Choosing your extension length how long 40–70 cm really is

Length is one of the most important choices when you buy hair extensions. The right length gives you the look you want, while the wrong length can make the transition to your own hair visible. Our real hair extensions come in 40, 50, 60 and 70 cm, and in this guide we show you where each length ends, how your height and the texture of the hair affect the result, and how much hair you need.

How hair extension length is measured
Length is always measured as straight hair from the attachment to the ends. Wavy, curly and Deep Wave hair is measured stretched out. Because extensions are attached a little way down the head rather than at the hairline on your forehead, the ends land lower than if you measured your own hair from the forehead. When you compare with your own hair, it is therefore best to measure from roughly the height where the extensions will sit.

Where do 40, 50, 60 and 70 cm end?
On a person around 165 cm tall, 40 cm extensions end just below the shoulders. This is a good choice if you want more volume and a little length without too big a difference from your own hair. 50 cm ends around the shoulder blades and gives a naturally long result. 60 cm ends in the middle of the back and gives long hair with a clear effect. 70 cm is our longest length and ends at the waist.

Your height affects the result
If you are taller than about 170 cm, each length ends roughly one step higher, and if you are shorter than about 160 cm, one step lower. So if you are tall, you may need to choose one step longer to get the same result as on someone around 165 cm. The table above shows where the lengths end for your height.

What counts as long hair?
Hair that reaches below the shoulder blades is usually considered long. With extensions, that means about 50 cm and up. If you want a clear change but still a natural result, 50 cm is often a good starting point. If you want maximum length, 60 or 70 cm is the right choice.

Curly hair looks shorter
Curls draw the hair up, so curly and Deep Wave extensions look shorter than their measured length. The tighter the curls, the bigger the difference. Consider choosing one step longer if you want the curls to reach a certain point. Compare all textures on our hair textures page – from straight and wavy to Deep Wave, Yaki and Kinky.

Length and styling
Also think about how you usually wear your hair. If you often wear a high ponytail, braids or updos, the ends are more visible, and double drawn gives a more even volume. If you mostly wear your hair down, single drawn gives a soft, natural fall. Real hair extensions can be straightened and curled just like your own hair, so you can vary your look – but remember that curls make the hair look shorter.

Length and amount go together
The longer the extensions, the more hair you need for the ends to look full and the transition to your own hair to be smooth. That is because single drawn hair tapers naturally towards the ends, and the longer the hair, the more visible this becomes. If you choose a long length, double drawn can be a good choice, as it is equally thick all the way down and gives fuller ends with the same amount of hair. Read more about the difference in our guide single vs double drawn.

The difference from your own hair
There is no fixed limit to how big the difference between your own hair and the extensions can be. But the bigger the difference, the more important the right amount and a good transition become. With short hair of your own, a longer length may need more wefts or a method that covers better. Compare tape, keratin and hair weft on our hair extension methods page, and we will help you choose a method that suits your hair.

What do longer extensions cost?
The price depends on the method, the amount of hair and the length. On our page what do hair extensions cost you can see prices per method, with and without hair, and what it costs to have them moved up.

Get help choosing your length
If you are unsure, we are happy to help at a free consultation, online or in our salons in Stockholm and Uppsala. There we can compare the lengths with your own hair and work out how much hair you need. You will find all our real hair extensions in our online shop, and more advice on quality, texture and colour in our hair extensions guide.