less than they'd spend on a fancy coffee at the Starbucks in Creekside and a snack. For $11 a day, you get to wake up every single morning with the hair you've always wanted, saving you time on styling and giving you a major confidence boost.
Plus, with amazing hair, many guests find they need fewer appointments for other services. Our signature lived-in balayage blends so beautifully with extensions that you can often go longer between colour touch-ups, saving you time and money there, too. It's about investing in a look that simplifies your life.
Amanda thought about it. "I spend $6 on coffee every morning," she said slowly. "And I pay $250 every six weeks for highlights. If extensions mean I can stretch that to every eight or ten weeks..."
"Exactly," I said. "You're not just paying for hair. You're paying for time saved, confidence gained, and honestly, fewer total salon appointments over the year."
She got the extensions. Six months later, she came in for a move-up and told me something I'll never forget.
"I almost didn't do this because of the cost," she said. "But I've saved an hour every morning on styling. I've stretched my color appointments. And I feel like myself for the first time in years. It's the best money I've ever spent on myself."
Why Do Cheap Extensions Always Cost More in the End?
I've seen it all. A new guest comes to me, sometimes driving all the way from Airdrie or Cochrane, after a bad experience with cheap extensions. They're frustrated, their hair is damaged, and they've already spent money on something that has to be fixed.
This is why we are so passionate about quality.
Why Professional Extensions Are a True Investment
The hair itself matters. We only use 100% human Remy hair. This means all the cuticles are facing the same direction, just like your natural hair. The result? Almost no tangling and a seamless, natural look that cheap, synthetic, or poorly sourced hair can never replicate.
The art of application matters too. Anyone can stick a weft in, but it takes a certified professional to custom-colour it, blend it, and place it in a way that's comfortable, invisible, and won't damage your hair. That expertise is what you're investing in.
Ongoing support is part of what you're paying for. When you get your extensions with us, you're not just a transaction. You're our guest. We teach you how to care for them and are here for you every step of the way.
The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Extensions
I had a client named Jessica come to me for a correction. She'd gotten $400 extensions at a budget salon. They looked okay for about three weeks. Then they started matting. The color didn't match. They felt uncomfortable.
She tried to stick it out for two months before giving up and having them removed.
"I wasted $400," she said. "And now I need to spend more to get it done right."
Her new extensions with us cost $1,200. But they lasted a full year. She did the math and realized the "cheap" extensions had actually been more expensive per month.
Damage control is expensive. Poorly installed extensions can lead to breakage and even hair loss. Correcting that damage is far more expensive than getting it done right the first time.
The re-do costs time and money. Bad colour matching means another trip to the salon for a fix. Wefts that slip or feel uncomfortable mean you're back in the chair for a re-application.
Short lifespan means you're buying hair over and over. Low-quality hair will get dry, tangled, and dull within a few weeks, meaning you have to buy new hair all over again.
You truly either pay now for quality, or you pay much more later to fix the alternative.
What If You're Not Ready Yet?
Here at Urban Texture, extensions are a passion for me and my fellow stylist Carrington. But our first commitment is always to you and the health of your hair.
This is an investment, and it needs to feel right for you and your budget. We will always give you our honest, professional opinion on whether it's the right time for you to make this commitment. We'll walk you through all the options, from a single weft for volume to a full head for length, and create a plan that works for you. There is never any pressure. We believe quality and hair health can't be compromised, and we want you to feel 100% confident and excited about your decision.
I had a consultation last month with a woman who wanted extensions but was renovating her house. Money was tight.
"I love the idea," she said. "But I can't afford this right now."
"Then don't do it right now," I told her. "Extensions aren't going anywhere. Save up. Come back when the timing is right for your life. We'll still be here."
She looked surprised. "You're not going to try to convince me?"
"Never," I said. "This needs to feel good for you, not just for us."
Three months later, she booked her installation. "I appreciate that you didn't pressure me," she told me. "That's why I came back."
Ready to Make an Informed Decision?
Ready to explore what's possible? Let's sit down and chat. We can talk about your hair goals, your lifestyle, and create a custom plan that makes sense for you.
Book your complimentary extension consultation with us today. You can find Urban Texture Hair Studio at #320-12024 Sarcee Trail NW Calgary AB T3R 0J1, or give us a call at (403) 398-8260. We can't wait to meet you!