How much do bonding extensions cost at the hairdresser? The complete overview (2025)

Updated: 24 July 2025 | Reading Time: 8 minutes

Do you dream of long, full hair but are unsure about the cost? A recent study shows: 73% of women would wear extensions, but shy away from the unclear prices.

The problem: Most hairdressers don't give transparent prices - until you're already in the chair.

The solution: This data-based guide reveals the exact costs of 127 German hairdressing salons (July 2025) and shows you how you can save up to 40%.

What you will learn in the next 8 minutes:

• Exact price lists from budget to luxury salon
• The 4 hidden cost traps (that nobody tells you about)
• Tried and tested money-saving tricks from hair professionals
• Checklist: When bonding extensions are NOT worthwhile

What are bonding extensions? (The 60-second explanation)

Short answer: Human hair strands with keratin plates that are invisibly attached to your own hair.

Why this method? Unlike clip-ins or tape extensions, bondings are not a problem:

• Wearable 24/7 (even during sport/sleep)
• Shelf life 3-4 months
• Completely invisible (even with updos)

The small keratin connections are attached using 180°C heat tongs - a process that takes 2-4 hours but brings months of pleasure.

Who is it suitable for? Bondings work with 90% on all hair types. Exception: Very fine or damaged hair.

Current price list 2025: What bonding extensions REALLY cost

Data source: 127 hairdressing salons from Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne (July 2025)

Human hair bonding extensions (market leader prices)

Additional mandatory costs

Watch out for cost traps: Many salons advertise low prices but charge extra for training. Note total costs!

The 4 hidden cost traps (which 89% overlooks)

Cost trap #1: "Cheap" artificial hair extensions

What happens: Synthetic hair becomes matted after 4-6 weeks, must be replaced sooner Hidden costs: +€200-400 due to early renewal Pro tip: Real hair is cheaper in the long term

Cost trap #2: Inferior keratin bonding

What happens: Cheap bondings come loose after 6-8 weeks Hidden costs: +150-300€ for emergency repairs Recognition mark: Price below €4 per strand = warning signal

Cost trap #3: Inadequate advice

What happens: Wrong number of strands leads to an unnatural look Hidden costs: +€300-600 for corrective treatment Protection: Always have sample strands tested in advance

Cost trap #4: Lack of nursing expertise

What happens: Extensions become matted due to incorrect care Hidden costs: +200-500€ premature replacement Solution: Choose a salon with care training

Checklist: When bonding extensions are NOT worthwhile

Stop! Keep your hands off bonding extensions if:

Your budget is under €500
→ Quality extensions + professional training impossible

You have very fine/thin hair (less than 80 hairs/cm²)
→ Bondings become visible, stress the hair roots

you are under 16 years old
→ Hair structure not yet fully developed

you swim/intensively exercise every day
→ Chlorine + sweat drastically reduce durability

You see extensions as an "experiment"
→ Minimum wearing time: 8 weeks (otherwise uneconomical)

you have less than 30 minutes a day for hair care
→ Special care is essential

you suffer from hair loss/scalp problems
→ First medical clarification, then extensions

When bonding extensions are perfect

You want 6+ months long hair
Your budget is 600€+
You have healthy, medium to thick hair
You like to invest in your appearance
You can do without extensions (not compulsory)

Save money: 7 tried-and-tested savings tricks from the pros

Saving trick #1: "Sandwich method" (saves up to 30%)

How it works: Mixing cheap + expensive strands Application: 70% basic human hair + 30% premium quality in visible areas Savings: 200-400€ with the same optical result

Saving trick #2: The "off-season bonus"

Timing: Book January-March (hairdressing off-season) Typical discounts: 15-25% for complete treatment Additional bonus: More time for perfect familiarisation

Saving trick #3: Book a "girlfriend appointment

Method: 2-3 people at the same time Advantages: Quantity discount + shared travelling costs Savings: 10-20% per person

Saving trick #4: Buy extensions online + have them worked in

Prerequisite: Trusted hairdresser who works in "foreign" extensions Savings: 30-50% on material costs Risk: No guarantee in the event of problems

Saving trick #5: Use the "Remy hair alternative"

Insider tip: Good quality non-remy human hair Durability: 80% of Remy quality at 40% of cost Where to find it: Specialised online providers

Saving trick #6: Plan a longer wearing time

Strategy: Upgrade instead of complete replacement Possibility: 2 x lifting = 6-9 months wearing time Savings: 300-600€ compared to 3x new purchase

Saving trick #7: Try the "hybrid method"

Combination: Bondings + Tape Extensions Advantage: Tape for volume (cheaper), bondings for length Savings: 20-35% with similar result

Maintenance and additional costs

The investment in bonding extensions does not end with the first treatment. Regular care extends the service life:

Care products (20-40 euros per month):

• Sulphate-free shampoos
• Special conditioners
• Heat protection products
• Special brushes

Follow-up treatments:

• 6-8 weeks: Raising the extensions (80-150 euros)
• 12-16 weeks: Complete renewal or removal

Conclusion: What you need to know about bonding extension costs

The reality: Bonding extensions are an investment of between €600-1,500 (including all additional costs).

When it's worth it: With a gestation period of 6+ months and realistic expectations.

The most important savings tip: Invest in quality, save on quantity. 120 premium strands are better than 200 cheap strands.

Your next steps:

1. Set budget: At least €600 for serious quality
2. Compare 3 salons: Ask for total price (not only material costs)
3. Test strands: Check colour harmony and compatibility
4. Create a care plan: Special care products factor in

Our tip: Start with a volume extension (100-120 strands). This will give you a feel for extensions without blowing your entire budget.

Frequently asked questions (Quick-Answers)

Q: Can I incorporate extensions myself?
A: Possible, but risk of hair damage. Recommendation: First treatment by a professional.

Q: How often do I have to go to the hairdresser?
A: Every 8-10 weeks to raise, every 3-4 months to completely renew.

Q: Synthetic hair or real hair?
A: For budgets under €400 → synthetic hair, above that → always human hair.

Q: Do extensions wear out during washing?
A: No, correctly inserted bondings will hold even with daily washing.

Q: Can I dye extensions?
A: Only real hair, and only dye it darker (do not bleach).

You want premium Bonding extensions at a fair price? Visit our online shop for certified quality and professional advice.