Your Coachella-Approved Guide to Extra-Long Hair Extensions

Updated: Apr 26, 2023

Here's how to get and maintain the look, according to celebrity hairstylists.

Festival season is upon us, which means your socials are going to be popping with rhinestone-laden looks, lots of Y2K throwbacks, and—if the first weekend of Coachella 2023 is any indication—lots and lots of hair.

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The desert temps weren’t the only thing turning up the heat, though. Celeb concert-goers like the Culpo sisters, Alix Earle, and Charli D’Amelio were seen wearing more hair than usual. In addition to extra-long ponytails, braids, and waves, we also saw plenty of experimenting with playful hair colors going on. The inspo was real, and it has us about ready to hit up our hair stylist and colorist before we hit the festival circuit this summer.

Before anyone actually makes an appointment, though, there are a few things to know about hair extensions, so we tapped top stylists to give us the scoop.

Can anyone wear hair extensions?

“Extensions can be for anyone who is looking for added length or density,” explains Taylor Blades, Covet & Mane educator and owner of Blades Styling in Gilbert, Arizona. Something to consider: your hair texture. Priscilla Valles, a celebrity extensionist, says that those with naturally thick hair will actually need more extensions to make up for their length. You can also thin out the ends of your hair, Valles says; “it’s a lot easier to blend the extensions that way.” Blades adds that extensions are especially great “for those who are struggling with inconsistent hair growth, hair loss, and hair thinning.”

What kind of hair extensions are best?

The answer to this question depends on your specific hair type and needs. Below, we break down the different types of extensions.

Clip-ins: “For Coachella, I usually suggest clip-ins,” says Dimitris Giannetos, the celebrity hair stylist who was the mane man behind the Culpos’, Charli D’Amelio’s and Alessandro Ambrosio’s lengthy looks at the festival. “Most of the girls like to play with different colors, so it’s very easy for them to put them in and out everyday to achieve different looks.” Valles echoes that, saying, “I had a lot of girls in my luxe clip-in extensions for Coachella. It’s a very Coachella vibe to have long mermaid hair.”

While clip-ins require the least commitment, they do call for some know-how, explains Blades. “It’s necessary to tease the hair to keep the clips in place, which can cause your natural hair to get matted or tangled,” she says. “Clip-ins are not intended to be used as a long-term hair extension solution.”

We like the assortment from BFB Hair because there are different lengths and hair colors, including some with darker roots for a more realistic blend with colored hair. There are also ponytail and bun versions like the ones from Luxy, so you don’t have to worry about styling.

Halo: This is another temporary option, but instead of being multiple pieces to clip in, the extension comes as one piece. Valles describes it as “a circular fish wire that has hair on the bottom half so that you section half of your hair up—this is temporary and easier to put on yourself then clip-in extensions, and it gives instant hair.” Glam Seamless Glam Band offers a layered version that blends nicely with your natural hair.

Tape-ins: Giannetos says that tape-in extensions typically last four to six weeks and are very easy to apply. “I really like the effect they give because they feel very natural and have an amazing movement, especially if you have wavy or curly hair,” he explains. Blades says that tape-ins “tend to feel like a fast and comfortable hair solution, but they require a full replacement of both the weft and the tape each time you return to the salon for a move-up.”

Hand-tied: As a specialist in these type of extensions, Blades says they are “extremely durable and can last up to a full year with timely move-ups and the proper care and maintenance.” Because of their long-lasting nature, hand-tied extensions are a good choice for those who are looking for long-term hair enhancement. In terms of styling hair with hand-tied extensions, Blades says it’s easy because “they offer a completely seamless and hidden look, so my clients can wear their hair in a ponytail or bun immediately after their install without any part of the wefts being visible.”

How do you care for hair with extensions?

“When wearing extensions, it is important to keep in mind that they need to be cared for and nurtured consistently,” says Blades, who names moisture as the top concern. “It’s so important to keep your extensions hydrated so they don’t dry out and become brittle.” Giannetos recommends using a nylon bristle brush and avoiding using very high heat during styling. He uses Raw Sugar Living Grow Pro Conditioner to keep the hair hydrated and looking healthy.

How often should you wash hair extensions?

Remember that even clip-ins require some care, especially if you’re going to be sweating and in an environment as dusty as Palm Springs. Valles says you can wash and blow them out so that they’re ready for the next time you want to wear them. You can get away with rewearing clip-ins multiple times in most cases, but after that, using your go-to shampoo and conditioner to clean them is a good idea. Wash extensions no more than two to three times a week and make sure you use lukewarm water.

Ready to try out XXL hair? Ahead, some of our favorite looks for extra-long hair extensions.

Minty-Fresh Waves

Air-Dried Texture