The 5 Best Hair Extensions

If you've ever dreamt of having long, flowing locks, but growing out your own hair just isn't doable, hair extensions can be a dream come true. Extensions are an instant solution for the short hair blues: In as long as it takes to put them in, you can have a gorgeous long ponytail, beachy summer waves that cascade past your shoulders, or waist-length, mermaid-esque hair (and who doesn't love that?) Of course, not all hair extensions are created equal, and many extensions are cheaply made and artificial-looking (which will only make your hair look worse). Not to mention, there are several different types of extensions to choose from, including clip-ins, sew-ins, fusion and pre-bonded extensions, and more. So, how's a gal to choose which extensions are right for her? Here, we've listed the five best hair extensions available, grouped by category:

BHF Clip-In Hair Extensions

The best of the best

For the best natural-looking extensions that money can buy, these BHF clip-in extensions are the real deal.

Best Overall

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Even if you’re wearing hair extensions, you don’t exactly want it to look like you’re hair extensions…if you know what we mean. Which is why the BHF Clip-In Hair Extensions are so fabulous: They seamlessly blend into your existing hair, adding natural-looking length and volume, and plenty of oomph and shine so that hair appears healthier and thicker. Crafted from hand-selected hair, these BHF extensions come in an array of attractive colors, ranging from Chocolate Brown to Strawberry Blonde. But it’s their natural, superior-quality texture that truly makes these extensions stand out apart from the crowd.

Pros:

Made from hand-selected human hair, and the quality is insanely good, so hair looks totally natural.
Comes in a variety of beautiful shades.

Cons:

They’re on the expensive end, so might not be right for every budget (still, you get what you pay for with hair extensions).

GOO GOO Ombre Hair Extensions

Hop on board the ombre trend

Ombre is all the rage these days, and there are no better ombre extensions than the ones from GOO GOO.

Best Ombre

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Have you been wanting to switch up your hairdo and try something entirely new? Ombre extensions are a great way to do so, whether you want a subtle color contrast or something a little more bold. The GOO GOO Ombre Hair Extensions are gorgeous-quality and made from 100% human hair; they’re silky-soft and lightweight, and they blend in perfectly with your existing hair. Plus, you can easily customize your look, since they come in several shades and varying lengths.

Pros:

Crafted from salon-quality, 100% human hair.
Depending on the shade you get, the ombre coloring looks natural, glowing, and healthy.
They can be curled, straightened, or otherwise styled.
Available in several shades and lengths, so you can customize your look as much as you want.

Cons:

If you have thicker hair, you’ll probably need to get two packs since they’re on the thin side.

Dsoar Clip-In Side Bangs

Get a bangin' new hairdo

Always wanted to try bangs? Get the Dsoar Clip-In Side Bangs.

Best Bangs

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Always dreamt of having bangs, but too afraid to actually cut your hair in case you end up hating it? With the Dsoar Clip-In Side Bangs, you can try on bangs without making a commitment. These bang extensions are made from human hair, and they can be cut, straightened, curled, and styled in any way you like. Conveniently, they come in three different colors and styles: You can opt for Air Side Bangs, 2-Piece Wave Side Bangs, or Thick Side Bangs. They’re easy to apply, too; all you have to do is part your hair, clip the bangs into your hair, and then cover the bangs with a little of your own hair so everything blends in together. Et voila, you’re now the proud wearer of pretty, natural-looking bangs.

Pros:

They’re crafted from real human hair, so they blend in well with your own hair.
Easy to match to your own hair color and texture, since they come in a few different shades and styles.
Easy to apply.
Awesome value.

Cons:

These extensions blend in so well that you may forget you’re wearing them when you go to bed, in which case they can then become tangled or snarled.

DMS Brazilian Body Wave

Long, luxurious tresses that never go out of style

These DMS extensions add some serious length and thickness to your hair.

Best Long Hair

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Craving super-long tresses? The DMS Brazilian Body Wave extensions are an excellent choice. They’re built to be more seamless than your normal set of extensions, giving them a much more natural look than many other products. The length, the feel, the color: All of it feels and looks natural, since hair looks like it’s growing directly from your scalp. You can choose between five different styles and several lengths, and you can even dye the hair if you need to.

Pros:

Soft, full, and natural-looking; hair looks like it’s growing from your own scalp.
Available in several different colors and styles.
You can dye and style these if desired.

Cons:

The closure is a tad too small, so it can be a little tricky to get these in at first.

Lelinta Bun Extensions

Have some bun fun

A sophisticated bun can be oh-so-flattering, and nothing beats the Hair Bun Extensions from Lelinta.

Best Bun

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Sometimes, there’s nothing like a cute top knot or bun. A bun is a very versatile hairstyle that can be used in a variety of situations, depending on how dressed up or down you are: A polished bun is a great everyday look for school or work, while a sophisticated top knot looks lovely on just about everyone. With the Lelinta Bun Extensions, you don’t have to grow your hair out; you just have to clip them onto your head. These come in a wide variety of styles and shades, and they’re easily adjustable, with a nice, comfy fit. Transform your thin ponytail to a full, voluminous bun in just a matter of seconds.

Pros:

Really wide variety of styles and colors.
Easy to use and very natural-looking.
Fit is snug but comfortable.

Cons:

It’s definitely a lot of hair, so you if you don’t want a thick bun, this probably won’t be the right product for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of hair extensions?

If you’re new to the world of hair extensions, the sheer amount of choices out there can be overwhelming. There are a few different main types of extensions, and these include sew-ins, tape-ins, and bonded extensions.

What type of extensions are right for me?

That all depends on how long you want to keep them in for. Clip-ins and weaves last as long as you want to keep them in, tape-in extensions tend to last for six to eight weeks, and then there are permanent extensions (otherwise known as micro rings or bonds).

Should I get natural hair extensions or synthetic ones?

It’s usually best to opt for actual human hair as opposed to synthetic strands, and you should always try to get the highest-quality extensions possible (even if it means splurging a little). Typically the more expensive extensions are, the better they are for your hair.