Choosing Your Length (A Guide To Clip In Hair Extensions; Part 2)

The main reason people choose to purchase clip in hair extensions is to add length to their hair, but how long should you go?

In part 2 of my Guide To Clip In Hair Extensions I will help you understand which length of hair extension you should purchase.  Although I am writing about clip ins, most of this information applies to all types of extensions.

(Check out Part 1 here for a general overview of clip ins.)

There are a few general guidelines you should follow to achieve natural looking extensions. Nobody wants to be 'that girl' who so obviously is wearing extensions! They should blend as much as possible with your natural hair.

The chart below is a good visual guide of how long each length of extensions generally appears.



Be aware that where you place the extensions on your head will affect how long your extensions appear.  The best way I have found to estimate how long you want your extensions is to measure from about an inch above your ear, or wherever you will be placing your extension, to where you want your length to end.


How long should you go?
If you have chin length hair and want hair down to your waist, it might not blend as well as you hope.  Choose an appropriate length to blend with you hair.

• If your hair is shoulder length or shorter, the longest length of hair you should choose for optimal blending is two hand lengths longer than your existing length. Stack your hands horizontally on top of each other starting at the longest point of your hair to get the length best for you.  (Or have someone else help!)  This should be about 8" or so, but is a quick way to measure.
• If your hair is longer than shoulder length, you have a bit more freedom in choosing how long you want to go with your extension length.  The two hand rule is still best for blending, but you can get away with a longer length if you wish.

Blend, Blend, Blend!

Having your extensions blended is sooo important in order for your hair extensions to look natural and beautiful!  If you purchase clip in hair extensions online, they will not come precut.  Take your extensions to a professional hair stylist who has experience cutting extensions and ask them to layer and cut your extensions to blend with your natural hair.

Length Depending on the Type Of Extensions

• For a Single Clip In Extension choose a length which matches your own.  You may also want to layer the extension to blend with the way the front of your hair is cut.
• The best length for a Half Head of Extensions matches the length of your natural hair.  They also should be layered to blend.  I have seen a half head add a small amount of length to long thin hair, but do not purchase them counting on this!
• When deciding length for a Full Head of Extensions, refer to the above rules.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions!  hairloveshoppe@gmail.com