Haute Hair

Mia Stewart launched Haute Hair after buying extensions from a number of suppliers herself. Over time she assembled a global supplier base within the human hair trade, sourcing and importing product, and the company began selling to DC-area stylists who wanted a dependable source of premium hair for their clients. The boutique at 820 H St. NE is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM, and is closed on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Extensions are sold in three materials: synthetic fiber, a mix of human hair with synthetic strands, and entirely human hair. Attachment types include wefted, keratin-tip, tape-weft and clip-in, in lengths from 10 to 38 inches. Textures run from straight and wavy to blow-out style and curly or kinky. According to the business, its hair is tested to withstand coloring and styling. Human-hair extensions can be reused across several installs, washed and conditioned, and they move like natural hair when wet. The business states that virgin human hair takes color most readily, and that Russian or Eastern European hair blends best with fine hair. Bundles of 3.5 to 4 ounces cost between $65 and $300, and extensions carry a 6-month warranty. Wigs come in Burmese, Indian, Filipino, Malaysian and Russian hair styles, with frontal and blonde options, priced from $375 to $1,450. Custom wigs are listed at $785, and the business describes them as lightweight and comfortable.

Haute Hair Rx provides custom cranial hair prostheses for people who have lost hair through medical conditions, treatments or other clinical disease, including alopecia, female pattern thinning, and hair loss from chemotherapy or radiation. The division is led by Dr. Yolanda Holmes, whom the site describes as a world-renowned dermatologist. The prosthesis combines fabrics and compounds intended to recreate natural hair growth patterns, and its materials are treated to resist oils, dirt and body acids. Scalp treatments and platelet-rich plasma are also offered through the division. To start, a client asks their primary care doctor for a consultation for a custom cranial prosthesis, then books a free telephone consultation followed by a scheduled fitting for the custom hair system. According to the site, most insurers cover 80% to 100% of a cranial prosthesis. Some insurers cover a prescribed prosthesis but not wigs under procedure codes S8095 and A9282, and coverage generally requires a letter or prescription from a doctor.

Appointment options include a 30-minute in-store visit, a 45-minute Zoom appointment, and a one-hour custom wig consultation for $150. Veterans receive a free one-hour appointment for custom-fit wigs for alopecia, female pattern thinning or chemotherapy-related hair loss. Active military members and current students get 10% off hair, limited to 5 bundles in any 90-day period, with a photo of a valid ID emailed before ordering. The discount cannot be combined or transferred and does not apply to website orders. Shipping overnight typically costs $30 to $65 and must be ordered before 2 PM EST on business days. Major credit cards, E-check and PayPal are accepted.

For sew-in installs, two bundles are recommended for hair up to 16 inches and at least three for 18 inches and longer. Extensions need at least 3 to 4 inches of natural hair to install, and wefted extensions that are sewn down can last 6 to 8 weeks before reinstallation. Application fees range from $125 to $500. The business advises that installing stylists should be licensed cosmetologists and that clients check with their stylist before application. Haute Hair also offers gift cards and a loyalty program, and its Find a Salon page lists six DC and Maryland salons that use its extensions.

Focused on sourcing quality hair, with stated commitments to quality, accessibility and affordability.