For those who have thin or fine hair, styling and maintaining that hair can be time and energy consuming. It’s not easy to make thin hair look fuller. Hair extensions are an excellent way to create a full head of hair, which is ideal for those who are lacking confidence in their appearance.
They also can provide a sense of normality for people who are beginning to lose their hair, whether that is due to age, illness, or medication, as hair extensions are an effective and realistic replacement for real hair.
Hair loss is not always complete balding, as most women who reach their 50s will begin to lose hair in places, which can cause a great deal of stress and embarrassment.
Hair extensions are a cost effective alternative to hair replacement or a full wig, however, it is important to find the right type of extension to avoid further damage to thin hair.
We have found the 5 best extensions for thin hair, along with a handy buyers’ guide and FAQ section for any unanswered questions.
In a rush?
Our top pick is the ABH AmazingBeauty Hair Semi-Permanent Tape Extensions. Available in 5 hair lengths and over 14 shades, these tape-in extensions are ideal for thin hair.
These extensions are made from Remy human hair, are completely reusable, and have double sided tape to lie flat on the head. They are designed to look realistic, silky, and smooth, without damaging or pulling out thin hair.
OUR TOP PICK
The ABH tape extensions are the ideal extensions for those with thin hair. Lightweight and with double sided tape, these extensions are designed to blend in with natural hair and, if placed correctly, are not obvious.
Made of 100% Remy human hair, the quality is high and silky, and can be styled as with normal human hair - unlike synthetic hair extensions that only come in one style.
If they are cared for properly, these extensions can be reusable after falling out with handy replacement tape.
They last between 4-8 weeks. The tape itself is non-allergenic and the hair is said to be durable. One set comes in 20 pieces, but it is recommended to buy another set for extra volume and length.
Other than blonde, the colors include light and dark browns as well as balayages.
Pros:
- Silky Remy human hair
- Can be dyed and styled
- Can last between 4-8 weeks and reused up to 4 times
Cons:
- Blonde shades will need tonight to remove any yellow
EDITORS CHOICE
The GOO GOO tape extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair, offering a high quality feel and finish.
These extensions are available in 15 colors and 6 lengths ranging from 14 to 24 inches - meaning they are versatile for styling and cutting purposes.
The majority of these shades are ombre and balayage, meaning they achieve a beautifully warm tone with extra highlights to create a salon-perfect look.
As they are made of human hair, they can be treated in the same way, so they can be dyed and styled using hot equipment such as straighteners.
However, it is recommended to allow a professional to dye the hair, as unprofessional dyeing could affect the quality and service life of the extensions.
It is also recommended to use a temperature maximum of 150 degrees on straighteners or curlers.
The invisible tape is strong enough to last between 2-3 months with good hair maintenance, which is also easily removable.
As this set comes with 20 pieces, it is recommended to buy another if you want to achieve a fuller head of hair.
Pros:
- Long lasting with good maintenance
- Good color range and blends
- Easy to style and use like normal hair
Cons:
- Will need professional assistance for dyeing
BEST VALUE
These Hairro Store extensions are made with pure human hair from young people, which is ideal for those wanting healthy and young extensions.
Available in lengths between 12 to 24 inches and over 30 different colors and styles, these extensions are versatile and usable for anybody.
The styles come in either straight or wavy, which is ideal either way for people who have a preference. If you choose to style your extensions differently depending on the day, it is probably best to go with a straight hair type.
Weighing 30 grams, these extensions are lightweight and the tape can be reusable up to 4 times after they fall out.
The tape is hypoallergenic, easy to remove, and the set comes with an additional 10 tapes for free - more will have to be purchased when reusing the extensions.
These extensions can last up to 3 to 4 months of use. It is recommended to use 2-3 packs of these extensions, and more for a fuller look.
Pros:
- Realistic and long lasting
- Range of colors, lengths, and styles
- Easy to remove and style
Cons:
- Be sure to choose the right hair type, between straight and curly, to avoid daily styling (if this is an issue)
RUNNER UP
The LAAVOO hair extensions are incredibly versatile with their huge range of 27 colors and lengths from 12 to 30 inches.
The extensions are made from Remy human hair, creating a silky and realistic look that is designed to prevent tangling and shedding.
This means it can be treated in the same way as normal human hair, including washing and styling.
The hypoallergenic tape is double sided and invisible if placed in the right places, and is non-invasive and comfortable.
One of these tapes can last between 8 to 16 weeks with good maintenance.
The various hair colors on offer also come in different hair types, ranging from curly to straight, so be wary of this when you are looking to choose an extension.
As with any extensions, it is recommended to purchase more than one set to create a full head of hair.
Pros:
- Remy human hair can withstand washing and styling like normal hair
- Durable and long lasting
- Range of colors, styles, and lengths on offer
Cons:
- Make sure to purchase your intended hair type between straight and curly to avoid daily styling
RUNNER UP
The final product on our list is the Full Shine Store hair extensions, ranging from 12 to 22 inches in length and 20 color options.
For those looking for an ombre, balayage, or highlights - these are the extensions for you.
Made from 100% human hair, these extensions have been professionally dyed to create multiple colours in each extension, which not only looks gorgeous and fashionable but helps to create an illusion of thicker hair.
They can be styled and washed as with normal human hair. The tape is expected to last between 8 and 16 weeks with good maintenance, and the tape is designed to hold the extensions tightly so there is no shedding.
As the hair has been professionally and chemically colored, they can only be dyed a darker color - any lighter may cause damage to the extensions.
It is therefore recommended to go with a shade lighter than you expect, so you can dye it darker accordingly.
Pros:
- Real human hair can be styled and washed like normal hair
- Long life span with good maintenance
- Easy to adhere and remove
Cons:
- Not recommended to dye a lighter color
Best Extensions for Thin Hair Buying Guide
Tips for extensions for thin hair
Extensions are an ideal way to avoid the appearance of thin or thinning hair. Some may choose to wear extensions because they prefer the length and volume, others may want to wear extensions to hide hair loss patches.
Hair extensions can range anywhere between $50 to $1000 dollars, potentially even more, depending on the quality and longevity of the extensions.
This does not mean you have to splash the cash every few months on the most expensive pieces, because even the more affordable extensions can be high quality. The most important things to look out for are:
- Real human hair
- Color and length
- How long the tapes last
- How much hair you want
Real human hair is the better option for extensions, because it lasts longer than synthetic hair and acts in the same way as it normally would.
With proper washing and heat protection when styling, real hair extensions are a great replacement for lost hair. It also means you can dye the extensions - though it is recommended to let a professional do this.
Our top tip is to opt for a shade lighter than your own hair if you are unsure of what color to get, because it is easier and healthier for the hair to be dyed darker than lighter. It is also worth purchasing longer extensions to cut to a preferred length.
Remember that, whilst hair extensions are great for creating the illusion of thicker hair, it is worth purchasing more than one set of extensions. 20 pieces may sound like a lot, but it is not enough to cover a whole head of hair seamlessly. It is worth buying 2 or more sets at a time to create volume.
When washing tape-in hair extensions, opt for lightweight and delicate shampoo and conditioner to prevent damaging or weighing down the extensions. This will only encourage them to fall out faster.
A lot of extension owners wash their own hair a couple of times a week, and then use dry shampoo or conditioner for the extensions to increase the longevity. It is also recommended to avoid towel drying the extensions, as this could pull them.
Extensions are, like normal long hair, prone to tangling. Brushing the hair several times in a day is a must. It is recommended to deep condition both the extensions and real hair once every 2-3 weeks to prevent excessive tangling as well as strengthen the real hair.
It is also best to sleep with the extensions in a loose braid to avoid tangles in the night. Also, and this goes for all hair types, invest in satin pillow sheets! Satin is a smooth fabric that won’t break fine hair the same way cotton pillow sheets do.
Types of hair extensions:
Tape-in hair extensions
These are the best recommended extensions for people with thin hair. Thin hair is likely to break or thin even more under heavy extensions, but tape in extensions are designed in a lightweight and sleek fashion that does not pull hair.
The process of putting them in is also non-damaging as they do not require chemicals. Tape-in extensions come with little hair per piece to avoid unnecessary pulling at fine hair follicles, so it is worth buying multiple sets.
Clip-in hair extensions
Clip-in extensions are the easiest to do at home as well as by a professional.
As the name suggests, they literally are clipped in. However, they tend to be heavier than tap-in extensions, so they could pull and damage thin hair.
Weaves
Weaves require the strongest hair type due to the process.
Hair is braided tightly across the scalp, and the weaves are then sewed in. This makes them not suitable for thin hair.
How to apply hair extensions
Fortunately, tape-in hair extensions can be applied at home. They do take some practice, so it is recommended to get them professionally applied and dyed. If you choose to apply them at home, we recommend:
- Avoid placing the extensions by the hair line (when the hair is tied up they will be visible)
- Place them separately and staggered rather than on top of another for a natural look
- Follow tutorials online or ask for help from a professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put hair extensions in thin hair?
For thin hair, it is possible for extensions to increase the volume and length. For thinning hair, which usually starts at the roots at the top of the head, extensions cannot really cover these patches.
This is because extensions need hair to adhere to. However, for thin and fine hair, extensions can be used. The best type of extensions for thin hair are tape-in extensions, as they are the most lightweight and least damaging.
Which hair extensions are the least damaging?
The least damaging extensions for thin hair are tape-in extensions. This is because they are lightweight, they blend in easily with normal hair, and are thin so they won’t create a bulky look. They are designed for the most natural look.
Clip-in extensions are the easiest to apply at home, but are one of the heaviest extensions. Weaves are only best for those with thick and strong hair, as the application involved tight braiding and sewing in the extensions - not ideal for thin hair.
How can I make my fine hair look thicker?
Extensions are an excellent way to make hair look thicker. If you don’t want longer hair, you can always cut them to a length you prefer. If you are wary that extensions may damage or pull on thin hair, or perhaps your hair is thinning and extensions will not help, there are color sprays on the market.
These sprays match the color of your hair and are sprayed onto thin patches to create the illusion of more hair. Of course, vitamins and home remedies can help to strengthen hair.
If you want to create the illusion of thicker hair, consider cutting your hair short or changing the parting. Shorter hair naturally bounces up to create more volume whilst also shaping the face, which can sometimes be elongated with long and thin hair.
Changing the parting from middle to a side can also provide more volume.
How bad are extensions for your hair?
Regardless of how strong your hair is, or how lightweight your extensions are, extensions always pose a threat to cause more damage than good. Some extensions can break hear and cause hair loss, some can cause headaches from pulling, some can tangle and some can make the scalp itchy.
With these in mind, you cannot just assume any form of extension will be fine for your hair type. For thin hair, opt for tape-in extensions as they are designed to not pull or damage fine hair. For thicker hair, you can afford to look into clip-in extensions or even a weave.
Whatever extensions you go for, it is recommended to ask for advice from a professional and book an appointment with them to apply the extensions properly.
Not only will this create the best look and finish, but they will apply the extensions in the healthiest way possible to prevent damaging your hair.
Will extensions help my hair grow?
In short, yes! Extensions can provide growing time for natural hair. It is recommended to have a trim or hair cut before having the extensions applied to prevent split ends and encourage hair growth.
Hair extensions also encourage the user to be more gentle and mindful about the way they treat their hair, from products to washing and styling, so that could benefit the quality of hair.
Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API