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Stylist- and shopper-loved extensions for longer, fuller hair — starting at $10

Looking to try temporary hair extensions? Experts recommend these picks.
Split image of before and after using hair extensions
Courtesy Sunah Bhasin
/ Source: TODAY

Tips for picking hair extensions | How long do they last? | Stylist faves | Shopper faves | Meet the stylists

We've all experienced it: The brief pang of regret after cutting our hair; mourning for all of the hairstyles intended for long hair that we were "just about to try" and will miss out on until it grows back.

Luckily, there's an easy solution out there for anyone who feels like their hair just doesn't have the length or volume they crave (and that growing it out takes too long): extensions.

With so many options out there, it's so hard to know which to choose. So we spoke to a hair stylist to give us the low-down on what to look for in hair extensions. We also asked other celebrity hairstylists for their favorite clip-in hair extensions, including the brands they recommend to their own clients.

What kind of hair extensions are best?

“As a colorist, I like clip-ins the best,” Stephanie Brown, colorist at IGK Hair in New York City, previously told TODAY Style. “It’s easier for me to color hair, and also because you can put them in and take them out whenever you want. They are a (commitment-free) way to add length and fullness or body to your hair.”

Brown's most important tip is to pick a set with color and texture that is most similar to your own hair. “It isn’t easy dyeing extensions and it isn’t cheap...I charge the same amount as I do when I color someone’s hair," she said.

How long do hair extensions last?

The length of your extensions comes down to quality and how well you maintain them. When it comes to price, a good set is worth the investment if you want them to last, Brown said.

"(Cheaper options) can look bulky and even cause harm to your natural hair since the clips or tapes are poorly made," Brown added. "If you take proper care of your extensions, they will not need to be replaced so quickly. Even if you dye your hair, just bring them with you to the salon and ask your colorist to match them."

Best clip-in hair extensions, according to stylists

Vario Clip-In Human Hair Extensions


Lengths: 12-22 inches | Colors: 37

"I originally bought these because they were an Amazon’s Choice item, plus their reviews — although there [weren't that] many — were almost all five stars," says celebrity stylist Gregg Giannillo. "Once I used them, I knew why! They are soft, thick, very good quality and very well made. They curl beautifully, they color beautifully and they come in so many varieties that you can find a perfect match. They are truly the next best thing to custom-made at a fraction of the price."


Hair Shop Clip-In Hair Extensions


Lengths: 14-26 inches | Colors: 35

Brown is a fan of The Hair Shop's vast selection of colors, lengths, textures and styles. "They have everything, and I mean everything,” she raved. With almost three dozen colors to choose from, feel confident knowing you are choosing one that best matches your preferred look.

Cashmere Hair Clip-In Extensions


Lengths: 12-24 inches | Colors: 21

“Cashmere hair extensions are my No. 1 choice," says Arthur Shamalov, senior stylist and co-owner of Eddie Arthur Salon. "Not only are they real human hair, but they also have a good variety of colors to choose from. The clips are very secure and they don’t feel tight on the scalp."

Bellami Clip-In Extensions

Lengths: 20-22 inches | Colors: 43

Extension expert and celebrity hair colorist Kacey Welch swears by Bellami clip-ins. “They...are perfect for a quick style change, event or to see if extensions are for you,” she says. “They have such a wide assortment of colors, they virtually match everyone — and they also have fun colors so you can experiment, too. They instantly add volume and length and are easy enough to do at home or to take to your stylist.”

Top-rated clip-in hair extensions

Reecho Full Head Clip-In Synthetic Hair Extensions


Lengths: 12-24 inches | Colors: 31

Reviewers are impressed with how natural these synthetic extensions look, including one former Shop TODAY staff member who tried them on and said they clipped in easily and matched her hair really well.

"I think people are usually a little nervous about curling synthetic hair, but I curled mine and they held up really well," shares former project coordinator Sunah Bhasin.

Zala Human Hair Extensions

Lengths: 12-30 inches | Colors: 16

These extensions from Zala have the longest length available out of this bunch. It comes in several solid shades but also has a few dual-tones that would match highlights perfectly. Reviewers love how easy they are to install and their silky smooth feel.

Wennalife Clip-In Human Hair Extensions

Lengths: 14-24 inches | Colors: 53

These clip-in extensions have garnered nearly 4,000 five-star ratings from verified shoppers. "The quality, accuracy of color as pictured and lightweight feel is what sets these extensions apart from others," raved one reviewer. "They are seamless and pretty thick — and not super expensive. If you’re on the fence, try it. I’ve wasted too much money at beauty stores and am not going back!"

Sunny Hair Clip-In Extensions

Lengths: 12-24 inches | Colors: 32

Since each pack of these extensions comes with seven pieces, you won't need to buy too many to achieve the look you want. One verified five-star reviewer who'd never used clip-ins before wrote, "The installation process turned out to be surprisingly straightforward, which, as someone who had never used extensions before, was a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t wait to put them on and unleash my inner Rapunzel."

Goo Goo Hair Extensions


Lengths: 12-26 inches | Colors: 16

For effortless length and extensions that blend in seamlessly, opt for Goo Goo's hair extensions with more than 4,300 verified five-star ratings. "I am beyond impressed with the quality of these clip-ins," one reviewer said, who purchased multiple extensions at the same time.

Luvme Straight Clip-In Hair Extensions

Lengths: 16-24 inches | Colors: One

Reviewers love how easy these extensions are to install and how well they blend with their natural hair. Sets that are 16-18 inches come with nine pieces and sets that are 20-24 inches come with seven pieces.

Meet the experts