Newbie - Initial Cost Of Hair System

[kanga072]

Hello,

After doing a lot of research I have decided to finally take the plunge and have scheduled a consultation for a new hair system. I am a 28 year-old male and my hairline has deteriorated quite a bit over the past 3-4 years. The hair in my crown area is also starting to become very thin. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has posted here - all info has been incredibly helpful and I am now convinced this is the best option for my lifestyle. I am very excited!

My question: is anyone able to provide a rough estimate as to how much the initial fitting/cut-in would be? It sounds like there are some pretty reputable online vendors that I could order a piece from for under $300 USD (Toplace, Northwest Lace, etc.). Ideally, I would like to create my own template, order a custom piece online and visit a professional for the initial cut in. My concern is that the place where I am having the consultation done will try to sell an overpriced unit and charge another arm and a leg for maintenance. Luckily, my mother is a seasoned hairdresser and is more than willing to perform the maintenance for me. I would still like the initial cut-in done by someone who has experience with it.

I realize prices will vary greatly by location and salon, but I am just curious if there are any ballpark estimates, or if anyone is willing to share how much they have paid for the initial cut-in and application. Are salons reluctant to help with the first cut-in if you did not purchase a system through them?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Noah]

Hi Kanga, welcome and good luck with your hair project. You sound like you have done good research and have a sound plan.

Many salons are unwilling to do cut-ins unless they also sold the system (usually a sign of dubious business ethics - these are the places who want to "capture" clients, keep them dependent and milk them) but there are always a few salons who will work with Internet-bought systems. You are likely to have more choice if you are near a big city. Where are you based?

My sense is that cut-ins range between about US$75 and 200 depending on how fancy the salon is and the location. I am paying about $85. You are lucky that your mother is able to help. You should take her along to your cut-in, and she can probably pick it up quickly.

All the best
Noah

 

[kanga072]

Hi Noah,

Thanks for the quick reply!

I am located in Minneapolis, MN so hopefully I can find someone willing to do a cut-in if I decide to go the online route. And of course, I'll see what kind of prices the salon I am visiting next week is offering and go from there. If they offer a hair system, cut-in and style for around $500-$600 I feel it would be worth the money to get everything done all at once, plus a little hand holding to start off with. I think it'd be a great idea to have my mother come along for the cut-in - she also mentioned that when I told her about the hair system idea.

Thank you again for your input. Your other responses/posts on this forum have been incredibly helpful!

Tristen

 

[Noah]

I agree, $500 - 600 is a fair price for the whole package. You still need to do a bit of spadework though. Ask if you can see and chat to a real customer. Often people won't mind if they know you are planning the same procedure yourself. Sometimes salons have a 'groupie' customer who will chat to prospective clients in exchange for free or discounted systems, so you are not always getting a completely impartial view, but you will be able to see the quality of the systems when installed, and satisfy yourself that you would be content with that look on yourself.

Also, beware the places that want to glue the unit on for a month at a time and only they can take it off. The aim should be to get somewhere that educates and empowers you to look after your own system.

 

[kanga072]

Asking to see an actual customer is a great idea. I didn't realize that some places have that option. It would definitely be helpful to see the end result so I know what to expect, even if they have a few quality pictures.

I plan on being pretty up-front during the consultation so they understand I would like to be educated rather than roped in to services only they can provide. Luckily it's a local hair restoration salon here in Minneapolis (rather than a chain), so I'm hoping they will be a little more customer-oriented and willing to teach me the proper maintenance techniques. I've got a close friend coming with me for some moral support!