How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business: Is selling hair extensions a good business
Hair extension services are the most luxurious salon or retail hair service available.
It should be thought of as the most affordable facelift.
Because fuller hair makes every woman look at least 5 years younger.
In our humble opinion, most people don’t appreciate the luxury of access to 100% human hair whether for length, volume or chemical-free highlights.
While there are many different brands and types of hair extensions available.
It is important to remember that not all methods are created equal.
And the quality of the hair, craftsmanship, warranties etc. differs significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
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How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
Choosing a hair extension brand and method can be overwhelming.
But it is important that you choose the one that is best suited for you.
This depends on several factors, including hair type, lifestyle, and budget.
Hair extension methods can be broken down into two different categories.
And each has various methods of attachment:
1. Strand by strand – bonded, micro links and knotting.
2. Wefted panels – tape in, clip in, flip in, sewn in and glued in.
Today, almost every woman wants to look good and attractive
It is a universal phenomenon, not just applicable to all nations of the world, including Nigeria.
Women will always go extra miles to ensure that they remain beautiful.
Fixing of hair attachments seem to be one of the most appealing ways of women beauty enhancement.
Hence the much crave for this material by women.
Women today do not mind spending as much or as small as is possible to fix hair attachments.
These, of course, are changed or upgraded on a weekly or biweekly basis depending on the financial status of the woman involved.
If you are like the majority of people, you probably aren’t boasting “movie star” locks with volume for miles.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
Fortunately though, beauty science has come up with a varied selection of hair extensions for more than a decade.
And now you can opt for fuller and longer hair with just a trip to your local salon — or even from home.
Therefore, going into hair attachment business in Nigeria is a wise thing to do and a good source of money if done properly.
Interestingly, this business is not hard to start; almost anybody can start it and with a very low capital compared to other kinds of business.
There are so many types of hair extensions that are destined for a large group of people.
From those who just want a quick temporary fix for important events to those who want long lasting results.
There are also numerous ways to go about applying your hair extensions and most people find themselves lost in this abundance of options.
So to make things easier, here are How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
1. Clip On Hair Extensions
Clip on hair extensions is a temporary hair extension method.
Where wefts of hair are applied using small pressure sensitive clips.
These are a great option for those who are not ready to commit to wearing extensions on a daily basis.
Clip On extensions are the easiest to use and probably the cheapest option when you want to give your hair that extra boost of volume.
Most suitable for special occasions or events as the extensions can and will need to be removed before bedtime.
If you prefer to not wear clip-ins, there are also hairpieces available that are attached using an undetectable wire.
These clip-less extensions are often referred to as halo hair extensions.
They can be applied without the help of a specialist.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
And they last for about a day or two, just enough so that you can look fabulous for whatever important event you have planned.
They are usually attached with a bobby pin, a clip or a comb which usually has to be concealed with your natural hair.
And when it comes to matching them with your hair colour.
There are many options out there for natural coloured hair.
The advantage of wearing clip on hair extensions is the fact that you can easily take them off and just wear them without any prior preparation.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
2. However, they generally have to be removed before going to bed.
- Greater versatility by having the option to apply and remove the hair on a daily basis.
- Non-commitment means you have the ability to change your hair color or style often.
- Hair can be taken in and out by the hair wearer, without having to go to a licensed cosmetologist.
- Clip in hair extensions cannot be worn by hair wearers for long periods of time and must be removed before bedtime.
- Clips clipped in the same place repetitively for extended periods of time can lead to hair loss.
- Not ideal for thin, fine hair as clips and base could be too bulky or heavy for the hair wearer.
- Unless used with proper care and maintenance, hair only lasts for a few months.
3. Shrinkies hair extensions: Using plastic tube
Shrinkies hair extensions can be done with the help of keratin protein plastic tube that is attached to your own hair.
This method requires the use of individual “I-Tip”hair extensions.
These hair extensions are slid into the plastic shrinkies at the root of your hair, and heat is applied with a fusion iron, that secures the bond between the extension and the natural hair.
These hair extensions are durable and long lasting method.
Removal is very simple with heat, and a removal solution that cleans any remaining keratin residue.
This method lasts approximately 2-4 months. The hair can be reapplied.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
4. Use Micro rings
Micro beads, micro rings or micro loop hair extensions involve metal rings made from aluminum that have been lined with silicone.
These rings can sometimes come in durable plastic as well.
They are fixed to the hair and tightened using a special tool.
They will need maintenance every 2-3 months.
But other than that they are a long lasting procedure.
And they don’t cause too much damage on the scalp since there is no adhesive or heat used.
5. Use Bonding
Bonding is a method that implies weaving but is not as durable as classic weaving methods.
The method involves applying glue to an extension and adding it to a person’s hair.
This doesn’t cause as much damage to the hair as other application techniques as long as it is removed by a professional.
The Tape In method is similar to bonding but the extensions come with an already applied tape that will stick to the hair.
There are two types of bonding: soft bond which is a little more delicate on your hair and a hard bond that is usually done when the soft bond doesn’t hold the hair properly.
These are semi-permanent bonds and they usually last about 4-6 weeks.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
6.Use Lace Fronts
Lace Fronts is one of the newest methods when it comes to weave in extensions.
They are made with a nylon mesh material that has been formed into a cap.
Onto the cap the stylist knots single strands of hair.
A method that allows for a more natural look than other extension application techniques.
These can be either woven in or attached with special adhesives.
7.Use Fusion
Fusion is like bonding but it’s much more time consuming and expensive.
However, the effects are long lasting and the overall look and feel is more natural.
To apply hair extensions with a fusion method.
The specialist uses an appliance similar to a glue gun that allows them to literally glue strands of hair on a person’s natural hair.
This allows for a natural look and the person opting for this can easily wash their hair every week and use various styling products.
There are also cold fusion techniques that don’t require any heating treatment on the glue, but they are even more expensive than the hot technique.
This is a great way to achieve amazing volume but there are some disadvantages when using this method.
You need a specialist to apply the extensions, the procedure takes between 5 to 8 hours, and it is very expensive.
should never try to apply these on their own because they can easily damage their skin and hair.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
8. Use Tracking
Tracking is a method that allows the braids to be sewn together while adding the extensions to the braids.
This method is long lasting and will require a lot of hours.
Because the hair will be braided in concentric circles.
And usually eight to fifteen tracks are needed to achieve a great amount of volume.
The advantages to this style is that it is long lasting and you can care for it like you would with normal hair.
The “track and sew” method is one of the most popular methods people choose when they opt for hair extensions.
Because they are low maintenance and come for a decent price.
If you are just starting with hair extensions and want something more permanent than clip-ons, this method is one of the best choices.
9.Apply Netting
The reason why this technique is called netting is because it involves a net that serves as a surface to weave extensions on.
This allows for a fuller hair and can last up to three months if it is cared for correctly.
One of the downfalls of this style is the fact that mildew might form under the net if you don’t completely dry it every time it’s wet.
10. Use Cornrows
Cornrows or cornrowing is probably one of the most popular methods to apply hair extensions by using a braid on the scalp on a longer and rectangular section.
The hair extension is intertwined with your natural hair and the braids may go around the head or from front to back.
The effects are long lasting and the hair looks beautiful but a disadvantage of this method is that it is very tight.
Some people might even experience headaches in the first days and prolonged use might cause problems.
Those who wish to opt for this method should also discuss whether it is the right type of technique for their hair type as it may work best with coarser hair.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
11. Micro Braiding
This is a popular style among those who want long lasting results and a natural look.
The hair is separated and weaved into smaller sections creating small braids.
This can take up to 15 hours so it’s extremely time consuming even as maintenance on an already braided hair.
An important aspect you should take into consideration before option for Micro Braiding is whether your hair can sustain such a technique.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
12. The Ponytail or Bun Extensions
Very similar to the clip-ons and quite inexpensive, these extensions are great for a quick fix and can be even found in supermarkets.
They are applied over your hair and will add colour or a new texture.
They are temporary and you can only apply them when you go out for a nice twist to your hairstyle.
Before trying the more permanent methods, you can experiment with various clip-ons and see how they feel.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
13.Weft Extensions
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
14. Fusion hair extensions
This method requires the use of individual “U-Tip” or “V-Tip” hair extensions.
The extensions are applied by heating the bond using a special hair extensions fusion iron onto your natural hair.
The bond is made up of a special keratin protein glue that is very resilient.
This is a very popular method.
These hair extensions last about 3 months and are removed using a special removal solution to break up the hardened bond.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
15. Micro Links
This method is a no-glue application, which uses colored silicon-lined metal beads to clamp over your own hair.
The silicon prevents the extensions from slipping, and protects the roots of your hair from the possibility of breakage.
This method requires the use of individual “I-Tip” hair extensions.
This method is the safest, and a very popular method for hair extensions.
These hair extensions last about 3 to 4 months and to remove, the beads are lightly unclamped allowing the extensions to come out, with no damage to your hair.
The hair can be reapplied.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
16. Tape in Extensions:
Tape in hair extensions are the newest method of extensions available.
Polyurethane coated wefts/panels with double sided tape attached ranging between 1″ – 4″ long is applied on either side of the wearer’s hair “sandwiching” the user’s hair between two panels.
The-tape in hair extensions uses skin wefts, which are natural looking so you almost don’t feel them, as they lay flat on your head, and they are very thin.
These wefts are “taped” in, using a strip of keratin protein that is included on each extension.
The protein is heated, which bonds the weft to your natural hair.
The tape-in hair extensions can be reapplied by attaching a new piece of tape that replaces the old one.
Since the layer of tape is so thin, this type of hair extensions lasts about 3-8 weeks.
- The safest method of hair extensions available as the weight of the panels is spread over a larger area causing no damage to the client’s hair.
- The fastest method of application. Volume applications take 10-30 minutes and full-length application 40-60 minutes.
- Reusable and the hair can be worn for up to 6-8 weeks per application, fitting into your salon visit cycle.
- Reusable method of extensions lasts between 6-8 weeks which fits into your salon visit cycle.
- Most natural looking hair extension method available.
- Most comfortable method of hair extensions.
- No heat or tools required for an application.
- The easiest method for hairdressers to learn which increases the likelihood of customer satisfaction.
- You can’t wash your hair or excessively sweat for 24-48 hours after application as the bond needs time to cure and adhere properly to the hair.
- The use of any silicone or oil-based products directly on the adhesive may cause the panels to slip.
- Some companies tape can be very tacky and messy during reapplication.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
17. Hair Extension Grading
There’s also a way to rate hair extensions according to the type of hair they use and these are usually measured in Grades as follows:
Grade A
Non Remy mixed human is usually a temporary solution as it contains natural hair mixed with animal hair that has been treated with a silicone coating.
Grade AA
This type of hair is one of the top sellers in the industry as it offers decent quality for a lower price as well as a long lasting effect. If you maintain it correctly, the hair can last between two and three months.
Grade AAA
Is processed to create a better looking hair and long lasting results for at least 3 -4 months if cared for correctly.
Grade AAAA
Grade AAAA hair is one of the softest, shiniest and tangle free types of hair used for extensions and can last for 5-6 months.
Grade AAAAA
Grade AAAAA hair is one of the best processed hair types and it is similar in looks and condition with Virgin hair. This type of hair is virgin hair that has been coloured and remains soft and healthy looking for more than a year.
Virgin hair
Virgin hair is the best quality hair and as its title suggests, the hair hasn’t been processed in any way, except for cleaning. The hair can look amazing for 1-2 years if treated correctly and it’s the best option when it comes to natural looking extensions out there.
So when it comes to the quality of hair, you get what you paid for as price can vary a lot based on how good the hair is. In virgin hair, the hair cuticles are preserved and the hair maintains the natural soft texture as the hairs run in the same direction.
18. Hair Extension Tips
- Hair extensions are heavy, and could put stress on your hair which can lead to breakage. When selecting hair extensions, it’s important to match density. If you have fine hair, always purchase lightweight extensions to prevent hair damage and loss. If you have thick hair, you will want to purchase heavier extensions that will blend with your hair texture.
- Always follow maintenance instructions from your hairdresser. If your stylist tells you that your extensions must be replaced after two months, plan on having them replaced in two months. Hair extensions left in too long can cause breakage, hair loss, and traction alopecia.
- Depending on how you style your hair, the spot where your hair extension is connected to your hair may be visible. In this case, use Toppik Hair Building Fibers to camouflage the extension. Simply apply the shade that most closely matches your root with the Spray Applicator and voila! The extension track disappears.
19.Maintenance:
Wash hair extensions only when needed and apply a deep conditioner if the hair becomes dry or dull.
Use a wide tooth comb or Loop brush to comb extensions.
Brush before storing and store in a dark place, as prolonged exposure to light will fade the color.
List of hairpiece and hair extension attachment methods:
- Pressure Sensitive Clips
- Interlocking Combs
- Straight Comb
- Hair Wrap
- Drawstring
- Claw Clip
- Weaving/Bonding
- Braiding
Use of above attachment methods will tell how it will affect and compliment the final look of the hairstyle.
20. Kinds of Hair Attachments You Can Trade
There are so many hair attachments varieties in the market today. Some of them include:
- Wigs
- Peruvian hair
- Indian hair
- human hair
- Expression attachments
- European
- Brazilian hair
- Amigos attachments
- Etc.
21. What You Must Know Before You Start Hair Attachment Business
Hair attachments come in different sizes, colors, make and lengths. As such, to do well in this business, it is advised that the would-be hair attachment businessman or businesswoman have a good knowledge of these.
Knowing how to do the fixing also is an added advantage as this is a different business on its own. Because different clients/customers will have different tastes, it is important that you have the different varieties, specifications, and brands of hair attachments at your fingertips and be able to bring this to bear when an occasion demands.
So, to be on top of this business, ensure that you meet the market demand. Know what your audience wants and be ready to provide them.
Read also: How to start hair attachment business in Nigeria
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
Basic Requirements For Starting Hair Attachment Business
22. Get Trained First
Understand that there are many varieties of hair attachments in the markets. You must know their names, sizes, shapes, dimensions (i.e., length, breadth, span, inches etc.). Also, you must know where they are made (i.e. manufacturers and brands). This will help you guide your client/customers aright, especially the newbies.
You don’t pick these pieces of information from the streets. You must undergo rigorous training for at least six (6) months to gather knowledge of this business. This is essential since you will have diverse clients requesting diverse brands of hair attachments.
It is from this training that you will also learn how to fix hair. With this, you will drive in more sales, trust and sustained patronize.
The training will also expose you to marketing strategies one of which is regular update of your clients/customers of the latest hair attachment brand in the market.
23. Conduct A Proper Feasibility Study
Do your personal research or feasibility study. This includes checking where this business moves better in the town where you choose to operate. It also includes checking where you can buy your product faster, at more affordable rates and also, gain awareness of fake and original products and their differences. Knowing where to position your business and attachments in vogue is of great help to your business success. You get to know all these from your proper feasibility study.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
24. Build Up Reasonable Capital
From personal findings, I come to see that hair attachment business in Nigeria for a start requires minimal capital. To run this business successfully, about N300, 000 to N500, 000 is ideal. With this capital, you can even buy some products in bulk and retail. Of course, if you have many products, some retailers can come and buy from you to resale. Once you buy from the manufacturers in bulk, you are most often than not bound to buy at a cheaper rate.
25. Sell Hair Accessories Too
Yes, sell hair accessories too. These include hair attachments accessories such as relaxers, weavon sticks, weavons, weavon oils, needles, a wide range of hair creams, dandruff repellers etc. This will move your business faster such that where you run out of hair attachments, you can resort to selling of hair accessories. In this way there is nothing to lose while awaiting the arrival of your hair attachment products.
26. Keep Your Prices Moderate
Keep your prices moderate for buyers or clients to be able to afford your goods/services. Else, you will be driving your customers away with a high price and of course, you will be the one losing.
Once your customers see where they can buy at a much cheaper rate, they will abandon you. You can give your customers/clients an N100 price slash which will make them happy. Be sure you do not lose out while discounting the price.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
26. Rent A space
You can simply rent a shop or warehouse where you will be storing and showcasing your goods. This office space should be strategically located for easy accessibility.
27. Hire A Staff or Sales Personnel
Along the line, you may consider hiring staff or sales personnel. You may not be able to run this business alone when it gets bigger if you have other things you are doing. You need an assistant to take care of things when you are not around. Hence, your job basically would be to do the checking of sales, quantity bought, what sells faster/most, customers complaints and how ways to increase sales, improve quality and take the business to a higher level.
How Good is Starting Hair Extensions Business
28. Start Making Money From Hair attachment Business
- Use a big capital to run it. You will make more money with big capital because you will be selling so many varieties and accessories.
- Look for merchants in Nigeria who can sell you products at low cost so that you can make even triple of your income on each product. Let’s say you buy a N250 hair attachment and end up selling at N1000.
- Market your products online. You can do this on top websites or even smaller websites that can promote your business very well.
- For crazy price slash, go to China or India for mass purchases.