Are you still worried about your short hair? Are you still thinking about how to make your hair longer? Let us tell you, choose hair extensions! All along, different lengths of hair extensions with different styles can not only fulfill styling needs but also be more cost-effective, so hair extensions have always been loved by many people.  

Then what are the requirements for your own hair when using hair extensions? How long does your hair have to be for extensions? Today we will answer your questions about hair extensions in this blog.

What Are Hair Extensions?

Whether you're desiring waist-length or just want a half-decent ponytail for once in your life, hair extensions can satisfy all your needs for long hair issues. There are five types of hair extensions, including keratin hair extensions, weaves, taped, glue-taped, and clip-on hair extensions.  

The keratin extensions are adhered to your scalp using keratin-based dry "glue" at one end and hot drying treatment. Weaves are the hair extensions that need to be sewn in with a needle and will last up to three months. Tape hair extensions are attached with tape to the hair from underneath the top layer. Stick-tip hair extensions are similar, but glue is used to secure the hair extensions to the hair. The top end of clip-in hair extensions is a clip to add the extensions to the natural hair temporarily.

hair extension

How Long Does Your Hair Have To Be For Extensions?

Above we introduced five different hair extensions. Speaking of hair extensions, as the name suggests, they are used to lengthen your original hair, which requires your natural hair to have a certain length. If a person has no hair or the hair is too short, there is no way to use hair extensions. So what are the length requirements for natural hair when using hair extensions?

Generally, the minimum hair length for extensions is between 2 to 4 inches. In other words, your hair should reach the lower part of your ears, right where the occipital bone is located. If your hair is around 2 inches long, keratin or stick-tip hair extensions will work best for you. Clip-in or tape extensions are also good options for slightly longer hair. If you are interested in clip-in extensions we would suggest your hair be slightly longer, so it is easier for you to style.

Hair Extensions For Hair Lengths

Different hair extensions have minimum natural hair lengths they require, this section will detail the hair lengths required for each extension for you.

1. Keratin Extensions

Keratin hair extensions are quite expensive, take a few hours to install, and last up to 5 weeks. However, if your hair is 2 to 3 inches long, this might be one of your options. 

Keratin Extensions

2. Tape Extensions

The tapes are smaller than the clips of clip-in extensions. They are suitable for those with hair that is at least 3 inches long. You can use tape extensions quickly and effortlessly for everyday wear. If you care for them properly, they can last up to 8 weeks.

Tape Extensions

3. Stick-Tip Hair Extensions

If you have really short hair, stick extensions are your best bet. A good professional will make them work for hair that is 2.5 to 4 inches long. This extension method is also known as cold-fusion, where small sections of hair are weaved through a link tube. 

Stick-Tip Hair Extensions

4. Clip-in Extensions

The minimum hair length for clip-in Extensions is 3 to 4 inches. They are the most convenient extensions that can be taken off every night. But if your hair is shorter than 3 inches, it is too short to hold bobby pins. And you will feel the clips are pulling your scalp and will cause pain and stress.

Clip-in Extensions

Some Tips To Make Your Extensions More Natural

If you want your extension to blend seamlessly with your hair to give the illusion that it is your natural hair, here are some tips you can pay attention to.

1. Hide the short hair around the nape

The short hair that sticks out from the nape will reveal that you are wearing extensions easily. Therefore, to show the most natural hair look, please make sure they are as flat as possible. The area will be the first layer of your extension need to cover.

2. Choose different color

If you want to add some dimension to your hair, you can choose more than one color of extensions and use these extensions alternately, which will give you a unique and natural hair look.

3. Curl your hair

If you have short hair and you get extensions at home, it may be difficult for you to disguise them and mix them with shorter tresses. The easiest way to make extensions less noticeable is to curl your hair or add waves.

make extensions natural

FAQ About Hair Extensions

1. How long are 20-inch hair extensions?

One of the most popular lengths is 20-inch hair extensions. 20 inches will fall comfortably below the bust (approximately a hands width below). 20-inch hair extensions are super versatile and the most ideal for those of average height.

2. How long do hair extensions last?

Different extensions have different lifespans. Keratin extensions will generally last 3-5 weeks; tape-in extensions can keep for 4-8 weeks; clip-in extensions are temporary and reusable and can last for 3-6 months; sew-in extensions will last for 6-8 weeks.

3. Do hair extensions damage your hair?

If you dont use them properly, the extensions will hurt your hair and scalp. With extra length and added volume comes the inevitable result of an added weight to your delicate scalp, causing major stress on your follicles from the strain of all that weight from your hair extensions, which is where hair extensions can damage your hair.

4. Should I get hair extensions?

In fact, hair extensions are not suitable for everyone. If you suffer from serious hair loss or have naturally thin hair, hair extensions are not for you. Because you need "normal" hair to hold the extensions and hair extensions will probably make your thin hair worse.