Hair Extensions You Can Wear at Home: A Beginner's Guide
Clip-ins, ponytails, toppers and glueless wigs compared: what each one does, who it suits, and how to choose shade, length and weight without a stylist.
Journal / Ponytails
Ponytail Extensions: Wrap-Around vs Claw Clip vs Drawstring
Wrap-around, claw clip and drawstring ponytail extensions compared on hold, look and ease, plus how to choose the right length and weight for your own ponytail.
A ponytail extension is the quickest way to change your hair. You gather your own ponytail, attach the piece, and in a minute or two your ponytail is longer and fuller. The part that decides how natural it looks is how the piece attaches.
In short: there are three main types of ponytail extension. Wrap-around ponytails hide the attachment under a strip of hair and look the most natural. Claw clip ponytails are the fastest to put on. Drawstring ponytails sit flat and cinch tight. For most people with straight or wavy hair, a human hair wrap-around ponytail about 4 to 6 inches longer than their own gives the most natural result.
What are the types of ponytail extension?
Ponytail extensions differ mainly in how they attach to your own ponytail.
| Type | How it attaches | Time to put on | Look | Hold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrap-around | A comb or clip at the base, then a strip of hair wraps around and fastens | About 2 to 5 minutes | Very natural; attachment fully hidden | Very secure once wrapped |
| Claw clip | A built-in claw grips the base of your ponytail | Under a minute | Good; the clip may need covering | Good for light activity |
| Drawstring | Combs anchor in, a drawstring pulls tight around the base | About 3 to 5 minutes | Natural; sits flat | Very secure, adjustable |
Wrap-around ponytails are the most popular for straight and wavy hair because nothing shows. Claw clip ponytails suit quick everyday styles. Drawstring ponytails are common for textured hair and very short ponytails, since the drawstring grips even a small base.
Our ponytail is a wrap-around style: 100g of single-donor human hair with a clip and a hair strip that wraps around the base, in 16, 20 or 24 inches, straight or wavy.
Which ponytail extension type should you choose?
Choose by how you wear your hair and how much time you have.
- You want it to look like your own ponytail up close: wrap-around.
- You want the fastest option for everyday: claw clip.
- Your ponytail is very short or your hair is textured: drawstring.
- You will dance, travel or wear it all day: wrap-around or drawstring, pinned for extra hold.
Whatever the attachment, human hair makes the biggest difference to how natural it looks, because it can be heat-styled to match your own hair at the base. Our comparison of human hair vs synthetic extensions explains why.
What length ponytail extension should you get?
Choose a ponytail about 4 to 6 inches longer than your own ponytail for a natural look, and longer for a dramatic one. Measure your own ponytail from the elastic to the tips, then add the difference you want.
| Your ponytail | Natural look | Dramatic look |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 inches | 16” | 20” |
| 8 to 12 inches | 16” to 20” | 24” |
| Over 12 inches | 20” | 24” |
Wavy ponytails look shorter than their measured length, so go up one size if you want a wavy piece to reach a particular point.
How much hair should a ponytail extension have?
A ponytail extension should add fullness without looking heavier than your own hair around the base. Fine hair often suits a lighter ponytail, roughly 100g to 150g, which is comfortable to wear and does not pull. Thicker hair can carry more without the base looking out of proportion.
Our 100g ponytail is designed for fine to medium hair. If your hair is thick, ask us about a fuller piece before you order.
How do you put on a wrap-around ponytail?
A wrap-around ponytail takes a couple of minutes once you have done it a few times.
- Make a tight, smooth ponytail at the height you want and secure it with a strong elastic.
- Insert the clip or comb into the base of your ponytail, pointing slightly down, then push it up to lock it in place.
- Wrap the hair strip around the base to cover your elastic and the attachment.
- Fasten the strip at the underside, and add a bobby pin through the wrap for extra hold.
- Blend the ends by smoothing your own ponytail into the extension with a brush.
If your own ponytail is a slightly different shade or texture at the ends, a quick pass with a straightener or curling iron helps the two blend.
Will a ponytail extension damage your hair?
A ponytail extension is gentle when worn sensibly, because it attaches to your elastic and ponytail rather than to your scalp. The risk comes from the ponytail itself: a very tight ponytail worn every day can stress the hairline. Vary the height, avoid sleeping in it, and let your hair rest between wears.
Ready to choose your ponytail?
Send a daylight photo of your hair through our contact page and we will suggest the shade and length for your ponytail. Our wrap-around ponytails are made to order and available in our Etsy shop. If you also want length when your hair is down, read our complete guide to clip-in extensions, and for choosing the right shade, see how to match extensions to your hair color.
Questions people ask
Which type of ponytail extension looks most natural?
A wrap-around ponytail usually looks the most natural, because a strip of hair wraps around the base and hides the attachment completely. Claw clip ponytails can show the clip unless you cover it, and drawstring ponytails sit flat but need the drawstring tucked away. Human hair also blends better than synthetic.
How do you keep a ponytail extension from falling out?
Start with a tight, smooth ponytail secured with a strong elastic. Insert the comb or clip into the base of your own ponytail pointing slightly downward, then push it up to lock it in. Wrap the hair strip firmly and fasten it, and add one or two bobby pins through the wrap if you will be dancing or moving a lot.
What length ponytail extension should I get?
For a natural look, choose a ponytail about 4 to 6 inches longer than your own ponytail. For a dramatic, long ponytail, go longer, but make sure the weight is enough to stay full at the ends. Measure your own ponytail from the elastic to the tips to compare.
Can you wear a ponytail extension with short hair?
You can if your hair is long enough to gather into a small ponytail at the height you want. Shorter hair works best with a low ponytail and a claw clip or wrap-around style. If your hair cannot be gathered at all, clip-in extensions or a topper are a better fit.