Transform Your Look: Choosing the Ideal Hair Extension Length
Transform Your Look: Choosing the Ideal Hair Extension Length
Blog Article
Hair extensions give your head a fabulous style to add longer, fuller, and more voluminous hair in just minutes for a dramatic transformation or simply some extra length and volume. Getting the correct length, however, is pretty important for a natural look.
So, in this article, we'll explain how to make the right choice of length and which type of hair extension length to choose according to your style goals, natural hair type, and the look you want to create.
1. What's Your Desired Result: Subtle or Dramatic
So now that we have decided on the kind of change, let us work our way down to the very first step of choosing the right length of hair extensions: knowing what you are looking for is either subtle or full-on transformation. Break it down here:
Subtle Changes: If you are after a more natural look, you don't need to go too long. Extensions that are a few inches beyond your natural hair add volume and thickness without looking too drastic. A length in the 14 to 16 inch range is perfect for someone seeking a low-key yet noticeable change.
Dramatic Changes: If you yearn for the dramatic, show-stopping style, well, extensions in this 18-24 inch range can give you that sleek, super long, glamorous look. It's Hollywood red carpet or runway-ready hair. That's the kind of length that'll transform short or medium hair into all that luxurious flowing locks.
2. Match Your Natural Hair Length
The length of your natural hair is what will define the best hair extension length. You essentially want your extensions to fall in a way that makes it seem like you grew your hair overnight.
Short hair: Adding extensions that are too long can look unnatural for someone with short hair. Instead, sticking within the 14-18 inch range will create a blend that's healthier. Clip-in and tape-in options are perfect for short hair as they can lengthen while adding volume without too much weight.
Medium Hair: If your hair falls around your shoulders or is chin-length, you can go with the longer extension sizes 18-22 inches. This will provide a huge length extension and add a bit of swag without overpowering your natural hair.
Long hair: If you already have long hair, you may need only extensions for extra volume or fullness. You can then opt for those extensions that are roughly the size of your regular hair length or go a few inches longer for a dramatic look. Extensions around 20-24 inches are suitable for persons with long hair who want more thickness or layering.
3. Hairstyle and Texture
The different textures and styles can influence the type of extensions that will work best for you. For instance, if you have curly or wavy hair, the extensions might appear shorter when dry. Here is how texture can affect your decision:
Straight Hair: On the other hand, straight hair requires longer extensions to be around 20-24 inches. This will look lovely and flowing and will naturally blend in with longer hair. Natural hair that tends to be straight is usually easier to blend in terms of blending the extensions and natural hair as they tend to require less manipulation or styling.
Curly Hair: Curly hair tends to contract when it dries, so you would need to get extensions a bit longer than your final desired length. For example, 18 to 22 inch extensions might get you a look more like 16 to 18 inches when styled into your natural curls. High-quality human hair made from the same curl pattern as yours is the way to go.
Wavy Hair: The key here is to obtain extensions that are a bit longer so they don't become too short once they are styled. Wavy extensions in the 18-22 inch range will give you beautiful volume and body if your waves have lots of texture.
4. Consider What Type of Hair Extensions
Different kinds of hair extensions will affect their length, natural appearance and comfort while wearing them. Here are the common hair extension types and approximately how long they might be:
Clip-in Extensions: These are the most versatile and temporary variant. Clip-ins come in all possible lengths - from 12 inches to 24 inches or more. These are very easy to clip in and clip off making it ideal for those who want to try different lengths or add volume for a special event.
Tape-in Extensions: Tape-in is a semi-permanent option which gives length and volume. It is made of lengths from 14 to 22 inches, bringing the natural blend. They suit medium to long hair.
Then, there are fusion or keratin bond extensions. They form permanent extensions by bonding individual strands of hair to your natural hair using heat. These come in different lengths, usually from 14 to 22 inches. They are perfect for creating a look that is all-natural and seamless and can last several months.
Sew-in Extensions: Usually, sew-in extensions are bigger and more in length compared to the remaining ones, which is usually seen from 16 to 30 inches. A longer lasting method to add length is preferred in thicker hair only wherein the above-mentioned types of hair extensions can be availed.
5. Maintenance and Durability
Longer extensions tend to require more maintenance. For example, long hair keeps getting entangled and knotting that needs to be combed more often. Also, the longer the extensions are, the higher the probability that they will develop split ends and damage. Consider these factors:
Washing: The longer your extensions, the more care they would require at the time of washing. Do use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos so that your extensions look fresh.
Untangle: With a long extension, tangling is very easy. So buy a good detangling spray or a wide-tooth comb and keep your extension silky and in the smooth condition.
Trim: This is again like your natural hair- the extension will need you to trim it sometimes to keep up with how much longer or extra long the extension sets are.
6. Your Budget
The longer the length, the more costly it gets. High-quality human hair extensions that reach from 24 inches and above would be considered most expensive. So, remember your budget as you make a choice for the length of the extension. Spending a little extra money is always worth it to get premium-quality extensions that last longer and look more natural. The best affordable alternative here would be synthetic hair extensions that come in shorter lengths but provide as good a look.
7. Trial-and-Error: It is Alright to Test
One of the most prominent ways to know which length should be perfect is through trial and error. And if you are also not sure of your desired extensions' length then, begin with a more moderate length (14-16 inches) and then move towards longer extensions. Clip-in extensions are perfect if you want to test different lengths without a commitment to some permanent style.
Final Thoughts
Finding the length of your hair extension can be the secret to the look. Whether you want it as a subtle volume kick or anything on a more dramatic level, knowing how different lengths will work with your hair and others will have been the most important key. Once you have picked the right choice, then you stand a great chance to create an absolutely stunning and great-looking natural style.
So, take your time. Consider your options, and don't worry about experimenting. With the hair extension length that is right for you, you're looking your best to really change your look and take your hairstyle to new heights! Report this page