If you’ve ever envied the hair of a Hollywood starlet, wishing yours
had the same fullness and bounce, take heart—most are faking it. Thanks to
extensions, everyone can get in on the long and lustrous fun. Most
extensions are just like your own hair: You can wash, brush, style, even
color them, and they don’t require much maintenance. Here’s a look at some
of the options.
$ Inexpensive
Hairdo by Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves and Effortless Extensions
How they work: The Simpson line is clipped in or wrapped around a ponytail. You put the fishing-line-like end of Effortless Extensions atop your head and cover it with your own hair.
Pros/cons: These are great do-it-yourself options for those who want to try something new for a night out but not commit. We like the fun of the bangs and the insta-length of the thick Effortless Extensions. But both products are made from synthetic hair, so they feel and look a little fake.
Cost: From $24 for the clip-in bangs to $39 for a clip-on ponytail from Jessica Simpson. Effortless Extensions are $79.95.
$$ Moderate
How they work: Attached by a firm metal clip, the extensions are 20 inches long and come in separate wefts of real hair instead of one piece, to blend with natural hair better.
Pros/cons: While you can learn to put in these extensions—Luxy provides tips and video tutorials on its website—they’re best left to a pro. You’ll at least want a stylist to attach, cut, and maybe color them before your first use. Because the clips get uncomfortable, most women leave them in for only a day or two.
Cost: Luxy Clip-Ins start at $119.95. They can be reused as often as you want.
$$$ Expensive
Great Lengths and She by So.Cap.USA
Both products, made with human hair, are bonded to your hair in small sections using heated polymers. They’re semipermanent, so they must be removed with a special gel.
How they work: The Simpson line is clipped in or wrapped around a ponytail. You put the fishing-line-like end of Effortless Extensions atop your head and cover it with your own hair.
Pros/cons: These are the most realistic-looking. Hair is attached almost directly to the scalp and grows out as your hair grows, lasting about four to six months. The bonds can be uncomfortable for a few days until you get used to them. We’ve also found that the longer the length, the more they tend to tangle.
Cost: They’re expensive. Plan on spending $800 to $3,000, depending on the amount of hair, each time you want them put in.
