10 Things to Know When Shopping for Hair Extensions Online
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Welcome to the world of hair extensions, where there are endless possibilities to transform your look. If you're new to this exciting journey, navigating through the options online might seem a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, in this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the basics and provide essential tips to help you make an informed decision when shopping for hair extensions online.
1. Understand your own needs and what you’re looking to get from hair extensions. Are you looking for length, volume, or both? Do you have a specific problem you’re hoping to solve or a look you want to create? Here are some of the most common reasons people get hair extensions:
2. Consider the quality and sourcing of the hair before buying extensions. Look for extensions that are 100% human hair, preferably Remy quality. Remy hair is the crème de la crème of hair extensions– silky smooth, long lasting, with unmatched quality, purity and ability to be styled, colored, and treated just like natural hair.
Sourcing is also an important factor when shopping for hair extensions online. Ethically sourced human hair refers to hair obtained through transparent and humane practices, ensuring fair treatment of donors and responsible sourcing. This may involve obtaining hair from willing donors who are fairly compensated, with clear consent and understanding of the process. Ethical sourcing also considers environmental sustainability and social responsibility throughout the supply chain.
3. Find your color match. To find your color match, you can work with a stylist in person or use tools online. At Donna Bella Hair we offer both a virtual color match and complimentary swatch kit. For the virtual color match, upload a selfie of your hair in natural lighting and we’ll tell you the 3 closest shades to your natural hair! Then you can order physical swatches of the hair using our swatch kit. Bonus: all you pay is shipping. After you receive the swatches, match them to the ends of your hair (midshaft down, not at the roots). Two tips for color matching:
- Evaluate color options while in natural light, not artificial light, to ensure an accurate match.
- Remember that you can order one or more shades. Installing more shades makes it easier to create highlights and lowlights and believable dimensional hair color.
4. Shop for extensions based on your natural hair density and texture. Achieving a seamless blend between your natural hair and extensions requires matching texture and density—if you have thicker hair, you’ll need more extensions to blend them well (otherwise the ends can look stringy). Shop for extensions that match your natural texture, whether that’s straight, wavy, or curly.
5. Find the extension method/ type that fits your lifestyle, hair goals, and habits. Each type has its own application method, maintenance requirements, and longevity. Choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Some extension methods are more permanent than others, each of them requires a different salon appointment schedule, and of course the color selection and lengths vary depending on the method. If you want something you can install from home without a stylist, opt for Ready-to-Wear methods like Clip-Ins and Halos. If you’d prefer to work with a licensed stylist, shop for professional methods like Tape-In, Hybrid Weft, Kera-Link, I-Link or Flat-Tip. Use our handy extension method comparison chart to learn more about how the methods differ.
6. Consider how often you’re going to wear your hair up or down, or if you’ll need the freedom to switch between the two. Strand-based methods like Kera-Link (also called fusion) and beaded methods like I-Link and Flat-Tip (sometimes called micro beaded) are great if you want the flexibility to wear your hair up or down. Because the extension strands are so small and discreet, you can wear them a lot of different ways without them showing. The hair movement you get with your hair down is very natural looking as well. These methods do take longer to install because each group of around 10 strands must be attached individually, but it can be worth the time if you need versatility with the extensions in.
7. Consider your budget. If you are looking for lower-cost options, a great place to start is with a set of Clip-Ins, a Halo, or one pack of Tape-Ins. Remember, don’t skimp on hair quality—Remy hair is going to last the longest, be the most comfortable to wear, and hold up the best over time.
8. Learn about maintenance. Taking care of your extensions is crucial to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Besides the hair itself, here are some essential aftercare supplies you’ll need: an extension brush, heat protectant, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and a silk pillowcase. Want to learn more about aftercare? Read our ultimate maintenance and aftercare guide for hair extensions.
9. Determine the right length for the look you want to create. You can work with your stylist and use a measuring tape to see where the extensions will fall. Have a direct, open conversation with your stylist about what you can expect to achieve. Other pro tips to keep in mind:
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If you curl your hair often, that brings up the length an inch or two.
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If you have wavy or curly hair, factor that in when measuring. Textured hair often needs more volume to get a seamless blend.
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Also remember if you have thick hair, you’ll need more packs to create the fullness and density to match your natural hair.
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For shorter hair (above shoulder length), don't extend more than double the length of your natural hair. This helps create a natural, seamless blend.
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Consider height and body frame. The taller you are, the shorter the extensions will look on you.
10. Decide how many packs to buy and be sure to order them with plenty of shipping time before your installation appointment or special event, if you have one.
We generally recommend 4-6 packs for fine hair, 6-8 packs for medium hair, and 8-12 packs for thick hair. Work with your stylist and it’s great to plan for a few extra packs the first time you get extensions installed just to be safe.
Are you looking for the easiest, fastest, do-it-yourself option?
Try a Halo. These extensions are a one-and-done, single piece that sits on your head with a nylon wire. Donna Bella Hair offers them in 16 inch, 18 inch, and 20 inch lengths and in 15+ colors. If you don't have a ton of time to shop for hair extensions and don't want to have to go to a salon, a Halo could be a great option for you.
Shopping for hair extensions online should ideally be fun and straightforward, leading you to the hair of your dreams. We hope that these tips help you make an informed decision. Happy shopping!
Other Resources to Make Shopping Online for Hair Extensions Easier
Virtual Color Match - find your top 3 color matches in just a few minutes!
Complimentary Swatch Kit - we'll send you 3 swatches to match from home, all you pay for is shipping.
Method Comparison Chart - see the differences between our 7 application methods.
Donna Bella Hair Blog - browse all of our articles to learn more about hair extensions.
Customer Service- visit our help page to contact us with questions or concerns.
