How much does a wig install cost? Estimate the investment you need to pay

Are you considering getting a wig installed but unsure about the cost? So how much does a wig install cost? Understanding the investment for a wig installation is crucial before making a decision. 

In this post, Jenhair will explore the various factors that contribute to the cost of a wig install, and provide you with a complete estimate to guide your decision to change your style.

What affects the cost of a wig install?

Type of your wig

The type of wig you choose will affect the cost of installation, regardless of your belief.

• Synthetic hair is the cheapest kind of hair. It’s made of plastic or nylon. Synthetic wigs can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. They are not very durable and won’t stay in good condition for more than a few months.
• A human hair blend is a mix of synthetic hair and real human hair. This combination creates a wig that looks and feels less fake compared to a synthetic wig. These wigs are more expensive than synthetic ones, but they don’t use only human hair. You can expect to pay around $50 to $150 for one of these wigs.
• Human hair wigs are made from actual human hair. A high-quality human hair wig can be as expensive as $500 or even more. The hair often looks natural, but it may have gone through a lot of processing, which weakens the hair.
• Virgin hair is 100% natural hair collected from a single person. It has never been dyed, bleached, stripped, or processed in any way. It doesn’t tangle easily, it’s strong, and it lasts for many years. Be prepared to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars for an authentic virgin hair wig.

The type of wig you choose will affect the cost of installation (Source: Diva Divine Hair Extensions and Wigs)

Method of Installation

How much does a wig install cost? More styling will come with a higher price tag. This includes services like bleaching or plucking the hairline. They not only require your financial investment but also demand valuable time.

If you’re interested in adhesive techniques, the use of glue will necessitate specific products, which can raise the overall cost. On the other hand, sewing and gel methods need particular products and tools to achieve the desired effects.

• The installation cost of a synthetic hair wig ranges from $50 to $300.
• For a human hair wig, the installation cost ranges from $150 to $300.
• If you opt for a Remy human hair wig, the cost ranges from $500 to $700.
• A virgin human hair wig will cost anywhere from $500 to $1200 for installation.

How much does a wig install cost? – Cost of Tools

To install a wig, there are four major steps involved: preparing the hair, prepping the wig, setting the wig, and styling the wig. Let’s take a look at the cost of the required items for each step:

• Hair Preparation: Alcohol pad, freeze spray, wig cap, makeup foundation. This step includes preparing your natural hair before installing the wig, and the estimated cost for the required items is $38.
• Wig Preparation: Wig head, t-pins, tweezer, bleaching powder, developer, purple shampoo. This step involves preparing the wig itself, and the estimated cost for the required items is $72.
• Wig Setting: Freeze spray, hooded dryer, elastic band, satin scarf, small scissors, wig tape, blow dryer, makeup sponge, got2Bglue. This step focuses on securely setting the wig in place, and the estimated cost for the required items is $98.
• Wig Styling: Edge control/Mousse, hot comb, tail comb, razor: $17. In this final step, the wig is styled to achieve the desired look, and the estimated cost for the required items is $45.

Please note that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on various factors. Additionally, the costs mentioned above do not include the price of the wig itself. The total estimated cost for wig installation, considering the costs of all the required items, ranges from $200 to $300.

Also, many of these tools can be reused over an extended period. Avoid discarding reusable tools, such as scissors, as it can result in unnecessary expenses. Therefore, if you install a wig by yourself, you will need to make this investment occasionally.

Stylist and Location

Stylists and salons in areas with higher costs of living, such as major cities or upscale neighborhoods, have higher operating expenses. These expenses can include rent, utilities, and staff wages, which can influence the prices they charge for services.

In addition, well-established salons or those with renowned stylists command higher prices due to their reputation and demand for their services. Clients are willing to pay more for the expertise and skill of experienced stylists or for the prestige associated with a particular salon.

In short, opting for experienced and skilled hair stylists will cost higher charges; and if the salon is located in prime areas of your city, it comes with higher expenses.

How much does a wig install cost on average?

• Wigs: Depending on your hair preferences, wigs can range in cost from $200 to $5200.
• Cost of items for hair preparation: Wig caps and foundation products typically range in price from $30 to $40.
• Cost of items for wig preparation: Tweezers, T-pins, bleach powder, shampoo, and other similar items will typically range in cost from $70 to $80.
• Cost of items to set the wig: Scissors, wig tape, blow dryer, makeup sponge, glue, and similar items will typically range in cost from $90 to $200.
• Cost of styling the wig: The cost of styling can be around $50, but it ultimately depends on your hairstylist. You should conduct some research on your desired look before proceeding with the styling.
• Cost of maintenance: Refrain from engaging in activities that can strain your hair. Specifically, avoid pillow fighting as it is something you will regret. Many of the items mentioned earlier are designed for long-term use. Consequently, if you choose to install a wig yourself, it will not incur significant costs.

Now, you may wonder, how much does a wig install cost exactly? There are various methods available, depending on the type of wig you have. Allow us to provide you with a list!

Methods of installing a wig and their average costs

There are various methods for installing a wig, each with its own unique approach. Here are some common methods:

Glue Method

This method involves using adhesive glue to secure the wig in place. The glue is applied along the hairline or wig cap, and then the wig is adjusted and pressed onto the glued area. It provides a firm and long-lasting hold.

The average cost for a glue installation can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the salon and stylist’s expertise.

Tape Method

In the tape method, double-sided wig tape or adhesive strips are used to attach the wig to the scalp. The tape is applied along the perimeter of the wig cap, and then the wig is pressed onto the tape for a secure attachment. This method offers a strong hold and is easy for application and removal.

The average cost for a tape installation can range from $50 to $150 or more.

Sewing Method

Also known as the wig sewing or wig stitching method, this technique involves sewing the wig onto a set of braids or a wig cap. Using a needle and thread, the wig is carefully stitched to the braids or cap. This ensures a secure and natural-looking attachment. This method is popular for its durability and versatility.

The average cost for a sew-in installation can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the complexity of the sew-in.

Gel Method

The gel method utilizes a special wig adhesive gel or gel-based glue to secure the wig in place. The gel is applied to the scalp or wig cap, and then the wig is positioned on top. It provides a strong hold and is also preferred for its ease of application and removal.

The average cost for a gel installation can range from $30 to $100.

Adhesive-Free Method

As the name suggests, the adhesive-free method does not require the use of any glue or tape. Instead, the wig is secured using adjustable straps, clips, combs, or hooks that are built into the wig cap. These attachments allow for easy and secure placement. And the wig can be removed or adjusted as needed without any adhesive residue.

The average cost for an adhesive-free installation can range from $30 to $80 or more.

Final thoughts,

How much does a wig install cost? The cost of a wig install can vary depending on several factors such as the type of wig, stylist expertise, location, and additional tools or products required. By estimating the investment needed upfront, you can make an informed decision and budget accordingly. 

Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when determining the worth of a wig install. Then, you can confidently decide on your wig installation, ensuring a successful and satisfying experience.