How to buy the right hair extensions online

Beauty

Hair extensions are a popular way for women to transform their look by instantly adding length and volume. And the good news is that it’s easier than ever to find your perfect hair extensions by buying from a hair extensions online shop.

However, with so many choices to make when buying online – brand, texture, length, color and installation method – it can feel overwhelming making a decision.  

To help you find the right hair extensions for your needs and desired look, this guide will take you through the key factors to consider.

1) Decide what kind of hair extensions you want

The first step when buying hair extensions online is to decide what type of extension is the best fit for you, as different methods have varying levels of convenience, longevity, and maintenance.

  • Clip-in extensions: These are one of the most popular options as they are easy to install, removable, and are ideal for occasional wear. If you are looking for longer or fuller hair for a special occasion or a night out, you might choose clip-ins.
  • Tape-in extensions: These are semi-permanent and are usually installed by a professional stylist. They lie flat against your scalp and blend naturally with your hair, which makes them a good choice if you are looking for a longer-term solution.
  • Sew-in or weave extensions: These are usually used for thicker hair types and are braided into your natural hair. They give you long-lasting volume and length, but need to be installed by a professional.
  • Halo extensions: These sit on your head like a hidden wire. They are one of the quickest ways to get extra length without clips or glue.

As you can see, there are a few choices. Before buying hair extensions online, think about how often you plan to wear them and how much time you want to spend styling and maintaining them.

2) Choose whether you want human or synthetic hair

One of the biggest decisions to make when buying hair extensions online is to choose whether you want human hair or synthetic hair.

  • Human hair extensions look more natural because they behave like your own hair. They can also be washed, styled, curled, and straightened with heat tools. High-quality human hair extensions last much longer when properly cared for.
  • Synthetic hair extensions are usually cheaper but they can’t always handle heat styling and may not blend as seamlessly as human hair. They can work well for temporary styles, but they don’t usually last as long.  

Given these differences, if you are looking for a natural, long-term solution, human hair is usually a wiser investment.

3) Match your color

Color matching is one of the most important things to consider when buying hair extensions online. If the color doesn’t blend with your natural hair, then your extensions will be obvious.

Many brands offer color matching services where you can send a photo of your hair in natural lighting. Some also provide detailed shade guides or comparison charts to help you select the closest match.

For a more seamless blend, it’s recommended to match extensions to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, rather than the roots.

If you’re between two shades, you might want to choose the slightly lighter one as it can be toned or styled to blend more easily.

4) Select the right length

Hair extensions usually come in lengths ranging from around 12 inches to 26 inches or longer. When picking a length, think about the style you want and your current hair length.

If your natural hair is short, very long extensions will look less natural, as you will have a more noticeable transition between your hair and the extensions.

For the most natural appearance, many stylists recommend choosing extensions that are no more than 4 to 6 inches longer than your natural hair. You can also achieve a smoother blend by layering and styling,

5) Check the thickness you want

The thickness of your hair extensions will be decided by the hair weight, which is usually measured in grams. If your hair extensions are too thin, they might not give you the volume you want. But if they are too thick, they can feel heavy or difficult to blend.

As a general guideline:

  • 70–120g will give you light volume
  • 120–180g will give you medium thickness
  • 180–220g or more will give you thick hair and dramatic volume

Read the product description carefully before you order, to ensure you choose the right density for your desired look.

6) Read the reviews

It’s very important to read reviews of an online shop before ordering, especially as you can’t physically see the hair extensions before buying them. In particular, look for reviews that include photos, as these can show how the extensions will look in real life.

Pay attention to comments about:

  • Hair softness
  • Shedding
  • Tangling
  • Color accuracy
  • Longevity

Also check whether the company offers a return policy or exchange option in case the color or quality you’ve chosen doesn’t meet your expectations.

7) Think about the maintenance needed

And finally, hair extensions need proper care to stay soft, smooth, and long-lasting. So before you buy, make sure you’re prepared for the level of maintenance involved.

Most high-quality extensions should be washed with sulfate-free shampoo, gently brushed with an extension-friendly brush, and stored properly when you’re not using them. 

Human hair extensions can last anywhere from six months to over a year with the right care, which can make them a worthwhile investment.