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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are hair extensions considered a luxury?

86 replies

uhminagandahing · 09/04/2026 19:56

I know this might sound trivial but would you consider hair extensions a luxury? I've had them for years as I've got such rubbish hair myself. Thinking of cutting down on some expenses though as everything is getting more and more pricey and this would save £85 every 6 weeks (maintenance) but then I feel self conscious with out them!
Aibu- loose the extensions, waste of money
Yanbu- worth it for the confidence

OP posts:
5128gap · 09/04/2026 20:28

What type of extensions do you get? My neice has ones on little tiny metal rings and you don't have to be skilled to maintain them yourself. She got the tools and rings from Amazon and her partner takes them out and puts them up higher when they need maintenance. In lockdown she even got the extensions on line and he replaced them all. If you've a willing pair of hands available, it could be worth a try to save costs.

OrigamiOwls · 09/04/2026 20:30

Whether it's worth it to you is a separate issue. But they are definitely a luxury - but only you know if it's worth it for you

Original poster
uhminagandahing · 09/04/2026 20:34

5128gap · 09/04/2026 20:28

What type of extensions do you get? My neice has ones on little tiny metal rings and you don't have to be skilled to maintain them yourself. She got the tools and rings from Amazon and her partner takes them out and puts them up higher when they need maintenance. In lockdown she even got the extensions on line and he replaced them all. If you've a willing pair of hands available, it could be worth a try to save costs.

Wow your niece is very skilled - I wouldn't dare attempt this!
I've got tape extensions

OP posts:
KimberleyClark · 09/04/2026 20:35

Well they are certainly not an essential!

Original poster
uhminagandahing · 09/04/2026 20:35

OrigamiOwls · 09/04/2026 20:30

Whether it's worth it to you is a separate issue. But they are definitely a luxury - but only you know if it's worth it for you

A good point...I've got a fairly expensive gym membership but it's 5 mins from my house and I love going there. So this is definitely a non negotiable for me..and others might have other things that are important to them but might seem expensive to others!

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 09/04/2026 20:41

Yes, but there’s NO WAY I’d give them up. I look bloody brilliant with them and I’m vain as fuck

hahabahbag · 09/04/2026 20:42

Of course, things that aren’t essential are luxuries including most beauty products and treatments (everything beyond basic haircuts, basic shampoo, shower gel/soap and deodorant really you don’t actually need them)

Original poster
uhminagandahing · 09/04/2026 20:43

LaurieFairyCake · 09/04/2026 20:41

Yes, but there’s NO WAY I’d give them up. I look bloody brilliant with them and I’m vain as fuck

Haha yes my thoughts exactly 😅 🤣I'm not sure how I'll manage my own sparse hair without them haha

OP posts:
MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 09/04/2026 20:44

It's only £2 a day :)

Listlostlast · 09/04/2026 20:44

As has already been said, of course they’re a luxury but only you can decide whether it’s a luxury worth paying for.

Malinia · 09/04/2026 20:44

You spend over a grand a year on hair extensions??!??? Definitely a luxury.

NancyJoan · 09/04/2026 20:46

Well, I pay £90 for my colour every 5 weeks, which is preposterous, but here we are. Lots of things I would cut before that.

SunnyRedSnail · 09/04/2026 20:46

uhminagandahing · 09/04/2026 20:09

So the ones I have are £280 for the hair which then lasts about a year. Then every 6 weeks colour and refit are £85. In the grad scheme of things that's not much for extensions - most people need more hair than me so easily pay double or triple!

But yes I think I'll try and get my own hair into better shape and form and try to embrace it. It really is just too expensive. And a hassle as you say! Maybe I should start taking collagen

Show quote history

It's a HUGE luxury.

I spend £30 a year on my hair!!

OldHattie · 09/04/2026 20:47

Yes they are obviously a luxury. But that doesn't mean you can't have them! It's just a matter of priorities. I pay about the same for my hair to be cut every 8 weeks or so. I am not exactly rich but I look a mess if I don't keep on top of if. So it is worth it.

IndieRocknRoll · 09/04/2026 20:47

You really don’t need them refitted every 6 weeks.
As long as you look after them properly in between appointments, you could get 10-12 weeks between refitting. I’ve never had any issues but I’m really careful about how I care for them. I’ve also managed to keep them for around 15 months as my hairdresser said they were still in good condition.
You would need to do your own roots in between but that would be a compromise rather than not having them at all.

IndieRocknRoll · 09/04/2026 20:50

Ah just seen that you’ve got tapes. My nano rings cost the same to buy and £100 every 10-12 weeks to maintain. Maybe you could get longer out of a different type of extension?

Original poster
uhminagandahing · 09/04/2026 20:52

IndieRocknRoll · 09/04/2026 20:50

Ah just seen that you’ve got tapes. My nano rings cost the same to buy and £100 every 10-12 weeks to maintain. Maybe you could get longer out of a different type of extension?

Oh that's such a good idea. Nano rings - I'll look them up. On top of the tapes cost it's also the neverending salon visits that are getting tiresome so every three months would be great!

OP posts:
TheCurious0range · 09/04/2026 20:57

Don't extensions damage or weaken your actual hair over time? You might be better if going cold turkey and throwing some of that budget at good products

Ohhhwell · 09/04/2026 20:57

I think they look silly and you can always tell when someone has them in, no matter how much thet pay you can still notice them.

FestiveFancy · 09/04/2026 21:00

Of course they are a luxury, but that doesn't mean you should stop. As others have said, if there are other ways you can cut costs that are an equitable saving (and you're not in a position where you need to be saving both amounts!) then if they make you feel better about yourself then you're allowed to keep them. I have/do lots of things that are absolutely considered a luxury, and could be stopped if I was destitute, but some I would fight to hold on to longer than others because they make me hall/improve my quality of life!

cestlavielife · 09/04/2026 21:01

They are important for you
Up to you how you spend your money

grrrlatrix · 09/04/2026 21:04

A luxury, but if you can afford them… 🤷‍♀️

JumpinJehoshaphat · 09/04/2026 21:06

I’ve never had them as I have thick hair. But several friends with thin hair have extensions. I don’t think it’s a luxury at all. Hair is pretty important to most women.

Coconutter24 · 09/04/2026 21:10

JumpinJehoshaphat · 09/04/2026 21:06

I’ve never had them as I have thick hair. But several friends with thin hair have extensions. I don’t think it’s a luxury at all. Hair is pretty important to most women.

Hair is pretty important to a lot of women but it is still a luxury to be able to have them

Catza · 09/04/2026 21:10

I spend £67 on a haircut every six weeks so it's not much difference but where I live hair extensions would cost minimum £200 which I cannot afford. I have shit hair and my answer to that is to rock a short haircut.