These Are The 11 Best Hair Extensions Brands Out There
We get it — you're on the hunt for the best hair extensions out there. But you know they're not all created equal. Plus, navigating the ever-growing market these days can be daunting to say the least, especially if you're shopping online. The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned cash on some bundles only to have one of those "what I ordered" versus "what I got" situations once your package arrives. Sure, it might be fun for a viral meme, but in real life, cheap-looking, lackluster extensions just aren't the move. You hate to see it. We hate to see it — and we want to help you avoid it.
Hairstylist and extension expert Marc Mena encourages online shoppers to be resourceful. "To start, do your research on the type of extensions that you are looking for: There are clip-ins, tape, sew-ins, i-tip, and bonded extensions. Also, ask your hair professional what color your hair would be on a color chart, that way you can perfectly match your extensions if you are sourcing them by yourself," he adds.
A word of advice? "Wearing extensions requires you to treat it like your own real hair," explains stylist Yene Damtew. "Investing in quality hair will pay off in the long run." To take the guesswork out of your next online extension purchase, we spoke to a handful of hairstylists and editors to help lead the way. Keep scrolling to see which brands made the cut.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Getty Images1/17Indique Hair
Maryland-based Hairstylist Yene Damtew, who works with Michelle Obama, is keen on Indique Hair because of the range of products they offer — including extensions. "They have a number of textures, as well as stores all across the country; this allows clients the ability to go in and touch the hair for [themselves]," she says. "The client's experience is unlike anything else, very VIP and premium."
Here, Ari Lennox is wearing a kinky-straight texture from the brand, installed by hairstylist Hos Hounkpatin. When you get your bundles, Damtew suggests keeping them in the original bag they came in or a labeled Ziploc bag for storage.
Courtesy Filipe Ramos2/17Richy Hair
Richy Hair's production process is what made Los Angeles-based hairstylist Laura Rugetti a fan. The brand uses Russian Siberian hair for its bundles, and has a super-gentle process for lightening darker strands to blonde.
"Richy Hair avoids using bleach and, as an alternative, lets the hair soak for four to six weeks in a gentle, cold bath solution with proteins and enzymes that facilitate release of melanin pigment to lighten the hair in preparation for the dying process. As a result, their extensions are uniquely able to maintain their cuticle for softer, more durable, undamaged hair. Honestly, they are the best extensions I have ever used. They're [some] of the most natural-looking on the market."
Courtesy Taylor Baldwin3/17Radswan
Philadelphia-based writer, editor, and beauty expert Dana Oliver adds volume to her 'fro with Radswan's kinky, curly clip-in hair extensions. These synthetic wefts are a compliment magnet, she says. The texture blends beautifully with her natural coils, and best of all, "the extensions last a very long time."
Oliver's also a fan of the brand’s hair kits, which include a silk scarf and a headband. "Both work wonders to keep my postpartum edges thriving."
Getty Images4/17Great Lengths
Bicoastal hairstylist Marc Mena likes to use Great Lengths when he's working with his clients. "Great Lengths is pretty transparent from where they source their hair," Mena shares. "They use 100 percent Remy quality raw hair from India and each bundle comes from one head so you have the same texture throughout the hair. [In terms of care], I like to use sulfate- and silicone-free products, which are gentler and will help preserve the longevity of the hair." Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri, co-owners of Nine Zero One Salon in Los Angeles, used Great Lengths extensions on Cara Delevingne for a Paris Fashion Week event.
Mena suggests using sulfate- and silicone-free products to make sure those extensions last. Oh, and "if you are using clip-in extensions, clip them at the root on pant hangers and hang them in my closet."
Courtesy Blake Newby5/17DHair Boutique
New York City-based digital creator Blake Newby isn't new to the extensions game; she's true to it. "I've been wearing weaves since I was 15 years old, so I've tried my fair share of extensions," she shares. "Frankly, the weave industry is now extremely over-saturated, and it can be hard to differentiate between what's quality and what's not."
She cites DHair Boutique as a great option for anyone looking for their extensions to last. "You really do get what you pay for. The wefts are perfectly secured, the hair returns to its original pattern after a wash, and the ends don't come ratty like many other brands," she explains.When you're shopping for extensions, Newby emphasizes the importance of doing you research first. "Don't be so quick to purchase the hair that your favorite celeb or hairstylist posts and tags," she says. "I've made that mistake and have found that genuine word-of-mouth is the way to go." Also, be sure to get additional information from your personal hairstylist, who can help you make extra sure a set of extensions is right for you. "Ask them if the hair dyes well, what the shedding rate is like, etc."
Courtesy Connie Solis6/17The Hair Shop
Los Angeles-based hairstylist Sunnie Brook loves The Hair Shop for its range of options. "[I can] go in and hand select each weft I'm using," she explains. It allows her to guarantee a perfect match to her clients’ hair. "Oftentimes, there is a slight variation in the colors in packs of hair you order online. It may say the same color level but appear a bit more ashy or warm in person." With The Hair Shop, she doesn't have that issue.
Courtesy Robbi Jan7/17Glam Seamless
Glam Seamless is a brand widely loved by hairstylists, including Andrew Fitzsimons, who has worked with J.Lo, the Kardashian-Jenner crew, and more. What he loves most about the brand is the density of the wefts, especially for those with thin hair. "I absolutely love working with extensions this thin because of how seamless and beautiful they blend into the natural hair," he says. "Especially when doing a look like a high ponytail where they need to be hidden."
Fitzsimons also appreciates the selection of colors available. "[They're] key for shade matching," he adds.
*WAITING ON CONFIRMATION
Courtesy Mariette Immaculate8/17Catface Hair
We all love the look of faux locs. Sitting for several hours to get them installed? Not so much. Catface Hair offers faux locs in colorful options like these deep, ocean blue hues. These aren't for folks looking to blend in—the brand is all about bold, rainbow tones, often rendered in gorgeous mermaid-like ombrés.
Courtesy of brand9/17Boho Locs
If natural-looking locs are more your speed, Boho Locs has an excellent range of loc extensions in a range of styes (butterfly, distressed, queen, and more). They're lightweight and if you already know the mechanics of basic crochet installation, are super easy to put in. Need a little help? The brand offers special video tutorials with your purchase.
Courtesy of brand10/17Luxy Hair
Both Brook and Fitsimons cite Luxy Hair as one of their go-tos. Fitzimons loves them for the density of the wefts. "I can't emphasize enough how important it is to use extensions that are thin, and can attach right up at the root to ensure they are blended to perfection," he explains.
The offer a range of extension types as well. Silicone headbands, double-layered fabric wefts (for those looking to boost volume at their roots), and their "'Hair Halo,' which is a clever one-piece clip-in that adds amazing volume in length in seconds," Brook says.
Courtesy @ryanjameshair11/17Extensionology
Nelson Vercher, lead hairstylist at the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City, loves to use Extensionology on his clients. He also emphasizes the importance of doing your research before you decide on new extensions. "There are so many good brands out there, so it's key to identify what you want (i.e. clip-in, tape-in, wefted, etc.)," he says. "Then, you can figure out which brand works best from there. I love Extensionology for tape-ins as they have a wide range of colors, as well as seamless tape."
Before storing your extensions "Always brush [them] out," Vercher advises. "Even if you don't wear them for six months, you should take them out and brush every couple of months to keep that shine."\
Bravo/Getty Images12/17True Indian Hair
Coveteur beauty director Ama Kwarteng isn't committed to one particular brand of extensions, but she does list True Indian Hair amongst her faves. "It's 100 percent virgin hair, so it can be styled and colored any way I want without sacrificing the quality of the extensions," she explains. "They don't shed as much as other brands I've tried, the hair is super soft, and lasts for a long time." She's in good company—Vercher is also a fan of this line.
Apparently, so is Real Housewives of Dubai star Chanel Ayan. She was spotted with inches from the brand on the show's reunion episode. As for Kwarteng, while she does love her extensions, she is sure to not keep them in no longer than eight weeks. "You're doing damage to your natural hair and opening yourself up to issues (like breakage) by keeping it in longer than that," she says.
Elgin Charles of Beverly Hills
13/17Elgin Charles of Beverly Hills
Elgin Charles of Beverly Hills
Hairstylist Maisha Oliver can always count on Elgin Charles of Beverly Hills to give her exactly what she needs extenstions-wise. "[It's] consistent—I know what I'm getting when I buy from them," she says. "Hair that is tangle-free, shed-free, and easy to color."
Courtesy Brande Victorian14/17Kinkistry
Essence's senior entertainment editor Brande Victorian swears by Kinkistry extensions. The brand offers a range of extension styles in seven different curl patterns ranging from 2B to 4C. "Kinkistry is really filling a void catering to a category of consumers which is often ignored in multiple ways," Victorian shares. "Plus, the brand is founded, owned, and operated by a Black woman so it feels great to be supporting a double minority-owned business when you purchase."
And while Victorian loves her extensions down, she warns any newbies not to be fooled: they may not necessarily be the styling shortcut they may look like. "Extensions require maintenance as well, especially if you want to be able to use the hair multiple times," she explains. "Be diligent about keeping the hair moisturized during the day and twisted or tied down at night for longevity."
Hotheads
15/17Hotheads
Hotheads
Hairstylist Samantha Carlaftes says HotHeads Hair Extensions have her favorite tape-ins. "They're so easy to apply on my clients," she shares. "They last anywhere from eight to 10 weeks and are extremely easy to maintain as a consumer."
When shopping for hair online, "pay attention to the grams of hair you are looking to purchase," says Carlaftes. "The higher the grams, the thicker and heavier the hair will be." Just be careful not to get something too heavy if you've got fine hair. "Be realistic with what you think your hair can handle — a rule of thumb is to understand the density of your hair. "
Courtesy of brand16/17Yummy Hair Extensions
LW Salon stylist Shan Arnold loves how easy Yummy Hair Extensions are to work with. "I also love that it holds a curl and style easily," she says. "Plus, it reverts back to its natural state after being washed. Most importantly, it's reusable."
When you buy extensions, be sure you're thinking of your day-to-day lifestyle. "For example, if you want volume or length for an event, clip-ins are worth the investment," Arnold explains. "On the other hand, if you go to the gym often or want more of a protective style, sew-in extensions are best."
Courtesy of brand17/17Heat Free Hair
Oliver turns to Heat Free Hair when she's in the mood for something luxe. "I can't go wrong with their kinky-coily drawstring ponytail extension," she says, citing the brand as her fave for special occasions. "They are foolproof to put on, and the bundles are full and sexy."
