How Long Does Hair Have To Be For Extensions?

Have you ever gotten your hair cut short and then wanted long hair badly? Well, this when the hair extensions come in handy.

But how long does hair have to be for extensions? The minimum hair length for extensions is between 2 to 4 inches. If your hair is around 2 inches long, keratin or stick-tip hair extensions will work best for you. For slightly longer hair, such methods as clip-in or tape extensions are also an option.

Read on to learn all about using extensions on short hair and how to achieve a naturally blended look.

Can You Put Extensions in Very Short Hair?

Short haircuts look exceptionally good on some people. However, no matter how much you like your hair short, you may want to get longer hair just for a change.

You can put hair extensions on short hair. However, it is relatively difficult to ‘disguise’ them and make them blended with your natural hair.

It is important to pay attention to framing your face with extensions rather than applying evenly cut layers toward the back of your head.

It is also essential to choose extensions that will match your hair texture. This will create a much more realistic look.

The Minimum Hair Length for Extensions

Hair extensions will work for you only if your hair is at least 2 to 3 inches long. In other words, your hair should reach the lower part of your ears, right where the occipital bone is located.

The minimum hair length may slightly differ depending on the type of extensions you choose to use. However, there is one general rule that applies in all cases. The hair should be long enough to cover the base of extensions.

Whether you want clip-in extensions or tape extensions, the natural look is only achieved when they are seamlessly applied and blended with your own hair.

Here are the best types of extensions you can use on really short hair.

Tape Extensions

Tape-in extensions are suitable for those who have hair that is at least 3 inches long.

The advantage of these extensions is that the tape is less bulky than the clips in clip-in extensions. They are also a great option if you are looking into something on the affordable side.

Tape extensions last 8 weeks at most.

Clip-in Extensions

The minimum hair length to use clip-in extensions is 3 to 4 inches.

The best part about these extensions is that you can easily order them online and apply them on your own at home. They are quick to apply and effortless to wear on the day to day basis.

If your hair is shorter than 3 inches, you may feel that the clips pull on your hair. Additionally, hair that is too short won’t cover the clips properly.

Stick-Tip Hair Extensions

Stick extensions are your best bet if your hair is really short. A good professional will make them work for hair that is 2.5 to 4 inches long.

Because these extensions are applied strand-by-stand, it is easier to make them work on short hair.

This extension method is also known as cold-fusion, where small sections of hair are weaved through a link tube.

Stick-tip extensions last for up to 6 weeks.

Keratin Extensions

Keratin hair extensions are rather expensive and take multiple hours to install. However, if you have hair that is 2 to 3 inches long, this may be one of the options for you.

With these extensions, small hair strands are applied to your natural hair using heat.

The good thing is, if you take proper care of them, keratin extensions will last up to 6 months.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you have short hair and want to achieve a new hair look with extensions, here are some things to keep in mind.

Cutting the Extensions

No matter how much you have paid for your extensions, to make them look natural and well-blended with your hair cutting them is important.

Giving your hair extensions a trim and adding layers to them is the key to making them look like your natural hair.

It is best to refer to a specialist to give the extensions a nice cut.

Mixing Lengths

If with long hair there is a chance of getting away with layers of extensions that are of the same length, in case of short hair it is nearly impossible.

For very short hair, getting a new long hairstyle will require extensions of different lengths.

By mixing extensions of different lengths and ‘cascading’ from your natural short hair to long hair you will be able to get a new natural-looking hairstyle.

Color Match

No matter how many layers of extensions you use, if you fail to pick the right color for your extensions, they will never look good and will not blend with your natural hair.

It is not only about picking a similar color, it is about choosing the right tone.

If you have icy blond hair, using any blond extensions will not work. Your hair will not look good with yellow-toned blond extensions as they will never blend with your cool-toned hair and there will be a noticeable gap between your natural hair and extensions.

Tips for Blending Short Hair with Extensions

If you want to put in hair extensions on your own, here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless look where one won’t be able to see the line between your natural hair and extensions.

Tip #1

One of the things that will give away that you are wearing extensions is the short strands of hair that stick out at the nape of the neck.

To avoid this problem, pin the bottom layer away. Use bobby ins to make it as flat as possible.

Once you have ‘got rid’ of this section, apply the first layer of your clip-in extensions in this area.

Tip #2

If you want to achieve not only length but also dimension, buy hair extensions of two colors that are slightly different in shade.

Alternating these clip-in extensions will give you the natural hair look with highlights.

Tip #3

If you have short hair and are putting extensions on at home, you may have a hard time disguising them and blending them with your shorter hair strands.

The easiest way to make the extensions less obvious is curling your hair or adding waves. It is a lot less easy to notice the extensions when you straighten your hair.