Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (2024)

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (1)

Clip-in hair extensions are one of those things that seem too difficult to master at home, but then once you get the hang of it, the effects can be transformative. How else can you achieve body, volume, and length in just a few minutes? “The key to a seamless clip-in hair extension comes down to the hair quality, the color, and the length,” says pro hairstylist Carolyn Gahan.

There are two types of hair extensions—synthetic clip-ins and those made from human hair. Although synthetic clip-ins are cheaper, they have limitations. They can’t withstand heat styling and tend to look less realistic than human hair options. If you do opt for a human hair clip-in, look for 100 percent Remy human hair, which means that the cuticle is intact and runs in the same direction for a natural, cascading effect.

There are plenty of options available, so to take the guesswork out of selecting the right clip-in for you, we handpicked 18 of the most popular options and asked our testers to try them out in our Manhattan lab and be brutally honest. After applying the clip-ins under the supervision of an expert, testers judged each one based on ease of use, magnet attraction, comfort, overall look, and ease of removal. The highest-rated products made the list.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • Final Verdict

  • How We Tested

  • What to Look For

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Byrdie

Best Overall

Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (2)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.3/5

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Quality

    4.8/5

  • Value

    5/5

What We Like

  • Thicker than most options

  • Various lengths available

  • Lays flat against scalp

What We Don't Like

  • Longer wefts harder to secure

A favorite of celebrity hairstylist (and Kardashian glam squad team member) Justine Marjan, Hidden Crown’s extensions are thick, voluminous, and crafted from 100 percent Remy human hair. (Remy is hair with the cuticle layer still intact, which lays in one direction for a smooth, healthy look and finish.) We were thrilled with how easily and seamlessly the clip-ins blended into our natural hair. Plus, the sturdy clips ensured a mess- and pain-free installation process.

Each piece is much thicker than average, so you can use fewer clips to get a full head of hair. (The pack includes one extra-thick piece for the back of the head, which you can wrap around the base of a ponytail or for added length and fullness.) Something to keep in mind: The longer wefts are harder to get flat because of the natural curvatures of the head, so it'll take some practice to get the perfect look.

There are 27 shades available in the range, eight different length options, and either three-piece or five-piece seamless sets on offer.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 27 | Number of Wefts: 3 original, 5 seamless

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (3)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (4)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (5)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (6)

What Our Testers Say

These extensions look and feel great. They were easy to style—I curled pieces of the extensions with a piece of my natural hair to make it appear even more seamless. These seem to be well made and really good quality.” — Shannon Bauer, Senior Commerce Editor

Best Overall, Natural Hair

ONYC Kinky 3B–3C Curl 7 Piece Clip In

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (7)

What We Like

  • Designed specifically for curly and coily hair

  • Customizable weft lengths

What We Don't Like

  • Each piece is measured in straight style

For curly and coily hair (specifically 3C to 4A), ONYC’s Tight Kinky Curl Clip-Ins are great. Made from high-quality human hair and in two natural-looking shades, each set comes with seven pieces to add volume and thickness to your natural style. We were particularly impressed by the quality, which resembles healthy human hair. With a bunch of different weft lengths, the seven-piece set is super customizable and allows you to achieve a number of different styles. Plus, you have the choice of wearing the wefts straight or curly; it’s just a matter of styling. Once installed, we found it easy to add definition to the curls—all you have to do is apply water and use a mousse for hold.

The only caveat is that each piece is measured in straight style, so be mindful when choosing your length—you will lose a few inches with the curl pattern intact.

Type: 100 percent Remy human hair | Shades: 2 | Number of Wefts: 7

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (8)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (9)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (10)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (11)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (12)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (13)

What Our Testers Say

“This set resembles natural hair and can add to a protective hairstyle. I can definitely see myself creating different hairstyles with this hair as well as adding extra volume to my own hair." — Jasmine Phillips, Tester

Best Budget Hair Extensions

Insert Name Here Ponytail Extensions

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (14)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    3.5/5

  • Comfort

    3/5

  • Quality

    4.4/5

  • Value

    5/5

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Easy to use

  • Great for beginners

What We Don't Like

  • Heavy

Insert Name Here’s Shayla Clip-In Ponytail Extension comes in 21 shades and one super-long length (26 inches, to be exact), taking out a lot of the guesswork that comes with choosing the best set. The installation process was quick and easy, thanks to the comb-like base (as opposed to wefts) that slots right into your existing up-do, making it simple to affix to a ponytail or braid. While it didn't feel as secure as some of the other options we tested, it still looked beautiful while adding fullness and length to our pony. Our only complaint: It’s a heavy piece. If you have breakage-prone or finer hair, this pick might not be for you.

Type: Synthetic | Shades: 21 | Number of Wefts: None, Comb base

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (15)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (16)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (17)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (18)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (19)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (20)

Best Splurge

RPZL Clip-In Extensions

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (21)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.4/5

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    4/5

What We Like

  • Free color matching

  • Heat resistant

  • Comfortable fit

What We Don't Like

  • Not ideal for shorter hair

As far as volume and length are concerned, this set from RPZL is totally worth the splurge. Made from 100 percent Remy human hair, these heat-resistant extensions are tangle-free and comfortable to wear (thanks to seamless silicone clips). The extensions come in 15 different shades and blend effortlessly into your own hair. Plus, unlike other options on the market, the RPZL Clip-Ins are 50 percent thinner at the top and sit undetected on the top of the scalp.

Though the snaps are easy to open and close, we struggled a bit with the application. A short bob style didn’t offer enough hair for the seven wefts to adhere to. However, with the help of an on-set stylist, we were able to create multiple layers and ended up with a secure, “natural-looking” result. That said, this set is ideal for someone with longer hair.

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 15 | Number of Wefts: 7

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (22)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (23)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (24)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (25)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (26)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (27)

Best Color Match

Luxy Hair Clip-In Extensions

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (28)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    3/5

What We Like

  • Great shade range

  • Easy installation

What We Don't Like

  • Too many pieces for smaller heads

If you struggle to find the perfect match, you might have success with a set from Luxy Hair. With 37 shades to choose from (including dark browns and warm caramels to bright blondes and cool reds), there’s bound to be one that suits you. We found the color match to be absolutely perfect, even on bleached hair, and loved that there was a shade that paired well with a not-so-natural hair color.

The set has seven pieces, which is good news if you have a bigger head and lots of hair to work with. If your head is on the smaller side or has finer hair density, you might not be able to use all of the wefts. Regardless, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy the installation process was and noted that the hardest part was sectioning off the hair to create even sections.

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 37 | Number of Wefts: 10

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (29)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (30)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (31)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (32)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (33)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (34)

What Our Editors Say

“Oh my gosh, I’m in awe at how well the color match looks. It looks incredible and just like my natural color, which isn’t natural at all because I bleach my hair." — Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor

Best Hair Extensions for Loose Curls

Bebonia Spiral Clip-In Extensions

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (35)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.4/5

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Quality

    4.8/5

  • Value

    5/5

What We Like

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Great curl pattern, length, and color options

What We Don't Like

  • Wefts could lay flatter

If you want to invest in some luxurious loose curls and realistic-looking human hair extensions, Bebonia’s Spiral Clip-In Extensions are our pick. Available in three different lengths, two density options, and eight colors, finding your ideal match is easy. The voluminous curls are easy to install, which means a lot if you have zero experience with extensions. We liked that the wefts came in different sizes that could be placed as needed, and each piece blended well with natural hair, creating a seamless look. The only thing that gives the secret away are the wefts that sit closest to the top of the head. They appeared slightly bumpy, but we chalked that up to user error since it was our first time applying them.

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 8 | Number of Wefts: 9

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (36)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (37)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (38)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (39)

Best Hair Extensions for Curly Hair

Bebonia Ringlet Clip Extensions

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (40)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.9/5

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Quality

    4.2/5

  • Value

    5/5

What We Like

  • Comfortable

  • Uncomplicated care

What We Don't Like

  • Not a great match for 3C to 4A

Looking for a set of extensions that blend into your ringlets? This other pick from Bebonia could be a lovely choice for you. Available in seven different shades, this set of 100 percent Remy human hair looks and feels totally convincing, not to mention the fact that it blends into hair seamlessly. They’re also very comfortable, despite having seven different pieces. We didn’t experience any tangles and found the attachments easy to work with. When caring for these extensions, we treated them as we would natural curly hair, spritzing the pieces with water to refresh them and then applying a mousse before letting them air dry in order to reset the shape.

While we'd wear the extensions again for important events, our biggest gripe was that they’re advertised as a match for tighter curl textures (3C to 4A). In our opinion, this was misleading since we found the curls to be much looser.

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 7 | Number of Wefts: 9

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (41)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (42)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (43)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (44)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (45)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (46)

What Our Testers Say

“Installing the clip-ins was easy. It was more cumbersome for me to neatly separate and part my hair to clip them in, but once that part was over, it took mere seconds to pop the extensions in. The teeth of the clasps unbuckled readily and I was able to line the extensions up with my scalp with ease.” — Danielle Ransom, Tester

Best Ponytail

Barely Xtensions Ponytail

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (47)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.4/5

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Quality

    4/5

  • Value

    4.5/5

What We Like

  • Quick installation

  • Blends seamlessly

What We Don't Like

  • Feels fake

Achieve the long pony of your dreams with the Barely Extensions Ponytail. At 22 inches long, this ponytail made of synthetic fibers takes your ‘do to the next level. All you have to do is wrap it around your pony for undetectable length, volume, and density. It comes in three different shades (Platinum Ice, Dark Blonde Frost, and Dark Brown) and is said to seamlessly blend into many different hair colors. The color matched the look of natural roots but was slightly darker than the ponytail, giving the effect of highlights. One thing to note: It doesn’t feel like real hair. However, because the extension is made from synthetic fibers, that checks out.

Type: Synthetic | Shades: 3 | Number of Wefts:1

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (48)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (49)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (50)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (51)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (52)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (53)

Best Ponytail, Runner Up

Kurly Klips Ponytail Fro

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (54)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.6/5

  • Comfort

    4.5/5

  • Quality

    4.8/5

  • Value

    3/5

What We Like

  • Ideal for curly hair types

  • Natural-looking curl pattern and color

What We Don't Like

  • On the pricier side

Those with natural hair will love this Ponytail Fro from Kurly Klips. It’s 18 inches long curly (so 24 inches long straight) and is made from 100% human hair. It’s available in a soft black color but can be dyed to match the hue of your hair. As for the attachment process, it couldn’t have been easier. The extensions felt very secure all day long—even during a long commute. It is on the pricier side, so if you’re a first-timer or trying to save some money, this might not be for you. However, if you’re dedicated to your hair game and are looking for a high-quality clip-in to seamlessly blend into your natural hair, this is it.

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 7 | Number of Wefts: 9

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (55)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (56)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (57)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (58)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (59)

  • Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (60)

What Our Testers Say

“This hair extension resembles and feels like real, healthy hair. It is a bit dry and brittle to work with, so I had to wet it and comb it out with my detangler brush to get it to look healthier and fluffier. But, it looks great styled in a bun and a ponytail.” — Chantia Murphy, Tester

Final Verdict

The extensions you choose will come down to your hair type and desired look, but when it comes to best in show, we like the Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins. Not only are they stylist-approved, but they look (and feel) incredibly natural thanks to the comfortable clips and great shade range. Another special mention goes to Luxy Hair Clip-In Extensions for its incredible 60+ strong shade range. For clip-in ponytails, we love the easy-to-install LBarely Extensions Ponytail, which features quality wefts and is made from vegan (synthetic) hair.

Meet the Expert

  • Carolyn J. Gahan is the JOICO Artist & Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand, as well as an experienced creative colorist and hairstylist.
  • Justine Marjan is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with clients like the Kardashians.

How We Tested

Byrdie editors did extensive research on popular clip-in extensions, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 16 to test out first-hand. Over the course of four weeks, testers considered their extension's ease of use, installation process, comfort, overall look, and ease of removal before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list. All tests were performed in The Lab, our Manhattan product testing facility, and at home with our testers.

Testing Clip-In Hair Extensions for Hair Type, Color, and Length

What to Look for When Buying Clip-in Hair Extensions

Natural vs. Synthetic Hair

The main factor to consider when shopping for clip-in extensions is the material used. Gahan explains that Remy human hair (like the hair in the RPZL Clip-In Hair Extensions) is best in terms of quality and finish. It gives a natural look thanks to smooth and intact cuticles, so it blends seamlessly with the rest of your style.

Synthetic extensions (like the hair in the Insert Name Here Shayla Clip-In Ponytail Extension) tend to look a little more obvious, but they are significantly cheaper, so worth considering if you just want to test it out before committing.

Weft

The weft refers to the length of the extension itself—for example, it might be a smaller 2-inch weft with two clips attached or a longer 6-inch weft with eight clips. Most clip-in extensions come as a set with multiple wefts. If you’re after a full, thick look or you already have thick hair, you’ll typically want more pieces. You might also see the words "double-drawn" or "double-weft"—this refers to the number of wefts stitched together to make one single piece. You can expect to use anywhere from four to eight wefts for clip-in extensions.

Color and Length

The other important things to consider are color and length. "If you're planning on wearing the extensions in an updo or ponytail, it's less crucial on matching perfectly, and you can go a little longer with the length,” says Gahan. “However, if you plan to wear them with your hair out, they will need to be close to perfect and not a huge contrast in length from your natural hair.”

Length is a personal preference, but sticking within a few inches of your natural length will ensure the most believable finish. When in doubt, go longer—you can always take them to your hairstylist for a trim.

FAQ

  • How do you apply clip-in hair extensions?

    For seamless extensions, Gahan suggests the following process: Prepare the section for an extension by teasing it with a fine-tooth comb and hair spray—this gives the clips an anchor to hold them in place. “Placement ultimately depends on your hair texture, but be sure to space them evenly around the sides and back of the head,” she says. “Around the crown, you'll want to do some slight backcombing at the roots to keep the hair from splitting and exposing the extensions, as well. Keep a soft bristle brush in your purse, so you can brush throughout the day/night and keep it blended with your natural hair.”

  • How do you select the right shade of clip-in hair extensions?

    “When color matching, keep in mind what your hair color plan will be for the next 12 months,” suggests Gahan. “You want the investment to be able to last as long as possible.” If you’re testing in person, Gahan recommends taking a small piece of the extension and holding it side-by-side with your natural hair in a different light. If you’re shopping online, look for a shade that resembles yours in-depth as well as tone, whether that’s cool, ashy, golden, or neutral.
    Another great tip from Gahan is to use a tinted root mist or dry shampoo around the roots to camouflage any discrepancies. “This is especially useful if you have balayage or a root shadow.”

  • How long should you wear clip-in hair extensions?

    We recommend you only wear your clip-ins for a day at a time. Sleeping or swimming in them could lead to unnecessary tangles and damage, so try and avoid it where you can.

  • How many wefts do you need for clip-in extensions?

    Generally, you'll need between 4 and 8 wefts. If you desire more volume, and if you have fine hair, you can expect to use up to 10 wefts. This might mean using up to two packs of hair for a fuller-volume look.

  • What type of hair extensions are best?

    There are four types of hair extensions: tape-in, clip-in, bonded, and halo hair extensions. Clip-in hair extensions are the best because they are easy to install and remove and are the least damaging to hair. They're also easy to color and style and blend naturally with your hair.

  • How much should you expect to pay for clip-in hair extensions?

    The picks on our list range from $60 for a ponytail extension to over $300 for a full set designed to blend seamlessly with curly hair, The price you can expect to pay will depend on the quality (synthetic hair is much cheaper than extensions made from real human hair), length, thickness, and number of pieces in the set.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty. An avid product tester, Caitlyn likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, and hair care to let readers know what’s worth it and what’s not.

Byrdie contributor Emily Algar has plenty of experience with clip-in extensions (some good, some bad), so she knows the features to look out for as well as those to avoid. As a beauty expert and journalist, she’s also spent the greater part of the last six years interviewing hairstylists, so she's picked up a few tips and tricks along the way.

Updated byJill DiDonato

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Saed S, Ibrahim O, Bergfeld WF. Hair camouflage: A comprehensive review. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2016;2(4):122-127. Published 2016 Oct 31. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.09.002

Byrdie Before and After: We Put Clip-In Hair Extensions to the Test (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5593

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.