Hair Extension Lengths: Everything You Need to Know

New to hair extensions and not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect length for your extensions so you can achieve that flawless look. Picking the wrong length can make your extensions stand out in all the wrong ways—after all, we don’t want to spoil your secret unless you’re ready to show it off to the world!

In this post, we’re offering a comprehensive guide to selecting hair extension lengths to help you find the correct length for your customers, or for your own hair.

Also Read: Best Hair Extensions for Thin/Fine hair, why and how?

Hair Extension Length Chart

Extension hair may show different hair extension lengths when it comes to straight, wavy, or curly. This hair extension length chart is everything you need when deciding on extension lengths.

Hair Extension Lengths Reference Charts

Before we talk about what hair extensions suit what particular hair type. Let’s first identify your hair type following the hair chart below:

Basically, there are four basic hair types, indicating there are four types of hair textures: straight, wavy, curly, and tight curly. The fourth type is usually referred to as coily or kinky. To get a precise hair extension length, both texture and height should be considered before measuring. Remember, extensions are measured straight! Go 2 inches longer for wavy and 4 inches for curly, so they don’t shrink up on you.

What Are Medium Length Hair Extensions?

Medium hair extensions range from 14 to 18 inches, but people with curly hair may need up to 24 inches of length, most of whom get 20 inch hair for their extensions.

Shoulder Length

Your customer’s hair doesn’t have to be the same length as their shoulders to qualify for shoulder-length hair extensions.

For this short hair length, you’ll just want to make sure the extensions are distributed evenly so you, or your customer, don’t have too much weight or volume on one area of the head.

Bra Strap Length

A person with bra strap hair is at the far end of the medium hair extension lengths chart. You’ll want strands 16-20 inches long to ensure you get the right hair extensions.

Sometimes, people with shorter hair like to buy this length of hair extensions and clip them behind their ears or at the base of their neck to make a unique hairstyle. Remember that curly and wavy clip-ins are pulled straight before they’re measured. You’ll need to do the same if you want the strands to perfectly match your current haircut.

What Are Long Hair Extensions?

Longer hair can become thick and unruly if you have too many extensions. The trick is to get the right hair extension lengths and add just enough strands to provide extra volume without disturbing the hair’s natural look.

Most strands won’t be longer than 26 inches, so the best length will be somewhere between 24 and 26 inches. You can always trim the strands to the perfect length for your natural hair.

What Extension Lengths Are Considered Extra Long?

Long hair is anything past the bra strap length. However, if your hair is past the middle of your back, you may have trouble finding the right length.

In these instances, it’s better to make the hair extension length “complementary”, since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get your natural length. Adding the extensions all around the scalp will make your hair look thick and healthy.

This is also a good method for people who want to blend in a few strands of extra color without dying their own hair.

Which Extension Hair Length is Right for You?

Let’s break down the positives and negatives of the most popular lengths so you can determine which ones are best for you or your customers.

Height Check Before You Choose

Your height plays a big role in how extensions look on you. If you’re on the petite side, stick to 12”-18” lengths for a balanced look. For taller ladies, 20”-24” extensions could work better, giving you that perfect flow.

According to most hair experts, if your natural hair is down to your chest, then 20-inch hair extensions (51 cm) and 22-inch hair extensions (55 cm) are perfect lengths for you. As your natural hair is longer, it can handle longer extensions. These extensions should make your hair voluminous and blend in seamlessly.

Should I Get 16 or 18-Inch Hair Extensions?

Both 16 and 18-inch extensions are medium-length hair extensions. Both are the most sought-after ones for extension newbies. Both lengths will give you more glam and volume without being over the top.

18-inch strands are the most popular and are a good fit for people of all hair types. The downside is that this extra length adds more weight. 16-inch strands will be more manageable and are also easy to wear with short hair. The downside is that you’ll probably have to trim it. Also, you’ll probably not want to wear these if your hair is longer than shoulder-length.

If you are average height, the 18-inch hair extensions might be slightly longer and usually reach mid- or lower back. Extensions at 18 inches (45 cm) combined with a standard 100-gram bundle will give you fuller, thicker hair. As you go longer (like 26-28 inches), the weight shifts more towards increasing length rather than thickness, so your hair will look long but not as voluminous.

Where Do 18-Inch Extensions Fall?

Again, if you are of average height, the 18-inch extensions usually reach about chest length. However, the exact length may vary a little depending on the length of your neck, and where you wear the extensions. Anyway, for most wearers, 18-inch hair extensions should fall around the chest area.

20-Inch Hair Extensions:

Twenty inches seems to be the middle ground when it comes to favorite hair extension lengths. Straight, curly, and wavy hair extensions all perform well at 20 inches.

The downside is that longer hair pieces are difficult to manage and can put extra strain on your hair if you have thin hair or if you are using hair tape or a similar bonding method.

Are 24-Inch Extensions too Long?

We wouldn’t call it too long in the realm of beauty. But 24-inch Hair Extensions are indeed classed as very long hair. For the majority of females, the ends sit just above the hips and slightly lower if you are 5’4 or lower. Practically, this length may not suit most wearers but is perfect for creating a dramatic long look, like mermaid curls or Hollywood waves.

How Long Are Most Hair Extensions?

From our extensive experience as a leading hair extension supplier, the most popular hair extension lengths are 18, 20, and 22 inches (45-55 cm). These lengths generally extend from the shoulders to the waist, creating a balanced and elegant look that complements any height. They look natural, too, not too long or short, and blend seamlessly with your natural hair.

These lengths are excellent for fusion hair extensions. As some hair is due to be lost with each rebounding session, starting with 18-22 inches will allow you to maintain your style over multiple applications without the hair becoming too short too soon.

For hand-tied wefts, length is fully preserved as the strands are re-woven back into your natural hair, ensuring longevity and consistent styling.

For each hair extension method, you need to know its minimum extension length. That means for this type of extension, the hair cannot be shorter than a certain length, or the hair extensions can’t be applied.

No Pixie Cuts Baby

If you’re rocking a pixie cut, extensions may not be your best bet. Ideally, your natural hair should be at least 4 to 6 inches long to properly conceal clips, tapes, or bands. Super short hair makes blending tricky and can lead to an unnatural look.

Your natural hair should be at least 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long for extensions to blend well. Anything shorter may make it difficult to cover the attachment points, leading to an unnatural appearance.

What Are the Best Hair Extensions for Short Hair or Thin Hair

If your hair is both short and thin, shoulder-length extensions are ideal. We recommend going for extensions about 1.5 inches (4 cm) longer than your natural hair to ensure they don’t put too much strain on your existing style and hair texture.

Typically, the most ideal lengths fall between 12” to 16”, for the most natural look. Go with the 12” if your natural hair is above your chin. However, if your natural hair is anywhere past your chin or reaching your shoulders, try 16”. 

Type of Hair Extensions Also Affects Extension Lengths

Hand-tied wefts? You’ll lose 2 inches after sewing. Tape-ins? Just about 1 inch—plan for it! If you’re looking for the most natural results, fusion extensions with microkeratin bonds are a great choice. They form the perfect length to complement most of the hair lengths. These bonds are nearly invisible, making them ideal for short hair, as they seamlessly blend with your natural strands without bulk.

Best Hair for Thin Hair

If your hair is thin, Indian Remy hair or European hair is an excellent option. Known for its premium quality, these hair types are lightweight and soft-textured, meaning it won’t strain or damage your roots while offering a luxurious finish.

What’s For Medium Length Extensions

If you want to achieve a medium-length style, extensions between 18 and 20 inches (45-50 cm) are perfect. This length adds volume without making your extensions look too overwhelming or unnatural.

By considering these factors, you’ll ensure your extensions look natural, are comfortable to wear, and won’t damage your natural hair.

Styling With Layers

If you love a layered cut, go longer! Some length will be snipped during styling, and no one wants unexpectedly short hair!

Now you’re ready to pick the perfect length and rock those gorgeous extensions!

Steps to Find Perfect Hair Extension Lengths

Start your hair extension journey by purchasing 18-in, 20-in, or 22-in extensions. This will give you the best variety for the least amount of money. You can always order longer hair extensions later.

If you’re shopping for extensions on your own, a practical way is to take a tape measure from the top of your ear down to your desired length to determine how many inches you need. Check yourself out in the mirror as you measure. If you’re wondering, “How long is 22-inch hair?” the tape measure trick will give you the answer.

Here are some of our best extensions mentioned in the post. All of them are upgraded with 7-Star human Remy hair no different than the world’s top brands at the most incredible prices.

Shop our store today for the best human hair extensions available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Hair Extension Lengths

What is the difference between hair extensions and hair weaves?

Hair extensions can be applied using tape, glue, heating methods, clips, or weaves. Weaves are extensions that are sewn into your hair, making them more difficult to remove.

What are the different types of hair extensions?

There are four main types of hair extensions:

• Tape-ins
• Clip-ins
• Wefts
• Fusions

Each type has different extension lengths and colors available. Full hair pieces like toupees can technically be considered a hair extension, but they usually fit in their own category. So, we didn’t include them on this list.

About Newtimes Hair

Newtimes Hair specializes in crafting top-quality extensions at all popular hair extension lengths. All our products are made from 7-star full cuticle Remy hair, ensuring the same premium quality and extension lengths as the leading brands. Our extensions offer superior durability and a natural look but at a price affordable to most. Whether you’re a salon owner or stylist, our extensions provide luxury results without breaking the bank, helping you deliver stunning transformations for your clients every time.

Contact us today.