This is how much the hair extensions market will be worth in 2023

The appeal of hair extensions in 2019 lies beyond footballer’s wives and reality stars. In fact, a hair extensions market analysis by market research agency Arizton, states that the global hair wigs and hair extensions market is estimated to reach revenues of more than $10 billion (roughly £7,837,000,000) by 2023. Want in on the action? Regardless of whether you’re thinking about adding extensions to your service menu, debating whether to change your offering or completely new to the world of extensions, read on to explore the changed face of the hair extensions market. [caption id="attachment_63502" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Racoon[/caption]

The new breed of extensions consultation

As with all hairdressing services, fabulous results start with a solid consultation. “A good consultation is key to identifying client expectations,” stresses Abigail Bootland, sales and marketing manager at Richy UK. “There are so many options but if you narrow it down, a client often wants a simple outcome – extra length, a different colour or more volume. An extensions consultation should be just as thorough as any other hairdressing consultation.” In fact, Great Lengths argues that extensions consultations should be more in depth than a regular consultation. This summer, Great Lengths salons and stylists will receive new service, treatment and maintenance menus, which includes tempting sounding ‘treatment cocktails’. The service menu details the different application types available and includes images to show clients what a full head, half head or filler service application looks like on real models.

There are so many options but if you narrow it down, a client often wants a simple outcome – extra length, a different colour or more volume.

Introducing a hands-on element to the consultation is crucial to Charlotte Boyes of The Hive Salon in Leeds. “I wear Hairdreams extensions so my clients can look and touch them. I explain where the hair was produced and describe the application process,” the Hairdreams Creative Team UK member points out. The client’s lifestyle is another factor that it is important to take into account. In fact, Balmain Hair has a consultation sheet that salons can use with their clients to identify their hair type, lifestyle and amount of aftercare involved. An in-depth consultation means results will last longer, look better and clients will return more often. [caption id="attachment_63503" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Great Lengths[/caption]

Speed up your services 

The speed of extensions application has opened up the service to a new type of time-conscious client. For example, Injection Tape hair from Remi Cachet adds extra inches, volume, colour and helps clients to get past any ‘awkward growing out’ stages, all in around 30 minutes and using one pack of 20 strips.

Some salons advise clients to invest in two sets of extensions, which are used on rotation.

Salons have also found innovative ways to speed up the process. “Some salons advise clients to invest in two sets of extensions, which are used on rotation. When they come in for the maintenance or a refit, the next set is already waiting and prepped for them,” explains Zen Luxury Extensions managing director Johnny Yip. “After the client has left, the extensions that have just been removed are carefully washed, conditioned and re-taped ready for the next refit so there is no downtime.” [caption id="attachment_63504" align="alignnone" width="600"] Hairdreams[/caption]

Offer clients bespoke colour and styles

As with most hairdressing services, personalisation is key. Clients want to feel like their extensions are made especially for them so Hairdreams has designed a course focusing on colour contouring. “Our stylists take into account the client’s face shape, adding darker tones to areas that can be made softer and lighter shades to areas we want to make brighter,” explains Sarah Sullivan, Hairdreams UK educator and technical advisor. Thankfully it’s easier than ever to master colour trends thanks to innovative tools such as Easiweft's Easitint Colouring Sheets, which enable stylists to colour match their client’s hair extensions without mess or fuss.

Our biggest trend has been the lob. Clients want to add thickness and volume through the front to make the trend more defined and edgy.

Keeping up with the latest cutting styles is a key way to keep clients and attract new ones to your extensions service too. “Our biggest trend has been the lob. Clients want to add thickness and volume through the front to make the trend more defined and edgy,” explains Charles Worthington’s Gorka. The stylist says by applying 40 bonds or six to 10 tapes of Balmain Hair extensions you can get a thicker and fuller effect. [caption id="attachment_63506" align="alignnone" width="600"] Balmain Hair[/caption]  

All clients are potential hair extensions clients  

Having thicker and fuller hair is not the only reason why clients opt for extensions. For those with medical issues a full head of hair can make them feel like themselves again. In fact, hair extensions brand Divamaker was created when founder Louise Brooks began losing her hair, due to Lupus disease. “I was looking for extensions to help disguise my hair loss, but I found the hair on the market was low quality,” she explains. Louise decided to create her own extensions brand – Divamaker which uses chemical-free 100% Indian Remy human hair to eliminate allergic reactions.

We encourage salons to offer extensions in the same way as they would introduce colour.

It is important to promote your extensions service to all clients. “We encourage salons to offer extensions in the same way as they would introduce colour,” Nick Allen, sales director at Rapture Hair explains. Cleverly Options Hair Design in Essex sets each of their stylists a goal of fitting six new clients with hair extensions each week. In most cases this means adding one or two pieces to the hair for added volume, a fringe or even a pop of colour. By offering this service, often free of charge, clients see the transformation and these ‘trial’ clients become paying clients and great word-of-mouth referrers. [caption id="attachment_63505" align="alignnone" width="600"] Richy hair[/caption]

The right to choose

More women are turning to extensions and are more informed about the process than they have ever been. “Our Remi Cachet super stylists have noticed that even before the consultation the clients are well informed, they’ve done their research and know what methods, colours and styles they want to achieve,” explains founder Victoria Lynch. This could be thanks to the brand’s online Find A Stylist feature, which means clients can research an extensionist and salon before booking a consultation.

Even before the consultation the clients are well informed, they’ve done their research and know what methods, colours and styles they want to achieve.

Judging by the latest hair extensions market analysis, the sector is only going to get bigger. Empower your clients with a broad spectrum of extensions styles, the speed of your service and professional aftercare and your extensions clients will take your business to new heights. This article originally appeared in the July issue of Hairdressers Journal. The featured image is from Great Lengths.