Pick Yours From 6 Best Hair Extensions For Short Hair!

Short hair is sexy, always on-trend, and shouts confidence. While you flaunt the cute bob, you might still miss having long locks especially when you want to try your favorite long hairstyle. How would you get a quick fix? After all, celebs go from foxy shorty to gorgeous Rapunzel overnight. Well, the quick fix is called hair extensions for short hair. Whether you want to add length or volume to your short hair, extensions are your best pick.

Keep scrolling to find the best hair extensions that suit you and your hair!

Hair Extensions For Short Hair: A Complete Guide

Anyone can have second thoughts after chopping off a chunk of hair, be it you struggling to grow your hair past a certain length, a bad haircut, or accidental damage. Before you sit and regret ever getting a haircut, take note that hair grows back. But if you cannot wait for your hair to grow back, you can always go for extensions to add length and volume instantly. They work incredibly well and go completely undetected —if applied right.

There are different types of hair extensions for short hair in the market. If you are new to this, it gets confusing as to which type suits your short hair. For that, you need to consider how short your hair is. Is it a long pixie, angled bob, curtain bangs, or classic lob? Different extensions work for different haircuts and structures of the strands. Let’s look at the types of hair integrations and how they suit different haircuts.

Types Of Hair Extensions For Short Hair

Let’s cover the basics. Hair extensions incorporate additional human hair or synthetic hair that you can clip, sew, or glue onto your natural hair. While most integrations are human hair with no additives and are sourced from a donor, synthetic extensions are manufactured from different synthetic or blended fibers. You can use synthetical hand-tied hair extensions for extra volume. Of course, human hair extensions for short hair blend perfectly well with your natural short hair. On the other hand, synthetic hair feels coarse with a wiry texture. 

If not for short hair, you could go for any hair extensions. But since your natural hair is short, here are the different types of integrations.

Clip-In Hair Extensions For Short Hair

One of the most popular and quickest fixes is clip-in extensions, especially if you have thick short hair. Precisely, pick a thick set of integrations for short hair. They are inexpensive and convenient because you can easily apply them on your own in a couple of minutes. Meaning, you don’t need to go to a professional stylist!

The clip-in hair extensions for short hair require a minimum of length 4 inches to cover the clip base and securely attach the clips. Although you may find it a tad bit difficult to apply the first time, you will work it out quickly. Keep in mind that this one is for those who desire volume and not necessarily added length. Hence, this type of extension won’t be the best choice for a pixie cut.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Adds thickness
• Inexpensive
• Varied colors 

Cons:

• Noticeable in thin short hair
• Lower quality 

Tape-In Extensions For Short Hair

This type of hair extension for short hair uses adhesive tapes to glue them close to the hair’s roots —more of a long-term option. It requires a minimum hair length of 3 inches and can last up to eight weeks. Although tapes are relatively smaller than clips, they could also be a bit difficult to blend with natural hair on short and thin hair. 

Not to mention, the length of the tapes is 18-22 inches and the width is 1.5 inches, typically. So, it could be too heavy for thin, short hair. However, the good news is tape extensions can also be trimmed into smaller pieces because they are the best straight hair extensions for short hair as they lie flat on the head.

Pros:

• Lasts eight weeks
• Can be trimmed
• Can be dyed

Cons:

• Heavy on thin hair
• Require maintenance
• Noticeable in thin short hair
• Require professional help

Micro Beads Hair Extensions

For thick, short hair, micro beads give a natural look(1). It is another long-term hair extension for short hair options as it lasts longer than tape-in. Instead of taking it off by the end of the day, it is fitted and removed by a professional. This also means continuous maintenance that could cost more.

But once you apply them, your head full of hair will look seamlessly blended (almost invisible!). You need a minimum length of 4 inches and it can be heavy as well as damaging to the hair. Hence, there are better options for those with hair breakage.

Pros:

• Seamless blend
• Lasts long
• Reusable 

Cons:

• Damaging to hair prone to breakage
• Heavy
• Expensive 

Nano Ring Hair Extensions For Short Hair

Nano rings are perfect hair extensions for thin, short hair. With tiny copper rings around the size of the nib of a ballpoint pen, this type of extension does magic on fine hair. The best part is it works even on hair less than 4 inches! They are not only tiny and discrete but also less damaging than micro rings. But takes almost the same amount of time (maybe more).

As the nano rings are designed with a silicone lining, they only clamp on your hair. Moreover, they do not use heat, glue, or braiding and are kind to your natural hair. If your natural hair is thin, nano rings will blend into your locks while adding length. 

Pros:

• Perfect for short and thin hair
• Less damaging than microbeads
• Works on less than 4 inches of hair

Cons:

• Time-consuming 
• Costly 

Weft Hair Extensions For Short Hair

Weft hair extensions sew braided strands to your natural hair using a needle and thread. It is a popular and affordable hair extension for very short hair that adds length and volume. When sewed, weft hair extensions are less damaging and look natural when blended. 

Pros:

• Lasts up to eight weeks
• Works on very short hair

Cons:

• Require professional help
• Maintenance
• Visible in thin hair
• Time-consuming

U-Tip Hair Extensions

Another best hair extension for short hair as they require only 2 inches of hair to blend seamlessly. This type of extension involves attaching strands of hair using a keratin bond or hot pliers. As they are attached strand by strand without the use of clips, tapes, or loops, they blend perfectly well. However, they can be expensive because they last up to six weeks with proper care and maintenance.

Pros:

• Perfect blend

Cons: 

• Expensive
• Damages hair
• Time-consuming

These are the types of hair extensions for short hair in the market. But how do you know which one to choose? Keep reading!

How To Pick The Right Hair Extension For Short Hair?

There are various artificial hair integrations as listed above. To choose the best hair extension, there are a few factors to consider including:

1. Length

For very short hair, choose Weft, U-Tips, or nano rings (for a long-term option). Every other extension needs a minimum of 4 inches in length.

2. Volume

Another factor is the volume or texture of your natural hair. For fine, thin hair, the options are limited. Choose tape-in or clip-in hair extensions for short hair to avoid weight. Choose weft or U-Tip extensions for styling curly hair. 

3. Maintenance

Not everyone enjoys maintaining artificial hair integrations. For a convenient and easy-to-use option, choose clip-ins as they can be easily installed and removed. On the other hand, other extensions require more care when washing and styling as well.

4. Color 

It is highly recommended not to color your hair integration with dye or tinted shampoos. If you are planning to fit artificial hair integrations along with changing your hair color, we suggest you dye first and color-match extensions to the shade. Thankfully, there are a number of different colors available for hair integration.

Application And Maintenance Of Hair Extensions For Short Hair

Before putting on extensions, prep your hair by washing and conditioning followed by drying and sectioning using clips or ties. Then, follow the steps:

• Clip-In: Take clip-in extensions one at a time and attach them in place, starting from the bottom and going upwards. Then, cover them with small sections of your hair.
• Tape-In: Create a horizontal parting using a comb. Place the extension under the parting and press it onto your head. Use a flat iron to seal the tape in place. Repeat until done.
• Weft: Create a cornrow braid along the back of your head. Then, sew the weft extensions onto the braids securely and evenly spaced. Repeat until done.
• Micro Beads and Nano Rings: By using a hook, thread a small section of your hair through the micro-bead or nano rings. Then, slide the extension onto your hair and clamp the bead with pliers. Repeat until done.
• U-Tip: Insert separator at the root and pull hair through its hole. Place a U-Tip extension underneath your hair and use Fusion Wand to melt and smear the glue. Then, roll the melted glue between your fingers until it becomes cylindrical to secure the extension in place. Repeat until done.

To maintain your extensions, 

• Brush your hair carefully to avoid tangles
• Wash them every 1-2 weeks
• Condition them once a week
• Separate the bonds daily
• Protect them while sleeping
• Minimize heat damage

Pros And Cons Of Hair Extensions For Short Hair

Pros

• Adds length and volume
• Appears natural if applied right
• Longer durability
• Comes in varied colors

Cons:

• Potential hair damage
• Complicated application process
• Cost of Maintenance
• Difficulty in pairing colors

What Extensions Are Better For Short Hair?

The best hair extensions vary depending on the length and volume of your hair. Many choose clip-ins as they are easy to use and do not damage your hair. If your hair is 3 inches or less, you may go for long-term options, such as Keratin, weft, nano ring (for thin hair), or microbeads (for thick hair) extensions. The best option for straight hair extensions for short hair is tape-ins. 

Tips For Styling Short Hair With Extensions

• Style a loose low bun for an effortless chic look
• An undone look hides the bonds well
• Curl the front and any loose strands
• Either style your hair separately or style it along with the extensions
• Style your clip-ins before installing them to avoid tugging
• Use a hanger to hang the extensions to curl weft separately
• Apply a heat protectant and set your heat tools to the lowest temperature
• Install a bunch of extensions of different lengths to appear natural
• Use a curling iron to add waves or loose curls to blend well
• Straighten your hair and integrate it for a polished finish
• Braid (Dutch or fishtail) to add volume and texture uniquely 
• Experiment with accessories such as clips, barrettes, and headbands

How Long Is Enough For Hair Extensions?

You only require a minimum of 3 or 4 inches to use the extensions for short hair. For U-tip extensions, even 2 inches is enough. 

FAQ

Final Words

You have the list of best hair extensions for short hair here along with their pros and cons. Pick yours and start showing off your long luscous locks!