Whether you’ve butchered your at-home haircut or want to add some dramatic length to your locks without committing to a weave, a ponytail extension is a great place to start.
They take just minutes to put in and add instant length and volume to your ponytail. If you’re regretting cutting your own hair or just can’t justify splashing out on super expensive hair treatment, consider faking it.
Worldwide interest in ponytail extensions has boomed since it was made popular by the queen of ponytail flicks herself, Ariana Grande. She’s known for her piercing vocals and chart-topping hits, as well as her signature high-ponytail hairstyle.
Ari herself opts for extensions instead of risking damage to her real hair.
Is your ponytail lacking in volume? Consider getting your hands on a ponytail extension. They’re super easy to put in and are way less hassle than normal clip-in extensions.
Ponytail extensions sometimes feature a clip and velcro, making it effortless to attach to your own ponytail and create a secure wrap-around ponytail that will stay in place and leave you with a voluminous mane all day long.
Ponytail extensions are uniquely designed to add thickness and length to a regular ponytail instantly. Say goodbye to sad, limp ponytails and hello to bouncy and healthy ones that can be styled in a high pony, a low pony, a braided pony, or even a bun.
If you’re on the fence about a ponytail extension, ignore the neigh-sayers and go for it!
The world of hair extensions can be an oversaturated and confusing place, making it difficult to find the right hair for you. In this article, we will explore the best ponytail hair extensions on the market right now and what makes them so popular.
Be sure to read on to our handy Buyers Guide to find out what factors you should consider before buying a ponytail extension.
No time to spare? - not to worry. Here’s a quick link to our favorite ponytail extension and a few reasons why we think you’ll love it.
OUR TOP PICK
First up is this 24-inch drawstring ponytail extension from a brand called N Nayasa. This ponytail hairpiece deserves the top spot on this list due to its natural and realistic appearance.
Although this ponytail hairpiece is super affordable, it doesn’t have that tell-tale plastic shine that some cheaper hair can have. The texture of this particular pony extension is a soft and realistic wave.
A wavy pony tends to appear more natural than a pony extension that is poker straight.
There are a whopping 14 different color options to choose from, from neutral brunette shades and blondes to striking and vibrant colors such as blue, green and ash pink.
This ponytail extension hairpiece is installed differently from typical hair extensions. It features a small mesh panel with 2 clips that you attach to your real hair, preferably while it’s in a high bun hairstyle.
Once the clips are secure, this hairpiece has a special drawstring that you tug on to create the perfect tightness and height for you.
Due to the affordability of this extension, it is of course synthetic hair. This hair can only tolerate temperatures up to 160 degrees and cannot be dyed or bleached.
Pros
- Super affordable compared to real human hair extensions
- 14 different color options available, including natural and vibrant
- Pre-styled wavy texture
- The drawstring allows you to customize your style
- Comfortable mesh clip panel
Cons
- This hair is synthetic so you are limited to certain colors and styles
EDITORS CHOICE
Next up is this Felendy ponytail extension hairpiece. The Felendy pony extension is a tremendous natural-looking quick fix for adding length and volume instantly.
This hairpiece also comes in both straight and curly styles and a choice of 12 colors. These colors are more neutral than the previous option on this list.
The Felendy ponytail extension comes in a variety of different natural shades, from multiple brunettes, dirty blondes, to platinum.
This hairpiece caught our eye due to its super easy attachment and removal. The manufacturer claims that it only takes less than one minute to secure it onto your head.
This hairpiece doesn’t use a clip and drawstring like our previous option. Instead, it has a claw clip that you simply just clip onto your own ponytail, and that’s it- away you go! The curly option is 18” in length and the straight option measures 20”.
Of course, this isn’t real hair and it’s made from premium synthetic fibers. With proper care and maintenance, this hairpiece should last you up to 6-12 months of everyday wear.
Pros
- Specially designed clip closure for secure wear
- Add instant length, volume and style to your hair in less than 10 seconds
- Choice of 12 colors and 2 different style options
- Can last up to 12 months of wear if cared for correctly
Cons
- You cannot dye or bleach this hairpiece as it is made from synthetic hair
BEST VALUE
Our next addition to this list is this ponytail extension claw from Seikea. This hairpiece features a curly wave style and a realistic texture.
You can even customize your length as they have various options available, including 16inches all the way up to 30inches.
So regardless of your personal taste and hair goals, Seika probably has a suitable ponytail extension for you.
This is a great hairpiece that can be worn for special occasions such as weddings or parties or to incorporate as part of a fancy dress costume or cosplay outfit.
This hairpiece doesn’t involve lots of tiny clips like regular clip-in extensions tend to. However, this hairpiece features an upgraded mini claw clip.
This mini claw clip doesn’t require much time or effort, simply clip it over your own ponytail and you’re all set.
It also features a lightweight and breathable inner net that helps to keep your natural hair contained, without looking unnaturally fake.
They also have a whole bunch of color options, from natural brunettes to blue ombre looks.
As this hair is synthetic, it can only be styled using tools set to a low temperature and it cannot be dyed or bleached.
Pros
- Realistic curly wave style
- Hundreds of positive Amazon reviews
- Perfect for parties and occasions
- Super comfy claw clip keeps your hair contained
- Lots of color choices available
Cons
- The hair is synthetic so it requires more care
RUNNER UP
Unlike our previous ponytail extensions on this list, this curly one from Yepei is made from real human hair.
It is made from 100% Brazilian virgin hair that has been sustainably and ethically sourced and contains no additives.
Amazon reviewers are going crazy for this hairpiece, with some people stating that the hairpiece doesn’t shed at all and it looks just like their own hair.
The weight of the hairpiece is 5.29oz so it won’t weigh you down or cause painful ponytail headaches.
Like our top pick, the Yepei hairpiece features mini clips with a breathable mesh panel for added comfort.
The hairpiece is secured using a drawstring system, preventing it from slipping out of place throughout the day.
This ponytail extension only comes in one color, however, natural black. So unless your hair is this shade, it will not match.
Although, as this hairpiece is made from 100% real human hair, it’s completely safe to dye or bleach, just like your own hair, so you can switch up your look whenever you please.
Also, this ponytail extension can be styled with tools at high temperatures. Yepei has even thrown in a few freebies with this product, including an edge laying scarf, hair ties and bobby pins.
Pros
- Made from 100% real Brazilian human hair
- Ethically sourced and sustainable
- Can be dyed, bleached, and styled just like your own hair
- Lightweight at only 5.29oz
- Multiple free hair accessories included
Cons
- This hairpiece only comes in one color, natural black
RUNNER UP
Last but not least is this long straight drawstring ponytail extension from Fashion Icon.
Unlike the other options on this list, this is the only straight hairpiece. It’s super long at 30” and poker-straight, so if you’re looking to achieve a flawless and sleek look, this Fashion Icon hairpiece is a great option to consider.
It follows the same design as most of the other ponytails on this list, with a breathable mesh, clip and drawstring system. This keeps the pony securely on your head without discomfort.
The manufacturer boasts that this hair can tolerate heat from styling tools up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you can always make it curly if you want to change up your look.
Many reviewers mention some slight shedding that stops after a couple of uses. Other reviewers love how this hair can tolerate dramatic weather conditions, including 25mph winds! As this hair is synthetic, it’s super affordable.
However, synthetic hair cannot be dyed or bleach so you’re stuck with whatever color you buy until you purchase another one. This product is protected by a no-quibble guarantee.
Pros
- Super poker-straight style
- Extra-long hair (30”)
- Features a breathable mesh, clip and drawstring system
- Can use styling tools up to 320 degrees F
Cons
- Some shedding during the first few uses
- It can’t be dyed or bleached as it’s made from synthetic hair
Best Ponytail Extension Buying Guide
Investing in a clip-in ponytail hair extension is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to achieve long and voluminous hair. This is because they don’t require a professional to put them in.
They’re super easy to attach to your hair, even if you’ve never used one before, and should take less than just a couple of minutes. However, it can be difficult to ensure that you’re making the right purchase for your personal hair needs.
There are a few factors you should consider before making an impulsive purchase.
Style
Before shopping around for the perfect ponytail extension, you’ll need to consider what style you want. Many ponytail extensions are super long and straight.
These hairpieces are great for professional wear and attending formal events and meetings. Long straight ponytails are also great for re-creating Ariana Grande’s signature look which is very on-trend at the moment.
However, long and straight ponies can be quite heavy and cumbersome for everyday use. As they tend to be weighty and hip-length, they can get in the way when exercising, eating, or completing tasks.
If you’re looking for something you can wear every day to fool people into thinking that your hair is super healthy and long, consider opting for a medium-length curly or wavy ponytail extension.
These are by far the most popular ponytail extension styles on the market due to their ease of use, lightweight properties, and beautiful appearance.
However, it’s important to note that there are hundreds of these kinds of ponies on the market and the quality isn’t always consistent. Some wavy ponytail extensions, especially synthetic ones can look very plastic and false due to their shininess and tight, unrealistic curls.
Loose buns are also a great option for those working around food or in healthcare as they’re less likely to shed and are extremely lightweight.
Some hair extension brands even specialize in specific hair types. So whether you have kinky, straight, or afro hair, you’ll be able to find the perfect pony for you.
Maintenance
Just like your natural hair, hair extensions need to be washed and conditioned regularly to keep them from tangling and looking worn in.
While ponytail extensions require very little care and upkeep, they still require brushing, sulfate free shampoo & conditioner and decent care to stay flawless.
While clip-ins require the least amount of maintenance, they still require a little love. After each 6th to 8th time wearing them, they should gently be washed, combed and conditioned, and allowed to air dry on a towel to keep them looking their best.
Clip-in ponytail extensions that are made from 100% human hair should be treated as such.
If you wear them regularly, consider washing them every time or every other time you wash your natural hair. It may be worth investing in an extension comb as these can prevent breakages and shedding of your extensions.
Human or synthetic?
Human hair extensions are constructed from real human hair. That means they can be dyed darker and bleached lighter.
Although bleaching is technically possible, we strongly advise against it as it can permanently damage your extensions. Bleaching human hair extensions should be left to a professional where possible.
They also can be styled using high-temperature equipment up to 230°C, such as flat irons and curling wands. Human hair extensions can also be washed frequently with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
However, we recommend avoiding sulfates. As it is “Real Human Hair” you can treat it just like you would your natural hair. Human hair extensions can last from 6-12 months depending on lifestyle and if they are properly cared for.
Synthetic hair extensions are much cheaper than human hair extensions, but the quality is far poorer. Synthetic hair is sensitive to the sun’s rays, difficult to style, and rarely blends with your natural hair.
It can’t be styled in the same way that human hair can. Only a certain heat-friendly synthetic hair is heat styleable, and that’s only to change the curl pattern.
Synthetic hair is also less durable than human hair so it won’t last as long. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect heat durable synthetic hair to last somewhere around 2- 3 months.
Some manufacturers claim it to be cost-effective, but in the long run, you will spend more with the need to replenish your hair more often. This is due to its lack of everyday life durability.
However, if you need a ponytail extension urgently, inexpensively, or just for short term use, purchasing a synthetic one is not a bad idea. In fact, it can allow you to try out different looks before committing to spending lots of money on human hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other kinds of hair extensions should I consider?
If you’re not completely sold on the idea of a clip-in ponytail extension, there are lots of other kinds of hair extensions you can consider. Some of the most popular include:
Tape-in extensions: These are pre-taped strips of extensions that are taped or glued along your roots. This method should be carried out by a professional hairstylist only.
Sew-in extensions: These are also more commonly known as a weave. These extensions are sewn to your own braided-up hair with a needle and thread by a professional stylist. These are great for keeping unruly hair under control long-term.
Keratin extensions: These are tiny strands of extensions that are heated and bonded to tiny strands of your own hair with a keratin-based glue.
I-tips: These are strands of extensions that are crimped to strands of your own hair with a flattened microbead, without using any heat or glue.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API