How do I care for my hair extensions?

Whether you opt to use sew-in, tape-in, or clip-in extensions, Hachaturianc advises using a sulfate-free shampoo to wash them. And in the case of sew-ins and tape-ins, avoid placing oily masks or conditioners on the scalp area, as this can loosen the band. “Try to brush your hair twice a day using a special brush for hair extensions,” Hachaturianc says. “For tape extensions, I would wear them in a loose ponytail or braid when you go to sleep to ensure they are not getting tangled.” Be sure to let them air dry flat and avoid using heat unless the care instructions specifically say to.

Which type of hair extensions last the longest?

I-tip extensions, which are typically applied strand by strand, can last for three to six months, depending on hair growth. Keratin extensions, which are applied using a heating tool, last for around three to five months as well. Other sew-in and tape-in options last anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows, while clip-ins can last for as little as a day. You can get more life out of your sew-in and tape-ins, though, by having them moved up along with your hair growth every six to eight weeks.

Can I wear my hair extensions every day?

Certain types of hair extensions can definitely be worn every day, especially if they’re taped or sewn in, but Hachaturianc advises against wearing clip-ins daily. “I wouldn’t advise wearing them on a daily basis as they are quite heavy and can pull hair,” she says.

How much should I expect to pay for hair extensions?

The price of hair extensions can range from around $30 for a single clip-in made of synthetic hair to several hundred dollars for tape-in wefts or a halo to $3,000 (and up!) for a full head of bonded extensions. Most types of semi-permanent extensions have to be installed by a professional hairstylist, which adds to the expense.

The 17 Best Hair Extensions of 2023

In the mood to switch up your hairstyle? The best hair extensions can instantly add volume, body, and length to your natural locks. According to celebrity hairstylist César Ramirez, the first step is deciding the type of extensions you'll need to get your desired look at a price that fits your budget. There are countless types of hair extensions—including bonded, weave, tape-in, clip-in, and wig—and most are available in natural hair, synthetic fiber hair, or a mix of both. If the highest-quality option is what you're after, look for a brand that uses Remy hair, human hair that has its cuticles intact and has never been dyed or processed in any way. (Pro tip: Once you've made your choice, Ramirez suggests having your extensions cut by your stylist to achieve a natural, seamless look.)

To help you find the best hair extensions, we conducted hours of research, evaluating hair extensions based on the type of hair, shade range, number of wefts, and overall quality. After consulting two pro hairstylists and researching the top options on the market for every hair color, length, and texture, we landed on these best in show.

4.2

Bambina

View On Bellamihair.com

What We Like

Different types of fastenings available
Long-lasting, high-quality option
Reviewers praise the company's customer service

What We Don't Like

Must be professionally installed

We bet you’ve heard this name before—and with good reason. In the world of hair extensions, Bellami has long been a household name because it offers both 100 percent certified Remy hair and high-quality synthetic hair, which is often difficult to find. The strand quality is top-tier, and there are options for every styling need: bangs, ponytails, long-length clip-ins, sew-in, tape-in, and other bonded varieties. There's also an extensive range of shades available. And if you're unsure about shade matching, there are Bellami Beauty Bar locations in Houston, Las Vegas, and New York.

Price at time of publish: $215

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 43 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Beautyworksonline.com View On Variohair.com

What We Like

Easy to use
High-quality hair for the price
Reviewers love the soft hair

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other options

While the general rule with hair extensions is that you get what you pay for, you can find affordable options that are good quality. While Vario might not have the varied choices of some more expensive brands, the brand does offer high-quality, double-weft human hair. So, whip your new hair back and forth while you save some pennies.

Price at time of publish: $52

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 15 | Number of Wefts: 7

The Hair Shop

View On Thehairshop.com

What We Like

Clips lay flat
Nice shade selection
Able to be mixed and matched

What We Don't Like

Value could be better

The Hair Shop is an industry favorite known for offering excellent products. Opt for the naked or skinny clip-ins if you already have thick hair but want to pump up the volume. They are super easy to install if you start with the right cut. "Anyone with thick hair should avoid starting from a blunt bob or short cut when trying to achieve a long length and avoid a choppy-looking extension," says Ramirez. "The best way to blend extensions is to razor-cut or thin out ends."

Price at time of publish: $30 for small, 14-inch

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 51 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

Glam Seamless

View On Glamseamless.com

What We Like

Great value
Wide selection of styles
Different types of fastenings available

What We Don't Like

Fewer length options than other brands

If you've heard Glam Seamless mentioned in the same breath as Bellami, that's because the brand offers comparable quality at a more affordable price. Glam Seamless extensions are known for their smooth, silky appearance and longevity—the tape-in and sew-in extensions last up to 12 weeks and can be reused three times if you care for them the same way you would your natural locks.

Price at time of publish: $250

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 70+ | Number of Wefts: 7

Amazon

View On Kinkistry.com

What We Like

Wide variety of curl patterns
Company offers texture match system
Wide selection of styles

What We Don't Like

Can get expensive for long hair styles

Kinkistry takes the guesswork out of matching the texture of extensions to your natural curl pattern. The Black-owned brand offers weft hair wigs, clip-ins, and ponytails ranging in curl patterns from 2b to 4c. Also, it's all 100 percent virgin hair—if you take good care of it, you'll be amazed at how long it lasts.

Price at time of publish: $130

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

Indique Hair

View On Indiquehair.com

What We Like

Multiple hair textures available
Wide selection of lengths
Great value

What We Don't Like

Hair can look weighed down if over-styled

Everyone from Oprah to Jorja Smith has sung the praises of Indique Hair. “The hair is high-quality, natural, unprocessed human hair,” Ramirez affirms. With wigs, clips, bulk, and wefted hair options, you can find the style, shade, and texture that suits you best. If you’re not convinced, go in and touch the hair for yourself—the brand has brick-and-mortar locations across the country.

Price at time of publish: $169

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 10

Richy Hair

View On Richyhair.com

What We Like

Wide selection of lengths
Shades blend well into natural hair
Different types of fastenings available

What We Don't Like

Must be professionally installed

What began as a family business has grown into a global brand. Richy Hair is known for hand-selecting Russian-Siberian virgin hair and soaking it in a cold, protein-infused bath for at least four weeks to naturally prepare it to be dyed. The result? Undamaged hair that's probably softer and more luxurious than your own natural locks.

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 27 | Number of Wefts: N/A

Great Lengths

View On Greatlengths.com

What We Like

Designed to wear comfortably
Eco-friendly packaging
Wide selection of lengths

What We Don't Like

No clip-in options

Dressing up your natural hair with extensions is fun, but the industry has a history of unethical harvesting. Great Lengths is beloved by consumers who want to know where and from whom their natural hair extensions are sourced. The brand buys its Remy raw hair from Indian temples, which receive it through voluntary donations and use the proceeds to support local charities. Each set of extensions comes from one person to ensure a consistent look and texture and is bundled in Italy.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 80+ | Number of Wefts: N/A

Ultimates

View On Hotheads.com

What We Like

Wide selection of shades
Different types of fastenings available
Fun shades available

What We Don't Like

Not all shades are available in all lengths

Another industry favorite, Hotheads is beloved for its long-lasting extensions—they're fast and easy to install, don't damage your hair, and are easy to maintain. Available in more than 40 colors, they're a great option if you want to add major length.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 40+ | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

True Indian Hair

View On Trueindianhair.com

What We Like

Different textures available
Wide selection of styles
Hair is easy to style

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for beginners

A quick scroll of True Indian Hair's social media will give you an idea of the kind of star power invested in the brand. Sourced from Brazil and donors at Indian temples, the brand's extensions come in various textures, colors, styles, and closures. True Indian has the tresses to match any hair vision.

Price at time of publish: $110

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 8+ | Number of Wefts: 1

Cashmere Hair

View On Cashmerehairextensions.com

What We Like

Easy to use
Designed to wear comfortably
Wide selection of styles

What We Don't Like

Shade selection could be better

Clip-in extensions are a great option if you're looking for temporary length and fullness, but securing them can be tricky and uncomfortable. The innovative clip-ins from Cashmere Hair are easy to install, and they have a silicone-adhesive base, so you don't have to tease your roots first—eliminating the risk of damage to your own strands. A win-win.

Price at time of publish: $190

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 22 | Number of Wefts: 8

Boho Locs

View On Boholocs.com

What We Like

Unique shade selection
Lightweight
Designed to wear comfortably

What We Don't Like

Less extensive range than other options

Everyone knows growing locs takes a lot of time and energy. If you want to achieve the look without all the hassle, there’s a simple solution: Boho Locs. Handmade from synthetic Kanekalon hair, these locs are light enough to not pull out your natural hair. Choose your desired curl pattern, color, thickness, and length, and get ready to show off the ultimate natural look.

Prices starting at: $157 for 14-inch

Type: Synthetic | Shades: 19 | Number of Wefts: 6

Locks and Mane

View On Locksandmane.com

What We Like

Blends in seamlessly with natural hair
Wide selection of styles
Great value

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other options

If you're looking for an affordable option in a range of natural-looking shades, Locks and Mane is a winner. Made of Remy human hair, these clip-in extensions come in expertly mixed shades that blend different undertones to mimic what natural hair looks like in sunlight. The result is natural-looking extensions that blend with your own hair and never look too monochromatic, which can look fake. Along with 12- and 18-inch options, they also come in super cute top knot and ponytail options.

Prices starting at: $155 for 12-inch clip-ins

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 14 | Number of Wefts: 2

Hidden Crown

View On Hiddencrownhair.com

What We Like

Different types of fastenings available
Great selection of highlighted shades
Wide selection of lengths

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note clips can come loose

These layered extensions use a unique wire system that allows your own hair to hold them in place and deliver tons of volume. Since, unlike traditional extensions, they are not secured at the roots, they're ideal for sensitive scalps. If your hair is on the finer side, you'll love that these have 3-4 layers to give added dimension at the roots. They also come in a wide shade range that includes balayage options and 18- and 22-inch lengths. Though they're on the expensive side, a quick peek at the company's Instagram shows how popular they are with everyone from celebrities, including Kristin Cavallari and Kim Petras, to hair stylists and people with thinning hair and hair loss.

Price at time of publish: $199

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 30 | Number of Wefts: N/A

4.2

View On Ulta View On Inhhair.com

What We Like

Good value
Different textures available
Available in extra-long varieties

What We Don't Like

Shade selection could be better

For full-on glam ponytail styles—think Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande—you need these synthetic extensions. Choose from loose or spiral wave, braided, layered curls, kinky curls, and straight options for every kind of updo. We love that they're available in extra-long lengths up to 34 inches and fun colors like powder blue. They're also easy to use with no learning curve if you're new to hair extensions.

Price at time of publish: $54

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 23+ | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

Remy New York

View On Remyny.com

What We Like

Comes in eight lengths
Virgin human hair
Ethically sourced

What We Don't Like

Only comes in two shades

Another great ponytail option is this pick from Remy New York. Although it only has black and brunette color options, it comes in eight lengths—from 10 inches to 24 inches. This brand only sells 100 percent virgin Remy human hair, meaning it hasn't been dyed or processed in any way. Their mission is to sell hair that's been ethically sourced worldwide, as well as paying fair wages for their workers—so you can trust that this hair is going to a good cause.

Price at time of publish: $149

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 2 | Number of Wefts: N/A

Darling Thrive Braid 12X Pre-stretched Braiding Hair Extensions

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Soft and tangle-free
Blends easily
Specifically made for textured hair

What We Don't Like

Texture can be slippery

Braiding hair is probably one of the most popular types of extensions for those with textured hair, and the hair from Darling is some of the best you can get at a reasonable price. It's made with 100 percent Kanekalon synthetic hair, and it's easy to use. It blends easily well for both natural and straightened hair types, and has a soft texture that doesn't tangle as you braid. We love that they have multiple types and textures of hair to choose from, with a variety of shades.

Price at time of publish: $30

Type: 100 percent Kanekalon hair | Shades: 5 | Number of Wefts: N/A

Final Verdict

Regardless of your hair goals, you can't go wrong with Bellami extensions. The high-quality extensions, available in both real and synthetic hair, are available in a range of shades and textures and consistently garner positive reviews from wearers. But if you are new to extensions and don't want to commit to ones at a higher price, Vario Clip-In Extensions are an affordable, high-quality option.

Meet the Expert

• César Ramirez is a celebrity hair stylist and creative director based in Los Angeles.

• Elena Hachaturianc is the founder of Beauty & Melody salon in London.

What to Look for in Hair Extensions

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair

The type of hair extensions to choose depends on the look you want to achieve and whether or not your extensions will require any styling. For short-term looks that won’t require styling, synthetic extensions could be the way to go. But if you want something more long-lasting that can take the heat from curling and flat irons, human hair is the better option, like the Indique Virgin Hair Extensions. “Human hair looks natural and real, whereas synthetic hair has an unnatural feel, so it’s always important to use high quality, lightweight hair,” says Elena Hachaturianc, founder of Beauty & Melody salon. “You can decide between human and synthetic hair on the basis of some factors like price, longevity, styling, maintenance, and feel.”

Hair Color and Texture

Matching your extensions to your own hair color and texture ensures that they’ll blend seamlessly with your natural strands. Try to find an exact match when possible, or consult with a hairstylist who can professionally match your hair. And consider whether your hair is thick or fine. Some options, like the Hidden Crown Halo Extensions, are layered to add bulk to fine strands.

Type of Fastening

Determine how often you foresee yourself switching out your extensions, and consider your hair type as well. “If you don’t often wear extensions or aren’t ready for semi-permanent extensions because you’re unsure if you’ll like the result, clip-in hair extensions are a great place to start,” says Hachaturianc. “Tape extensions are also a longer-lasting option that doesn’t require glue or heat and are very light but can achieve a lot of volume.” For curly and coily textures, sew-in weaves, keratin bond extensions, and micro rings are recommended. You should also consider if you have a sensitive scalp, as some people experience scalp irritation from extensions. In this case, an option that doesn't tug at the hair at your roots can help lessen the discomfort that is sometimes associated with extensions.

FAQ

How do I care for my hair extensions?

Whether you opt to use sew-in, tape-in, or clip-in extensions, Hachaturianc advises using a sulfate-free shampoo to wash them. And in the case of sew-ins and tape-ins, avoid placing oily masks or conditioners on the scalp area, as this can loosen the band. “Try to brush your hair twice a day using a special brush for hair extensions,” Hachaturianc says. “For tape extensions, I would wear them in a loose ponytail or braid when you go to sleep to ensure they are not getting tangled.” Be sure to let them air dry flat and avoid using heat unless the care instructions specifically say to.
Which type of hair extensions last the longest?

I-tip extensions, which are typically applied strand by strand, can last for three to six months, depending on hair growth. Keratin extensions, which are applied using a heating tool, last for around three to five months as well. Other sew-in and tape-in options last anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows, while clip-ins can last for as little as a day. You can get more life out of your sew-in and tape-ins, though, by having them moved up along with your hair growth every six to eight weeks.
Can I wear my hair extensions every day?

Certain types of hair extensions can definitely be worn every day, especially if they’re taped or sewn in, but Hachaturianc advises against wearing clip-ins daily. “I wouldn’t advise wearing them on a daily basis as they are quite heavy and can pull hair,” she says.
How much should I expect to pay for hair extensions?

The price of hair extensions can range from around $30 for a single clip-in made of synthetic hair to several hundred dollars for tape-in wefts or a halo to $3,000 (and up!) for a full head of bonded extensions. Most types of semi-permanent extensions have to be installed by a professional hairstylist, which adds to the expense.

The 9 Best Tape-In Extensions That Won’t Damage Your Own Hair

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Dlova NC, Ferguson NN, Rorex JN, Todd G. Synthetic hair extensions causing irritant contact dermatitis in patients with a history of atopy: A report of 10 cases. Contact Dermatitis. 2021 Feb 28. doi: 10.1111/cod.13825. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33641162.

Best Overall

Bellami

Best Budget

Vario Clip-In Hair Extensions

Best for Thick Hair

The Hair Shop Skinny Clip-In Single Piece

Best for Fine Hair

Glam Seamless

Best for Natural Hair

Kinkistry

Best Natural Human Hair

Indique Hair

Best Quality

Richy Hair

Best Ethically Sourced

Great Lengths

Best Tape-Ins

Hotheads

Best Range

True Indian Hair

Best Clip-Ins

Cashmere Hair

Best Locs

Boho Locs

Best Natural Looking

Locks and Mane Hair Extensions

Best for Volume

Hidden Crown Halo Extensions

Best Ponytail

Insert Name Here Ponytail Extensions

Runner-Up, Best Ponytail

Remy New York Hair Extensions

Best for Braids

Darling Textured Hair Extensions

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