How Much Will Hair Tinsel REALLY Set You Back? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

When most people think about the cost of hair tinsel, they usually focus on the cost of buying it. However, that’s only part of the picture. There are many other costs involved in getting and maintaining your glittery strands. It’s important to think beyond just the initial purchase price. You’ll also need to consider the cost of applying the tinsel, the ongoing maintenance, and other expenses like tools or removal. In this article, we’ll break down all the costs you should know before deciding if hair tinsel is right for you.

1.    Buying the hair tinsel

The first obvious cost when getting hair tinsel is the price of buying it. If you go for a DIY kit, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $10. A typical DIY hair tinsel kit includes hair tinsel strands, a crochet tool, and instructions for applying the hair tinsel at home. Some kits even come with pliers and microbeads for microbead installation. DIY kits are affordable and provide everything you need to tie the hair tinsel. However, understand that tying the hair tinsel properly may take a little practice.

If you prefer something simpler, clip-in tinsel extensions are another option. These usually cost between $10 and $30 for a set. They’re easy to apply and remove, and you can reuse them. While the application is quick and straightforward, the tinsel may not blend as seamlessly with your natural hair.

For a more professional look, use high-quality tinsel that can cost between $50 and $100. This type of tinsel is applied individually by a stylist and lasts longer with a more polished finish. However, the higher quality does come with a higher price tag.

Factors affecting the price of hair tinsel

Several factors can affect the price when buying hair tinsel. Understanding these factors will help you choose the best option for your budget and needs.

1.    Type of Hair Tinsel

One of the main factors that affect the price is the type of hair tinsel. There are several different kinds available. For example, plastic tinsel is usually the least expensive, while silk tinsel can be more costly. Polyester tinsel sits somewhere in the middle in terms of price. The material affects how the tinsel feels in your hair, how long it lasts, and how shiny it looks. Higher-quality materials tend to cost more. However, they also often provide a better overall look and feel.

2.    Length and Quantity

Another factor that can influence the price is the length and quantity of the tinsel. The cost will be lower if you buy a smaller kit with fewer strands. However, the price will likely increase if you want to cover more hair or prefer longer tinsel strands. Some kits also offer large amounts of tinsel, which can be a better value if you need more.

3.    Brand

As with many other products, the brand can play a significant role in the price of hair tinsel. Popular or well-known brands tend to cost more because they are trusted for their quality. Lesser-known brands may offer lower prices, but the quality can vary. It’s worth researching brands before buying to ensure you’re getting good value for your money.

4.    Kit Contents

Some hair tinsel kits come with extra tools, which can affect the price. For example, a basic DIY kit might include just the tinsel strands. However, a more complete kit features a crochet tool, pliers, microbeads, and detailed instructions. The more items that come with the kit, the higher the price is. Keep in mind that if you already have some of the necessary tools, you may be able to save money by purchasing just the tinsel strands.

5.    Type of Application

The method of application can also affect the price of the tinsel. DIY kits are less expensive because you are applying the tinsel yourself. However, the cost will be higher if you opt for clip-in tinsel or professional salon application. Clip-in tinsel is easy to tie and remove. However, it can cost more than a basic DIY kit. Professional salon application is usually the most expensive option, but it offers a professional finish and longer-lasting results.

6.     Special Features

Some hair tinsel products come with specific features that can impact the price. For example, some tinsel strands are heat-resistant. Heat resistance means you can style the hair tinsel with hot tools like straighteners or curlers without damaging them. Others may offer various colors or unique finishes like holographic or iridescent. These special features can add to the overall cost of the tinsel.

7.    Quality and Durability:

The quality of the tinsel also plays a role in how much you’ll pay. Higher-quality tinsel lasts longer and looks more natural in your hair. Lower-quality tinsel may tangle easily or lose its sparkle after a few washes. If you’re looking for tinsel that will stand the test of time, you may need to spend a little more on a higher-quality option.

When deciding how much hair tinsel costs, it’s vital to consider all these factors. Whether you choose a basic DIY kit or a professional application, ensure the tinsel meets your needs and fits within your budget.

2.     Application Costs

The second cost to consider is the application cost, which can add up depending on how you apply your hair tinsel. If you go the DIY route, you’ll do the application at home. This means you won’t have to pay salon fees, which is a big money saver. The only extra costs might be for a crochet tool if your kit didn’t come with one. You may also need a clip and a rat tail comb to help with the application.

You’ll need to book an appointment with a stylist at a salon if you prefer to have your hair tinsel applied professionally. The stylist will apply the tinsel for you, and the finish will likely look more polished. However, this convenience can cost you up to $100, depending on the salon and the amount of tinsel applied.

3.    Maintenance Costs

The third cost to think about is maintenance. If you want your hair tinsel to last longer, you may need to touch it up after two weeks. Over time, the strands can loosen, which means you might need to add some new tinsel. If you’re doing it yourself, this won’t cost anything. However, if you prefer to go to a professional for touch-ups, they may charge you up to $20.

You’ll also need to care for your hair to keep it looking good. The good news is you don’t need special shampoos or conditioners for your tinsel. Just be sure to avoid products with sulfate, as they can damage the tinsel. You should buy a heat protectant spray if you have heat-resistant tinsel and want to use hot tools like curling irons or straighteners. This will help keep your tinsel shiny and sparkling.

4.    Other Potential Costs

There are other potential costs to consider, especially if you’re applying the hair tinsel yourself. Some DIY kits may not include everything you need, so you might have to buy a few extra tools. These tools include pliers, clips, crochet tools, hair bands, and more. Luckily, these are one-time purchases you can use again for future applications. Their price varies from $5 to $15.

If you visit a stylist and want your hair professionally styled, there could be an additional charge of about $20. This could include a blowout or curls to ensure your hair looks flawless and the tinsel blends in perfectly.

5.    Removal Costs

Finally, there are removal costs to consider. If you decide to remove the hair tinsel yourself at home, it won’t cost you anything. However, this can take time and patience, and you’ll need to be careful not to damage your hair. If the tinsel was applied using the microbeads method, you might need to learn how to remove hair tinsel with pliers.

If you choose to have a professional remove the tinsel, expect to pay between $10 and $20. The cost can vary depending on how the tinsel was applied, and if a more detailed method was used, the price might be higher.

Total Breakdown of Hair Tinsel Costs

So, how much does hair tinsel really cost? Let’s break it down based on the different options:

DIY Kit:

• Initial cost of tinsel: $5–$20
• Tools (if needed): $5–$15
• Maintenance (optional): Free to $10
• Total for DIY: $10–$45 for the first month. After that, if you can reuse the tools and tinsel, the cost will be lower for subsequent months.

Clip-In Hair Tinsel:

• Initial cost of clip-in tinsel: $10–$30
• Total for Clip-In: $10–$30 for the first month. There are no maintenance costs unless you lose strands or need to replace them.

Professional Application:

• Initial application: $50–$100
• Maintenance touch-ups: $10–$20 every few weeks
• Removal: $10–$20
• Total for Professional: $70–$140 for the first month, with additional costs for maintenance every few weeks.

As you can see, the cost of hair tinsel can vary based on how you apply and maintain it. Each option comes with its own costs. Therefore, choose the one that works best for your budget and lifestyle.

Conclusion

When calculating the total cost of hair tinsel extensions, it’s important to consider everything from purchasing, application, maintenance, and removal. Based on the breakdown, DIY kits are the most affordable option, though they require more time and effort from you. Professional applications, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer a polished look with less hassle. Regardless of your chosen option, hair tinsel is a fun way to add sparkle and creativity to your hair. Just be sure to factor in all the costs so you’re prepared before you dive in.