9 Best Clip-In Extensions for Real Housewives-Level Volume
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If you see me staring into space, there’s a good chance I’m thinking about clip-in hair extensions. Here’s the thing: I watch a lot of Bravo. Listen, I admire a lot of things about the Real Housewives — but mostly, I’m enchanted with their commitment to hair versatility. In a single episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, I watched Dorit Kemley’s hair transition from a sideswept, 1980s-style updo (for a confessional) to a sleek ponytail inspired by Karl Lagerfeld (for Sutton Stracke’s fourth-anniversary boutique party, naturally.) Meanwhile, Erika Jayne was wearing sleek, shoulder-length white-blonde waves one second, and a glossy ribbon-tied ponytail that trailed down her back the next.
As for me, well, I’m pretty chill (read: lazy) when it comes to styling. In fact, I recently bought an air-dry cream and that’s pretty high maintenance for me. But if I could wave a magic wand and give myself Real Housewife hair, I would — and clip-in hair extensions are the closest I can come to attaining instant hair-transforming powers.
My beauty resolution this year is to do as the Real Housewives do, and that starts with finding the best clip-in hair extensions on the market. The results of my search are in the list below, which breaks down the 9 best clip-in extensions, according to Elle editors, top hairstylists, and the stylist to the Bravo stars, Julius Michael. Plus, I got the lowdown on how to style and care for the extensions because, well, I’m definitely not asking for a friend. Here’s to great lengths ahead!
If you see me staring into space, there’s a good chance I’m thinking about clip-in hair extensions. Here’s the thing: I watch a lot of Bravo. Listen, I admire a lot of things about the Real Housewives — but mostly, I’m enchanted with their commitment to hair versatility. In a single episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, I watched Dorit Kemley’s hair transition from a sideswept, 1980s-style updo (for a confessional) to a sleek ponytail inspired by Karl Lagerfeld (for Sutton Stracke’s fourth-anniversary boutique party, naturally.) Meanwhile, Erika Jayne was wearing sleek, shoulder-length white-blonde waves one second, and a glossy ribbon-tied ponytail that trailed down her back the next.
As for me, well, I’m pretty chill (read: lazy) when it comes to styling. In fact, I recently bought an air-dry cream, and that’s pretty high maintenance for me. But if I could wave a magic wand and give myself Real Housewife hair, I would—and clip-in hair extensions are the closest I can come to attaining instant hair-transforming powers.
“There are several types of hair extensions on the market, ranging from clip-ins to tape-ins, microbead (or I-Tips) and keratin fusion (K-tips.) “The difference between clip-ins and [other types of extensions] is that they’re temporary,” says celebrity stylist Julius Michael. “You can wear them for one night or one look, and you don’t have to worry about extensive maintenance or any kind of possible long-term damage on the hair.”
My beauty resolution this year is to do as the Real Housewives do, and that starts with finding the best clip-in hair extensions on the market. The results of my search are listed below, which breaks down the nine best clip-in extensions, according to Elle editors, top hairstylists, and the stylist to the Bravo stars, Julius Michael. Plus, I got the lowdown on how to style and care for the extensions because, well, I’m definitely not asking for a friend.
It's A Wrap Ponytail Extension 20" 100g Dark Brown (#2)
If you’re more Hulu than Bravo, this one’s for you: Kim Kardashian uses this clip-in wrap for a voluminous, slicked-back ponytail that cascades down her back her in lush mermaid waves. (Watch it swing away, here.) It’s made of human hair and — according to Kim’s stylist, Andrew Fitzsimons, anyway — it’s pretty easy to install. (Between us, this may take some finessing if you’re not a pro. Make sure you use the metal clips to install the ponytail securely so that it doesn’t fall out.) Kim K. likes that wet look, so her Fitzsimmons adds oils and serums to really make the clip-in shine.
Rating: 4/5 stars on Bellami
A Bellami reviewer says: “I really love this piece. Good quality — I think it’s going to last me over a year.”
Lengths: 16-20 inches
Colors: 14
Pieces: 1 Wrap
It's A Wrap Ponytail Extension 20" 100g Dark Brown (#2)
bellamihair.com
$20.00
Crown® Clip In | Dark Brown | #2
Michael says that styling Hidden Crown’s clip-ins are a breeze. “They’re the only ones that don’t melt on my hot tools,” he says, adding that industry insiders tend to gravitate toward this brand. They’re made of thick, high-quality Remy hair. Plus, they’re seamless, which means they lie flat on the head to blend in naturally.
Rating: 3.84/5 stars on Hidden Crown
A Hidden Crown reviewer says: “The quality is amazing and the wefts are very thick and comfortable.”
Lengths: 14-24 inches
Colors: 27
Wefts: 2-5
Crown® Clip In | Dark Brown | #2
hiddencrownhair.com
$4.49
15" Beach Waves
At 15-inches, these beachy waves are pretty hard to resist. They’re discreet and easy to blend. Who doesn’t want to look like their hair’s been gently tousled by salt air? Each kit comes with seven wefts, plus you’ll get a tester piece to help you guarantee a color match.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars on Insert Name Here
An Insert Name Here reviewer says: “They’re so soft and blend so well with my hair … so many people thought they were real salon extensions.”
Lengths: 15 inches
Colors: 17
Wefts: 7
15" Beach Waves
inhhair.com
$84.00
12'' Clip-In Human Hair Extension
Anyone nervous about trying clip-in extensions can now exhale, knowing that these are super easy to install. The tagline for these 12-inch extensions tells you all you need to know about the extensions: “50 seconds to fabulous.” There are only two pieces, and they have upward-facing clips that help them stay put all day. Plus, there’s no back-combing required. Julius Michael is a fan: “Their hair is beautiful; their packaging is freaking gorgeous, and they also make beautiful headbands,” he shares.
Rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “The Locks & Mane set couldn’t be easier. Two simple pieces. Fast and easy and the color blended perfectly with my highlighted/ lowlighted hair.”
Lengths: 12 inches
Colors: 5
Wefts: 2
12'' Clip-In Human Hair Extension
ulta.com
$145.00
16" Mocha Brown Balayage Thinning Hair Fill-Ins (80g)
These ethically sourced fill-ins bring fullness back to thinning hair. Available in an impressive range of colors—including balayage and hard-to-find gray—they lay flat against the head and add voluminous oomph to the front or sides of the hairline.
Rating: 4.3/5 stars on Google Shopping
A Google reviewer says: “The quality is great and I love how they flat against my head.”
Lengths: 12-20 inches
Colors: 38
Wefts: 6
16" Mocha Brown Balayage Thinning Hair Fill-Ins (80g)
luxyhair.com
$129.00
#1B (Dark Roast)
"Post bleach job, big chop, and a breakdown last year, these Laced Hair Clip-In Extensions helped tide me over until my hair grew into my preferred length,” says Elle editor Tatjana Freund. “Not only was the color match perfect, but they sat comfortably on my head without tugging and were styled in many ways thanks to its high-quality human hair. I don't take bad hair days seriously now since I know I have these stashed in my closet, ready to make my ego soar."
Rating: 4.4 / 5 stars on Laced
A Laced reviewer says: “Strong and durable, yet soft and glossy. They look so real and feel like heaven.”
Lengths: 20-24 inches
Colors: 20
Wefts: 9
#1B (Dark Roast)
lacedhair.com
$349.95
Yaki Straight Human Hair Clip-Ins Extensions
“I'm the most indecisive person on earth, which means I love switching up my hair pretty often and don't like high-maintenance styles,” says Elle editor Nerisha Penrose. “ I keep these clip-in extensions tucked for those days I want a quick style without overly manipulating my hair. The yaki texture blends seamlessly when my natural hair is blown straight and holds a curl for days. And because of my indecisiveness, I've bleached and dyed this hair twice already and dyed it back to black with no mishaps. You can't tell me this isn't my hair.”
Rating: 3.8/5 stars on Amazon
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s almost always impossible to find a match for my curls … [these] matched my curl pattern perfectly.”
Lengths: 10-18 inches
Colors: 14
Wefts: 7
Yaki Straight Human Hair Clip-Ins Extensions
amazon.com
$59.90
Kinky Coils
Available in two textures—kinky coils and kinky curls—these low-luster extensions leave room for options. You can brush them out for an afro effect \ or wet them to create defined coils. They’re also available as wefts or as clip-in extensions (note that there’s a small extra charge for the clip-ins.) Plus, you can blend them in with your own hair or wear them as a protective style.
Lengths: 16-28 inches
Colors: 1
Kinky Coils
uqueenorganics.com
$110.00
How long can I leave clip-in extensions in my hair?
“Clip-in extensions are essentially a day-to-day version of a more semi-permanent system like wefts, tapes and I-Tips,” says extension artist Michelle Cleveland. “Unlike the latter, a clip-in system must be removed after each use and is not meant to stay attached to the hair for more than one styling day. Doing so can cause breakage and damage to one’s natural hair.”
Are clip-in hair extensions easy to install at home?
Though some clip-in extensions benefit from a professional’s touch, many of them are easy to install at home. “It’s just a matter of placing them where you want them and making sure that your hair covers the track of the extension,” Michael says. However, don’t be discouraged if you don’t nail it on the first try.
“Clip-in hair extensions can be difficult to install on your own for the first time, and it’s helpful to have a second set of eyes guiding you through it,” Cleveland says. “Once you get it, though, the process is quite simple. Clean sections, plenty of backcombing, and hairspray will be your best friend.”
Can a stylist help install clip-in hair extensions?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the pros. “If you make an appointment at your salon, most stylists are happy to assist you and give lots of tips and tricks to help you install your clip-ins on your own at home,” Cleveland says. “If you truly are hair challenged, you can always make an appointment with your stylist to install them for you prior to an event.”
How do I choose the right color for my clip-in hair extensions?
While many shoppers buy their extensions online, some brands offer a little help in picking out the color and length that’s right for you. “What I like about Hidden Crown, for example, is that they’ll send you a hair sample before you purchase,” Michael says. “Or, in many cases you can purchase the hair, and as long as you don’t cut the safety tags, you can exchange them.”
What is the best length for clip-in hair extensions?
According to Michael, “the general length that everyone gets is 18 inches, and the super long, Kim Kardashian mermaid hair starts at 22 inches. But, most women aren’t walking around with that long hair. 18 inches is the general safety length to start with.”
What hair types work best with clip-in hair extensions?
Michael asserts that clip-in hair extensions are “great for any hair type or any hair texture.” He adds that as long as the extensions are carefully matched, they work in long hair and short hair, and can be used for volume or length. “They really are great for everyone,” he adds.
How can I make clip-in hair extensions look natural?
Though some extensions are made of a synthetic blend, Michael gravitates toward clip-ins comprised of human hair. “They just look more natural,” he says. He also recommends having a pro help blend the extensions in. “Have your stylist cut into them a little bit so they’re not so heavy or blunt if you have layered hair, or if you have finer hair,” he recommends. “You really want it to blend with your hair seamlessly.”
How should I care for clip-in hair extensions?
If cared for properly, clip-in hair extensions can last for quite some time. “My girls have sets that have lasted them for years,” Michael asserts. “I recommend storing your clip-ins in a silk bag,” says celebrity stylist Jennifer Korab. This will help them stay secure and not tangle. I also recommend washing and blow-drying your extensions before storing them. This will ensure they are ready for use the next time you wear them.”
Meet the Experts
Julius Michael is a celebrity hairstylist who’s on the glam squad of numerous Bravo stars, and styles guests for appearances on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.
Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa and Revival Barbershop in New Jersey.
Michelle Cleveland is a celebrity hairstylist and extension artist.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
Jenny Berg is a seasoned beauty writer, covering beauty news, product reviews, and launches for ELLE.com, Byrdie, InStyle, Brides, and more.
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