Best Clip-In Hair Extensions, According to Today’s Stylist
Clip-in hair extensions are a natural-looking way to add length and volume to all hair types. With so many attractive options available, you may wonder what makes some clip-in extensions better than others.
Learn the factors to consider when shopping for extensions so you can find the best clip-in hair extensions for you.
What Are Clip-In Hair Extensions?
Clip-in extensions allow you to safely add length to your naturally long or short hair, all within one quick, comfortable, and affordable procedure.
Extensions provide bounce and length without damaging your natural hair. With advanced colour matching, it is now possible to find a good quality clip-in hair extension that perfectly matches your natural hair colour.
Are Clip-In Hair Extensions Safe to Use?
Clip-in extensions snap into place on your existing hair and won’t cause damage. You can clip extensions in at home in just a few minutes for an amazingly transformed appearance.
At first, clip-ins may feel uncomfortable, but this discomfort subsides once you get used to wearing them.
What Type of Hair Extension is Best: Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair Extensions
Extensions made with real human hair yield the most natural-looking and long-lasting results and offer more styling options than synthetic extensions. However, human hair extensions require more maintenance and regular washing than synthetic hair. Human hair extensions also tend to cost more than synthetic extensions.
Synthetic extensions are generally constructed from plastic fibres that mimic the look and feel of human hair. Synthetic clip-ins can add length and volume to natural hair and are a good option for people who want to add highlights to their natural colour.
Six Popular Types of Hair Extensions
These six common types of hair extensions all use different application methods. Explore your options, so you know what to ask for next time you visit the hair salon.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are one of the most popular types of extensions and one of the least permanent.
Clip-ins generally come as a strand of contoured hair pieces attached at the base (weft) with silicone or fabric. The extensions feature seamless clips that attach to your natural hair without using any potentially damaging chemicals, heat, or pressure. The crown clips make it easy to put on and remove your extensions at home in minutes.
Regularly-used clip-ins generally last between three and six months, but with proper care, they can last up to a year.
Weave Hair Extensions
Sew-in hair extensions (weave) are often a good option for those with thicker hair. This method requires a tight application process during which your stylist will braid your natural hair into cornrows and then sew in the weave with a needle and thread.
Some find getting a hair weave uncomfortable, and the process takes multiple hours. You should plan to remove your weave every six to eight weeks with a maximum of four months.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-in extensions are pre-taped and then taped or glued onto each side of your natural hair. Your hairdresser aligns the extensions with your roots and attaches them with a tool that heats the glue. Removing tape in extensions requires glue remover and should be done by a professional.
Applying heat and glue to your hair can damage your hair; however, with careful care, you can keep your extensions in good enough condition to be reused.
Micro Ring/Loop Hair Extensions
Micro ring (microlink, microbead, loop) hair extensions attach directly onto small sections of your original hair with a tiny, silicone-lined bead. Your stylist secures this bead to your hair with a special tool and tightens it.
While this method does not rely on damaging substances like glue or heat, if the bead gets over-tightened, you may feel pressure and pull-back at your roots which can be quite uncomfortable. This method typically takes two to four hours and can last up to four months.
Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
Pre-bonded (fusion) extensions use adhesives like glue to fuse the extensions to your natural hair. This method can damage your hair, and in most cases, stylists will advise against pre-bonded extensions.
Pre-bonded extensions can remain in your hair for three to five months with proper care, though they may need repositioning as your natural hair grows.
Wigs and Hair Pieces
Wigs are hair replacement tools and come in every imaginable colour, length, and style. If you’ve experienced balding or hair loss or are just looking for a fun and easy way to shake up your style, a full wig that covers your entire head is a viable hair replacement option.
Hairpieces generally cover a specific area of your hair, like a bald spot or a thinning area, though they can also be used to create a different hairstyle or add volume to your natural hair.
Full human hair wigs can last about a year if worn regularly and up to three years if worn only occasionally.
What to Consider When Picking Hair Extensions?
Follow these guidelines to ensure that you get the best quality hair extensions.
Know What You’re Looking For
Good hair extensions are soft and natural-looking, with a reasonable amount of volume. When considering your options, choose the extensions that best match the weight and thickness of your natural hair. Your extensions should have enough strands to provide you with a full head of hair, and the strands should be easy to style to your preferred look. You can follow celebrity hairstylists on social media for inspiration!
Consider Hair Type
Most companies that offer hair extensions provide human and synthetic hair extension options. Real human hair looks more natural, and you can wash and style it like your natural hair. Synthetic hair is a bit cheaper but is more challenging to style.
There are also blended products available that may offer easier styling and look more like natural hair than synthetic extensions.
Check Weft Thickness
The weft is the place where the hairs are sewn together. High-quality extensions generally have a thinner weft that seamlessly blends in with your natural hair. Finding extensions with a thin weft is particularly important for those with naturally fine or thin hair who do not want the hidden crown of the weft to show through.
Snip Off a Sample
Examine the ends of each strand of every extension option you are considering to see how well it has been processed. Look for short pieces of broken hair towards the tip; this could signify that the extensions are fake.
How to Install Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions can be added in just a few minutes if you have hair that is long enough to cover the clips. For women with short or thinning hair, use a half wig cap for coverage before adding clip-ins.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be clipping in your extensions with the speed and ease of a celebrity stylist.
1. Comb your hair, removing any knots or tangles. Before installing the extensions, your hair should be clean, dry, and free of products.
2. Create a horizontal part at the nape of your neck. You may want to tie the rest of your hair up with a clip or hair tie, so it’s easier for you to access the bottom layer of your hair.
3. Install the clip-in weft that fits across that section of hair.
4. Repeat the process, working your way upwards, continually parting your hair at even intervals. Use the clip-in wefts that fit into each hair section.
5. Leave the largest weft for the top of your head. This will allow your hair to lie flat for a glam, seamless finish.
6. Once you’ve finished installing the clips, ensure all the clips are blended in, and no clips are showing.
7. Style.
Some people prefer to style their clip-in extensions before attaching them. Both methods are acceptable, but you should choose the easiest option.
Best Clip-in Hair Extension According to Stylists
When finding the best clip-in hair extensions on the market, know what materials you’re looking for and which ones will be most flattering on your particular shade of hair.
There are many types of hair extension fibres like human hair and synthetic options. Human hair will look more natural, but synthetic might be easier to style with hot tools. You’ll also want to consider how much natural body your own hair currently has when choosing an extension to blend seamlessly with your current style and texture.
Best for Ponytails: Luxy Hair Ponytail Clip-In
The Luxury Hair Ponytail Clip-in is an excellent choice for adding length and volume to your ponytail. This clip-in hair extension option is reminiscent of Ariana Grande’s signature high-top ponytail and is constructed from 100% Remy hair. The clip has a Velcro base that attaches the ponytail to your natural hair.
The ponytail extension comes with additional extensions that you can wrap around the base of the ponytail to ensure a well-blended finish for your look. This piece also works well for adding volume to an updo hairstyle.
Best for Long Hair: RPZL Clip-In Hair Extensions
The RPZL Clip-In extensions can help you get a Kate Middleton or Blake Lively style blowout to class up your look. These clip-ins are available up to 30” (76cm) and crafted from 100% untouched Remy hair. This product gives you voluminous style and ultra-long hair in a range of natural colours to match any hair hue.
Best for Bangs: Bellami Hair Cleopatra Clip-In Bangs
If you want to rock a killer fringe like Dakota Johnson but don’t want to cut your hair, opt for the Bellami Hair Cleopatra Clip-In Bang. These fringe extensions come in one size, which you or your hairdresser can cut into your desired style. They make an excellent choice for creating a temporary look without the commitment to cutting permanent fringe.
Best for Curling: Vario Clip-In Human Hair Extensions
Vario Clip-In Extensions are a top seller on Amazon for good reason. These clip-ins are known for adding soft, thick layers to your hair and are made of 100% Remy hair. They come in various colours to match any hair colour and can take on additional hair colours if you desire.
These clip-ins curl beautifully with a curling iron or other heated styling device, allowing you to change your look daily.
Best for Variety: Hair Shop Clip-In Hair Extensions
The Hair Shop Clip-Ins are the best option for those looking for variety in their hair extensions. Made from 100% Remy hair, these extensions come in hundreds of colours and lengths, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Many options come in up to 26” so you can add lots of length to your natural hair for an affordable price.
Get Professionally Styled Hair Extensions at Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing
To add length and volume to your hair with high-quality extensions, visit Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing. We offer a 100% free colour-matching consultation to help you choose the right extensions for your new look.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced stylists today, or sign up for our newsletter for more hair industry news.
FAQs:
How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?
Hair extensions from Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing can last up to 18 months when cared for properly. However, most clients wear their extensions for between 8 and 12 months before making an appointment to have new ones put in.
How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost?
The price of extensions depends on if you’re opting for human or synthetic hair, what brand you choose, and the amount of hair in the extension. Clip-in extensions typically cost between $300 and $600, but can cost up to $3,000 for professional custom extensions. It is more expensive to get extensions done at a salon, but it is highly recommended to achieve the most natural look.
What is Remy Human Hair?
Remy refers to 100% human hair that still has the cuticles intact. Remy extensions are the highest-quality extensions on the market and offer a natural aesthetic unparalleled by animal or synthetic extensions. When choosing hair extensions, opt for 100% Remy hair to ensure you get the best quality and results with your additions.