So you’ve made the decision to invest in hair extensions and have your colour and style down to a tee, but then you find out that human hair extensions come in all different sizes and lengths and, just like that, you’re back at the drawing board.
You see, choosing the correct length of hair extensions is crucial if you want your finished look to be natural and blended. So, if you’re wondering ‘What length hair extensions should I buy?’ don’t worry – we’re here with our very own hair extensions length guide. Just think of us as your haircare fairy godmother!
Why Choosing the Right Hair Length is Important
Your hair is your crown – so choosing the right hair extension length is like picking out the perfect tiara. If it’s too short, you’ll be missing the drama. Too long? You risk looking not the most natural. The ideal length should compliment your style, accentuate your features, and make you feel beautiful inside and out. It’s not just about adding inches; it’s about creating a look feels authentically you.
Factors like face shape, hair texture, height, and the overall look you’re going for all play a role. We’re not all built the same, so choosing your extensions is more than just picking the longest hair you can find (though trust me, we all dream of having waist-length locks at some point). Our hair extension length guide is here to help you match your extensions to your natural beauty!
Understanding Hair Extension Lengths
Let’s break it down: when you buy human hair extensions such as our seamless clip in hair extensions, the lengths are measured in inches, starting from the root to the tip when the hair is straight. So, a 20-inch hair extension length will be 20 inches from top to bottom. However, if you’re thinking of opting for our curly hair extensions, they’ll appear shorter since the texture makes them bounce up. A curly 20-inch set of extensions might look more like 16 inches when worn, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Our hair extension lengths range from around 12 inches to a super-dramatic 26 inches. For some perspective:
- 12 inches: Hitting just above the shoulders, add volume and thickness to bobs and shorter styles.
- 14 inches: Falls around the upper back or around your nape with our mini Clip In Ponytail. A little extra goes a long way!
- 16 inches: Falls past your shoulders and collarbone – think “sexy and sophisticated.”
- 18 inches: Looking for a little extra flair? Our 18-inch extensions are perfect for that a gorgeous mid-length that pushes things a little over the edge.
- 20 inches: This length hits mid-back and starts serving major "long hair, don’t care" vibes.
- 22 inches: Long enough for luxurious flowing locks but still easy to manage. Perfect for creating cascading curls or sleek straight styles!
- 24 inches: Waist-length, ultra-glam, and perfect if you're going for full-on mermaid mode.
- 26 inches: This length is where the magic happens – noticeably longer than standard styles, it creates that head-turning, Rapunzel-inspired flow.
Our hair extension length chart can really help you picture where those inches will land on your body, making sure you don’t accidentally buy extensions that overwhelm your natural look, or that your hair doesn’t look like it’s wearing you, so to speak. Remember, placement plays a crucial role in where your extensions will sit. If you attach them low near the nape of your neck, they will appear longer, whereas if you place them higher on your head, they will appear shorter.
What to Consider When Choosing Hair Extension Length
When it comes to selecting the perfect length of hair extensions, you’re going to want to keep a few key things in mind. It's not just about adding length, it's about making sure it all blends seamlessly and complements your look.
First off, your natural hair length should guide you. You may not want to jump from a short bob to waist-length hair overnight, even though super short to long hair looks are more than achievable. A good rule of thumb? If you’re increasing the length by over 3-4 inches, opt for thick extensions like our Ultra-Volume Clip Ins that will blend with the line of your natural hair.
Your body shape and height matters too. Shorter individuals might find long extensions a little overwhelming. Whereas taller extension wearers may find ultra-long extensions are more proportionate to your frame.
Then there’s your face shape. Got a round face? Opt for longer lengths to elongate your features. For those with oval or heart-shaped faces, a variety of lengths work, but be mindful of where the hair hits to create balance. If you’re rocking a round face, check out these tips on the most flattering hairstyles for round faces here.
Want to add a little ‘oomph’ your look? Think about the style you’re going for. Shorter extensions give a subtle volume boost, while longer extensions deliver that full-on glam look that’ll have heads turning. And don’t forget your hair texture and thickness. If you’ve got thin hair, super-long extensions might feel too heavy or look unbalanced. Choose lengths that will blend with your natural thickness for the most seamless effect. If you’re only using hair extensions for added volume or thickness, opt for a length the same as your natural hair.
Read more on how to blend hair extensions in our blog.
Choosing the Right Length for Different Hair Extension Type
With so many types of hair extensions out there, finding your perfect length might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – or a bobby pin, in this case. Let’s break it down by type to make things easier.
With clip-in hair extensions, it’s vital to choose thick versions when you’re creating a dramatic length transformation so that they hide the natural line of your hair, especially if your hair is thick. Clip-ins are all about versatility, so if you’re just looking to add volume without a drastic length change, choose a length that matches your natural hair.
Professional hair extensions like tape-ins, on the other hand, are great for big length transformations or for a quick thickness boost for the same length. Their speedy application means you can add more in under 2 hours which is needed for big transformations. Since these are designed to sit flatter and blend into your hair, such as our highly discreet Invisible Tapes, they’re able to keep the length similar, making them look ultra natural.
Alternatively, nano rings and nano bonds are great for adding thickness and volume in a natural looking finish. Opt for lengths close to your current hair, and for big length transformations, opt for other permanent hair extensions options like weaves.
If you’re after a fuller look, double drawn hair extensions are your new BFF. These extensions have consistent thickness from top to bottom, meaning you can go longer without losing volume. If you want a thick, luxurious look, always opt for double drawn.
Hair Extension Length Guide
Need a visual to help you picture it? Here's a quick rundown of where our different hair extension lengths typically fall on the body:
- 12”: Above shoulder length
- 14”: Shoulder length
- 16": Collar bone
- 18": Past shoulder-length
- 20": Mid-back
- 22”: Lower Mid-back
- 24": Waist-length
- 26”: Past waist-length
Our hair extension length guide can be a total lifesaver when trying to decide what length suits you best. Before you buy, make sure to measure your natural hair length and compare it to the guide to ensure you’re picking the right size. Not sure how to measure hair extension length? Simply grab a measuring tape and run it from your root to your desired length to get an accurate idea.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing the right Remy hair extensions, there are so many factors to consider – your height, face shape, hair texture, and of course, the look you want to achieve. But don’t worry, Cliphair has you covered. From clip in extensions to permanent extensions, and everything in between, we’ve got the perfect range to help you find your ideal hair extension length.
Ready to rock that dream hair? Whether you're after a subtle volume boost or a dramatic new look, you can find your perfect hair extension length at Cliphair today! Trust us, your hair will thank you for it.
FAQs:
Q: Can I mix different lengths of hair extensions?
A: Yes, you can absolutely mix different lengths of hair extensions to create a more natural, layered look. By combining various lengths, you can add dimension and texture, making the overall hairstyle blend more seamlessly with your natural hair. For example, mixing 16-inch and 20-inch extensions can give your hair more volume at the roots while maintaining length at the ends. Just be sure to blend them well, either by trimming the ends slightly or styling them together for a cohesive look.
Q: How do I measure hair extension length accurately?
A: To measure hair extension length accurately, use a measuring tape and measure from the top (root) of the extension to the very tip of the strands. If the extensions are straight, this will give you the exact length. However, if you're measuring curly or wavy extensions, remember that the texture shortens the appearance, so the measured length may seem longer than how it looks when applied. For curly extensions, measure while they are stretched out straight to get the true length.
Q: What should I consider when choosing the length of hair extensions?
A: When choosing the right length of hair extensions, consider your natural hair length, your height, and the overall look you’re going for. If you’re petite, super long extensions might overwhelm your frame, while taller people can pull off longer lengths more easily. Face shape is another important factor – longer extensions elongate round faces, while shorter or medium-length extensions can balance oval or heart-shaped faces.
Q: How do I use a hair extension length chart?
A: Using our hair extension length guide is simple and can be incredibly helpful. The guide shows where different lengths (16", 18", 20", 22”, 24", 26”) fall on the body, like the shoulders, mid-back, or waist. To use it, measure your natural hair from root to tip and compare it with the chart to visualise how the extensions will look when applied. For example, if your natural hair reaches your collarbone, you can use the chart to see how 16-inch or 20-inch extensions will fall in relation to your current length. This helps you pick a length that matches your style goals.
