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Take a scroll through Instagram, and everyone’s hair is flowing down their back. Did they use hair growth vitamins or invest in the best hair growth shampoos? Possibly, but it could also be something as simple as hair extensions. It might be time to return to the basics if you’ve grown wary of frontal and closure wigs or desire Repunzel-esque layers. The Wig Factory
Extensions give you the flowy, bouncy look of wigs but with a bit more versatility, especially if you opt for clip-ins for extra volume (which are placed in between your hair), ponytails for drama (affixed to your own smaller ponytail), or partial or full sew-ins for a complete switch-up. Of course, you can always go to a professional for guidance to find the right texture, length, and color, or if you prefer to take matters into your own hands, refer to ELLE’s guide to the best hair extensions on the market.
Whether looking for weft extensions, ponytails, clip-ins, or tape-ins, scroll down for the 15 best extension brands worth your hard-earned coins.
A pioneer in hair extensions for textured curly hair, Heat Free Hair provides wefts that match just about any curl pattern. Heat Free Hair breaks its styles down into four categories—For Kinks, For Kurls, For Koils, and For Blowouts—to ensure your blend game is undetectable.
Heat Free Hair rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Heat Free Hair reviewer said: “This is the only hair I buy. It is basically like having my own hair on my head. Love how it curls, straightens and snaps back.”
Kinkistry makes texture matching as easy as one, two, or three. With textures that run the gamut from tight coils to kinky straight, Kinkistry provides extensions for every step in your hair journey—natural or not.
A Kinkistry reviewer said: “This hair is amazing quality!!! My hair is a combination of 3c and all of the 4s and this hair blended perfectly. I applied the hair using the micro link method and no one can tell it’s extensions!!!”
The quality of Glam Seamless extensions will make you feel like a million bucks whether you get the hair installed professionally or DIY. Made of 100 percent Remy human hair, Glam Seamless textures are long-lasting, thick from root to end, and fit all budget types. “Glam Seamless also offers education [on the] extensions to help customers become experts themselves so we can see more beautiful heads of extensions and less damage,” says celebrity hairstylist Priscilla Valles.
A Glam Seamless reviewer said: “I’m in my 50s, and my hair is not as full as it used to be. Using your clip-ins has given me a major boost in my confidence. They are incredibly easy to clip in, with no fuss whatsoever. I only use them to go out, usually on weekends - I feel my young, confident self again! And people notice. Thank you, Glam Seamless :)”
With three lengths to choose from—16-inch, 20-inch, and 24 inch—Luxy Hair has an assortment of colors to seamlessly blend with your hair. If you don’t see your color pictured, Luxy Hair offers a virtual color match to give you the most accurate results.
A Luxy Hair reviewer said: “I bought my Luxy hair extensions for my wedding and they were absolutely beautiful! Excellent quality and perfect match. I am super happy with my purchase.”
At SL Raw Virgin Hair, all hair types, lengths, and colors are welcome. SL Raw Virgin Hair not only provides weft hair, but I-Tips (for those looking for more mobility), frontal/closure wigs, u-part wigs, clip-ins, and ponytails that stand the test of time.
SL Raw Virgin Hair rating: 5/5 stars
A SL Raw Virgin Hair reviewer said: “I absolutely love this hair! I swear it is some of the softest that I’ve ever had and I’ve been wearing extensions for well over 20 years consistently. I’m super glad that I found you and I will continue to do business with you!! Thanks for serving your clients with a great product. “
Dyeing your bundles can sometimes shorten the life span of your hair, which is why it's important to invest in companies that specialize in "virgin" hair—which means unprocessed hair in its most state. True Glory's hair can be cut, dyed, and flat ironed at high temperatures without losing its luster.
A True Glory reviewer said: “I can honestly say I've always received great service and products from TG. My bundles last at least 2 years and I color a lot of them with no shedding at all!! I recommend TG to anyone who asks!!”
Created with Black women in mind, Ruka’s mission statement is “Because we get it.” Ruka Hair knows the struggles Black women endure trying to morph, blend, and protect their hair, so they made it easier with texture ponytails, clip-ins, weft bundles, and wigs. Plus, they provide products to help enhance your look.
A Ruka Hair reviewer said: “Very happy with my purchase. Great quality and value for money. Plus, it was a great match for my hair texture.”
Looking to switch from wigs to something a bit more freeing? Boho Locs has just about any color loc combination you desire. The locs are lightweight so that you can pull them up in a bun or ponytail without the tension from traditional installs.
A Boho Locs reviewer said: “I always look so good with this brand. 100% recommend - so many compliments and I feel so beautiful in them. The supreme locs are my new favorite!”
There’s a reason that beauty gurus, influencers, and celebs love Bellami Hair. Remember Kylie Jenner’s blue hair phase? All credit goes to Bellami Hair’s exceptional quality. You can dye, cut, and heat-style your Bellami hair without worrying about it drying out or thinning—in moderation, of course. The brand offers different weights, though we suggest going with 240 grams for a full head of hair.
Are you looking for something a bit more textured but still want to maintain the silky, flowy look? Indique created a line of sleek hair to match natural, silk-pressed, and permed hair.
An ELLE editor says: “Fun fact: I used to model full-time and was booked to do a hair campaign with Indique. It felt full circle! This brand came on my radar when Angela Simmons was their ambassador. It’s great quality and long-lasting. I have a unit that’s about five years old and it still looks brand new.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
With Amazon being one of Darling’s main retailers, you can have your hair delivered in a few days. Darling Hair is made with soft, premium synthetic fibers in various colors and styles, including pre-stretched loose waves for knotless braids, soft crochet locs, ponytails, and more.
An Amazon reviewer said: “I am very pleased with this braiding hair. It’s so easy to braid with and doesn’t tangle. The braids look so natural and smooth. The ends add a nice curl to my braids. This braiding hair is one of the best I’ve ever used. Definitely need for packs for a full head of box braids. Highly recommended.”
Yummy Extensions sources from the finest donors in Asia to provide quality hair textures (Cambodian, Laos, Myanmar, and more) that can last you years. The styles blend seamlessly with all textures so your hair remains undetectable.
A Yummy Extensions reviewer said: “I absolutely love yummy extensions. I have been buying from them for 2 years and they never disappoint.”
The luscious body wave texture is a dream for those who prefer to wear their extensions in beach or barrel curls. The hair’s wavy texture allows for curls to hold up longer than straight textures and blends seamlessly with relaxed hair.
Tame Hair Care rating: N/A
Tame Hair Care reviewer said: N/A
Kendra’s Boutique has built a massive following for its exceptional quality and bundle deals that don’t break the bank. Plus, celebrities are loyal to the brand, from Cardi B to Jordyn Woods to Megan Thee Stallion.
Kendra’s Boutique rating (from Trust Pilot): 4.5/5 stars
A Kendra’s Boutique reviewer said: “Ordering hair is easy and fast! I can trust that my hair will always arrive on time with no problems. The hair is silky, doesn’t shed, and matches my hair texture well.”
Mayvenn has a wide range of textures, styles, and lengths. They recently re-launched the best-selling Clip-In Hair Extensions, expanding the collection from 9 to 20 colors. And no need to head to the hairstylist for color—the clip-ins allow customers to choose from balayage, highlights, and various base color options. Their human hair extensions are made with a thin polyurethane weft that easily blends with your hair for a natural look. Opt for their HD and standard lace front wigs for a full-coverage protective style if you aren’t interested in leaving out any of your hair. The wigs have a standard 180% density for a full look.
An ELLE editor says: “I absolutely love this hair. I have the (now sold out) Straight Top Lace with Bangs wig and I always get compliments when I wear it. The wig does not easily tangle and has a naturally full look. I have had it for about three years and still get compliments when wearing it. I will admit, it has only recently started to slightly tangle at the nape of my neck when I wear it. Nevertheless, it is such a quick way to give yourself an instant protective style. I simply cornrow my natural hair, put on a wig cap, and put on this wig. I do not have to worry about edges, laying the wig down, or leave out because of the bang style. Easy!” —Danielle James
When shopping for hair, there are several options depending on your hair type, lifestyle, desired longevity, and more. Celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles breaks down the different options.
“Imagine a hula skirt of hair – that is what weft extensions are,” Valles says. Weft extensions are typically installed by braiding the hair into cornrows and sewing the wefts to the braids. “Based on my experience and what I’ve seen over the years, wefts do much better with textured coarser hair than thin/fine hair because the weight of the weft can be too heavy (the anchors) and can cause damage to the scalp,” she adds.
Keratin extensions are Valles’ favorite and one of the bestsellers at Glam Seamless. “This is the Rolls Royce of extensions. You can build an entire head of hair with these and you can add as many colors as you want. The best part is that you can get really creative with the placement of the colors. This is the most natural-looking result because they are so lightweight and they move and flow as natural hair does,” she explains.
Microlinks is another way to achieve volume. With microlinks, the links are attached to small pieces of your natural hair and then secured using a plier tool.
“Every girl should have a pair of clip-ins in their vanity,” Valles says. “They’re an easy way to add length and volume and are typically used for weddings or special events.”
Clip-in ponytails are great for those looking for a quick way hairstyle and an even faster removal process.
Determining what extensions are right for you depends on your hair goal. Valles adds that you should keep in mind whether your hair is thick or thin, color-treated, and your lifestyle. “You always have to remember that you pay for what you get. If extensions are under $500, it can’t be too good,” she warns.
You should always wash your extensions, but Valles says it’s good to go further and “give them a nice blowout” and store them properly. “You want to store them in a nice silk bag, brush them before you put them in the bag, and brush them after. Handle them with care,” she adds.
Priscilla Valles, Los Angeles-based celebrity extensionist
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless beauty professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products in the haircare, skincare, and makeup industry. A wig aficionado, she's versed in selecting and installing her wigs.
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