Have you ever wanted to change your hair color or style without the hassle of dying it, cutting it, and waiting for it to grow back out? If so, clip-in extensions are a great option. They allow you to experiment with different looks without committing long term. However, when shopping around for them, there is an abundance of options available.

The right clip-in extensions can be the difference between a stylish new look and an embarrassing disaster. Follow these tips to choose the perfect hair extension for you!

Know the types of hair extensions

You need to know the different types of extensions in order to make a well-informed decision. Clip-in, pre-bonded, and weft are the main three types of hair extensions available on the market today.

The clip-ins are an easy way to try new lengths or colors without committing long term, but they must be removed every time you wash your hair. Pre-bonded extensions are sewn into your hair and are the most popular option. They're applied to your natural hair with adhesive, which is why you don't have to take them out when you shower.

Lastly, weft extensions use threading or sewing techniques to attach synthetic hairs onto a mesh backing - this type of extension offers more versatility than clip-in, but it's also the least likely to last for more than a few months.

Pick a color that matches your natural hair

Make sure you match the color of your extensions to that of your natural hair. This will prevent you from having a mismatch in temperatures and keep it looking as realistic and seamless as possible.

To match your color, you need to take the time to know which tones you have in your hair and then find a color that matches it. If you're unsure of what colors are best, talk it over with someone who has experience styling extensions or check out pictures on Instagram - there are plenty of tutorials online for finding the perfect color match!

Consider the time you spend on your hair in the mornings

The time and money it will take to maintain your extensions is a factor you should consider. For instance, if you have very fine hair but live an active lifestyle that may require more frequent shampooing, a clip-in extension might not be the best option for you - they can't handle heat or chemicals as well as weaves.

On the other hand, if you have a lot of time on your hands and want to make sure that your hair is looking fresh, clip-in extensions might be the right choice.

Choose between human and synthetic hairs

If you're trying to match your hair color as closely as possible, human hairs are a good option. The downside is they need more upkeep and care than synthetic extensions (more frequent shampooing, less heat-resistant).

Synthetic strands also create the appearance of thicker hair if that's what you're going for. Synthetic extensions are more easily styled but will wear out quicker than their human counterparts. Human hair extensions also hold curls better. And be warned: if your hair is chemically treated and processed in any way, don't use synthetic extensions. They'll only cause breakage and damage to your hair.

Decide whether or not you want to use heat tools on them

Heat tool usage, such as a straightener, curler, or flat iron, is something to be mindful of. Remember that synthetic hairs will change their characteristics when exposed to this kind of treatment. If you're going to use them on your extensions, make sure they're made from 100% human hair and not chemically treated.

Even when you're using human hair extensions, heat usage is still important to keep in mind. Try not to use them on chemically-treated hair, as they can cause damage and breakage.

Pick a length that will suit your hairstyle needs best

The length of your extension will depend on what hairstyle you're looking to attain. For example, if you want a short hairdo and use clip-ins that measure an inch or two inches in length, the hair must be cut at those lengths before adding them.

If you plan on wearing your extensions for long periods of time (more than a day), you're going to need more of them. It's a good idea to have fun with your extensions, experiment, and play around!

For example, if you want the long hair look but don't want it super dramatic all at once, just add one or two pieces in the front. If you do this frequently enough (every other day), you'll notice that your hair will gradually get longer.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to get clip-in hair extensions, we hope this blog has helped guide your decision and given you some helpful tips. We know that the process can be a little daunting at first, but it’s worth getting used to as they provide an easy way of changing up your look without much fuss. And if there's anything else we missed or any questions left unanswered, please let us know in the comments section below!