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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Clip-in hair extensions are one of those trends that seems too difficult to master at home, but when you get the hang of it, the effects can be transformative—how else can you achieve body, volume, and length in the space of a few minutes? “The key to a seamless clip in hair extension comes down to hair quality, the color, and the length,” says hairstylist Carolyn Gahan.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins. These stylist-approved clip-ins look (and feel) incredibly natural and are thicker than most for added volume and value. For clip-in ponytails, we love the easy-to-install LUXY 20" Ponytail, which features quality wefts and is made from human remy hair.
There are two types of hair extensions—synthetic clip-ins and those made from human hair. Although synthetic clip-ins are cheaper, they have limitations. They can't withstand heat styling and tend to look less natural than human hair. If you opt for a human hair clip-in, look for 100 percent Remy human hair, which means the cuticle is intact, and runs in the same direction for a natural, cascading effect. A human hair clip-in is more expensive, but it blends in better with your own hair to create a more cohesive, natural look. Human hair clip-ins can be dyed and heat styled, which can justify the expense. “Clip-in extensions can be such an easy way to create volume, fullness, length," notes Gahan.
We conducted hours of research on the best clip-in hair extensions, evaluating each on length, type, and shades. We also looked at the number and type of wefts included, a concern when it comes to preventing damage to your hair and creating a seamless look. After consulting with two hair stylists and considering dozens of options, we landed on the following picks.
Best Overall
Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins
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Courtesy of Hidden Crown
Thicker than most options
Various lengths available
Lays flat against scalp
Expensive
Who else recommends it? Vogue also picked the Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins.
A favorite of celebrity hairstylist (and Kardashian glam squad team member) Justine Marjan, Hidden Crown’s extensions are thick, voluminous, and are crafted from 100 percent Remy human hair. (Remy is hair with the cuticle layer still intact which lays in one direction for a smooth, healthy look and finish.)
"Each piece is much thicker than average, so you can use fewer clips to get a full head of hair," she explains. "I also love that the pack comes with one extra-thick piece for the back of the head. Sometimes I use this piece to wrap around the base of a ponytail or for added length and fullness as well."
There are 27 shades available in the range, eight differing length options, and either three-piece or five-piece seamless sets on offer.
Price at time of publish: $149
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 27 | Number of Wefts: 3 original, 5 seamless
Best Overall, Runner-Up
GOO GOO Real Human Hair Extensions
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GOO GOO
Uses PU clips for seamless look
Various lengths available
Easy installation
Limited shade range
These stylist-loved extensions use a special PU weft to ensure a seamless look that won't shed. We love these clip-ins because they're comfortable, lightweight, and easy to apply directly to the scalp. Even novices can expect installation to take no longer than ten minutes. They come in four lengths: 14-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, and 22-inch and in addition to length, add volume as well. Although these extensions only come in seven shades, they can be dyed so you can achieve the perfect match.
Price at time of publish: $98
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 7 | Number of Wefts: 7
Best Shade Range
Glam Seamless Clip-In Hair Extensions
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Glam Seamless Hair Extensions
Various lengths available
Color-friendly
Lays flat against scalp
Expensive
If you want to invest in some luxurious, natural-looking human hair extensions, Glam Seamless is our pick of the bunch. Available in four different lengths and over 60 shades, finding your ideal match is easy (and if you want an identical match, they’re also color-friendly). Another standout feature is the flat clips that sit flush against the scalp—meaning less bulk that will leave everyone none the wiser you’re wearing extensions.
Price at time of publish: $269
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 60+ | Number of Wefts: 7
Best for Fine Hair
Cashmere Hair Clip-In Hair Extensions
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Courtesy of Cashmere Hair
Adds fullness
Lays flat against scalp
Comfortable wear
Expensive
If your hair is on the finer side and you’re worried about clips looking bulky, Cashmere’s flat silicone clips will ensure an undetectable finish. They’re thin and flexible, meaning they sit comfortably on the head without the need for teasing the hair (creating even more unnecessary bulk). The 22 shades ensure it’s easy to find a great match, too.
Price at time of publish: $190
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 22 | Number of Wefts: 8
Best for Long Hair
Bellami Hair Classic Clip-In Extensions
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Bellami
Various lengths available
Shades include difficult to find colors
Expensive
If you want a Kim Kardashian level of length, look no further than Bellami Classic Clip-In Extensions. Made from super soft Remy hair, these double-drawn extensions range from 18 to 24 inches, so you really can live your best Rapunzel life. It’s worth mentioning that Bellami also has a stack of difficult-to-find colors, like bright red, silvery blonde, and varying shades of black.
Price at time of publish: $160
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 17 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4.
Best Ponytail
LUXY 20" Off Black Ponytail
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LUXY
Available in extensive shade range
Easy to put in
60-day exchange policy
Only comes in two lengths
This is one of the best hair extension brands on the market—with thousands of positive reviews and a celeb following. They entire line is made with 100 percent Remy human hair, but we love the ponytail clip-ins because they're so easy to use for an instant upgrade to your look. With 41 shades, you'll be able to find a match, and if you require assistance, the customer support team is reliable and quick. We also love that there's a 60-day period for exchanges and returns.
Price at time of publish: $169
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 41 | Number of Wefts: 9 to 11
Best for Updos
The Hair Shop Skinny Clip-In Single Piece
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Courtesy of The Hair Shop
Smaller pieces can be used where needed
Lays flat against scalp
Fewer brunette shades
Looking for smaller extensions you can use strategically to bulk up buns, twists, and ponytails? The Hair Shop’s clip-in pieces make it easy. Because they’re small, they can be used where needed (as opposed to all over the head), ensuring a seamless finish. The tracks are also slim, so you won’t need to fuss around trying to hide them.
Price at time of publish: $30 to $95
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 27 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, or 4
Best for Beginners
Locks & Mane 12” Clip-In Extensions
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Locks & Mane
Affordable
Simple to use
Limited length selection
Locks & Mane hair extensions come in 14 shades and two different lengths, taking out a lot of the guesswork that comes with choosing the best set. They come as one large or small weft, making it simple to affix them in the hair. While not as voluminous as other options, they still look and feel beautiful while adding fullness and length to your style.
Price at time of publish: $145
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 14 | Number of Wefts: 3 and 8
Best for Curly or Coiled Hair
Kinkistry Kurlgenics Clip-Ins
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Kinkistry
Designed specifically for curly and coiled hair
Various lengths available
Expensive
For curly and coiled hair (specifically 3C to 4A curls), Kinkistry’s Kurlgenics Clip-Ins are great. Made from high-quality human hair and in a natural black/brown shade, each set comes with seven pieces to add volume and thickness to your natural style. The brand does point out that for a full head, it’s likely you’ll need two sets. Each piece is also measured straight, so be mindful when choosing your length that you will lose a few inches with the curl pattern intact.
Price at time of publish: $125
Type: 100 percent human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 2, 3, and 4
Best for Dark Hair
Remy New York Clip In Extensions
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Remy New York
Sustainable and ethically sourced
Various lengths available
Only two shades available
Remy New York is a company that helps women in poverty around the world by providing them with opportunities. The hair is ethically sourced, and the company pays fair wages to women who are provided training in the skills needed to create certain styles with extensions. Remy’s Clip-Ins only come in two shades (black and brunette), but there are eight lengths on offer, making them a great, sustainable option for those with dark hair. Keep in mind they’re single-drawn, so if you have thick hair you might need two sets.
Price at time of publish: $159 to $279
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 2 | Number of Wefts: 1, 3, 5
Best for Highlights and Balayage
ZALA Balayage Clip-In Hair Extensions
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ZALA
Available in dimensional shades
Various lengths available
Triple-drawn for volume
Expensive
So often, those with highlights or balayage miss out on the joys of clip-in extensions because it’s too difficult to find a natural-looking match, but ZALA has a range of shades and styles—like chocolate swirl, burnt toffee, and cheesecake—designed to blend seamlessly with dimensional color. Their entire clip-in range is also triple-drawn for serious volume.
Price at time of publish: $129
Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 25 | Number of Wefts: 5 and 9
Final Verdict
The extensions you choose will come down to your hair type and desired look, but when it comes to best in show, we like the Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins. Not only are they stylist-approved, but they look (and feel) incredibly natural thanks to the comfortable clips and great shade range. Another special mention goes to Glam Seamless Clip-In Hair Extensions for its incredible 60+ strong shade range. For clip-in ponytails, we love the easy-to-install LUXY 20" Ponytail, which features quality wefts and is made from human Remy hair.
Meet the Expert
- Carolyn J. Gahan is the JOICO Artist & Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand, as well as an experienced creative colorist and hairstylist.
- Justine Marjan is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with clients like the Kardashians.
What to Look for When Buying Clip-in Hair Extensions
Natural vs. Synthetic Hair
The main factor to consider when shopping for clip-in extensions is the material used. Gahan explains that Remy human hair is best in terms of quality and finish. It gives a natural look thanks to smooth and intact cuticles, so it blends seamlessly with the rest of your style.
Synthetic extensions tend to look a little more obvious, but they are significantly cheaper, so worth considering if you just want to test it out before committing.
Weft
The weft refers to the length of the extension itself—for example, it might be a smaller 2-inch weft with two clips attached or a longer 6-inch weft with eight clips. Most clip-in extensions come as a set with multiple wefts. If you’re after a full, thick look or you already have thick hair, you’ll typically want more pieces.
You might also see the words "double-drawn" or "double-weft"—this refers to the number of wefts stitched together to make one single piece.
You can expect to use anywhere from four to eight wefts for clip-in extensions.
Color and Length
The other important things to consider are color and length. "If you're planning on wearing the extensions in an updo or ponytail, it's less crucial on matching perfectly, and you can go a little longer with the length,” says Gahan. “However, if you plan to wear them with your hair out, they will need to be close to perfect and not a huge contrast in length from your natural hair.”
Length is a personal preference, but sticking within a few inches of your natural length will ensure the most believable finish. When in doubt, go longer—you can always take them to your hairstylist for a trim.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Emily Algar has plenty of experience with clip-in extensions (some good, some bad), so she knows the features to look out for as well as those to avoid. As a beauty expert and journalist, she’s also spent the greater part of the last six years interviewing hairstylists, so she's picked up a few tips and tricks along the way.
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