How Much Do Braids Cost?
Braids are like the Mercedes Benz of modern hairstyles - classy, trendy, and utterly protective at the same time. While the art of braiding can be traced back to 3500 BCE, it has evolved today as versatile styles that can be personalized in umpteen ways. If you want to hop on to this trend, you need to select the right braid for your hair type and wear it as per your style preferences. But how much do braids cost?
As professional hair braiders, we understand that the cost of braids is a major influencer in choosing one. With so many types of braids, the price may greatly vary depending on several factors. In this article, we will examine the factors that affect the price of braids, and discuss the cost of different types of braids.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Braids
Factors that affect the price of braids are as follows:
1. Type of Braid
The type of braid you want is the primary factor that determines its cost. From box braids and cornrows to bohemian braids, goddess braids, Senegalese Twists, and Lemonade braids - there are many types of braids out there in the world. Each require different skill set, level of intricacy, and time. Typically, the more intricate and complicated a braid is, the more time it consumes - and the more expensive it is. For instance, Dutch & French Braids and double-twisted braids are difficult to achieve and are time-consuming, thus the most costly types of braids.
2. Hair Length
The length of your hair is the secondary factor affecting the price of braids. Long hair takes more time and more hair products, making them costlier than braiding short hair. Alternatively, some types of braids are difficult to achieve with short hair and may require extensions, which also adds to the price. Consult with a professional braider to know which type of braid is the easiest to achieve and maintain for your length of hair.
3. Extensions
If your braid style requires extensions or more materials, it will be costlier. Some hair extensions like Virgin hair and Fusion extensions are more expensive than, say synthetic hair extensions. Thus, the quality of extensions will also influence the overall price heavily. Other decorative items like shells and beads require added work and are more costly.
4. The Braider's Skills & Experience
The experience and skills of the salon you choose also matters. Seasoned braiders with diverse braiding skills often charge more than inexperienced stylists. While braiding at a reputed salon can be expensive, it is well worth your investment if you want a long-lasting and attractive braid that protects your natural hair.
5. Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices are also a major influencer when it comes to how long your braids will last. Frequent sweating can affect the integrity of your braids and cause them to loosen and frizz faster. If you have an active lifestyle that involves gymming, sports, cycling, or swimming, go for braids that are easier to maintain.
Cost of Different Types of Braids
Now that we have discussed the factors affecting the cost of braids, let's get down to the price of popular braids. Generally speaking, braiding your hair may cost anywhere between $100-$300, depending on the particular style you want to achieve.
Narrowing down, here are some popular types of braids and their cost:
1. Box Braids
Price Range: $170-$450Box braids are popular types of braids that involve braiding hair into square-shaped sections. They offer a neat and uniform appearance while protecting your hair from damage. They can be styled in different ways, as buns, ponytails, updos, and more. Box braids vary in size, and are priced accordingly.
2. Knotless Braids
Price Range: $180-$450Knotless braids are a variant of box braids that use a feed-in technique where small braiding hair is added to your natural hair. This results in a sleeker and more polished look than traditional box braids. Knotless braids can also be styled as ponytails, buns, and updos and mimic the appearance of natural hair.
3. Bohemian Braids
Price Range: $200-470Also known as boho braids, bohemian braids are the lovechild of box & knotless braids characterized by curly pieces of hair for a chic and relaxed look. As they require more intricate work, they are costlier than both box braids and knotless braids.
4. Micro Braids
Price Range: $300-$400Micro braids are protective hairstyles where the hair is braided into tiny strands that look like thick strands of natural hair. Much lighter than other protective hairstyles, micro braids can be styled in many ways, including half-up or half-down buns or ponytails.
5. Jumbo Box Braids
Price Range: $240-$350While micro braids involve tiny strands, the opposite end of the spectrum is jumbo Box braids, where natural hair is braided into thick, large sections. They are thicker than conventional box braids and can be styled as straight-back braids or updos.
6. Lemonade Braids
Price: $120 onwardsPopularized by Beyonce during her 2016 album 'Lemonade', these braids are side-swept cornrows extending down to the waist. They can be achieved with your natural mane or extensions.
6. Fulani Braids
Price: $120 onwardsA staple hairstyle for celebrities on the red carpet, Fulani braids are fusion styles that combine cornrows at the top and sides and box braids at the back. Fulani braids are of various types, and can be accessorized with beads.
6. Goddess Braids
Price Range: $120 OnwardsGoddess Braids are protective styles where the hair is braided close to the scalp with curly strands at the ends. They can be styled half braided or half curly, and are suitable for various occasions.
The Importance of Choosing a Right Professional Braiding Salon
Wrapping it up, if you are looking for a hairstyle makeover with braids, all you need is a little research and the right braiding professionals. Your choice of salon that is skilled in various types of braids and offers fair pricing is critical. Remember, braids are intricate styles and require a deft hand. DIY may be cheaper, but not the best solution if you want an impressive and long-lasting look.
At Elite Braids and Weaving, we are passionate about protective and natural hairstyles. We take pride in creating high-quality braids that become an eye magnet in the crowd. Solely relying on premium materials and extensions, our guarantee is a superior outcome so you can flaunt your braids for a long time.
Visit our salon in Houston and witness the magic of our master stylists. We will analyze your hair type and need to create a personalized style that accentuates your personality.
