A buyer's guide to hair extensions for short hair in 2024

Updated on 20th March 2024

So, you’ve braved the chop and now you’re second-guessing yourself and your decision and are panicking about how long it will take your hair to grow back? Or maybe you're rocking the short hair look but crave a dash of length for a special event? Our stylists have put together an all-you-need-to-know guide on hair extensions for short hair.

The style scene is all about pixie cuts, bobs, and mullets this year. But hey, what if you're itching to switch back to long, flowy hair just for a bit? Maybe you're dreaming of Rapunzel-like volume, or you simply fancy adding a touch of thickness without fully committing to it.

Short hair's great for mixing up styles, but there's something about those long locks that opens up a world of up-dos and bold fashion moves.

The trick is finding a stylist that does short hair extensions for all hair types. Keep in mind it’s recommended that you have a minimum length of 3 inches - this is crucial for successfully attaching extensions at your local Blushes salon (like our shiny hair salon in Solihull)

Without further ado - choose your preference from The Blushes guide to hair extensions for short hair below, so you know what to ask for when requesting instant length and/or volume.

Slimline tape

As the name implies, this method can add length to short hair, using invisible tape to fix extensions in place. The individual sections of hair are matched to your shade preferences, before being attached to your natural hair with a safe adhesive system. You choose lengths of between 14’ to 28’ inches.

Slimline tape extensions stay in place for up to eight weeks and can be removed and re-used, our salon team can ensure your hair extensions are maxed to their fullest potential by guiding you through aftercare advice and do’s and don’ts when it comes to looking after your extensions once you leave the salon.

  • Suitability - Slimline tape is great for short hair as it lies flat against the head, providing a natural look without bulkiness.

  • Benefits

    • Seamless blend - Tapes blend seamlessly with short hair, making it hard to tell where natural hair ends and extensions begin.

    • Lightweight - They don’t put much strain on natural hair, so there’s less risk of damage.

  • Maintenance tips

    • Gentle Brushing - Use a soft-bristle brush to avoid pulling.

    • Avoid Oil-Based Products Near the Roots - They can cause the tape to slip.

Nano bonds

This is another short hair extensions option that avoids the use of heat or glue and looks and feels incredibly natural as they’re individual bonds that are completely disguised within the hair.

Nano bonds require skilled application though, as they rely on tiny micro rings that fix the extensions to your hair. The best part is that they can stay in place for months if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option!

There are other micro ring extensions that attach to short hair too, and which generally last up to three months.

  • Suitability - Ideal for fine or thin short hair, due to the bonds’ smaller size.

  • Benefits

    • Natural appearance - Micro bonds are tiny, blending well with short hairstyles.

    • Durability - They can last up to several months with proper care.

  • Maintenance tips

    • Regular salon visits - For check-ups and adjustments, should you need them.

    • Avoid over-styling - Excessive heat or styling products can weaken your bonds so treat with care.

Clip-in extensions

What if you only want to transform a short style into long hair for a special occasion, or to get creative with longer styles just for a little while?

There are various options – at different price points – to clip-in hair extensions for short hair securely and smoothly into a short ‘do’. For example, the Beauty Works products we use are incredibly natural-looking and give you the choice of 16in, 18in, 20in and 22in lengths.

With the deluxe clip-in hair extensions for short hair, you have options- whether you're going for a sleek look, something bouncy and wavy or something a little more relaxed with a tousled beach vibe - Beauty Works have the answer.

Get instantaneous thickness, volume and length that you can reverse when you’re ready, in the comfort of your own home!

  • Suitability - Best for those seeking a temporary change, easy to apply and remove without professional assistance.

  • Benefits

    • Versatility - Offers flexibility, making it easier to frequently change styles.

    • No commitment - Ideal for one-off occasions or experimenting with length and volume.

  • Maintenance Tips

    • Storage - Store them flat and untangled.

    • Regular cleaning - Wash them as you would with natural hair but not too frequently to maintain their quality.

Weft extensions

Weft extensions are skillfully sewn into your natural hair, negating the need for heat or glue- if you’re concerned about damage. Our Blushes stylists know how to craft 100% Cuticle Remy hair into a style that flawlessly matches your preferences and facial structure, fixed securely and comfortably.

As a shorter-term solution, this is a highly bespoke short hair extensions option for when you want undetectable hair extensions that will need to be reapplied.

  • Suitability - Ideal for adding both length and volume, wefts can be cut and styled to blend with short hairstyles.

  • Benefits

    • Customisable - Can be coloured, cut, and styled to match your hair perfectly.

    • Distribution - Wefts distribute weight across the scalp, reducing strain on individual hair strands.

  • Maintenance tips

    • Braid your hair at night - Lightly braid your hair before going to bed to help prevent tangling.

    • Avoid wet brushing - Brush the hair only when dry to maintain the weft’s integrity.

Ponytail extensions

The options for ponytail extensions are limitless, where before you simply had the option of a clip-in length of straight hair that you could style yourself, Beauty Works have transformed the market of ponytails into a whole new world of choices.

From different thicknesses to different styled pieces, different shaped ponytails to even a ready-made braid to add to your hair if you’re not a dab-hand at plaits!

Using 100% Remy human hair, at your first consultation for hair extensions for short hair, your stylist will create a seamless match with your existing hair colour, to the appointment where we will fix the ponytail in place securely for an instant illusion of longer, thicker locks.

  • Suitability - Perfect for those with enough length to tie a small ponytail; adds instant glamour to a basic hairstyle.

  • Benefits

    • Instant style transformation - Provides a dramatic change for special occasions.

    • Diverse styles - Available in various textures and lengths to suit different preferences.

  • Maintenance tips

    • Attach securely - Make sure the extension is attached to your ponytail securely to avoid accidents.

    • Detangle gently - Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up.

Final words about extensions for short hair

As we've explored, there are several fantastic options for hair extensions that cater to short hairstyles. Each type offers unique benefits:

  • Slimline tape - Provide a seamless blend and a lightweight feel. Incredibly easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice.

  • Nano bonds - Nano Bonds are particularly suited for fine or thin short hair, offering a natural appearance and durable wear without heat or glue.

  • Clip-In extensions - Ideal for temporary changes, they offer versatility and a no-commitment approach, perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with their look.

  • Weft extensions - Customisable and distributing weight evenly, Weft Extensions are fantastic for adding both length and volume.

  • Ponytails - These offer an instant and glamorous transformation, available in a variety of textures and lengths.

This is just a quick overview of the types of extensions suitable for lengthening your short hair or thickening your existing hairstyle. Our range of Beauty Works extensions offers a wide colour choice and styles – from straight, sleek hair sections to curls or wavy hair.

There are important things to keep in mind whichever type of hair extension you use, extensions that are fixed in place put a degree of pressure on your scalp and hair strands.

So, it’s important to invest in good quality aftercare products such as Beauty Works and ensure you consult with your extension stylist on the best way to maintain your natural hair’s health and resilience.

Interested in exploring these options for yourself? We invite you to book a consultation at one of our salons!

All Images sources from BeautyWorks website and Instagram.

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