Hair Extensions 101: Everything Brides Need to Know

Photo by: Bethany Kidd Photo | Union Club | Tacoma Washington

Your wedding day is all about looking and feeling your absolute best—and for many brides, that includes a little extra va-va-voom for their hair. Whether you’re dreaming of cascading waves or a voluminous updo, hair extensions can be your secret weapon for achieving the perfect bridal look. But with so many options out there, where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.


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Why Hair Extensions Might Be Your Bridal Bestie

Hair extensions are a game-changer for adding length, volume, or texture to your wedding hairstyle. They can make intricate braids look fuller, sleek buns more polished, and romantic curls more dramatic. They are a must if you are chasing those glamorous old-Hollywood curls. But the key to loving your extensions is choosing the right type for your hair and your wedding-day vibe.

The Types of Hair Extensions (and What You Need to Know)

1. Clip-In Extensions

  • What They Are: Pre-made hair wefts with small clips attached. These can be easily clipped in and out of your hair, making them perfect for temporary use.

  • Pros: Affordable, reusable, and easy to apply without professional help. Clip-ins are also one of the most budget-friendly options for achieving glamorous Hollywood waves.

  • Cons: They can feel heavy if you’re not used to them and may need occasional readjusting throughout the day.

  • Why Human Hair Is a Must: For brides who plan to style their extensions with hot tools—whether it’s curling for romantic waves or smoothing for a sleek look—human hair extensions are essential. Human hair not only withstands heat better but also blends more seamlessly with your natural hair. Synthetic extensions often have an unnatural shine that can appear plastic-like in photos, making them less ideal for your big day.

  • Best For: Brides who want a temporary solution and are planning to wear their hair down or in loose styles, especially if they’re going for a polished, natural look that holds up to heat styling.

2. Tape-In Extensions

  • What They Are: Thin, flat wefts of hair that are taped to your natural hair close to the roots. These require professional application and last several weeks.

  • Pros: Lightweight, seamless, and great for blending with natural hair.

  • Cons: More expensive and require a stylist for both application and removal.

  • Best For: Brides who want a natural, low-maintenance look for wedding week (and maybe even the honeymoon!).

3. Sew-In Extensions

  • What They Are: Hair extensions sewn into braided sections of your natural hair. This method is most often used with thicker hair types.

  • Pros: Long-lasting and secure, even for high-energy wedding dances.

  • Cons: Time-consuming to install and not ideal for thinner hair types.

  • Best For: Brides with thick hair who want a long-lasting solution for volume or length. These extensions also require professional application and must be moved up every few weeks.

Our Top Amazon Picks for Clip-In Extensions

Here’s a tried-and-true option we love:

  1. Clip in Hair Extensions Real Human Hair, 18 Inch, 120g 7pcs: Affordable, available in 19 colors and 7 lengths, and perfect for glamorous bridal waves.

  2. Zala Clip-In Hair Extensions: High-quality, natural Remy hair in a range of colors and lengths for a full-volume look.

  3. GOO GOO Clip-In Hair Extensions: Lightweight and seamless, ideal for natural-looking volume and length.

  4. ABH AMAZINGBEAUTY Hair Extensions: Double-wefted for extra thickness, these extensions are specifically designed for wavy and curly textures, making them perfect for creating bold, dramatic styles while seamlessly blending with your natural curls.

How to Care for Your Clip-In Extensions

Clip-ins are a fabulous option for their flexibility and affordability, but they do need a little TLC to stay wedding-day fresh. After your trial run with them, wash and blow-dry them straight so they’re clean and ready for your stylist. Here are our recommended products for keeping your extensions in pristine condition:

Photo by: Bethany Kidd Photo | Union Club | Tacoma Washington

Ready to Transform Your Bridal Look?

Hair extensions can elevate your wedding style from gorgeous to unforgettable. Whether you’re adding length, volume, or just a touch of drama, the right extensions make all the difference.

💍 Contact us today to chat about how extensions can work with your bridal vision—we’ll help you find your perfect match!

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