Braids Pricing formula
If you are a new braider and can't figure out how to even give a price for your service. You have come to the right place
I have invented a light formula you can start with to help you with pricing styles. This will be based on the average length of time for small, medium and large box braids. You can then with the help of this formula. lower or make the prices a bit higher to reflect the region in which you live. For example the price of braids in bluff would be different to the price of braids in Auckland city.
Lets also remember when you are starting off you will be doing so on your own. Once you get off and running and need the help, you need to take into account that you will have to pay your assistant. Whether this assistant is your auntie, cousin or own mother, people need to get paid for their time and effort. New Zeelands minimum wage is $20 per hour. You will need them for minimum 3 hours. You can in the beginning deduct their stipend from your service cost. But eventually you will have to be comfortable with increasing your costs a bit, so you can get paid what your skills are worth.
Please note that if you decide to do knotless braids. They take longer to do. they have a longer hair prep time and require good practice to achieve a great finished look. So you also need to reflect the extra time taken to do them in your prices. By adding more on the price. Once you do a full-head of knotless braids, you will know how much extra to charge.
*The formula
1. Beginners- $25 per hour
basic braiding skills, will need more time to develop their skills. Their technique would be either above of below average. Lets hope for above average
2. Intermediate- $35 per hour
Good braiding skills, have developed their technique at a reasonably good level. More knowledge of braiding. Less mistakes
3.Advanced- $45 per hour
Great braiding skills. Have mastered the art of braiding all textures. Can teach beginners and intermediates a thing or two.
*Multiply by
Small- 8 hours (average)
Medium- 6 hours (average)
Large- 3 hours (average)
1.Beginners- normal knotless braids (lower back)
Small- $200
Medium- $150
Large- $75
3.Intermediate- normal knotless braids (lower back)
Small- $280
Medium- $210
Large- $105
4.Advanced- normal knotless braids (lower back)
Small- $360
Medium- $270
Large- $135
5. My formula is currently $1 a minute, so $60 an hour as of 2026
(Lower back) braids are the most popular and highly requested. If you are going to do bum and thigh length braids. Your prices must reflect the extra time and work it takes to do this service. You should have prices for different lengths.
Clients must always purchase their hair. This is their cost not yours. Your prices are for your services. Some braiders provide their own braiding hair like me. Which s added to the service fee.
With advanced braiders, you have the experience and clout necessary to charge a bit more than what the formula says. Intermediate to advanced braiders can then train an assistant to help them take the edge off the long braiding sessions. All you do is instead of doing a standard $45 for the advanced braider fee per hour. you can do $55, $65, $75. If any of you beauties ever get to that stage. Good for you :)
Please leave comments below to encourage others to ask questions and have a conversation.
All the best beauties!