How to Choose Hair Extension Length

Co-authored by Madeleine Johnson and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 20, 2020 References

Hair extensions are a cute and subtle way to add length or volume to your hair without waiting for your hair to grow out.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Madeleine Johnson
Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 December 2019.} Picking the right length can be tough, especially if you are looking for a blended look to seamlessly incorporate your extensions in your hair. You can use some general length and thickness guidelines to keep your extensions looking as flawless as your natural hair does on its own.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding a Natural Length

1
Measure the length of your hair from your ears down. Take a measuring tape and place it about 1 in (2.5 cm) above the top of your ear. Look at where the end of your hair stops and write down the length of your hair.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you have curly hair, pull your hair straight to measure the entire length.
Tip: Hair extensions usually sit right above your ears, which is why you measure from there and not the top of your head.
2
Choose extensions 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than your hair to add volume. If your hair is more fine and you’d like to add some dimension to it, buy hair extensions that are only a little bit longer than your natural hair length. These will blend in nicely and add more volume than length.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- For instance, if your natural hair is 10 inches (25 cm) long, choose 12 in (30 cm) hair extensions.
Advertisement
3
Select extensions within 4 inches (10 cm) of your natural length for the best blend. If you are looking for a natural look, choose extensions that are a few inches longer than your hair length. These will blend in well with your hair length and look natural.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Even if you don’t want a full extra 4 inches (10 cm) of length, you should still get extensions that long so there is some room to trim them as you blend.
4
Pick 12 in (30 cm) extensions if you have shoulder-length hair. Short extensions look great on people with shorter hair, and they blend extremely well. Stick with extensions that will add some subtle volume and length to blend nicely into your natural hair.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you have short hair and you want to add a lot of length, you can wear longer extensions. However, they may not blend as well.
5
Buy 16 in (41 cm) extensions if your hair is at your collar bone. Extensions at this length usually hit around bust level on most people. Try these extensions if you want a nice blended look with some added length and volume.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you have a petite frame, these extensions may go below your bust.
6
Go with 20 in (51 cm) extensions if your hair is below your chest. If you have long hair, you can handle extensions that are longer to add some length and volume. These extensions will hit just below bust level on most people.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you have a petite frame, extensions this long could hit around waist-length for you.
7
Purchase 24 in (61 cm) extensions if your hair falls to the middle of your back. If you have super long hair, you can add the longest extensions to make your hair fall near your waist. Extensions this long are great for a bold look to match your already long hair.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If your hair isn’t long but you want a ton of length, you can wear these extensions. However, it will take a lot of blending to make them look natural.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Picking the Right Thickness

1
Gather your hair into a ponytail to see how thick it is. If your ponytail is less than 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick, you probably have fine hair. If your ponytail is between 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm), you have medium or average thickness. If your ponytail is larger than 4 inches (10 cm) around, you have thick hair.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Tip: If your hair is too short to put into a ponytail, try looking at your part in the mirror. If you can see your scalp clearly, you have fine hair. If you can only see it a little bit, you have medium or average hair. If you can barely see your scalp at all, you probably have thick hair.
2
Choose 100-gram extensions if you have fine hair. These are the thinnest extensions available. They'll work well for you if you have fine hair and will blend seamlessly.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Adding thicker extensions will make your hair look uneven. If you have fine hair you should stick with fine extensions, even if you are looking to add volume.
3
Pick extensions that weigh 180 grams if you have average hair. Extensions for medium or average hair usually weigh around 180 grams. These extensions are perfect for you if your hair is in between super thick and super fine. Try not to choose extensions that are too thick or too fine, or they could make your hair look uneven.^{[11]
X
Research source}
4
Buy 200-gram extensions if you have thick hair. These are the thickest extensions on the market. They'll look great on you if you have super thick hair, especially if it is curly.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Choosing extensions that are too thin can make the ends of your hair seem thinner than they actually are.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can I go swimming if I have hair extensions?

Madeleine Johnson
Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist
Madeleine Johnson is a Hair Stylist and Hair Extensions Specialist based in Beverly Hills, California. She is affiliated with Hair by Violet Salon in Beverly Hills. Madeleine has over six years of hairstyling experience as a licensed cosmetologist. She specializes in microbead extensions and tape-in extensions. She trained under celebrity extension artist Violet Teriti (Chaviv Hair) and earned her cosmetology license from Santa Monica College.

Madeleine Johnson

Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist

Expert Answer

Before swimming in a pool or in the ocean, I advise my clients to take a shower first so their hair gets absorbed with clean water. When showering, use a conditioner on your hair to protect it from chemicals or salt, which can cause your hair to dry out or become discolored.
Question

How do you take care of hair extensions?

Madeleine Johnson
Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist
Madeleine Johnson is a Hair Stylist and Hair Extensions Specialist based in Beverly Hills, California. She is affiliated with Hair by Violet Salon in Beverly Hills. Madeleine has over six years of hairstyling experience as a licensed cosmetologist. She specializes in microbead extensions and tape-in extensions. She trained under celebrity extension artist Violet Teriti (Chaviv Hair) and earned her cosmetology license from Santa Monica College.

Madeleine Johnson

Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist

Expert Answer

Treat your hair extensions like your natural hair. Brush your extensions daily, put up your hair at night, and use conditioner to moisturize and protect your extensions.