Clip-in hair extensions give you instant length, plus you can take them out whenever you like since they're not permanent. They can even add volume to thinning hair and plump up your ponytail or updo. With so many styles out there, including brightly coloured synthetic extensions, ombre or balayage-style pieces and natural-looking 'Remy' locks made from real human hair, it can be hard to pick the right ones.
Whether you're after curly clip-ins or sleek faux tresses, we're here to guide you through the process. Don't miss our reviews of the best brands to buy online at ASOS and Amazon! Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Claire Higgins for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Clip-in Hair Extensions
Easilocks
A Synthetic Option That Can Be Styled Like the Real Thing
A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!
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Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions from bridal to backstage at photo shoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training, and when she gets the chance, enjoys sharing her expertise hosting live talks on her social media. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!
Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup application and also get inspired to try new looks!
Key Points to Consider
The main advantage of synthetic hair is that when you wash, brush or store it, it will stay looking the same ― so you don't need to style it! It takes long enough to do your hair in the morning without having to sort out your hair extensions too, right? Plus, since synthetic hair doesn't get frizzy or lanky, it's ideal for all weather conditions.
On the downside, synthetic hair is much harder to style (even if it is heat-resistant) and extensions made from this material doesn't last that long either ― usually up to 6 months.
It can also be tricky to find synthetic hair that looks real because it has an unnatural shine to it. Luckily, there are lots of high-quality options out there that have a slightly more matte appearance, if you're willing to spend a bit more money, or you can always reduce shine with a spritz of dry shampoo!
You can find the perfect hair curler for your new locks here!
Human hair looks and feels realistic because, of course, it's just like the hair on your head. It'll even reflect light and have natural highlights, so most people won't notice you're wearing extensions.
While you get all the benefits of human hair, like a nice soft texture and a natural look, you'll also have to deal with some of the negatives ― it'll get frizzy when it's humid, and curls will fall flat. So, you'll need to look after it like it's your actual hair!
Natural hair extensions generally last longer than synthetic ones, even up to a few years if you don't style them. For the highest quality extensions, look for ones that are made from 'Remy' hair. This means that the strands have been very carefully selected and remain aligned in the natural direction that the hair grew, resulting in superior quality hair with an incredibly realistic look and feel.
Although human hair extensions are more expensive to buy, they can be treated with oils, serums, and conditioners to achieve a healthy shine and maintain good conditions. Whereas synthetic hair would not benefit from the use of the product due to the fibers being made from plastic.
Banish frizzy hair for good with a nourishing anti-frizz serum!
Hair extensions come in lots of different lengths, starting at 8" (bob length) and going up to 24" (hip length), rising in multiples of two.
For a realistic look, pick hair extensions no more than four inches longer than your natural hair. You should only wear 22" clip-ins if your hair is past shoulder length so that it looks natural and can support the weight of the extensions. It's best not to use hair extensions if you have a pixie cut though because your locks need to be long enough to hide the clips.
Hair extensions can also look longer or shorter depending on how tall you are. You can always measure the length to see how they look but, generally speaking, 16" to 18" ones work well on a petite frame and 22" to 24" ones work best on taller people.
You'll often see the terms 'full head' and '3/4 head' mentioned when you're shopping for hair extensions ― this tells you the amount of coverage that they offer. Full head hair extensions are for length changes and typically come in a set of 5-10 pieces, which will create a full-bodied look based on a person with an average amount of hair or someone with thick tresses.
The 3/4 head packs, which have one or two pieces, are great for adding extra volume to fine hair. If you buy extensions that are the same length as your hair, it'll make your hair appear thicker and hide any stringy spit ends. Perfect if your hair is starting to thin and you'd like to give it a boost!
Hair extensions come in different textures, such as curly, wavy and straight, as well as all sorts of colours. While you can certainly style or dye hair extensions, it saves a lot of time to pick ones that are already a good match for you or that have your desired texture.
Certain brands offer more colour options than others, which is something to be aware of if you're seeking a natural look and your hair isn't a 'standard' colour like brown or blonde. Some even produce ombre and balayage-style extensions for those who prefer a blend of shades over one block colour.
You can also go with colours that don't match your natural hair as they can be used to act as highlights to add dimension to single-toned hair. Thus saving a lot of money on regular trips to the hairdressers, especially when you don't want to commit to a permanent colour.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pesonlook Ombre Clip-in Hair Extensions | ![]() | Ombre Rainbow Locks That Are Ideal for Parties | |
2 | Wildest Dreams Full Head Human Hair Extension | ![]() | The Perfect Large Pack for Thick Hair | |
3 | LullaBellz Super Thick Wavy Hair Extensions | ![]() | Wavy Extensions That Hold Their Shape All Day | |
4 | Easilocks Miracle Makeover HD Fibre Clip-in Hair Extensions | ![]() | A Synthetic Option That Can Be Styled Like the Real Thing | |
5 | SEGO Clip-in Hair Extension One Piece | ![]() | Real Hair You Can Cut and Dye for a Natural Look | |
6 | Lullabellz Thick Straight Clip-in Hair Extensions | ![]() | Add Volume Instantly With This Thick One-Piece | |
7 | Elailite Real Remy Clip-in Hair Extensions | ![]() | Soft, Silky Real Hair That Stays Tangle-Free |
Need a fun, eye-catching look for a party or special occasion? We love these 20" extensions that have a stunning ombre finish and come in 15 different colours, including pink, purple, green and yellow. They're perfect for trying out a rainbow style without the stress of dyeing each section of hair.
Made from heat-resistant Kanekalon synthetic fibre, these extensions are lightweight and won't shed or tangle. They have a super silky texture too that you'll want to run your hands through. For such a low price, we think they're a bargain!
There are ten clip-in hair extension pieces in this pack by Wildest Dream, so it's ideal for those with thick hair who would like to add some extra inches. There are six small pieces as well as four large sections, so these clip-ins will look well blended throughout.
We should mention the quality of these too ― they're a decent weight (not too light) so you know they'll be thick and offer good coverage. They might cost a little more upfront, but these hair extensions are excellent value for money, especially considering how many pieces are included.
These hair extensions offer beautiful blow-dried waves that hold their shape no matter how much you brush or wash them. If your curls tend to drop as the day goes on, this is a brilliant solution! The wavy texture will add volume too, and the number of pieces will cover your whole head to add length.
Just be mindful that these are synthetic hair clip-ins and they do have a fair bit of a shine to them. They're also very limited in terms of colours, with only three shades available: chestnut, golden blonde and strawberry blonde.
These hair extensions are made from HD memory fibre, so when you wash them they'll maintain their previous style to save you time. They can be shampooed, blow-dried and styled with heat up to 150 degrees ― essentially, they have the benefits of both human hair and synthetic locks!
The two-piece set from popular brand Easilocks features long and short pieces that you can clip together to create a natural effect while you boost volume. Alternatively, you could use each piece separately to create different looks.
This one-piece is crafted from human hair so it can be dyed, cut and styled to create a natural blend with your real hair. We think it's an affordable option for anyone who wants to try out hair extensions without committing to the full head price. There are also bigger packs of heavier pieces available if you need extra extensions.
Although the texture of this hair is nice and thick at the top, it does get thinner towards the end which may be a problem for those seeking thicker-looking tresses. Not to worry though, you can solve that problem by buying a piece that's a few inches longer and cutting it to your preferred length.
Looking to add volume above all else? This thick, pre-styled hairpiece can help ― just clip it in and you're ready to go! Not only does this extension have a soft feel, but it's superb quality for the low price. You can even touch it up with heat styling tools (only up to a temperature of 180 degrees) and it won't get damaged.
As is to be expected from synthetic locks, this hairpiece does have a shine to it that doesn't look completely realistic, but if you use it underneath for volume then your natural hair will cover it anyway. Or, spritz on some dry shampoo to reduce the shine!
Here are some human hair extensions that you can bleach, dye and style, with the chosen style lasting for a whole year! There are 29 different colours to choose from, so you're sure to find one that matches your real hair. You can even make use of Elailite's free colour match service by sending in a photo.
Although this is supposed to be a full head pack, we think the hair in each piece is rather thin. Since you'll likely want your clip-ins to blend in effortlessly with your natural hair, we'd recommend buying a few packs to create a look that has volume.
Unsure how to attach your new clip-in hair extensions? Follow these three simple steps:
It all depends on how well you care for your extensions ― most synthetic ones are designed to last around 3-6 months with regular use, but if you take extra care when washing and drying them then they can easily last up to a year!
While there's no rule that you can't wear clip-in extensions every day, you should make sure that you attach them correctly. Otherwise, you may put a strain on your scalp which can lead to soreness and headaches.
No, you should remove them at bedtime to prevent injury. Not only will tossing and turning during the night tug at your hair and potentially hurt your scalp, but you're likely to damage the extensions too!
Written and researched by Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: Pesonlook|Ombre Clip-in Hair Extensions
No. 2: Wildest Dreams|Full Head Human Hair Extension
No. 3: LullaBellz|Super Thick Wavy Hair Extensions
No. 4: Easilocks|Miracle Makeover HD Fibre Clip-in Hair Extensions
No. 5: SEGO|Clip-in Hair Extension One Piece
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