So, you decided to get extensions, and now you’re in research mode. Getting hair extensions can be an exciting experience!
They can transform your look by making your hair look longer, fuller, and healthier, meaning you’ll get an instant boost of confidence.
So, you decided to get extensions, and now you’re in research mode. Getting hair extensions can be an exciting experience!
They can transform your look by making your hair look longer, fuller, and healthier, meaning you’ll get an instant boost of confidence.
Today, we’re discussing another common mistake people make when choosing hair extensions: selecting the wrong length.
You might be tempted to get the longest hair extensions possible, but we advise you to reconsider. Hair extensions that are too long compared to your real hair can look fake.
Hair extensions that are too short won’t look good either. It can be challenging and confusing the first time you get hair extensions.
Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to full hair extension lengths?
You’re in luck! We’ll show you how you can figure out the right hair extension length that’ll look best with your real hair, what kind of extensions you need for your hair texture, and how to layer different lengths of extensions to create a natural look.
Extension Lengths For Your Hair
Wondering what extension length is right for your hair? While each situation is unique, especially if your hair has a distinct texture or style, the general rule is that your extensions should be approximately 3-4 inches longer than your own hair.
Why? Because if they’re any longer, there will be a noticeable difference between your real hair and the extensions, and the two won’t blend together very well.
To avoid this, try to keep the extensions no longer than 4 inches longer than your natural hair length. Use the guide below to figure out the best length based on the length of your natural hair.
If you’re interested in more of a visual tutorial for choosing the right size hair extensions, take a look at this one from Milk and Blush Hair Extensions on YouTube.
4-6″ Long
If your own hair is about 4-6 inches long, your extensions should be no longer than 10 inches. Your hair is considered relatively short; in fact, it’s the shortest length that allows for extensions.
If your hair is any shorter than 4 inches, getting extensions might not be a good idea yet, as the attachment mechanism will be too visible.
However, if your hair is over 4 inches long, you can opt for 10-inch extensions, which will give you a “long bob” look – your hair will fall just above your shoulders.
This is a great place to start – it will instantly transform your look from “short hair” to “medium hair” and will add a lot of volume.
While it might be tempting to get longer extensions, you’ll have a lot more luck gradually increasing the length of your extensions as your own hair grows. Give it a few months before upgrading to a longer set.
7-9″ Long
If your hair is 7-9 inches long, then you have a haircut that falls just below your chin. You might have a bob or a choppier style, such as a shag.
Either way, your hair length allows you to get extensions that are either 10 or 12 inches long. The 12-inch extensions will provide you with maximum length while still appearing natural. These extensions will take your hair to about shoulder length or slightly longer.
Extensions of this length can provide a healthy amount of volume and thickness, and look great while you’re growing your hair out.
10-12″ Long
If your natural hair is 10-12 inches, it probably reaches your shoulders and collarbone. You can get longer extensions with hair like that – 16 inches would be ideal, although you could also achieve 18 inches.
These extensions will make your hair appear longer, typically around the mid-back or the top of your bra strap, for reference.
This is a great place to be because it opens up numerous opportunities for a longer length! You’d be surprised how much of a difference these extra inches make.
By installing 16-to 18-inch extensions, you’ll add a significant amount of length and movement to your hair.
13-16″ Long
If your hair is 13-16 inches long, you already have a considerable amount of length. Your hair likely hits your upper back, but you might want it to be longer and thicker.
To achieve that, you can wear extensions that are 18-20 inches long. These extensions can make your hair reach the middle of your back and will look absolutely gorgeous.
Since your hair is already on the longer side, you can also pull off 24-inch extensions; however, expect them to give you a more layered look with less blended edges. Some people really like that look, so if that’s what you’re after – go for it!
17-19″ Long
If your hair is 17-19 inches long, you should aim for hair extensions that are 20 inches, 22 inches, or 24 inches in length. If you prefer the layered look, you can opt for 26-inch extensions, which are typically the longest available.
Are you unsure which length is best for you? If you’re more interested in adding thickness and volume to your hair, stick with the 22-inch extensions.
If you’re looking for more dramatic length, then 24 or 26-inch extensions would be best for you.
20+” Long
If your hair is 20 inches or longer, you already have long hair. Your hair likely reaches your waist or below.
Many people with long hair still want to add thickness and movement, as well as a few extra inches of length.
In this case, we’d recommend 24-26-inch extensions. Generally, aim for extensions that are approximately 3-4 inches longer than your natural hair length.
The longest extensions you can get are 26 inches (although there are some brands that offer custom extensions that are longer than that), so if your hair is just as long or longer, you might not need extensions at all.
You can still use extensions throughout your hair to provide extra volume rather than length.
Layering Hair Extensions With Different Lengths
Now that you know the general length of hair extensions that you should aim for based on the length of your own hair, let’s talk about layering.
Layering hair extensions involves combining slightly shorter layers with longer ones and placing them in various parts of your hair.
This results in a naturally voluminous and trendy look. Layering your extensions helps them blend better and look more realistic.
After all, your real hair isn’t all one length. Usually, you have shorter hair around the face and long hair in the back.
Therefore, it makes sense to structure your extensions in a similar pattern. Here is how you do it:
Start With The Longest Length
The first thing you need to do is figure out the “general” length of hair extensions that works for you, based on the length of your current hair. We discussed that above, but to summarize: your extensions should be 3-4 inches longer than your own hair.
This will be the longest length of extensions you’ll be using. When purchasing hair extensions, ensure that at least one bundle is of this length.
Get Additional Bundles Of Shorter Extensions
Next, you want to get a few bundles of shorter extensions. It’s up to you how much shorter these extensions need to be compared to your longest extensions, but here is a general guide:
- If you want natural soft layers, get a bundle of extensions that are 2 inches shorter than your longest length, and a bundle that is 4 inches shorter than your longest length. For example, if your longest extensions are 20 inches long, you’ll want to get a bundle that’s 18 inches long and two bundles that are 16 inches long.
- If you want a super layered look, get a bundle of extensions that are 4 inches shorter and 6 inches shorter than your longest extensions. For example, if your longest extensions are 20 inches long, you’ll want to get a bundle that’s 16 inches long and two bundles that are 14 inches long.
- If your hair is already very short, you may need to adjust these measurements to create less dramatic layers. For example, if your longest extensions are only 12 inches long, you should opt for the rest of the bundles at 10 inches long, as that’s the shortest available option.
Layering Extensions
Once you have your hair extensions in different lengths, it’s time to strategically place them throughout your hair so that they look natural.
If you get your extensions placed at a hair salon, your stylist should know exactly how to do this. But if you’re doing it at home by yourself, here is how it’s done:
Layering Extensions Of 3 Different Lengths
- Start by brushing your hair out so that it is easy to work with.
- Section your hair horizontally by drawing a line between your lower ear and the top of your head, and clip up the top section.
- Attach your longest extensions under the sectioned-off area.
- Remove the clip from the upper section of your hair and brush the hair down over your extensions.
- Create another horizontal line from the top of one ear to the other, and clip any hair above that line.
- Place your second-longest bundle of extensions along that line.
- Remove the clip from the upper section of your hair and brush the hair down over your extensions.
- Section off your hair on the right side of your head by drawing a line from your right temple back horizontally towards the crown of your head, but stop at the area above the back of your ear.
- Clip up any hair above this section out of the way.
- Place one of your shortest extensions into that section.
- Remove the clip and brush your hair over the extension.
- Repeat steps 8-11 on the left side.
- If needed, trim or texture the ends of the extensions to ensure they blend seamlessly with your hair. You are done!
Layering Extensions Of 2 Different Lengths
If your hair is shorter and your extensions have only 2 different lengths, the process is similar to the one described above, with a few slight differences.
- Start by brushing your hair out so that it is easy to work with.
- Section your hair horizontally by drawing a line between your lower ear and the top of your head, and clip up the top section.
- Attach your longest extensions under the sectioned-off area.
- Remove the clip from the upper section of your hair and brush the hair down over your extensions.
- Create another horizontal line from the top of one ear to the other, and clip any hair above that line.
- Place your second-longest bundle of extensions along that line.
- Remove the clip from the upper section of your hair and brush the hair down over your extensions.
- If needed, trim or texture the ends of the extensions to ensure they blend seamlessly with your hair. You are done!
As you can see, the general idea is to place the longest extensions at the back of your head, closest to the nape of your neck, and then layer shorter extensions towards the crown of your head and the sides.
This follows the natural growth pattern of real hair, blending seamlessly for a most natural and attractive look.
Extensions Lengths For Curly Hair
If you have curly or textured hair, you may wonder if the process for selecting the length of hair extensions is any different for you.
The best thing to do if you have curly hair is to find extensions that are of a similar texture. This means you should look for extensions that not only have curls like yours but also have the same type of curls.
If your hair naturally has loose wave-like curls, aim for extensions with the same texture. If your hair has tight spiral curls, consider getting extensions with the same curl pattern.
As long as you follow this rule, selecting the right extension lengths is simple. Measure your hair length when it’s in its natural state (curly) and use that as your length measurement. Add 3-4 inches to that length to find the right curly hair extensions for you.
If you ever want to straighten your hair and your extensions, you’ll be able to do it without disrupting the overall shape and look of your hair.
Halo Extensions
Halo hair extensions are types of hair extensions that you can put in and remove in a matter of minutes.
They come attached to an “invisible” cord that goes around the crown of your head and can be easily hidden underneath the top layers of your hair.
No clipping or weaving is necessary!
Aside from being easy to install and remove, the biggest benefit of these types of extensions is that they often come pre-layered. Meaning they have shorter layers on the sides and top of the extensions with longer layers underneath.
This eliminates the need for you to order different lengths of extensions and then spend time meticulously placing them on the correct part of your head. Convenience is the name of the game!
If you’re someone who is intimidated by the whole layering process we described above, definitely consider investing in some halo extensions instead.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have a better idea of what length of extensions you should aim for based on the type and length of your hair.
That being said, remember that there are no hard rules in beauty! You can experiment with different extension lengths to achieve the desired look.
Some people get extensions for volume, others for length, and some for a specific look or costume.
With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to figure out exactly what works for you and your goals.
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