You know the phrase, “long hair, don’t care”? I can confirm there’s some truth behind that statement, especially after testing a dozen of the best clip-in hair extensions. My realization: there’s a special kind of confidence that comes with longer, fuller hair. The best part is that clip-ins require no commitment, unlike bonded, tape-in, or other in-salon extensions.
After experimenting with a ton of different options, I landed on Cashmere Hair’s Seamless Clip-In Extensions as my favorite overall. They were easy to apply and blended in with my natural hair better than all the other options I tried. But if you’re looking for a halo, ponytail clip-in, or elusive curly-hair extensions, I found amazing options for you too.
The best clip-in hair extensions, at a glance
Featured in this articleBest for Thin Hair:
Zala 16″ Seamless Clip-In Vegan Hair Extensions Volumizer
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Best Overall: Cashmere Hair Classic Clip-In Extensions
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Ashley Calle testing Cashmere Hair Classic Clip-In Extensions
Cashmere Hair Classic Clip-In Extensions
- Pros: Made with human hair, Soft and shiny
- Cons: They’re pricey
These were recommended to me by a friend who frequently wears clip-ins (and just wore them at her wedding). Not only are they seamless to apply and undetectable in appearance, but they’re made of 100% Indian Remy real human hair, which means all the cuticles are running in the same direction. This translates into a super high-quality product—smooth, shiny, and virtually tangle-proof. I got the 24-inch set in the color Rodeo Drive Blonde—but they have a good selection of hair colors from jet black to platinum blonde—and both the color and length blended in well with my hair. They come in five other length options, too: 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24, plus the shorter you need, the cheaper they are. I had another frontrunner in mind until I tried these—they’re that good. They felt utterly weightless in my hair, but added unbelievable, yet natural-looking fullness. Their ends were also the most natural-looking and blended in best with the rest of my hair, whereas some others look more blunt and fake. I felt like a whole new person with these: hotter, sassier, and overall more confident.
Best for Thin Hair: Zala 16″ Seamless Clip-In Vegan Hair Extensions Volumizer
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Lisa DeSantis testing Zala 16″ Seamless Clip-In Vegan Hair Extensions Volumizer
Zala 16″ Seamless Clip-In Vegan Hair Extensions Volumizer
- Pros: It’s budget-friendly, You don’t have too many pieces to insert
- Cons: It’s less customizable
While most people immediately associate clip-in extensions with length, they also give incredible volume, making thin hair look more dense. Lots of extensions, including many on this list, come with multiple clip-in pieces, so you can customize how many you want to add, but I love that this is one single, lightweight, volume-boosting piece that, when positioned right, will look completely natural. When you start to mess around with clipping multiple tracks all over your head, the probability that one peeks through—especially on someone with thin hair or hair loss–goes up, and only dealing with one piece minimizes that concern. They also offer an extensive shade range with plenty of ombré and balayage colors, along with trendier shades like mocha and chestnut brown for a believable color match.
Best for Fine Hair: BFB Hair Classic
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Sarah testing TK
- Pros: They stay clipped into hair securely, There are lots of shades to choose from (29!)
- Cons: They’re pricey
A fine-haired friend of mine asked for my recommendation for clip-in extensions to wear on her wedding day and BFB immediately came to mind after trying them years ago. (They served her well, and she looked stunning on her big day.) I put them to the test again for good measure and found that their clips fit super securely, but didn’t pull on my fine hair, nor did they feel like they were going to slip out, which can sometimes happen on less-than-thick strands. Even without applying a full head of the seven wefts of 100% Remy hair that come in the pack, my hair was noticeably fuller. A little BTS tidbit for you: the brand was founded by influencer Amber Fillerup who initially grew her following by creating swoon-worthy braided hairstyles that I normally wouldn’t be able to achieve with my finer strands. After braiding with these clip-ins, I was finally able to replicate some of her looks.
Best Ponytail: Luxy Hair Ponytail
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Lisa DeSantis testing Luxy Hair Ponytail
- Pros: It requires no additional styling, It’s one piece
- Cons: It wasn’t long enough for my hair
A few years ago, I was running late for a wedding and didn’t have time to do anything with my hair, so I decided to try the Luxy Hair Ponytail. It quite literally saved the day and got me so many compliments. The version I had then was a wavy one, which is no longer on their site, but for the sake of this story, I tried their current version—a 20-inch piece of 100% Remy real human hair that adds instant volume and polish— and it did not disappoint (it comes in a 16-inch, too). It has several prongs that attach on top of your natural ponytail or bun, but my favorite part is the velcro hair strand that wraps around the base of your pony for an elevated look that ties everything together.
Best Halo: Hidden Crown Halo
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Original photo from Lisa DeSantis testing Hidden Crown Halo
- Pros: It’s just one piece, no clips to deal with, Once, you know what you’re doing, the application is quick and easy
- Cons: It takes a bit to figure out the first application, The wire may be noticeable at the hairline
