How to pick the perfect curly hair extensions this summer

Is there a secret to determining which curly extensions are ideal for you this summer? There is, and we're ready to spill the beans.

May 16, 2023 | SL Raw Virgin Hair

Young woman with curly hair trapped at the beach. Hair Guide on choosing curly hair extensions for Summer

Shopping for the perfect curly hair extensions can be a hassle.

Searching to find the right curls to match yours. Knowing where to get quality hair extensions that perfectly fit the look you want and can last the test of time. Trying to get all this in a bundle of curls can take a bit of time and a lot of searching to find the right ones.

So, what’s a curly girl … or someone who wants curly extensions … to do?

Well, follow our 2022 summer curly girls guide and you’ll find the process a lot easier than it normally is. Here are our secrets on how we can pick the perfect curly hair extensions every time.

3 things to consider before buying curly hair extensions (or starting your search)

Before starting your search for the perfect curly extensions, there are a few things you should think about first. These will guide how and what you do.

1. The expected style

You don’t have to be a curly girl to want curly extensions. So, what you’ll search for will depend on the style you intend to have. If the style is going to completely have your hair tucked in (e.g., a sew-in weave), then you have more flexibility in the types and colors of curly extensions to choose from.

But, if the style requires that your hair be left out, your hair will then need to match the extensions you buy.

So, think about the style you want, and then move to the next step.

2. Your hair type and curl pattern

Your hair type relates to your curl pattern. Knowing your curl pattern will help you in choosing extensions with curl patterns that match your own. This is especially important if the style to be done requires your natural hair to blend with the extensions.

Women learning her curly hair pattern

Check your hair against a curl pattern chart to see if you have a 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4A-4C curl pattern. This ensures you get extensions that are as close to your hair type as possible.

3. Your hair density and hair length

Your hair density will determine how many bundles or wefts to order for the style you want. For example, if you’re planning to do a micro links method of curly extensions, then your hair density will tell you how many wefts or bundles you should get.

According to our resident stylist and founder, LeAna McKnight, the finer the hair, the fewer hair extensions you’ll need.

Furthermore, if you intend to blend, not only should your hair ideally match the extension, but your hair length also matters. You should have sufficient hair to hide the hair extensions to make the style look seamless.

4. The time to care for your hair extension

When you invest in high-quality 100% human hair extensions, be prepared to care for it as you would your own hair. This ensures your new curly extensions can last for the expected lifetime.

For example, you’ll need to wash, deep condition, moisturize, detangle, and preserve your hair extensions at night for semi-permanent styles, and store your extensions properly when not in use.

The four types of curly hair extensions to consider

After getting the preliminaries out of the way, it’s time to review the four types of hair extensions available and how they can impact your styling preferences.

Knowing the hairstyle you want and the goal of the style will influence the type of extension to get. Think about whether you want to leave your hair out, do you need versatility, just need length and volume, or you want to protect your hair.

Curly hair extension 1. Wigs

Natural hair curly wigs can be self-installed (like these fit-and-go wigs) or done by a professional. They can be used for protective styling and semi-permanent wear or daily take-down.

Curly hair extension 2. Clip-ins

Clip-in hair extensions are the DIY, non-permanent method to quickly add volume and length. This self-installation method allows you to just clip in the extension, blend with your curly hair, and go.

Curly hair extension 3. Keratin I-tips

I-tips, used in the microlinks hair extension method, is a perfect curly hair extension that doesn’t add too much tension to the hair while giving you length and volume. The application of keratin I-tips extensions is a more permanent method but comes with great versatility for styling and easy access to care for your hair.

Curly hair extension 4. Weft hair bundles

Weft hair bundles support a variety of options for protective styles, especially for sew-in weaves. The added beauty of this style is that in addition to offering protective support, you get added length and volume to your liking.

Curly hair extension types 2 and 3 require that your hair match the extension as closely as possible. Extension types 1 and 4 offer more flexibility for curly styles and colors. And once the install doesn’t require you to leave out any of your hair, then you don’t need to match your hair to the extension.

What to look for when choosing where to buy curly hair extensions

Now comes the other part of buying curly hair extensions – finding a reliable online supplier. Here are a few ways to differentiate between online sellers of curly hair extensions.

Thing you need to know before buying curly hair extensions

Are they selling natural hair extensions?

High-quality, 100% natural hair, ethically sourced (e.g., donor sourced) hair extensions offer better value for money. These types of hair generally last longer, even with multiple shampoos, conditions, and re-installs.

Is it Virgin Hair?

Virgin hair is the gold standard of hair extensions. It refers to hair extensions that come from one donor. This is among the highest quality hair extension bundles on the market because the cuticles are intact, just like your hair. It is stronger, has less processing, and is easier to color.

What are the Returns or Exchange Policies like?

Check the company’s returns and/or exchange policies in case you might need to return your unused extensions if you didn’t quite get the match you were aiming for. If they don’t have one, move on.

Do they have a variety of hair extensions?

From differing lengths, types of extensions, colors, and more, you’ll want a curly hair extension site that offers variety.

For example, at SL Raw Virgin Hair, we specialize in length enhancement no matter the texture of your hair. So, once you follow our guide above on picking curly hair extensions this summer, you’ll easily find an extension for the style you want.

And if the hair extension you bought from us didn’t match your curls just right? You have 30 days to exchange all unused hair for new curly hair extensions that match your curl pattern.

Written by:

Yvette J Haughton