14 Alternatives To Hair Extension

Hair extensions are popular, but they can be expensive and time-consuming to put in. If you are thinking of finding an alternative to hair extensions, there are many ways to give your locks all the bounce and volume they need. Here are 14 alternatives to hair extensions that will have you looking your absolute best in no time!

1. Get A New Hair Style

Give yourself a new look by changing your hairstyle. If your hair is healthy and thick enough, have it cut into a new different style that will help enhance the natural body in your hair. The change might be just what you need to shift the focus away from needing to use hair extensions and highlight your natural beauty.

If you are using hair extensions to give your hair more volume, try cut your hair short or layer your hair to help give it maximum volume. You can also blow dry it using a round brush to add volume.

2. Use Hair Bun Extensions

Hair bun extensions are an easy way to give your hair more fullness in an instant. They come in all kinds of colors and textures, so make sure you find the ones that best suit your style.

MORICA 1PCS Messy Hair Bun Hair Scrunchies Extension Curly Wavy Messy Synthetic Chignon for Women Updo Hairpiece

This unique technique allows you to create fake bun extensions, which means you’ll be able to clip your long locks up into a stylish ponytail without any help from real or fake hair.

In fact, it can also be used for short hair, so if you are getting bored with your short hair but don’t want to grow it out, simply tie your locks up in a bun extension and get an instant new look.

3. Use Ponytail Extension Wrap

The Ponytail Extension Wrap is another useful tool for any woman who wants full and thick ponytails without having to use extensions.

SEIKEA 32 Inch Clip in Ponytail Extension Wrap Around Long Wavy Curly Pony Tail Hair Fluffy Synthetic Hairpiece for Women - Black

If you want to give your ponytail a little more “oomph” fill it out with this easy technique. It’s as simple as clipping the hair extension to the base of your ponytail and wrapping it around for a full, voluminous effect without having to use real or fake hair.

You can also add depth to your hair by adding a ponytail extension with a different hair color to add an Ombre effect on your hair, without using hair extension options or changing your natural hair color.

4. Clip Your Hair Up

Another alternative to hair extensions that can change up your look easily and add volume to your hair is to use a hair clip to clip half of your hair from the back. This method can help create a full hair look similar to when using hair extensions.

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Hair claws clips are good options to instantly lift your hair and add volume to create a full look.

The good thing about clipping up your hair is that it is a temporary hairstyle solution and is easy to remove unlike hair extensions. It is also a good way to test out a new hairstyle without fully committing to it.

5. Wear Wigs

Wearing a wig is another great way to achieve the thick and full hair you desire without having to using hair extension options. If your budget doesn’t allow you to get your dream hairstyle, wigs are also an economical alternative that can provide all of the stylishness of real hair.

Wigs are great for special occasions, or even every day if you want to change up your hairstyle. Although wigs may not be as natural looking as real hair extensions, they can still give you the look you desire without having to use an extension.

6. Use Natural Collagen Extensions

Another great way to find an alternative to hair extensions is to use natural collagen Extensions. Regardless of your hair type, natural collagen extensions are a great way to add volume and thickness to your hair without having to damage it or use harsh chemicals.

Ultima Dalva Collagen Protein Hair Pre Looped Crochet Braid DEEP TWIST (14-18 Inch) (18 Inch, 2) - Just Like Human Hair

Natural collagen hair extensions, unlike more traditional hair extensions, are comprised of 100 percent natural collagen protein rather than keratin protein. Natural collagen extensions, unlike natural hair, do not need any maintenance and have all of the characteristics of human hair.

7. Use Halo Hair Extensions

A unique way to give your hair more volume without the damage of using real or fake hair is to use halo hair extensions. Halo extensions are perfect for adding length and fullness to your hair, but they also help keep the scalp cool due to their unique design.

SARLA Dirty Blonde Hair Extension Halo Highlight Wavy Curly Long Synthetic Hairpieces for Women 18 Inch 4.2 Oz Adjustable Size Headband Transparent Wire Heat Friendly Fiber No Clip

Hair halo extensions are attached to an adjustable transparent soft wire headband clips that makes it easier to apply and remove without any extra help in a few minutes. It is lightweight and does not require any type of adhesive or clips, so it won’t leave any damage on your hair like traditional extensions can.

8. Sewn-in Weave

If you want to give your hairstyle length and fullness without having to use fake or real hair then you should try sewing in weave extensions. If you don’t know what sew-in weave is, it’s similar to how traditional weaves are fitted, only instead of using glue or natural hair for the base, you use your actual hair.

Full Shine Sew in Hair Extensions 22 Inch Straight Hair Weft Bundles Remy Hair 100 Gram Sew in Bundles Balayage Color 18 Ash Blonde Fading to 22 Medium Blonde and 60 Platinum Blonde

Sewn-in weave extensions are the safest and most effective way to give your hair fullness. Sewn-in weaves may last a long time if maintained properly because they won’t cause the same amount of damage to your natural hair as traditional extensions would.

When it comes to caring for sewn in weave, you should use a good shampoo and conditioner to prevent your natural hair from drying out.

9. Use Clip-in Bangs

Another great way to add volume and fullness to your hair without having to damage it or use hair extensions is to clip in bangs extensions. There are many different types of bangs extensions to choose from and you can find clip-in ones made of real or fake hair.

AISI QUEENS Clip in Bangs 100% Human Hair Extensions Reddish Brown Clip on Fringe Bangs with nice net Natural Flat neat Bangs with Temples for women One Piece Hairpiece (Air Bangs, Medium Brown)

Clip in bangs are a great way to give your hairstyle volume and length without having to spend time applying them on. Clip-in bangs are easy to take off and put on whenever necessary.

The pros of using clip-in bangs are that you don’t have to do any styling before hand, you can still put your hair up in a ponytail or bun without having to worry about the clips showing.

One thing to take note of is that clip-in bangs could give a more blunt look if you choose a low quality clip-in bang, while sewn in weaves tend to have a softer and more wispy appearance.

10. Keeping a Healthy Hair Regime

If you want to achieve a full hair look but don’t have extension, the very first thing you should do is get rid of any split ends and excessive dryness. If your hair is damaged or extremely dry it can cause your natural hair to appear thin, so try using products designed for repairing damage or moisturizing the hair.

Although not all of these methods are permanent, they are still very effective options that can help you achieve full hair without causing damage to your natural hair.

While wigs and clip-in bangs extensions are temporary ways to get full hair, they are great for special occasions or every day wear, so try using one of these methods to get great volume without having to damage your hair.

11. Try Hair Blending Extensions

Hair blending extensions can be a great way to add fullness and volume to your hair without causing damage.

They’re made from high-quality natural hair and are superior to beauty salon extensions, clip-ins, wire extensions, taping, glue bonding, and sewing in terms of fit and quality.

Hair blending extensions, as its name suggest, blends the hair extensions effectively with your own hair and therefore helps to create a more natural look.. The hair piece sets the foundation to allow the user to blend or slide through the extension hair from the bottom, back, side, or front.

It’s made of durable, long-lasting materials that are resistant to the elements and can withstand tremendous gusts of wind. Even swimming and other outdoor activities aren’t stopped by this extension. No upkeep is required, and the product may be customized to produce a fantastic appearance as well as a solid yet comfy fit and feel.

12. Micro Ring Loop Extensions

Micro ring loop extensions are more preferable than micro bead extensions because of its invisibility. A lot of people think that the only way to get more volume in their hair is by using clip-in extensions or sew-in weaves, but if you want an alternative that will create a more natural look, then micro-ring loop hair extensions are for you.

Ugeat Micro Loop Hair Extensions 24inch Micro Bead Hair Extension Remy Hair 1g/Strand Micro Link Human Hair Extensions 50Gram Color #1 Jet Black Micro Ring Real Human Hair Extensions

Micro ring loop extensions are basically tiny rings that are inserted into small sections of your natural hair, creating a micro-loop. Then the extension is slid through the hook and attached to the base of the real hair.  

The good thing about this kind of extension is that they look very natural because they’re looped to your own hair. Micro-loop extensions are very popular in the UK because they have been endorsed by celebrities such as Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Kylie Jenner.

13. Crown Topper

For a luxurious front volume that will leave people in awe, then consider using a crown topper. Crown toppers are basically a piece of hair extension attached to the top or crown of your head. They’re also known as “fall” extensions because they create an instant voluminous look by adding long pieces on the top of the hair.

S-noilite 10" Clip in Human Hair Crown Topper 120% Density Top Hairpieces Hand Tied Lace Mesh Toupee For Hair Loss Thin Hair Cover Gray Hair Replacement Extensions 35g #4 Medium Brown

Crown toppers are made from human hair, with most people opting for medium brown or dark blonde colors. Crown toppers may be attached in different ways, either by weaving, gluing or clipping. They can also be tied up or down depending on your preference and daily activities.

Another hair extension alternative is a crown topper, which is a shorter, thicker extension that resembles the top of your hair. Many times, hair loss occurs around the crown of the head, and a crown topper can quickly treat this symptom.

Hair loss or thinning at the crown of the head can be due to high stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, balding, and age. A crown topper adds both volume and length to your hairstyle while being a simple alternative to a full and long extension.

14. DIY Hair Extensions

You can also do your own hair extensions at home using simple techniques. There are different types of hair extensions you can make at home such as Halo hair extensions and clip-in hair extensions.

How to make your own hair extensions from scratch: The starting point is to get hold of some pieces of hair weft which can be either made of human hair or synthetic hair. There are several wefts out there offering different lengths and thickness which you can choose based on the look you want to go for. The weft needs to be divided into sections and tied into a knot in order to secure in place.

To add more volume, simply use two pieces of weft in one section by tying it together with another piece of hair. You can also make a fishtail braid with the two pieces of weft before tying them together. This will give added volume to your hair without creating an unnatural looking texture.

It takes some research to determine the type of hair extensions and material required that best suits your needs.

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