Best Hair Extensions for Short Hair (Before & After)

babaluhairhaus1
Oct 9
8 min read

No matter how short your hair is, there’s an extension that’ll work for you.

The right one will match the color, texture, and thickness of your natural hair without causing unnecessary headaches and salon visits every other day for refitting.

And we are here to help you find it. In this guide, we’re breaking down the five best types of hair extensions for short hair, their pros and cons, and how to keep them looking their best for longer.

But before diving into the options, let’s go over the key dos and don’ts of choosing the right extensions for short hair.

Choosing the Right Type of Extensions: Dos & Don’ts

Don’t: Go Too Long Too Fast

We know it can be very tempting to want to go from a bob to waist-length overnight, but super long extensions on very short hair can feel heavy, tug at your roots, and even cause scalp tension (especially if you’re prone to headaches or migraines).

A good rule of thumb:

If your hair is above your chin > go for extensions around 12 inches
If your hair is past your chin or at your shoulders > 16 inches is a safer choice

It’s all about keeping things practical and comfortable while still getting that extra length.

Don't: Forget About Maintenance Costs

Extensions aren’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal. They need regular refitting, proper care, and a budget for upkeep. If you're thinking, "I’ll just DIY it later to save money," think again, because improper maintenance can lead to breakage, thinning, and even hair loss.

So before you commit, ask yourself:

Am I willing to visit the salon for regular touch-ups?
Can I afford the right products to care for them?
Will I actually maintain them, or will I end up yanking them out in frustration?

Do: Let Your Hair Grow at least up to 4 Inches

We all want our extensions to blend in like they were meant to be there. But if your hair is super short (less than 4 inches), it’s going to be tricky to hide those clips, tapes, or bonds. Ideally, you want at least 4 to 6 inches of natural hair to work with for a seamless, natural-looking result.

Do: Look Up Different Extension Types Beforehand

Although a good stylist will guide you thoroughly on why a specific extension is suitable for you, it doesn’t hurt to do some homework beforehand. When you walk in with some research done, you’re more confident in explaining your preferences to them.

We have been doing short hair extensions for a long time, and here’s what works best for them:

Weft and pre-bonded extensions are usually the best bet - they sit flat against the scalp, so they’re almost invisible.
Tape-ins and clip-ins work well, too, but your natural hair should be at least 14 inches (35 cms) long to cover them properly.

Best Hair Extensions for Short Hair

Clip-In Extensions: For Instant Length and Volume

Clips-ins are for you if you’re looking for something to instantly switch up your hairstyle. Within minutes, all on your own, they give you extra volume, added length, and fun temporary change for any special occasion.

These extensions come with small clips attached to hair wefts, which you simply snap open, secure onto your natural hair, and snap shut - no glue, heat, or professional help needed. That means you can install and remove them yourself.

What makes Clip-ins great for short hair:

Easy to Find a Match – Clip-ins come in various colors, textures, and styles, so finding one that blends seamlessly with your natural hair is pretty simple. If you like changing your hair color often, clip-ins are ideal since you can swap them out without damaging your real hair.
No Damage, No Fuss – Since clip-ins don’t require glue or heat for application, they’re one of the safest extension methods for your natural hair.
Perfect for Special Occasions – For longer, fuller hair for a wedding, night out, or event, clip-ins let you transform your look instantly and go right back to your natural hair when you’re done.

Cons of Clip-ins:

Not Always Easy to Hide – If your hair is thin and short, the clips may be hard to conceal, making the extensions look obvious.
Synthetic Clip-Ins Don’t Blend Well – Unlike human hair clip-ins, synthetic ones shouldn’t be cut, which can result in an unnatural look, especially for thicker, shorter hair.
Not Meant for Sleeping or Swimming – Wearing clip-ins overnight or in water causes tangling, matting, and breakage. They need to be removed before bed and reinstalled the next day.
Repeated Use Can Cause Breakage – If you keep clipping them onto the same section of hair every day, the repeated tension can weaken and break your natural strands over time.

Tape-In Extensions: Semi-Permanent Solution

If you’re looking for a relatively long-lasting change in your hair length and volume but without spending heaps - tape-ins are for you. They are easy to apply, but we don’t recommend you do them on your own.

Tape-in extensions are made of thin, pre-taped wefts that are sandwiched around small sections of your natural hair. They’re secured using a gentle adhesive, keeping them flat, lightweight, and nearly invisible when installed correctly.

What makes tape-ins another good option for short hair:

Blend Seamlessly – With your hair at least 6 inches long, tape-ins can be layered to blend with your natural strands, making the tapes virtually undetectable.
Ideal for Fine or Thin Hair – Since they lay flat against the scalp, they don’t add bulk, making them a great option for those who have too fine hair to hold clip-ins.
More Long-Lasting Than Clip-Ins – While tape-ins are not fully permanent, they last 4 to 8 weeks before needing maintenance.

Some potential cons of tape-ins:

Not DIY-friendly – If tape-ins are applied incorrectly (or removed the wrong way), you risk ripping out your natural hair (unlike clip-ins). So, always get them done by a professional.
They Require Regular Maintenance – Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll need a re-fitting session where the tapes are removed, cleaned, and re-applied closer to the roots as your hair grows.
Cost Adds Up Over Time – The upfront price isn’t just for the hair itself - you also need to factor in installation, reapplications, removals, and styling. Tape-ins are an investment, and they require a long-term commitment to upkeep.
Avoid Oils Near the Roots – Since tape-ins use adhesive, oily products or conditioners applied near the scalp can weaken the bond and cause them to slip.

Pre-Bonded Extensions: Suitable for Short Thin Hair

This one is for the shortest of lengths - less than 3 inches.

The extensions are attached strand by strand using tiny keratin-based bonds. These bonds are then heat-treated to fuse into your natural hair. As they melt, they become a discreet and undetectable part of your head, allowing free movement without making your hair appear stiff.

What makes pre-bonded extensions GREAT for short hair:

Stay in place for a long time: One of the biggest advantages is that these extensions are super secure. Unlike clip-ins, which need to be reattached daily, or tapes, which require frequent reapplications, pre-bonded extensions don’t move for months.
Best-suited for busy lifestyles: Whether its work, travel, workouts, or just not wanting to deal with daily styling - these are a hassle-free choice. They last anywhere from 2 to 4 months before requiring maintenance.
Safe and gentle: Keratin bonds are gentler than glue, making them a safer option for fine or delicate hair compared to other permanent extensions.

Some potential cons of pre-bonded extensions:

Time-taking: It can take several. hours to install these extensions. This means, means higher upfront costs than other extension types.
Add weight (like any other type): Even though keratin bonds are considered gentler, they still weigh down your natural hair. Over time, this could weaken the hair follicles, especially if your hair is already fine or fragile.
Not reusable: These extensions can’t be reused, so when they start loosening, you’ll need a new set.

Hand-Tied (Weft) Extensions: Least Damaging

If you ask us what’s the best of all - we’d say weft extensions. They offer permanent results like pre-bonded extensions but without any glues, heat treatments, and chemical fusions.

Hand-tied extensions involve sewing thin wefts of hair onto a row of beads that have been carefully placed along your natural hair. Your stylist hand-ties the wefts using a special thread, securing them in place without adhesives.

Why hand-tied wefts are BEST for short hair:

Gentle on the scalp: Since there’s no glue, tape or heat used, there’s no sticky residue or risk of pulling out your natural hair when it's time for a refresh.
100% customizable: One of the biggest perks of hand-tied wefts is how much you can personalise them. Whether you need a specific colour blend, a lightweight feel, or a texture that mimics your natural hair, a skilled stylist can tweak them to match you perfectly.
Can last years! With good-quality hair and proper care, they can stay looking great for six months to several years. While you’ll need to move them up every few months as your hair grows, you won’t be replacing them nearly as often as other types of extensions.

Some potential cons of weft hair extensions:

Not ideal for super-thin hair: The wefts need enough hair to cover them, and if there’s not much to work with, they can end up looking bulky. Plus, the foundation (the beads and thread) can feel thick, making the extensions harder to disguise.
Regular maintenance is a must: As your hair grows, the extensions need to be moved up every 6 to 12 weeks to keep them looking seamless. If you go too long without a move-up, they can start pulling on your natural hair, which isn’t great for hair health.
The Cost Adds Up: The wefts themselves aren’t super expensive, but once you factor in customisation, professional installation, and regular upkeep, the price climbs fast.

Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Extensions Gorgeous

Schedule Regular Move-Ups

Your extensions are cut and placed to blend perfectly at the time of fitting, but as your natural hair grows, the placement shifts. So, to keep everything looking natural, regular maintenance appointments are a must - your stylist will move and adjust your extensions to match your new length.

Ask for Blended Layers

The trick that makes extensions look well-blended is getting layers cut. So ask your stylist to add subtle layers to your extensions. That makes them flow effortlessly with your natural hair, preventing that telltale “step” between your real hair and the extensions.

Wash Gently

Extensions on short hair sit closer to the scalp, making product buildup and tangling more likely. To keep them clean without causing knots or loosening the bonds, focus on massaging your scalp rather than scrubbing the extensions themselves. And when rinsing, let the water and shampoo flow downward through the lengths instead of rubbing or bunching up the hair.

Be Mindful of Heat Styling

Too much heat can shorten the lifespan of your extensions. One way to minimize heat exposure is to let your hair air-dry about 50% first before using a blow dryer (that too, preferably on a low-heat setting) to speed up the rest of the process.

This reduces overall heat damage while ensuring your hair dries completely. And don’t forget - always apply a heat protectant beforehand (even when you’re 50% air-drying) to keep both your natural hair and extensions healthy and strong.

Use Lightweight Products

Your stylist will recommend the best styling products based on your hair type, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid heavy oils or serums near the attachment points. Too much buildup at the roots can weaken the bonds and cause slipping.

Bed-time Care

Extensions on short hair are more prone to tangling and matting, especially if you have layers. So, before bed, tie your hair into a loose braid or ponytail to keep everything in place while you sleep.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Choosing the right hair extensions isn’t just about adding length - it’s about finding what works best for your hair type, lifestyle, and budget.

If you’re just looking for a quick, temporary fix - something you can pop in for a special occasion and take out by the end of the night - clip-ins are your best bet. But if you’re looking for something a little more long-lasting without the upkeep of fully permanent extensions. Tape-ins could be the perfect in-between.

For a semi-permanent yet undetectable transformation, we recommend pre-bonded or hand-tied weft extensions.