Hair extensions are a popular product used by people looking to change up their hairstyle by adding length, volume, highlights, or trying on a totally new look. The hair extension market is projected to reach over $2.9 billion globally by 2026. With increasing demand, selling hair extensions online offers a lucrative business opportunity.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline steps for starting an online hair extension business, marketing tips, product and pricing strategies, and advice for success.
Getting Started with an Online Hair Extension Store
If you’re considering selling hair extensions online, here are some initial steps to take:
Research the Market
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Look at current extension brands and stores to analyze pricing, products, marketing, and branding.
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Identify gaps you can fill or areas where you can differentiate.
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Understand your target customers and their needs. Surveys can provide insight.
Select a Business Structure
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Most online sellers start out as sole proprietors or freelancers and eventually move to an LLC.
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LLCs provide legal and tax benefits but require more paperwork.
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Ensure you comply with local business licensing and permit regulations.
Choose a Domain and Build Your Website
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Your domain name should be related to hair or extensions (e.g. FabulousHairExtensions.com).
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Use website builders like Wix,Squarespace or Shopify for easy online store setup.
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Make sure your site is mobile-friendly with fast load speeds.
Select Hair Extension Inventory
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Offer a range of lengths, textures, colors, and application methods based on customer demand.
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Find a wholesale hair vendor. Ask for samples to assess quality.
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Start small with your order quantities and styles.
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Stock inventory you can turn over quickly to minimize upfront costs.
How to Market and Sell Hair Extensions Online
Promoting your new online hair extension store takes consistency and utilizing various tactics:
Content Marketing
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Create a blog with tips, how-to articles, hair extension care guides, styling ideas, etc.
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Share content on social media and link back to your online store.
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Publish videos on YouTube showing how to apply extensions.
SEO
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Research keywords buyers use to find extensions online (clip ins, tape hair, extensions for thin hair etc.)
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Optimize website pages and content by including relevant keywords.
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Get backlinks from industry websites like hair blogs.
Social Media
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Post photos and videos of your extensions on Instagram and TikTok using viral hashtags.
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Run targeted Facebook and Instagram ads.
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Build an audience by offering value before heavily promoting.
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Collaborate with influencers or stylists to market products.
Email Lists
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Offer signup incentives like coupon codes or free samples.
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Send regular promotional emails and nurture leads with helpful extension tips and content.
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Segment your list demographically and by purchase history.
Paid Advertising
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Create Google Ads campaigns focused on product categories, hair types, styling needs etc.
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Retarget visitors with Facebook/Instagram ads.
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Only expand to new platforms once you’ve mastered the basics.
Tips for Pricing Hair Extensions Profitably
Pricing extensions profitably while remaining competitive takes some savvy strategies:
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Check pricing at major extension brands to determine price benchmarks.
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Factor in all costs – wholesale hair, shipping, packaging, marketing, credit card fees etc.
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Use the standard retail markup of 2-2.5x your wholesale cost as a baseline pricing model.
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Bundle products together. Offer a discount compared to buying separately.
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Have a few “anchor” products priced low to attract shoppers. Upsell higher margin items.
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Offer tiered pricing on website – Good, Better, Best quality bundles.
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Don’t rely only on listed pricing on your site. Offer coupon codes and incentives.
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For special sales, don’t undercut yourself. Require email signups or meet order minimums to get the best deals.
Best Practices for Excellent Customer Service
Providing top-notch customer service helps attract and retain happy buyers:
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Focus on quick shipping and fast response times – this is expected when shopping online.
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Include an FAQ page on your website with common questions about care, color matching etc.
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Offer warranties and satisfaction guarantees to build trust.
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Follow up via email after a purchase to ensure the buyer is happy.
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Make returns and exchanges hassle-free when reasonable.
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Monitor reviews and promptly address negative feedback.
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Have multiple contact options – chat, text messaging, phone calls in addition to email.
Key Factors for Selling Hair Extensions Successfully Online
Some final tips for establishing a thriving hair extension ecommerce business:
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Take high quality product photos and videos yourself or hire a professional.
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Focus on storytelling and connect emotionally through blogs, About page etc.
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Specialize in a niche like natural textured hair extensions or extensions for volume.
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Once you’ve gained traction, offer affiliate programs to expand reach.
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Don’t overload your inventory. Curate your selection based on best sellers.
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Analyze site analytics to make data-driven decisions about marketing and products.
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Reinvest profits into professional branding, packaging, photography etc. to appear established.
Selling hair extensions online provides flexibility and huge growth potential. By following this guide and implementing marketing best practices, you can successfully launch and grow your own hair extension ecommerce business. Let us know if you have any other questions!