Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

What is a mobile hairdresser?

A mobile hairdresser is a cosmetologist trained to cut, color and style hair who can provide hairdressing services at remote locations. Often, mobile hairdressers are hired for events such as weddings, bachelorette parties, prom night, birthdays and other occasions. The hairstylist can come to your location to do your hair, or provide hairstyling for your group.

For events, mobile hairstylists more often provide updos and formal styles than highlights or hair color. Mobile hairdressers bring all the necessary hairstyling tools and products such as lotions and sprays to create your look. The national average cost for a hairstylist is $70-$110. Pricing for different services can vary greatly depending on stylist reputation, training and regional rates. For example, haircuts could range between $35 and $150, while hair coloring services could range in price from $65 to $200. Some mobile hairstylists may include the cost of travel in their fees, while other may have it as an added charge, such as 50 cents to $1 for each mile beyond their standard service range.

What is a hair extension?

A hair extension is a beauty product designed to give you the appearance of longer and/or fuller hair. Hair extensions are made of synthetic material or real human hair and are attached to your natural hair by a variety of techniques such as a weave (sewing), hot fusion, tape-in, cold fusion, bonding, metal clips, micro ring or micro loops, and more. The type of technique you select as well as the quality and volume of the hair you choose all affect cost. Hair extensions can last anywhere from three weeks to six months, depending on the application technique. For example, tape-in extensions may last approximately four weeks, while extensions applied using a hot fusion technique may stay in for up to six months. The hot fusion technique takes longer, costs more, and requires more training on the part of the hair stylist, but the result is more natural-looking extensions that can be washed and heat-styled with confidence.

What is a seamless extension?

A seamless hair extension is a type of clip-on hair extension. The extension hair is called the weft. Near the top of the weft, a metal clip mounted to the weft on a silicone base is used to attach the extension to your natural hair. In a traditional clip-on extension, the base that attaches the metal clip to the weft is fabric.

People may prefer seamless extensions due to their lower profile; the silicone can be up to 50 percent thinner than the fabric, making the extension appear more natural — and, therefore, seamless. Seamless extensions usually can be washed (although you shouldn’t keep them submerged for more than 20 seconds) and heat-styled on lower heat settings. You can gently brush seamless hair extensions as well as have them dyed a darker color by a trained professional.

How much should you tip a hairstylist?

A hairstylist can provide you with a cut, color or highlights, or style your hair for an event. The national average cost for a hairstylist is $70-$110, but prices can vary greatly depending on the service you receive, where you live, and the salon’s or hairdresser’s reputation. A good rule of thumb is to tip your hairstylist 20 percent of your total bill. In smaller towns, 15 percent may be the norm, but in larger cities 20 percent is generally the baseline. If you frequent a salon where the shampooer, colorist, and hair cutter are all different people, you can divide that 20 percent among those service providers in proportion to the skill level and time required to do their job. Many hairstylists rent a chair from the salon and must pay a monthly rent to the salon owner.

How much do hair extensions cost?

Hair extensions are synthetic or real human hair integrations that add volume and length to your hair. Hairstylists are trained in different techniques to attach extensions to your hair. The cost of extensions can vary greatly depending on the technique used to apply the hair, as well as the type of hair you select. Synthetic hair is typically the least expensive, human hair is next on the pricing scale, remy hair is next, and what is called “virgin” human hair is generally the most sought-after and most expensive. Remy hair signifies that all the cuticles are intact and running in the same direction, making for smoother hair extensions in the long term. Hair is deemed virgin when all the hair is from one donor and has never undergone any chemical processing. Hair prices will vary from company to company; here are some examples of hair from online retailers.

Virgin strands (25 strands weighing approximately 1 gram each) for hot fusion application: $44 per bundle.
Virgin hair weave (approximately 4 ounces per package): $149 each.

Here are some sample application costs from hairstylists.

Full sew-in: $175-$200 or more.
Partial sew-in: $125 or more.
Micro-link weft extensions: $300 or more.
Full-bonded extensions: $75 or more.

Cathy D.

Verified review

Annaliza did my hair and makeup for the Emmy Awards. We talked about the look I wanted, and she created it beautifully. She was very professional and had a sweet personality. I would highly recommend Annaliza.

Alexandra M.

I cannot say enough good things about Lindsey. My hair for my wedding was better than I could have ever imagined, and she handled both my hair and the hair of EIGHT bridesmaids all on her own. She works quickly, and very skillfully. Everyone looked amazing, and she accommodated all manner of styles. She really worked with me after the hair trial to fine-tune the look I was going for, and I could not have been happier with the end result. Not only that, but her prices are the best I've seen, especially considering the quality of her work. Her style is natural, yet very sophisticated. Plus, she's just a great person to have by your side as you are getting ready for something so momentous. Hire her! You will be so glad you did.

Jane A.

I just had my trial with Rebecca and she hit the nail on the head. I requested a 1920-30's look, a cat eye, red lip, very classic and she made me pop. Brought out my eyes, lashes cheek bones and of course lips. And she's quite fast. Also did my hair, bridal vintage and perfect!

Indara A.

We hired Vanessa for our wedding day to do the hair on 14 brides maids and 2 brides. She was able to complete all of our hair plus do touch ups in less time than we expected! She did a fantastic job on our hair we couldn't have been more happy with the way the hair on everyone turned out. She waster accommodating, fast and friendly! Would definitely recommend her a million times over for your event!

Brittney M.

Mary went above and beyond with my hair and make up. She was so polite and showed up right on time. She was very respectful and listened to exactly what I wanted. I would most definitely recommend her for any event you have coming up. I know I will for sure use her in the future. Thanks again Mary for doing such a wonderful job!!!

Tina F.

Natalie is amazing. The entire bridal party looked amazing. She did the brides make up too and her make up stayed perfect all night and looked amazing as well as her hair..I just loved Natalie.

Jamilah B.

I'm a photographer and i hired Vanessa for one of my photo shoots as the hair and makeup artist for my client which was a young 8 year old girl with long hair. She arrived on time and did a great job with my client's needs. I recommend her services 100% She's very sweet and easy to work with!

Jan S.

Just excellent! I did a trial for my wedding with Zorahayda and absolutely loved the result! She did my makeup and hair for my wedding and she and her team also did hair and makeup for my sister, mother and mother-in-law. The final result was simply stunning!!! I was incredibly happy - everyone looked absolutely beautiful! I would highly recommend her - she is professional, easy to work with and most importantly talented!

Evelyn B.

I had a destination wedding and Samantha made everything possible to accommodate my schedule. She listened to my requests for my make up and I was very pleased with the results. I have very long curly hair and Samantha knew who to get the hair style I wanted. Samatha was very sweet and professional. She also did the make up for my matron of honor and she was also very satisfied . I would absolutely recommend her to my friends and family! Thank you Samantha for helping me achieve the look I wanted on my special day!

Maria G.

Jessica and her assistant arrived on time with a light and all the tools. The reason for 4 stars is for the hair and having to tone down the makeup. The initial makeup was WAY too dark but Jessica toned it down and gave me a look a liked. However, the hair was curled towards the face in the front and the back was very messy. I ended up redo'ing the front sections of the hair after they left.

Heather M.

Liz is my go-to makeup (and hair!) artist for all of my photoshoots! As a personal branding expert, I provide my clients with visual marketing strategy and a custom photoshoot. As soon as I started working with Liz over a year ago, I noticed a big difference in how my clients looked and felt during their shoots. They don't have to worry about how they look and they feel like a polished up version of themselves, which is key to their authentic representation in images. Liz provides a range of looks based on each person's unique style, and always brings out the best in each person. She's a master at matching skin tones and covering up blemishes while ensuring the right amount of coverage for a flawless finish -- this saves so much editing time! She is professional and makes my clients feel at ease, which is essential because they are going to have their photos taken. I highly recommend Liz for all of your makeup needs -- professional photos, wedding, special events, or just for some pampering and a confidence boost.

Julie L.

Mandie is incredible! She made me feel very glamorous and confident for our engagement shoot. Mandie showed up early, did fabulous hair and makeup in my home, and was super fun to hang out with. Mandie knows so much about makeup - she helped me to come up with a look and applied color with increasing boldness to be sure we were heading in the right direction. Highly recommended!

Elaina G.

Lesley was AMAZING!!! She was so thorough and took her time and didn't rush. She did such a wonderful job that at the event I went to, I had so many compliments on my look. Lesley did my makeup as well as add hair extensions. Next time I am in LA for an event I will definitely hire Lesley again!

Jessica L.

I usually dont write reviews but Veronica literally saved my hair! about two years ago I asked my hairstylist (i wont put his name on blast) to lighten my hair. All i wanted was choolate brown ( i was a dark brown already). He said he had to beach it and then dye it...i was ok with it...he ended up burning my head! I got blisters all over ( i still have neck scars from the blisters, they're sooooo ugly). It was like movie....when he washed my hair (after i was almost crying because of the burning) my haor started to fall out!!!!! I was left with verrrry thin,brittle, and crisppy hair. I was so embarssed. I was left with no choice but to find aaother hair stylist. I was referred to Veronica by a friend. As you can imagine i was skeptical and hesitant about letting someone touch my hair. But i reached out to her anyway and im glad i did. She condotioned my hair and nursed it back to health and didnt charge me an arm and a leg to do it! She got the ugly color out of it and taught me how to style it without having to use any straightners or curling irons. My hair is thick and healthy now. She is really sweet, patient, and afforable (and she even makes house visits 🙌). Now i use her for everything! Her and her team are doing the hair and make up (i love he way she does my makeup... she makes me look like a persian goddess and im mexican lol) my wedding and i couldnt be happier! I hate to share her (my secret beauty weapon) with everyone. But i know how terrible it feels not to feel like yourself because someone burnt your hair, cut too much, or charged too much. If your looking for a miracle at a descent price, call her! Thank you for all you've done for my haor Veronica. I hope this review was helpful guys.

Sophie C.

Gabbie did an amazing job for my wedding look. She is so sanitized with everything. I lover her styling, subtle and natural. She is very good at Asian. And she do hair too, which is such a life saver! ❤️

Jolene F.

Jodi has been my hairdresser for over 15 years. She always listens to me and what I want. She is also very versatile as she cuts my husbands hair too. She is the only one that he will have cut his hair. My daughter goes to her too as she always keeps up on the current trends. She is accurate with color treatments. We love Jodi Niebla.

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