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.

Rebecca T.

Verified review

We hired Winstead to do corporate photos for us; headshots for roughly 38 people and various group shots. He left our office mere moments ago but I couldn't wait to write him a stellar review. From the beginning, he was very responsive and already had a great reputation online so we felt comfortable right away. He even helped us secure risers for group photos from a rental company before we even signed the contract. He stopped by the day before the shoot for a site visit and arrived early the day of to set up. He was patient as we gathered our group to take the shots (anyone who's had to organize corporate photos before knows how important a patient photographer can be). He provided direction and checked in with me every step of the way. His equipment is top-notch and professional. Perhaps the most impressive part of this entire story: The humidity today was insane and my hair decided to rebel worse than it ever has before. It looked truly ridiculous - birds could nest in there. I was close to skipping my own headshot altogether. Winstead happens to be a jack-of-all-trades - one of which is being a hair stylist. He offered to do my hair before my pictures. I'm talking a flat-iron, curling iron, and A TRIM. Right there in the office! If that's not going above and beyond, I don't know what is. We really couldn't have been happier with him and will continue to recommend him to anyone we know.

Alyssa D.

Priscilla was very professional and her work was excellent. She stuck to the timelines exactly and listened to everyone's demands and wants. Everyone looked so beautiful and picture perfect for the wedding. Her hair stylist that she works with was also professional and her work was excellent. Everyone's hair was gorgeous!

Kate L.

Esha's makeup for all the girls was outstanding. Everyone received airbrushed makeup and false eyelashes that looked flawless and natural. I had an afternoon ceremony and nighttime reception and the makeup lasted all day and night. I was on a tight budget and Esha worked with me, and I feel like got great value for our money. Esha's sister-in-law, Harmesh, did hair styling for some of the girls (I hired a second hair stylist because I had a large bridal party). At first I was nervous about the way the girls hair would turn out - I did 2 hair trials with Harmesh and she just wasn't seeing my vision. She used a hair crimper for volume and way too much hair spray, I just wasn't happy with the trials. But I was so impressed with Harmesh the day of the wedding. She did an amazing job, all the girls hair looked wonderful. No one's hair looked too stiff or crimped. Harmesh was scheduled to style 5 girls, but there was a time crunch at the end and she did a 6th girls hair, no questions asked or hesitation. I would recommend GlamNGlow Makeup for anyone who is on a budget but still looking for great value. I think its important to be direct about the look you want (and don't want), and Esha and Harmesh will work very hard to get it right. Thank you for being so flexible, professional and for doing a wonderful job!

Kristin Y.

Mia is hands down the most amazing hair stylist I have ever had. I cannot tell you how much money I have wasted in the past going from one hair salon to another. And each time walking away thinking-this has been a total waste of my time. But not with Mia. She has taught me things about hair that no one has ever taught me. I have incredibly thick hair and I am a professional employee that works at the State Department-and looking professional is so important as I am a team lead. I went from having awful thick and disheveled looking hair-to having hair that is complimented every single day by at least one person at work. It has also taken my confidence level up a notch. I feel better about myself because finally-the way I feel inside reflects on the outside. Mia has taken the time to not only invest in my hair-but she has invested in me. What other hair stylist takes the time to drive to your house and then on top of everything else-gives you hair that lasts for the entire week! I don't have to mess with it all between Monday and Friday. That means I can get more rest, enjoy my evenings when I get home from work and just relax. Mia is a miracle worker. If you are not having her do your hair-you are seriously missing out. To top it off, she makes it a point to make sure that you are happy with the final result. She is not afraid to roll with the punches and her bubbly happy personality is sure to give you the boost that you're looking for. She is a ray of sunshine. Let me tell you-Mia is built permanently into my budget. I'd spend money on her before I would spend money on anyone else doing my hair. The last hair stylist I saw told me to watch a Youtube video to learn how to do my hair...really? That is not customer service. Mia makes it her personal quest to ensure that my hair is like my own business card-and let me tell you-I would be lost without her. She is amazing!

Sarah E.

I feel so fortunate to have found Rita! She listened to my thoughts regarding how I wished to look for my wedding and exceeded my expectations! I will absolutely seek her out again in the future for events and makeup tips. Additionally, her sister is a hair stylist and together they are a phenomenal team of beauty experts! Thank you, Rita!

Kristin N.

She was fantastic! All of my bridesmaids hair looked fabulous, my hair and makeup was exactly what I wanted. She was able to do everything from just a few inspiration photos. She was punctual and very easy to work with and she was able to do my mothers makeup even though she wasn’t originally asked to when hired. Great quality, great qualifications, great pricing, AND able to do both hair and makeup.

Veronica U.

I hired Jebella for my wedding in June and I am so happy with my decision! I had an awesome hair stylist and an awesome makeup artist come to my house for my trial. I am very happy with their work and can’t wait for them to make me look pretty on my big day!

Annie H.

Kali and her assistant Yumi were absolutely amazing! Kali was extremely responsive during the whole process. They both came to help me and my bridesmaids with our hair (10 people total!) extremely early, and were professional, so talented, fast, and super fun as well! Perfect hair for my wedding.

Lawen B.

I was flying to Virgina for my brothers engagement party. I needed a make up artist and a hair stylist for 5 girls! Everyone that I was contacting were charging me an arm and a leg! But then I found Imahn, she was helpful, professional and talented! She found me a hairstylist as well, within 5 minutes too! We all loved her work, she didn't overdue the make up, she listened to our requests and was detailed with everything she did! And she was kind and patient with us! I recommend her to everyone and make sure to request a hair stylist as well! Thank you, Imahn for making us all glow on our special occasion.

Mary N.

Lina was absolutely amazing! I had a large bridal party and was having a hard time finding a hair stylist that wouldn’t break the bank. Lina went above and beyond to make sure the bridesmaids hair and my hair was styled amazingly! Loved every angle of the hair styles and how personalized she was!

Audrey M.

At Hair Chemistry your time is valued. The atmosphere is calm, the area is neat and attractive. The hair stylist is personable and business minded. Good place to have your hair done. She is flexible with her schedule if you need to reschedule.

Fatima D.

Mrs. Tee was amazing. She step in to do my hair after another stylist cancelled 5 days before my wedding. She know how to take care of my natural hair & style with no issue. She was very professional, knowledgeable and funny. She made me look beautiful on my wedding day. I would highly recommend she for any of your hair styling needs.

Sarah J.

Jasmine was wonderful to work with! She did an amazing job on my blonde highlights and cut my husband’s hair also. We’ve been confined to our home as I just had a newborn. She made it super easy and I would suggest her to everyone. I’m looking forward to finally having a local hair stylist.

Netanya W.

For years I’ve been trying to find an amazing stylist that I can trust with my hair and then I found Karla. Hands down the very best hair stylist I’ve met in a very long time. I may not be able to go to her often but when I do she slays my hair every time! My mom even goes to her now and absolutely loves going to Karla. It doesn’t even feel like I’m at the salon I feel like I’m at my best friends house! And now she does makeup which is the best! Definitely beat my face for my birthday!!! You would have to be out of your mind to not get your hair or makeup done by Karla!!!!!

Angela S.

Sara did a very nice job with my hair and makeup before a photo shoot. She was professional, accommodating, and super pleasant. She is also very honest. I accidentally overpaid for the job and once we realized what happened later in the day, Sara immediately refunded the difference. I will definitely call her back in the future for her services when I’m in town.

Hayley G.

Vanis did amazing job on my hair and makeup ☺️ I felt like a princess 👑. I showed her what I wanted to do with my hair and makeup and she truely Delivered and I loved it soo much! My last person cancelled on my last minute and I found vanis and she answered right away and got back to me 🙃 . I would definitely use her again for any event she is very sweet. If your looking for a high quality professional job👌🏼

Molly A.

We booked Michelle for our Executive Dinner at a corporate event and she was GREAT to work with!! She was punctual, professional and is so so talented! Would definitely recommend her work to anyone:) Thanks, Michelle!!

Alexandria, VA810 Hair Stylists near you

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Alexandria Hair Stylists

Rebecca T.

Alyssa D.

Kate L.

Mia W.

Kristin Y.

Sarah E.

Kristin N.

Veronica U.

Racquel F.

Annie H.

Lawen B.

Mary N.

Audrey M.

Marie C.

Fatima D.

Sarah J.

Netanya W.

Brenda G.

Angela S.

Hayley G.

Molly A.

What is a mobile hairdresser?

What is a hair extension?

What is a seamless extension?

How much should you tip a hairstylist?

How much do hair extensions cost?

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