How Long Does Your Hair Have To Be To Get Extensions - JuvaBun

There is no magical formula for increasing the length of your hair overnight, but it doesn't hurt to try, right? If you want to end up with the best-looking hair in all the town, you need to figure out the right type.

Getting extensions is no easy decision and people get confused before they make this decision. Almost everyone around you will have advice for you. The bombardment of too many suggestions is counterproductive, as it often makes you not want to get extensions altogether.

Before getting extensions, there are only two things you need to ask yourself: how long should the hair be and what type of extensions would suit me the best.

Depending on the length of your hair and other factors, you will be using different types of extensions. For instance, people with hair longer than 14 inches will need clip-in extensions. With fusion extensions and weft extensions, your hair need not be longer than 8 inches. There are other types that you can consider, but more on that later. 

Let us first understand all the factors you need to cater to before you make a final decision. Here are a few points you should consider before getting extensions.

woman relaxing while at the forest

Type of Hair Extensions

Before you understand the kind of length you want, it is important to know some basic differences between the different types of hair extensions. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled all the important information for you here. So, give it a good read to figure out which ones will work best for you!

Clip-in extensions

These are best for temporary use. As the name suggests, you can wear clip-in extensions for as long as you want. They are great, cost-effective, and long-lasting. Additionally, you can easily wear them up to 20 times without needing a wash. The best thing about clip-in extensions is that they come in different styles and colors and can be worn by anyone. Many people love investing in clip-in extensions because they don't bound the user. 

Women can wear these extensions any time they want and take them out on their own accord. Additionally, they can go for braided extensions, curls, or even treated extensions. 

Bonds

These extensions are best for people who don't like to visit their salon every now and then. The application takes less than a few hours and the extensions last for up to 4 months. 

Bonds, or wefts, are thin strands that are added to your hair and allow your hair to move freely and naturally. The process uses a glue gun or some other adhesive to attach thin wefts to your natural hair. The length varies according to the texture and thickness of your hair, but more on that later.

Microlink hair extensions

This is best suited for people who want to enjoy a permanent fix for a couple of months. The process is similar to the one mentioned above. Each extension is a thin strand that is attached to your natural hair. 

However, they are better than weft extensions because they don’t use glue or heat for attachment. Small strands of hair are pulled through beads and clamped to give a more natural look. As a result, micro-links tend to blend seamlessly and allow for a perfect look.

Weave hair extensions

This is yet another amazing kind of extension that is suitable for thick and long hair. They last for only 8 weeks. Although this time duration is significantly less than what you can achieve with other types, it is worth remembering that weave extensions make for a seamless flow and allow for an easy process. However, some people find the weaving or sewing process a little scary. 

This is because the process can feel uncomfortable to people with damaged hair and a weak scalp. But before you rush into the decision, make sure to understand all the prerequisites. For this type, you need to have hair that has undergone deep conditioning.

Tape-in extensions

This one is for very fine hair. Your hair also needs to be relatively longer and thicker if they are to support tape in extensions. The best thing about this procedure is that it takes very little time. You will be finished with it in less than 60 minutes. With short hair, you may just have to sit on the salon chair for 30 minutes. For this process, your hairstylist will make use of adhesives or tapes for attachment. 

The extensions are glued at the root, which lay flat against your head. This makes the tape in extensions less noticeable than all other types in the market. It is also worth remembering that, unlike other procedures, tape-ins do not pull on your natural hair and are super lightweight. This makes them one of the most convenient and comfortable options out there. 

However, the use of glue and adhesives damage your hair. This is why you are required to take proper care of your hair. Using a good conditioner and oiling your hair can help you retain a fabulous look.

Woman pulling her hair extensions away from her face

Length Of Hair For Extensions

There is no rocket science behind this. The length of your hair will determine the kind of extensions you have. It's not the other way round. There are a couple of measurements you need to be aware of.

If you want extensions glued to your head, you need hair that is anywhere between 14 and 16 inches. This is roughly 35 centimeters. This is because hair shorter than this length won't support the weight of the extensions. 

On the other hand, if you want fusion or tape-in extensions, you may need at least 8 inches or 20 cm of hair. Lastly, for weft extensions, your hair may need to be only one inch or 2.5 cm long.

Type of Hair

The length of your hair is just one of the factors that affect your decisions. The type of hair is a major fashion consideration that needs to be taken into account as well. Before deciding the kind of extensions, you need to assess the thickness of your hair. Moreover, you also need to ensure that your hair has the required texture and thickness. 

For weaved or tape-in extensions, you need to follow a simple rule of thumb. To get accurate results, you need to ensure that your hair is thicker than extensions. On the other hand, with stick-on extensions, you don't need to worry about the texture or thickness. This is because this procedure uses glue or other adhesives and is not at risk. The glue will easily hold any type of hair in place for long durations.

hair extensions placed at the table

Quality of Your Hair

This is another very important thing to consider. For a precise and accurate result, you need to ensure that you have good quality hair that is capable of supporting the extensions. 

For extensions, you need to ensure that you don't get colored or permed extensions. This is because these extensions are chemically treated. The abundant and excessive use of these chemicals can sometimes have adverse effects and can seriously damage the quality and texture of your natural hair. Furthermore, this contamination can also lead to breakage and many other similar complications.

If you have damaged hair, then we recommend using Argan Oil which is an effective hair treatment product for such problems.

The best way to go about it, especially if you have virgin hair, is to request a small sample. You can check these extensions against your hair and decide accordingly. This will save you both money and hassle later.

child sitting by the river during the day

Frequency of Washing and Hair Maintenance

Regardless of how many times your hairstylist gives you advice, you are bound to follow only the kinds of advice that match your vibe. If you have a natural inclination towards washing your hair frequently, you aren't going to stop it at the request of your stylist.

This is important to remember because every kind of extension comes with its own set of instructions and maintenance. Make sure to go with the option that best suits you. If you are a careless person who doesn't bother much about maintenance, choose the type that doesn't require a lot of attention and care.

Who Can Do My Extensions

Doing things independently is a great quality and one that you should be proud of. However, there are instances where taking help or guidance is the better choice. When it comes to extensions, you should always try to proceed with caution. Find an experienced and renowned hair stylist who knows her work well and can help you transform your look.

Final say!

We have already identified the different and most popular types of extensions that exist in the market. We then looked at all the factors, especially the length of your hair, that you need to consider before making a choice. 

However, it is worth mentioning here that the extensions that suit your friend or countless celebrities on your social media handles may not work for you. So when it comes to your hair, you shouldn't be taking any risks. It is best for you to assess all your options and then reach a decision.

Regardless of the length of your hair, if you think you can handle extensions, there is nothing stopping you from taking a chance. Head over to JuvaBun Main Page now and choose an extension type that matches your vibe. There is nothing more appealing than sheer confidence.