The 15 Best Hair Extensions for Instant Volume and Length (2024)

We bet you’ve heard this name before—and with good reason. In the world of hair extensions, Bellami has long been a household name because it offers both 100 percent certified Remy hair and high-quality synthetic hair, which is often difficult to find. The strand quality is top-tier, and there are options for every styling need: bangs, ponytails, long-length clip-ins, sew-in, tape-in, and other bonded varieties. There's also an extensive range of shades available.And if you're unsure about shade matching, there are Bellami Beauty Bar locations in Houston, Las Vegas, and New York.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 43 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

While the general rule with hair extensions is that you get what you pay for, youcanfind affordable options that are good quality. While Vario might not have the varied choices of some more expensive brands, the brand does offer high-quality, double-weft human hair. So, whip your new hair back and forth while you save some pennies.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 15 | Number of Wefts: 7

The Hair Shop is an industry favorite known for offering excellent products. Opt for the naked or skinny clip-ins if you already havethick hairbut want to pump up the volume. They are super easy to install if you start with the right cut. "Anyone with thick hair should avoid starting from a blunt bob or short cut when trying to achieve a long length and avoid a choppy-looking extension," says Ramirez. "The best way to blend extensions is to razor-cut or thin out ends."

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 51 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

If you've heard Glam Seamless mentioned in the same breath as Bellami, that's because the brand offers comparable quality at a more affordable price. Glam Seamless extensions are known for their smooth, silky appearance and longevity—the tape-in and sew-in extensions last up to 12 weeks and can be reused three times if you care for them the same way you would your natural locks.

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 70+ | Number of Wefts: 7

Kinkistry takes the guesswork out of matching the texture of extensions to your natural curl pattern. The Black-owned brand offers weft hair wigs, clip-ins, and ponytails ranging in curl patterns from 2b to 4c. Also, it's all 100 percent virgin hair—if you take good care of it, you'll be amazed at how long it lasts.

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

Everyone from Oprah to Jorja Smith has sung the praises of Indique Hair. “The hair is high-quality, natural, unprocessed human hair,” Ramirez affirms. With wigs, clips, bulk, and wefted hair options, you can find the style, shade, and texture that suits you best. If you’re not convinced, go in and touch the hair for yourself—the brand has brick-and-mortar locations across the country.

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 10

What began as a family business has grown into a global brand. Richy Hair is known for hand-selecting Russian-Siberian virgin hair and soaking it in a cold, protein-infused bath for at least four weeks to naturally prepare it to be dyed. The result? Undamaged hair that's probably softer and more luxurious than your own natural locks.

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 27 | Number of Wefts: N/A

Dressing up your natural hair with extensions is fun, but the industry has a history of unethical harvesting.Great Lengthsis beloved by consumers who want to know where and from whom their natural hair extensions are sourced. The brand buys its Remy raw hair from Indian temples, which receive it through voluntary donations and use the proceeds to support local charities. Each set of extensions comes from one person to ensure a consistent look and texture and is bundled in Italy.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 80+ | Number of Wefts: N/A

Another industry favorite, Hotheads is beloved for its long-lasting extensions—they're fast and easy to install, don't damage your hair, and are easy to maintain. Available in more than 40 colors, they're a great option if you want to add major length.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 40+ | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

A quick scroll ofTrue Indian Hair's social mediawill give you an idea of the kind of star power invested in the brand. Sourced from Brazil and donors at Indian temples, the brand's extensions come in various textures, colors, styles, and closures. True Indian has the tresses to match any hair vision.

Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 8+ | Number of Wefts: 1

Clip-in extensions are a great option if you're looking for temporary length and fullness, but securing them can be tricky and uncomfortable. The innovative clip-ins from Cashmere Hair are easy to install, and they have a silicone-adhesive base, so you don't have to tease your roots first—eliminating the risk of damage to your own strands. A win-win.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 22 | Number of Wefts: 8

Everyone knowsgrowing locstakes a lot of time and energy. If you want to achieve the look without all the hassle, there’s a simple solution: Boho Locs. Handmade from synthetic Kanekalon hair, these locs are light enough to not pull out your natural hair. Choose your desired curl pattern, color, thickness, and length, and get ready to show off the ultimate natural look.

Type: Synthetic | Shades: 19 | Number of Wefts: 6

If you're looking for an affordable option in a range of natural-looking shades, Locks and Mane is a winner. Made of Remy human hair, these clip-in extensions come in expertly mixed shades that blend different undertones to mimic what natural hair looks like in sunlight. The result is natural-looking extensions that blend with your own hair and never look too monochromatic, which can look fake. Along with 12- and 18-inch options, they also come in super cute top knot and ponytail options.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 14 | Number of Wefts: 2

These layered extensions use a unique wire system that allows your own hair to hold them in place and deliver tons of volume. Since, unlike traditional extensions, they are not secured at the roots, they're ideal for sensitive scalps. If your hair is on the finer side, you'll love that these have 3-4 layers to give added dimension at the roots. They also come in a wide shade range that includes balayage options and 18- and 22-inch lengths. Though they're on the expensive side, a quick peek at the company's Instagram shows how popular they are with everyone from celebrities, including Kristin Cavallari and Kim Petras, to hair stylists and people with thinning hair and hair loss.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 30 | Number of Wefts: N/A

For full-on glam ponytail styles—think Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande—you need these synthetic extensions. Choose from loose or spiral wave, braided, layered curls, kinky curls, and straight options for every kind of updo. We love that they're available in extra-long lengths up to 34 inches and fun colors like powder blue. They're also easy to use with no learning curve if you're new to hair extensions.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 23+ | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4

Another great ponytail option is this pick from Remy New York. Although it only has black and brunette color options, it comes in eight lengths—from 10 inches to 24 inches. This brand only sells 100 percent virgin Remy human hair, meaning it hasn't been dyed or processed in any way. Their mission is to sell hair that's been ethically sourced worldwide, as well as paying fair wages for their workers—so you can trust that this hair is going to a good cause.

Type:100 percent Remy human hair |Shades:2 |Number of Wefts:N/A

Braiding hair is probably one of the most popular types of extensions for those with textured hair, and the hair from Darling is some of the best you can get at a reasonable price. It's made with 100 percent Kanekalon synthetic hair, and it's easy to use. It blends easily well for both natural and straightened hair types, and has a soft texture that doesn't tangle as you braid. We love that they have multiple types and textures of hair to choose from, with a variety of shades.

Type:100 percent Kanekalon hair |Shades:5 |Number of Wefts:N/A

Meet the Expert

FAQ

• How do I care for my hair extensions?

  Whether you opt to use sew-in, tape-in, or clip-in extensions, Hachaturianc advises using a sulfate-free shampoo to wash them. And in the case of sew-ins and tape-ins, avoid placing oily masks or conditioners on the scalp area, as this can loosen the band. “Try to brush your hair twice a day using a special brush for hair extensions,” Hachaturianc says. “For tape extensions, I would wear them in a loose ponytail or braid when you go to sleep to ensure they are not getting tangled.” Be sure to let them air dry flat and avoid using heat unless the care instructions specifically say to.

• Which type of hair extensions last the longest?

  I-tip extensions, which are typically applied strand by strand, can last for three to six months, depending on hair growth. Keratin extensions, which are applied using a heating tool,last for around three to five monthsas well. Other sew-in and tape-in options last anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows, while clip-ins can last for as little as a day. You can get more life out of your sew-in and tape-ins, though, by having them moved up along with your hair growth every six to eight weeks.

• Can I wear my hair extensions every day?

  Certain types of hair extensions can definitely be worn every day, especially if they’re taped or sewn in, but Hachaturianc advises against wearing clip-ins daily. “I wouldn’t advise wearing them on a daily basis as they are quite heavy and can pull hair,” she says.

• How much should I expect to pay for hair extensions?

  The price of hair extensions can range from around $30 for a single clip-in made of synthetic hair to several hundred dollars for tape-in wefts or a halo to $3,000 (and up!) for a full head of bonded extensions. Most types of semi-permanent extensions have to be installed by a professional hairstylist, which adds to the expense.

1. Dlova NC, Ferguson NN, Rorex JN, Todd G. Synthetic hair extensions causing irritant contact dermatitis in patients with a history of atopy: A report of 10 cases. Contact Dermatitis. 2021 Feb 28. doi: 10.1111/cod.13825. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33641162.