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The 11 Best Hair Extensions to Instantly Add Body, Volume, and Length
Ranging from clip-ins to tape-ins and more.
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Byrdie
TL;DR
Our favorite hair extensions are the Luvme Invisible Edge Seamless Clip-Ins. They’re simple to apply, even if you’ve never used extensions before, and the Burmese curly weft sits smoothly for a seamless, natural finish. Soft to the touch and super realistic, they blend well with 4A–4C curl patterns. If your hair is straight, we recommend the Luxy Ponytail Extension. It’s a great option for fine hair, offering plenty of styling flexibility—you can use hot tools on it or wear it in braids and twists.
In the mood to switch up your hairstyle? The best types of hair extensions can instantly add volume, body, and length to your natural look. There are four main types of hair extensions: bonded, weaves, tape-ins, and clip-ins, and most are available in natural hair, synthetic fiber, or a combination of both. If the highest-quality option is what you’re after, look for a brand that uses Remy hair—aka human hair that has its cuticles intact and has never been dyed or processed in any way.
To help you find the best hair extensions, we conducted hours of research and testing, evaluating hair extensions based on the type of hair, shade range, number of wefts, and overall quality. After consulting with two professional hairstylists and researching the top options for every hair color, length, and texture, we landed on these best-in-show.
Top Picks
Luvme Invisible Edge Seamless Clip-Ins at Luvmehair.com
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Luxy Hair Ponytail Extension at Luxyhair.com
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Heat Free Hair Clip-Ins at Heatfreehair.com
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Indique Hair at Amazon
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Glam Seamless at Amazon
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Hotheads at Hotheads.com
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True Indian Hair at Trueindianhair.com
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Boho Locs at Boholocs.com
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Hidden Crown Halo Extensions at Hiddencrownhair.com
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Darling Textured Hair Extensions at Amazon
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Best Overall
Luvme Invisible Edge Seamless Clip-Ins
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Blends effortlessly with tighter curls and coily textures
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Seamless weft application
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Beginner friendly
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Two packs of clip-ins are suggested for a fuller, voluminous appearance
Type: 100% Human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 9
The Luvme Invisible Edge Seamless Clip-Ins took the top spot on our list because they’re super easy to install and blend effortlessly with natural hair. They create a bouncy, flowy look that feels natural and, with the right care, won’t shed or frizz up. To apply them, you just section your hair, clip them in, and blend; it’s really that simple. They’re especially great if you have tight or coily curls and want to add extra length and volume. Our tester did mention that she used a volumizing mousse to give the curls a bit more definition, but overall, the extensions held up beautifully. Since they’re made with 100% human hair, you can style them just like your own, whether that’s with hot tools, color, or experimenting with new styles.
Tameka, tester with thick coils: “The clip-ins were seamless and lightweight. I was interested in wearing two packs of extensions for a fuller look, as there was additional space in the back of my head to utilize for the clip-ins. The clip-ins stayed in place when applied securely and didn’t cause any pain, pulling, or discomfort throughout the day.”
Best Ponytail
Luxy Hair Ponytail Extension
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Adds volume and length to thin ponytails
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Great for color matching and swatching
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Easy to maintain
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Slight slipping over time with movement and the overall weight of the unit
Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 18 | Number of Wefts: None, 3-prong comb and Velcro band
If you’ve ever dreamed of rocking Ariana Grande’s signature ponytail—that super long, sky-high, voluminous look—hair extensions are the way to go (her hairstylist uses them too), and the Luxy Ponytail Extension is a great option to try. It’s made with 100% Remy human hair, so it feels soft, looks luxurious, and blends in seamlessly once it’s clipped on. Installation is quick and simple, thanks to its wrap-around Velcro design and three secure prongs. You can style your pony high, mid, or low, and because it’s real hair, you can straighten, curl, twist, or braid it however you like.
Ashley, tester: “With straightened hair, the Luxy Ponytail Extension blended with my natural hair and texture gorgeously. After hours of wearing, the ponytail continued to look natural from all angles, including the back and sides.”
Best Natural-Looking
Heat Free Hair Clip-Ins
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Blends well with thicker textures
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Minimal to no shedding
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Silicone-tipped metal clips and an elastic protection band for secure placement
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Slight color differences are possible
Type: 100% Virgin human hair | Shades: 2 | Number of Wefts: 6
When it comes to curly hair extensions, it can be tough to find ones that truly match every curl pattern and texture, which is why the Heat Free Hair “For Kurls” Clip-Ins stand out. Made from 100% virgin human hair, these extensions feature tight S-pattern ringlets that blend seamlessly with 3C–4A curls. Each set includes six pieces with silicone-tipped clips for quick application and an elastic band for extra security. Our tester loved how much volume and length they added to her natural curls, and she noticed very little tangling or shedding—a big win for curly extensions.
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Byrdie
Dominique Hobdy, senior editor: “I thought they blended really well with my texture. The match was spot on. The color was a bit lighter than my natural hair, but the way I styled it allowed me to blend it in with no problem.”
Best Budget
Indique Hair
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Great value
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Wide selection of lengths
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Multiple hair textures available
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Hair can look weighed down if over-styled
Type: 100%t human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 10
Everyone from Oprah to Jorja Smith has sung the praises of Indique Hair. “The hair is high-quality, natural, unprocessed human hair,” says celebrity hairstylist César Ramirez. 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.
Best for Fine Hair
Glam Seamless
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Great value
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Wide selection of styles
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Different types of fastenings available
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Fewer length options than other brands
Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 70+ | Number of Wefts: 7
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.
Best Tape-Ins
Hotheads
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Wide selection of shades
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Different types of fastenings available
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Fun shades available
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Not all shades are available in all lengths
Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 40+ | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
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.
Best Range
True Indian Hair
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Different textures available
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Wide selection of styles
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Hair is easy to style
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Not ideal for beginners
Type: 100% human hair | Shades: 8+ | Number of Wefts: 1
A quick scroll of the brand’s Instagram 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.
Best Locs
Boho Locs
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Unique shade selection
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Lightweight
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Designed to wear comfortably
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Less extensive range than other options
Type: Synthetic | Shades: 19 | Number of Wefts: 6
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 not to pull out your natural hair. Choose your desired curl pattern, color, thickness, and length, and get ready to show off the ultimate natural look.
Best for Volume
Hidden Crown Halo Extensions
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Different types of fastenings available
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Great selection of highlighted shades
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Wide selection of lengths
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Clips can come loose
Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 30 | Number of Wefts: N/A
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.
Best for Braids
Darling Textured Hair Extensions
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Soft and tangle-free
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Blends easily
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Specifically made for textured hair
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Texture can be slippery
Type: 100% Kanekalon hair | Shades: 5 | Number of Wefts: N/A
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% Kanekalon synthetic hair, and it’s easy to use. It blends easily 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.
Best Remy Hair
Bellami Silk Seam Volumizing Weft Clip-In
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Different types of fastenings available
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Long-lasting, high-quality option
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Reviewers praise the company’s customer service
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Must be professionally installed
Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 51 | Number of Wefts: Depends on the style
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% 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.
Mary, tester: “If the color had been a closer match, I would feel completely confident wearing these for both special events and daily wear.”
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. “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 based on 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 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.
How We Tested Hair Extensions
We believe in recommending products we actually use and love, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings.
- Number of hair extensions tested: 4
- Testing Period: 512 hours
- Methodology: Hair extensions were individually tested at home and incorporated into our everyday lives and hair-styling routines.
- Factors Considered: Each tester considered the product based on ease of use, quality, comfort, and performance.
Meet Our Experts
For this article, Byrdie consulted with the following experts:
- César Ramirez is a celebrity hairstylist and creative director based in Los Angeles.
- Elena Hachaturianc is the founder of Beauty & Melody Salon in London.
Why Trust Byrdie
Beatrice Hazlehurst has been covering all things hair, skincare, and makeup for Byrdie since 2020. She has worked as an editor for Paper and Vice, and has written print and digital features for i-D, InStyle, The New York Times, Teen Vogue, and more. For this article, she consulted with experts and researched the top hair extensions available to narrow down the best for every hair color, texture, and length.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-hair-extensions-5076542