What is a hair extension?
A hair extension is a beauty product designed to give you the appearance of longer and/or fuller hair. Hair extensions are made of synthetic material or real human hair and are attached to your natural hair by a variety of techniques such as a weave (sewing), hot fusion, tape-in, cold fusion, bonding, metal clips, micro ring or micro loops, and more. The type of technique you select as well as the quality and volume of the hair you choose all affect cost. Hair extensions can last anywhere from three weeks to six months, depending on the application technique. For example, tape-in extensions may last approximately four weeks, while extensions applied using a hot fusion technique may stay in for up to six months. The hot fusion technique takes longer, costs more, and requires more training on the part of the hair stylist, but the result is more natural-looking extensions that can be washed and heat-styled with confidence.
What is a mobile hairdresser?
A mobile hairdresser is a cosmetologist trained to cut, color and style hair who can provide hairdressing services at remote locations. Often, mobile hairdressers are hired for events such as weddings, bachelorette parties, prom night, birthdays and other occasions. The hairstylist can come to your location to do your hair, or provide hairstyling for your group.
For events, mobile hairstylists more often provide updos and formal styles than highlights or hair color. Mobile hairdressers bring all the necessary hairstyling tools and products such as lotions and sprays to create your look. The national average cost for a hairstylist is $70-$110. Pricing for different services can vary greatly depending on stylist reputation, training and regional rates. For example, haircuts could range between $35 and $150, while hair coloring services could range in price from $65 to $200. Some mobile hairstylists may include the cost of travel in their fees, while other may have it as an added charge, such as 50 cents to $1 for each mile beyond their standard service range.
How do you find a good hairstylist?
First, pull up a list of nearby hairstylists on Thumbtack, and read their profiles to get an understanding of what they specialize in — hair coloring, cutting, extensions, wedding hairstyles, etc. Then, start searching for stylists who have high ratings and customer reviews. You should also spend some time looking at photos that showcase their work. That way, you can determine if a stylist has the experience and skills needed to achieve the look you want.
When you’ve identified at least three hairstylists you like, ask them for a cost estimate and make sure they have the proper credentials.
Do I need a makeup artist for my wedding?
There are no rules around your wedding day, and that means it’s your choice whether to have a wedding makeup artist. If you’re on the fence about hiring a wedding makeup artist, consider the pros and cons. Some women decide against a wedding makeup artist to save money. The national average cost for a wedding makeup artist is $70-$100, which is an expense some women prefer to do without. Other women just don’t love wearing makeup. Some brides have friends or family members who are talented makeup artists willing to provide their services. If you choose not to have a wedding makeup artist, be sure to do at least two trial runs of your makeup look well before the wedding day to avoid any morning-of panic.
On the other hand, a wedding makeup artist can make the bride feel pampered and confident, giving her a flawless, fabulous look for the ceremony and reception and in wedding photos. For brides who are uncomfortable with heavy makeup, many wedding makeup artists usually excel at the natural look. Many brides consider wedding makeup part of the ritual and tradition of the ceremony, a shared experience with the entire bridal party. Ultimately your choice of whether to hire a wedding makeup artist should be based on what will make you feel most confident and happy.
How much should you tip a wedding makeup artist?
Wedding makeup artists ensure you and your bridal party are looking your best bright and early on your wedding day. Tipping a wedding makeup artist for their hard work is standard practice, and is also greatly appreciated. A tip of 15 percent to 20 percent of the total bill is appropriate. You may consider tipping extra if the makeup artist or someone on their team went above and beyond — for example, squeezing in Aunt Martha at the last second or redoing a flower girl’s hair free of charge after she dunked it in the fountain.
A gratuity is a reflection of a job well done, so if the wedding makeup artist was late, did a shoddy job or didn’t provide all the services you negotiated, you are not required to tip. Talk with your wedding makeup artist prior to the event to ask how they prefer payment and gratuity to be handled. Can you pay by credit card the day of the event and include a tip then? Do you need to pay in cash the day of the event? Find out ahead of time how to manage payment for services so you can be prepared with cash or credit cards as needed. Even better, delegate the task of payment to someone in your bridal party so you can just enjoy your day.
How much do wedding makeup artists cost?
A wedding means love, celebration and tons of wedding photos. Professional wedding makeup artists have you looking your best on your big day and forever after in your wedding photos. The national average cost for a wedding makeup artist is $70-$100, although this price can increase based on your location, the extent of the makeup services and the reputation of the makeup artist. Most wedding makeup artists offer discounts to brides who book group services for their maids, mothers and flower girls at the same time. Wedding makeup artists who also do wedding hair usually offer package rates for hair and makeup combos. Here are some examples of average wedding makeup pricing:
- Bridal makeup: $85-$125. Pricing often includes full face, eyes, lips, brows and false eyelashes. Airbrush makeup may be an additional $20 or more.
- Bridal hair and makeup: $150-$200.
- Bridesmaid and bridal party makeup: $50-$100 per person.
- Bridesmaid hair and makeup: $100-$150.
- Flower girl makeup: $25-$35.
- Trial sessions: $60-$120, depending on the makeup artist. Some charge their full rate and others charge a partial rate for trial makeup services.
- Hourly rates to stay on and keep makeup touched up throughout reception: $35-$75 per hour.
- Travel fees: 50 cents to $1 per additional mile beyond a set radius — such as 50 miles.
How much do hair extensions cost?
Hair extensions are synthetic or real human hair integrations that add volume and length to your hair. Hairstylists are trained in different techniques to attach extensions to your hair. The cost of extensions can vary greatly depending on the technique used to apply the hair, as well as the type of hair you select. Synthetic hair is typically the least expensive, human hair is next on the pricing scale, remy hair is next, and what is called “virgin” human hair is generally the most sought-after and most expensive. Remy hair signifies that all the cuticles are intact and running in the same direction, making for smoother hair extensions in the long term. Hair is deemed virgin when all the hair is from one donor and has never undergone any chemical processing. Hair prices will vary from company to company; here are some examples of hair from online retailers.
- Virgin strands (25 strands weighing approximately 1 gram each) for hot fusion application: $44 per bundle.
- Virgin hair weave (approximately 4 ounces per package): $149 each.
Here are some sample application costs from hairstylists.
- Full sew-in: $175-$200 or more.
- Partial sew-in: $125 or more.
- Micro-link weft extensions: $300 or more.
- Full-bonded extensions: $75 or more.
How do you choose the right makeup artist for your wedding?
A wedding makeup artist can ensure a flawless look on your big day. Finding the perfect person isn’t all about price, though. Here are tips for choosing the right makeup artist for your wedding:
- Research before reaching out. Wedding makeup artists should have an online presence with portfolios of their work. Find someone with an aesthetic you love.
- Read reviews. You want a wedding makeup artist who’ll be on time, do beautiful work, and add a positive vibe to your day. Pay attention if previous clients report bad experiences with a makeup artist.
- Consider skin tones. If your bridal party has a range of skin tones, make sure your wedding makeup artist and assistants are experienced and talented working with everyone.
- Is your top pick available on your date? If so, put down a deposit to secure their services.
- Confirm rates and payment. Clearly discuss prices and payment plans, and sign a detailed contract so there are no surprises on your wedding day.
How do you hire a hairstylist?
After you find a few hairstylists you’re interested in, you need to decide who to hire. To figure this out, ask yourself these questions when evaluating each candidate:
- Does the hairstylist have mostly positive customer reviews and high ratings?
- Is the hairstylist charging prices that are reasonable and within my budget?
- Does this person specialize in my hair type and texture?
- Can the hairstylist achieve the look I want?
- Does the hairstylist have the proper training?
- Can the hairstylist come to me (i.e., are they a mobile hairstylist?), or do I need to go to their place of business?
What is a seamless extension?
A seamless hair extension is a type of clip-on hair extension. The extension hair is called the weft. Near the top of the weft, a metal clip mounted to the weft on a silicone base is used to attach the extension to your natural hair. In a traditional clip-on extension, the base that attaches the metal clip to the weft is fabric.
People may prefer seamless extensions due to their lower profile; the silicone can be up to 50 percent thinner than the fabric, making the extension appear more natural — and, therefore, seamless. Seamless extensions usually can be washed (although you shouldn’t keep them submerged for more than 20 seconds) and heat-styled on lower heat settings. You can gently brush seamless hair extensions as well as have them dyed a darker color by a trained professional.