Hair Extensions Length Guide: What Length Should You Choose?

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 8 min

Length is everything when it comes to hair extensions. Seriously – getting the hair extension length right is key to nailing your look. But it's not always easy to figure out which hair length is right for you, which is why we've put together this helpful hair extension length guide!


While you might know roughly where you want the extensions to fall on your shoulders or back, it’s specific number measurements that you’ll need to know when purchasing your hair.


So, to help you match up your desired length with the correct hair extensions, we’ve created this handy guide.


Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about hair extension lengths and how to choose the perfect one for your beautiful head.

Hair Extension Length Chart

We've put together a little chart of our different lengths of hair extensions to help you make sense of your extensions, so if you're ever in doubt, you can always refer to this guide .


Oh, and the picture above shows you whereabouts the extensions would come down to on your body. Obviously, it would differ depending on your height , but for reference, the model is 5 feet tall.



Straight Curly Wavy
16 Inches Upper Back Shoulders Bra Clasp
18 Inches Bra Clasp Upper Back Shoulders
20 Inches Mid-Lower Back Bra Clasp Just Under Bra Clasp
22 Inches Lower Back Rib Cage Mid-Lower Back
24 Inches Bottom of Back Mid-Lower Back Lower Back

Whether it’s lots of length, subtle length, or va-va-volume you’re after, RiRi can help you truly unlock your inner goddess with our luxurious hair extensions .


We have lengths running from 16” to 30” in a variety of styles and colours, so you can achieve the look you’ve always dreamed of. Once you’ve figured out what length it is you need, let us help you find the perfect set of extensions to match!


Join the RiRi squad, and let’s get your hair game on point.

Most Popular Hair Extension Lengths

For a little insight into our gorgeous hair extensions, we've got a little breakdown of our wildly popular wefts.


If you want to find out what hair extension length suits you best, keep reading besties. You're sure to find something for you.


Beautiful hair extensions await!

16 Inch Hair Extensions

16-inch hair extensions work super well if you just want to add a little bit of length and volume, or in other words, if you’re an extension newbie. They would be a perfect choice for someone with short natural hair who's just starting their hair extension journey and looking for a little bit of volume and length. 

RiRi’s Recommendation


Our 16-inch Curly Clip-Ins, both Classic and Deluxe , are the shortest extensions we offer (about shoulder length). Just look at that before and after pic. You literally can't go wrong with these shorties.


They're also available in over 30 shades (just like all our other synthetic extensions), so they can easily match whatever hair colour you're rocking at the

18 Inch Hair Extensions

18 inches of hair extension adds that little bit extra that 16 inches can’t offer. It’s a great middle ground between short and long hair. They’re ideal if you’re looking for a classic but modest look.

RiRi’s Recommendation


Our 18-inch extensions are available in our Flick Classic and Deluxe . They're just a tiny bit longer than our 16-inch extensions, but my, my do they add an elegant length. 

Just look at that pic and see how much more volume and bounciness she's got! The perfect medium-length hair extensions to add extra length.

20 Inch Hair Extensions

Moving on now to the longer locks for people with mid-long hair who crave that insane volume and versatility.


You honestly can’t go wrong with 20 inches if it’s your first time stepping into the world of long extensions!

RiRi’s Recommendation


Our 20-inchers are available in our Classic Curly extensions , our beaut Human Wigs , and our 8-Piece Human Hair Extensions , so not only do they add volume, they also add huge amounts of bounce.

Simply stunning while still looking realistic and natural.

22 Inch Hair Extensions

22-inch, AKA princess locks are perfect for creating a luxurious, glamorous look for day or evening events.


If you want heads to turn, this is the extension length for you, queen.

RiRi’s Recommendation


We have some available here at RiRi in our iconic Summer Teale 3-Piece Clip-In Beach Wave Hair Extensions . Wavy hair always wins.

24 Inch Hair Extensions

While 24-inch hair extensions aren’t the most realistic (not many people can grow hair down to their bum), who cares? Own that look; no one minds a little exaggeration once in a while.


Personally, we think they're 10/10, and we think you will too.

RiRi’s Recommendation


Our 24-inch hair extensions are the longest we sell, apart from our ponytail extensions. They really are the holy grail of hair extensions.


Available in our Classic and Deluxe Flick Clip-Ins , as well as our Curly and Bouncy Wave Half-Head Piece.

The Importance of Matching Hair Extension Lengths

Get your extensions length wrong, and it can completely ruin the look you were going for. While you might be tempted to go straight for a 24 inch weft, you need to think about your natural hair’s length.


If you have shorter hair – say, shoulder length – a 24 inch weft might look too long and obviously fake. On the other hand, if you have longer hair, choosing a shorter length could end up looking choppy and unnatural.


We have a full guide on how long your natural hair needs to be for extensions, so we recommend checking that out. 

But, as a quick breakdown, here’s what extensions length would match best with each hair length:

The Best Hair Extension Length for Your Hair

Natural Hair Length Recommended Extensions Length Why?
16” 16”-18” Keeping the length the same or a little longer than your natural hair will heavily increase the gorgeous volume.
18” 20” If you go a little longer than your natural hair, you can increase the volume while still looking natural and blended.
20” 22”-24” You already have long hair, but these will help you take it even further.
22” 22”-24” Keep it the same, or add a little length to really increase the volume of those long locks.
24” 24” You probably don’t want to go any longer, but keeping the extensions the same length as your natural hair will give you insane volume.

Considering Your Features Before Choosing Hair Extensions

As we said, there is more to choosing hair extensions than simply checking the guide . There are personal factors to be aware of, and we want to make sure you've got all the info before making your purchase.


Ladies,take notes.

Height

Your height plays a big role in choosing your hair extensions, and don't think it doesn't. This is often a mistake girls make.


For example, if you're under 5'4, the longer hair extensions (20-24 inches) will look extremely long on you and likely stop somewhere different than you expected.


Manage your expectations and measure your height before getting your extensions.

Face Shape

We know,seems weird, but your face shape actually plays a huge role in determining the length of your hair extensions.


Plus, if you currently have a bob and go straight in for the 24-inch extensions (we don't recommend this, btw-you'll be adding a lot of weight to your natural hair), your face, although it hasn't, will drastically change . Illusion vibes.


Below is a breakdown of common face shapes and what length will typically suit them best:

  • Oval: Pretty much every hair length will suit someone with an oval-shaped face.

  • Square: Long hair and long bobs (layered) will look great on people with a square-shaped face.

  • Oblong: Short hair works best with oblong-shaped faces.

  • Heart: A long bob (lob) is recommended for people with a heart-shaped face.

  • Diamond: Finally, diamond-shaped faces are versatile, so all hair lengths will look good.

Hair Type

Hair type definitely comes into play when deciding on your hair extension lengths. It's not all bad, but there are a few things to watch out for.


Check out our tips for different hair types below:

  • Thick hair: You might want to consider a long hair extension, like 22 or 24 inches. Adding too much volume and thickness to short-mid length hair can make it look too big. It's good to even it out.
  • Thin hair: Consider short hair extensions, like 16 or 18 inches, or you could risk adding too much tension and pulling on your thin hair, causing your natural hair to become even thinner.
  • Long hair: Congrats, you already have the length! But you might want to add volume or even more length, which is amazing. Of course, you'll need an extension that is the same as or slightly longer than your natural length.
  • Short hair: This is much the same principle as thin hair. You don't have too much hair for extensions to adhere to, so you don't want to overload it with weight. A shorter hair extension might be better.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Hair Extension Lengths

If you haven't already realised, thinking about length is so important for achieving your hair goals , and we can't say it enough.


At RiRi, you can find your perfect extension length, along with tons of colours and styles to choose from. You'll be a long-haired voluminous babe in no time!


So, what's stopping you? Transform your look today with RiRi, and shop our products below or browse our wide selection on our website!

FAQs

What is the Most Popular Hair Extension Length?

Our most popular length of hair extensions here at RiRi is 20 inches. Our girls can't get enough!


It's the perfect number of inches to add length whilst looking natural and realistic. It's also perfect for those of you under 5'4! You won't look like your hair weighs you down.

What Length of Hair Extensions Should I Get?

There are many factors to consider before choosing the length of your hair extensions. These include:

  • Natural hair length

  • Height

  • Face shape

  • The look you're hoping to achieve

What is the Shortest Hair You Can Put Extensions in?

We recommend having at least 3-4 inches of hair before considering any kind of hair extensions. This will allow some hair for the extensions to grip, while looking natural and realistic and hiding the fittings.

Is 24 Inch Hair Extensions Too Long?

For some people, 24-inch hair extensions are the perfect length. They want that dramatic, voluminous look that makes them look like Rapunzel.


For others, especially those under 5'4, 24 inches could be too long. This length can be unrealistic, so if you're hoping for a natural look, 24 inches might not be for you.

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!