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True story: I once cut my own hair and was left with an uneven mess of "layers" and a whole lot of tears because, yes, I'm dramatic. But that's when I became a firm believer in the magic of hair extensions, and my ultimate mission became finding the best hair extensions that are relatively affordable yet still look expensive as hell. My friends with different hair types and I have personally tested one-night-only clip-ins, professionally installed extensions, keratin-bonded extensions, and sew-ins that protect your natural hair, all in the pursuit of finding the crème de la crème of hair extensions.
And trust me: Good hair extensions—like, reputable, well-made, perfect-for-your-hair extensions—are a quick way to get longer, thicker hair overnight—regardless of what the hell your DNA is doing. That being said, it’s not always easy to find the best hair extensions when there are a million bad (sorry, but true) options out there. So to help you sift through the blah, I teamed up with two experts, hairstylists and hair extensions experts Kat Lewis and Justine Marjan, to give you the full rundown on the best hair extensions for every hair type, texture, and need:
For the full list of the best hair extensions, keep scrolling. Then I got all your FAQs about the hair extensions answered, including a full breakdown of the different types—like Remy and yaki hair, sew-ins, I-tips, tape-ins, and keratin bonds—along with which extension type is best for your hair, application tips, post-extension care, and more.
TBT to the ponytail extensions of our middle school days that were shiny, plastic-y, and came in, like, two shades of blonde. Thankfully, it’s 2023, and extensions brand Insert Name Here (INH) now exist. INH is known for its ponytail extensions that come in a zillion customizable lengths, styles, and colors that range from $49 to $63.
The brand’s extension hair is made of a synthetic, vegan blend they call “Infini-Flex,” which makes it budget-friendly and surprisingly soft. But if you’re more into Remy hair (aka 100 percent human hair that has never been chemically processed or dyed, and the cuticles all face the same direction), try INH’s range of human hair clip-in extensions. But one of the brand’s coolest innovations, IMO, is their half-up, half-down extension sets that include one clip-in ponytail extension and two clip-in wefts to give you length everywhere else.
INH’s ponytail extensions are some of the easiest to install yourself: Secure your own hair in a ponytail, insert the extension’s comb into the base of your ponytail. Then, to hide the extension base, wrap the extra piece of hair around the ponytail, pinning any excess with a bobby pin. They have about a dozen varieties: short swoopy Bella, long and curly Zoe, long and sleek Mia, and even the long with tinsel Kasey.
"This beautiful pony is such a perfect way to make a statement on any occasion," reads one review. "Also the quality of this pony is so great for the price; the texture feels like real hair, and blends so magically."
If you’re new to extensions and don’t want to spend a fortune before you know if you’ll love them or not, try Locks & Mane. The brand's extensions are made with 100 percent human Remy hair, so you're working with top-tier real hair at relatively affordable prices (like, the top-knot extension starts at only $35).
Start with the brand's specialty: clip-in extensions, which come in 14 different hair colors and feature clips lined with silicone, so they don’t pull on your natural hair. You can choose between 12- or 18-inch lengths for your clip-ins (which start at $155 and are featured here in this pic), or you can go for the ponytail slide or topknot twist, which will give you volume and length without the clip-in confusion.
"I can’t say enough good things about these clip-ins," one reviewer writes. "Super secure and natural looking. I’ve recommended them to all of my friends. My hair is a cooler blonde than the toasted, so I used purple shampoo and now they’re a perfect match."
If you’re looking for affordable, pre-stretched braiding hair, you definitely need to check out Darling Hair. The brand specializes in synthetic “textured hair extensions,” including crochet extensions, ponytail extensions, and faux loc extensions, and all of the extensions have a soft and natural feel to them. Plus, you can buy them on Amazon, which is a major plus for anyone who feels a little ~uncomfy~ buying from random websites with confusing return policies.
If you want to copy the next-level hair look in this photo, opt for a few packs of the Darling Pre-Stretched Thrive Braiding Extensions in the 52-inch length. They come in three monotone colors and one dip-dye finish, so you can customize your braided look depending on what you pick up.
"Easy to work with, great texture, and my box braids came out exactly how I wanted."
"Easy to work with, great texture, and my box braids came out exactly how I wanted," one tester notes.
If you’ve ever tried shopping for hair extensions that actually resemble your 4c hair, you already know there’s a massive void in the market for tighter textures. Enter: Kinkistry, founded by Angelia Fite’, which offers clip-ins, lace closures, draw-string ponytails, lace fronts, and headband wigs, all in textures ranging from 2b waves to 3a curl types to 4c hair, so you can really match your own hair texture—or, obvs, try out a new one.
If you want the most natural-looking clip-ins, you gotta try these. Kinkistry’s clip-ins come in seven different textures, including 4 a/b coils, 4 b/c coils, and more. If you’re not sure which one to try, take a look at the Kurlgenics clip-ins, which resemble 3c/4a textures, and go from there. Prices for all of the clip-ins range from $115 to $180, come in lengths of 10 to 28 inches (!), and can be dyed or straightened at home on your own.
"I am in love with these kurlgenics clip-ins," one reviewer notes. "Everyone thought it was all my real hair."
Talk to enough stylists, and you’ll hear the name “Indique” thrown around when it comes to high-quality hair extensions. And it makes sense: Indique extensions are 100 percent Remy hair. Another major plus? Indique’s extensions are sewn in a way that they don’t shed, so you can (gently, still) blow-dry, curl, and set your extensions like your natural hair.
If you want totally untouched and natural virgin Indian Remy hair, try the Indique Pure Collection. It’s the OG Indique style and comes in a mix of Straight, Wavy, and Curly textures (my personal fave), with lengths of 10 to 30 inches, and prices ranging from $130 to $350.
"My overall experience was great!" reads one review. "I decided to invest in some PURE wavy/curly textures earlier this year. I am more than satisfied with the results. As a former salon owner/stylist, I appreciate QUALITY hair extensions. I’m a fan!!"
Fact: Great Lengths, which has been around since 1993, has ridiculously good quality extensions. Not only are the extensions 100 percent Remy hair, made in Italy, and blended by hand. The hair extensions range from professional pre-bonded to tape-ins (lengths 14 to 22 inches) with a mix of natural shades to bright, bold hues (hi, neon blue).
The tape-in extensions, for sure. Yes, you’ll need your stylist to tape them in for you since they’re salon-based hair extensions (DW—basically every reputable salon offers them), but the results will be so worth it, thanks to the fact that they have a medical-grade adhesive strip, meaning they won’t slide out of your hair at 2 a.m. after a night of dancing. Plus, they can be reused up to three times or left on your head for a full four to six weeks. Um, yes, pls.
"Best extensions, and I love how the product is ethically sourced and traceable," notes one reviewer.
Always wanted to try locs but still can’t bring yourself to fully commit to the timeline? Behold: Boho Locs. They’re handmade faux locs made from synthetic Kanekalon hair that are crocheted into a cornrow base, giving you all the length and twist without the downtime. You can order them in bob-length (12 to 16 inches) or longer lengths (22 to 24 inches), and keep them in for up to 12 weeks.
The O.G. Goddess Locs, for sure—but, like, good luck trying to decide which of the styles to try (you can get red ombré, triple-toned blonde, gray and silver, classic black, and a zillion more). If skinnier locs are more your thing, try the Empress Locs, or if you want even more texture, curls, and volume, go with the Mermaid Locs. See? Like I said—choices.
"This is my go-to style for vacation," one review reads. "Just rocked them in Costa Rica and Rome in extreme weather. The locs hold up very well even after getting wet and in high heat!"
If you’re just looking for excellent hair in general, check out Mayvenn. The brand offers bundles, closures, lace frontals, wigs, and, of course, extensions, all ranging in textures (like straight, Yaki straight, wavy, and curly) and lengths. And the quality of hair is top-notch too: Remy, virgin, or dyed virgin hair, depending on the style you’re looking for.
The clip-in Yaki hair is honestly the best in the game. Refresher: Yaki hair is straight hair with the texture and look of chemically relaxed hair—so not super-sleek, yet still pressed and shiny (to compare, this is the texture of the straight hair vs. the texture of the Yaki straight hair. See?). Mayvenn's Yaki Straight clip-ins are full Remy hair and come in two colors—black or soft black—and two lengths of either 16 or 20 inches.
"I absolutely love this hair," notes one tester, adding, "it exceeded my expectations. I don’t think I’ll be using any other brands as long as Mayvenn exists. Bundles were in excellent condition, true to length and thick. Perfect, perfect, perfect!"
Cosmo's former deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger swears by Bellami’s extensions, saying, “the quality is just wildly good—it truly does mimic real, born-with-it hair.” The brand offers primarily 100 percent Remy human hair, but also some high-quality synthetic hair (kind of a rarity, TBH). So, really, you can’t go wrong with whichever hair you choose, which is good, because there are a ton of options: clip-ins (long lengths, bangs, and ponytails), sew-ins, tape-ins, keratin-tip extensions, and I-tip extensions, all at customizable lengths, densities (so you don’t rip out your hair), and colors.
Overwhelmed? Yup, I get it. But luckily, most of these need to be professionally installed, so either visit a Bellami Beauty Bar if you live near one or have your own hairstylist help you choose the right type to install, or just go the temporary way with some fun clip-ins.
Chloe, who actually went on a trip with Bellami to learn more about these extensions, personally wore and loved the 18-inch Piccolina clip-ins, which are $129, come in 17 colors, and are made with 100 percent Remy human hair. Want your clip-ins to look even more natural? “Next time you get your haircut, take your clip-ins with you and have your stylist cut them to frame your face and hair length,” says hairstylist Kat Lewis.
"This is my first time using extensions and I’m in love," one tester writes. "I’m using them to give some volume to my thinning hair. They are easy to put it and blend great with my natural hair."
Hidden Crown extensions are known for blending seamlessly into fine hair, thanks to the fact that they don’t attach to your roots like traditional extensions. Instead, the extension hair is adhered to a clear wire that sits gently around your hairline (underneath the top layer of your hair) like a halo. The result? Fuller, thicker-looking hair without visible clips or tapes—even if you don’t have naturally thick hair. Grey’s Anatomy star Camilla Luddington wore Hidden Crown extensions on her wedding day (pictured here), so they’re already celeb-approved.
Um, the Hidden Crown Halo Extensions, of course. Prices range from $199 to $449, depending on the length you want, and the 100 percent human Remy hair is available in 28 shades (including highlights). Plus, you can try the Daydream style, which has tapered ends that blend more seamlessly into thin and fine hair types.
"I’m very happy with my halo extension," one tester writes. "I have natural black hair and the jet black is a perfect match. I purchased this to wear for a wedding and it definitely helped accomplish the look I was going for."
Here’s a not-so-fun fact about fake hair: It can be a really shady business. And frustratingly, it’s difficult as a consumer to know exactly where your hair extensions are coming from and whether they were ethically sourced. Remy NY, however, buys its hair (at a high price) directly from women in Vietnam while helping to provide them with work opportunities. And the hair itself is gorgeous: completely virgin (meaning it was never chemically treated or dyed) and available in clip-ins, keratin tips, ponytails, and wefts.
Because this is the purest of the pure hair (virgin Remy), the color options are limited: only brunette and black. So to make color matching easier, try the ponytail extension, which comes in lengths of 10 inches to 24 inches and starts at $149. And fun fact, you can dye it just as you would your normal hair—so if you have a slight auburn tint to your hair, you can always color your extensions with a temporary color gloss or take them to your colorist and have her dye them whatever you want.
"These are the highest quality extensions out there, and I really love how ethically sourced they are. I'll only buy from ethically sourced brands."
WWTD, amirite? And apparently, Taraji does True Indian Hair extensions (along with Rihanna and Serena Williams), and thus, I trust in True Indian Hair. The New York City–based company uses 100 percent unprocessed human hair that, according to the brand, it gets “directly from donors in East Indian Temples and Brazil.” Thankfully, you don’t have to go that far to get them—you can order straight, wavy, and curly bundles, silk and lace top closures, clip-in ponytails, and more.
Honestly, spring for the True Signature wefts, which can be sewn in by your own hairstylist if you don’t happen to be in NYC. Or if that sounds like a ton of work, go for the EZ Clipz, which, if you couldn’t guess by the name, are super-easy clip-ins that range from $180 to $300 and come in lengths from 14 inches to 26 inches.
"I am so extremely happy that I finally I found a place to purchase QUALITY 100% virgin cuticle hair," notes one tester.
If you’ve ever Googled “What kind of hair extensions does Khloé Kardashian wear?” Glam Seamless is your answer. (And amongst the other famous people donning these tape-ins on their heads? Ashley Graham.) Although Glam Seamless offers clip-ins, halos, wigs, and wefts, they brand is kind of the ultimate boss in tape-in extensions (which both Khloé and Ashley wear). The hair extensions are 100 percent Remy hair (cuticles intact and facing the same direction) and are loved by celeb hairstylists like Chris Appleton and Giovanni Vaccaro.
No surprises here, but you should most definitely try the tape-ins. Depending on which type you choose (highlights vs. full wefts vs. wavy, etc.), they come in lengths of 12 inches to 24 inches and have 10+ different shade types (including highlights, balayage, and pastels). Try the Glam Seamless Remy Tape-Ins, which come with 20 tape wefts for $130.
"The hair is great quality; my Glam Seamless tape-ins usually last me around a year which is very impressive compared to other companies I’ve tried," one reviewer writes. "I get questions about my hair constantly and I will recommend Glam Seamless every time."
Ask a few celebrity hairstylists for their favorite hair extensions brands, and The Hair Shop is guaranteed to make the list (I know this because I legitimately just asked). Why? It could have something to do with the founder Ryan Tokko being one of the innovators of clip-in extensions back in the ’80s, so you’ve gotta assume the papa of extensions (as I shall now call him) knows a thing or two about really good fake hair.
The Hair Shop’s Skinny Clip-Ins, which are narrow strips of single extensions that you can use to amp up volume and fullness at the sides of your head when your hair is down or in a half-up ponytail or to beef up a braid when you clip them in the back. They are $41, come in lengths of 14, 18, and 22 inches, and are available in 30 different shades. They’re basically the training wheels of at-home hair extensions.
"These blend so beautifully at the root!" writes one tester. "The color is perfect match, very high quality, and great for fine hair—love it!" adds another.
The best type of hair extensions for you depends on whether you want to install them at home or in the salon. Although clip-ins are most common (and usually cheapest), that doesn’t mean they’re your only option—or even your best option. Here’s a quick rundown:
For what it’s worth, unless you’re looking to get your hair extensions professionally installed, you’ll probably be in the market for clip-in hair extensions or temporary hair pieces, like ponytail extensions, headband wigs, or clip-in bangs. But if you want your extensions to last longer and look realistic? Go for the professional-level tape-ins, keratin, or I-tip extensions, and opt for 100 percent human hair vs. synthetic hair.
Hair extensions can last from one night to six months, depending on the type you buy. I-tip extensions last the longest (between six and eight months), while keratin-bond extensions can last between five and six months.
On the more temporary side are tape-in and sew-in extensions, which will stay in anywhere from six to eight weeks. To make temporary extensions last even longer, you can get the bonds or tape moved up every six to eight weeks as your hair grows. Even still, after three or four move-ups, you’ll likely want to get a full re-install to deep-clean your scalp and make sure the bonds and tape are positioned evenly.
Each type of hair extension requires a slightly different washing method. For clip-in extensions, you can wash them in the shower or the sink, just like you’d wash your own hair (here’s a clip-in extension-washing tutorial), and you can air-dry them flat to help them keep their shape (don’t blow-dry without checking the instructions first). If you’re working with professionally-installed extensions, though, you can wash them as you’d wash your own hair with shampoo in the shower and either air-dry or blow-dry them.
Regardless of the type of extensions, Marjan says you should always wash your extensions with sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out the hair. Remember: Hair extensions lack your scalp’s natural oils that keep your own hair moisturized, so they’ll be more prone to drying out, getting poofy, or fraying at the ends. Which is also why you should always smooth a moisturizing deep conditioner through the ends of the extension hair every time you wash.
Just remember: If you have tape-ins or professionally installed extensions, avoid putting conditioners near your scalp where there are tape and bonds, says Marjan. Oils can dissolve adhesive or loosen bonds, which will shorten the amount of time you can wear them. Instead, keep them smooth and shiny by running hair oil through the lengths of your extensions when they’re wet or dry.
How often you wash your extensions will depend on the type of extensions you have and what types of hair products you use. If you’re layering hairspray or texturizing products on your human hair clip-in extensions, you should wash them every two to three wears, but if you keep them product-free, you don’t need to wash your clip-ins until after 15 to 20 wears.
However, if your extensions are synthetic, you should only wash them if they get gunked up with product or start to have a funky smell, because over-washing can cause them to look stringy and dry.
Any professionally installed extensions (tape-ins, I-tips, and keratin bond extensions) should be washed between one and three times a week, depending on your hair’s natural oil levels. Don’t worry about shampoo loosening up your extensions; it’s actually better for your tape-ins and beaded extensions to get a good cleanse with a sulfate-free shampoo, because excess oils on the scalp can make the bonds and tape slip more easily.
If you want your hair extensions to remain in good quality, they’ll require some maintenance, whether they’re clip-ins or professionally installed. Marjan recommends protecting your extensions just like you would your natural hair, which includes brushing regularly and avoiding damage whenever possible, especially when styling or sleeping.
When it comes to brushing, always use a flexible bristle brush that won’t pull and snag, and make sure to hold your extension clips/tapes/bonds down with your hand before brushing to keep them locked in place. As for minimizing damage, try to limit heat-styling to twice a week at most (extension hair often holds a curl better than, say, naturally fine hair, so daily touch-ups aren’t usually needed).
You’ll also want to protect your hair at night: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or with a silk-lined bonnet to avoid tangles, and consider tying your hair into a loose, low ponytail or braid before bed if you’re prone to knots.
Hair extensions themselves won’t cause hair loss, but wearing hair extensions repeatedly for years can result in damage due to prolonged tension on your scalp. The heavy weight of extensions “causes stress to the hair follicle over time, which results in chronic pulling and traction,” says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. The result? “Your hairs can start to break off and become thin,” he says.
But remember: “Traction alopecia doesn’t happen after one tight hairstyle or set of extensions,” says Dr. Lal, “it happens from years of low-level repetitive traction.” Be diligent about taking your extensions down on time and giving your scalp a break for three to six weeks in between, he says. And if you really want to avoid additional damage, try clip-in extensions instead, since they’re easily removable and the most temporary of extension types.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
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