13 Expert-Approved Hair Extensions to Achieve a Flawless Install

There's always a good reason to switch up your hair. Go full-on it-girl for prom with icy blonde tresses à la Alix Earle. Or you can walk across the stage at your graduation with a stylish half-up, half-down look — even if your natural hair is short. No matter the occasion, the best hair extensions can deliver the hairstyle of your dreams. You can swap out your go-to look with new colors, lengths, and textures without risking any harm to your real hair. From wefts to tape-ins and halos, there are so many different types of extensions to choose from. Seventeen tapped Priscilla Valles and Alex Pardoe, two extension experts and hairstylists to the stars, to get the 411 on the best hair extensions.

What's the difference between human and synthetic hair?

One of the first decisions you'll make when finding the best hair extensions is choosing between human and synthetic hair. Human hair extensions can be worn and styled with heat, but synthetic hair will melt if you apply a hot comb, blow dryer, curling wand, or any other heat styling tool. Valles, whose extensions have been worn by Kim Kardashian and Megan Fox, says that while synthetic hair is often more affordable than human hair, there's a huge difference in how synthetic hair looks once it's styled. You'll be spending a heftier coin when you buy human hair extensions, but it's totally worth it in the long run. You'll be able to wash, condition, and heat style your extensions in your desired style, while synthetic extensions typically lose their luster after one or two uses.

What are the different types of hair extensions?

Wefts

How it works: Wefts are made when human or synthetic hair strands are machine or hand sewn onto a thin fabric strip, often referred to as a track. One full weft is considered a bundle.

Best for hair type: Medium to thick hair

Keep in mind: When extensions are too heavy or place too much tension on your hair and scalp, it could result in headaches and, in some cases, traction alopecia.

I-Tips

How it works: These extensions are installed with a "strand-by-strand application" using flattened microbeads or metal cylinders to clamp the extension onto the hair strand without heat or adhesives like glue.

Best for hair type: All hair types

Keep in mind: I-Tips should be refreshed every four to six weeks and can last between six months to a year if oil or silicone-based products are not placed near the attachment.

Tape-Ins

How it works: Pre-taped strips at the base of the hair extensions are secured to the root of the hair for a flawless tape-in install.

Best for hair type: All hair types

Keep in mind: Tape-ins must be maintained by a professional every four to six weeks.

Keratin Extensions

How it works: Keratin extensions use heat to bond a keratin-based glue to the hair.

Best for hair type: All hair types

Keep in mind: Keratin extensions can damage your hair if worn for longer than three months to six months, and they must be removed by a professional.

Halo

How it works: Halo extensions use a circular fish wire to connect the extensions to the hair without applying heat, adhesive, or sewing it in.

Best for hair type: Straight to curly hair types

Keep in mind: You can't tie your hair up as the fish wire could be exposed. Halo extensions are a temporary style, so they should be removed daily to prevent tangles and discomfort while sleeping.

Clip-Ins

How it works: Clips are attached to the root of the hair strand to secure each track in place. You can snag clip-ins in both human and synthetic hair types.

Best for hair type: All hair types

Keep in mind: Clip-in extensions must be removed when sleeping and washing. Frequent use of clip-ins can lead to stress, tension, headaches, and, in some cases, traction alopecia.

Which types of extensions last the longest?

Tape-ins, hand-tied wefts, and keratin bonds are examples of permanent hair extensions. No matter how much you may love your extensions, Valles advises against leaving them in for longer than two months. "You shed about 100 strands of hair a day," she says, "so after two months, you're risking potential damage. Other extensions, like wefts and halo extensions, may not be permanent, but with adequate washing, conditioning, and trimming, they can last anywhere from "six to nine months," Pardeo says.

What are the best ways to make hair extensions last?

The key to maintaining your hair extensions is simple. "Take care of them as you would your own hair," Valles suggests. According to the A-List extensionist, investing in a "heavy shampoo and conditioner" like K18 helps the extensions maintain their health. The type of extensions you use also plays a role in their upkeep. Wefts and tape-ins tend to "hold onto moisture," making them less secure, Pardoe, a Bellami Hair Professional known for styling Paris Hilton and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, says. He suggests blow-drying them completely after each wash day instead. On the other hand, individual extensions should be air-dried.

It may be tempting to go crazy with curling wands and flat irons when you're rocking extensions, but Valles recommends using heat in moderation as it could damage the hair's texture and pattern if applied too often. For nightly maintenance, she suggests brushing or braiding your hair to prep at night.

How much should you spend on hair extensions?

Hair extensions can be a pricey investment. Synthetic clip-ins begin as low as $19 but get a bit pricier when you venture off into human hair extensions. According to Valles, "You typically will pay anywhere from $500 –$10,000," but that all depends on the quality of the hair, the types of extensions, and installation. Single wefts, for example, can range between $100-$200 per bundle. Depending on your desired length and volume, you may need to get two or three weft bundles. Plus, if you're you're getting your extensions installed by a professional, you have to factor in their service rates to actually install them. Some stylists charge for everything from installing your extensions to curling and adding layers.

Whew. Now that you know the 411 on the different types of hair extensions and the best way to care for them, read ahead for the best hair extensions to deliver a flawless, realistic install.