Your ideal length depends on how you want your hair to look and feel. For subtle volume, choose extensions that are close to your natural length. If you’d like noticeable added length, 16 inches is often a perfect midpoint. It creates a soft, flowing silhouette that flatters most face shapes without feeling heavy or difficult to manage.

The best way to decide is to think about where you’d like your ends to fall.

16” hair usually reaches the lower chest when straight and the upper chest when styled in waves. It’s long enough for curls, braids and sleek blow-dries, but still moves naturally and feels easy to wear. 12 inch extensions would sit just below the shoulders for a neat, polished shape, while the full 20 inches falls to the mid-to-lower-back (dependent on your height), for a dramatic, sweeping effect.

For most people, yes. 16 inches offers beautiful, balanced length that feels full but never overwhelming. It’s long enough to create impact and allow for versatile styling, yet still short enough to maintain a natural proportion and effortless blend. Many people find it the sweet spot between everyday practicality and that “just stepped out of a salon” feel.

Compared with very long extensions, this length tends to be lighter and easier to care for, making it a popular choice for those who want glamour with minimal upkeep. It’s also ideal if your natural hair sits below shoulder-length, as the transition into 16-inch extensions is smooth and discreet.

The difference is roughly four inches in length, but the effect can feel much greater. 16 inch extensions typically fall to the lower chest, creating soft, balanced movement, while 20 inch extensions reach the mid-to-lower-back (depending on your height), for a dramatic, statement look. Both can look equally natural. It simply depends on the style you want and the weight you’re comfortable with.

Longer extensions add visual length and volume, but they can also require more maintenance and styling time. Many women start with 16 inches to enjoy the added body and flow, then explore 18 or 20 inches when they want to experiment with more length and layered looks.

To find your ideal length, measure from the top of your ear or your temple downwards, following the line of your natural hair. Use a flexible tape measure or even a piece of ribbon, then hold it against your body to see where each length would fall. For example, 16 inches usually sits at chest level, depending on height.

If you often wear your hair wavy or curled, remember that texture shortens the visible length by an inch or two. It’s worth visualising both your straight and styled finish before choosing. This ensures your extensions blend beautifully and complement your proportions for the most natural result.