Whether envisioning sleek, pin-straight strands or floating waves (think Dove Cameron at Met Gala 2024), when hair extensions come to mind, they seem far from anything, well, short. But bob lovers need not fret—extensions can create much more than length alone. In fact, using halo extensions for short hair can boost volume without requiring the look to fall far past the shoulders.
To answer all your short-hair inquiries, we sat down with extension specialist and HALOCOUTURE stylist Dakota Linden (@dakota_kristin). Dakota has used HALO® Extensions behind the chair for eight years and took part in the HALO Styling Suite for New York Fashion Week 2024.
The Basics: What Are Halo Extensions?
But let’s first start with the building blocks. Halos are one of the most comfortable, easy-to-install options for adding natural length and volume—all without the commitment of other extension methods. Unlike keratins or sew-in wefts that require hour-long applications, halo extensions slide over the head in seconds, secured with an invisible wire.
While halos vary in quality—from synthetic to natural strands—all HALOCOUTURE extensions are 100% Remy human hair for the most seamless blends possible. Our cult-favorite Original HALO® Extension comes in 12-inch through 24-inch lengths, and our Layered HALO® Extension (the most popular extension we offer) is available in 14-inch through 22-inch lengths.
Can You Wear Halo Extensions with Short Hair?
“I love teaching my clients with shorter hairstyles that extensions are not just for [those] wanting a long transformation.” There are options for any hair goal, Dakota shared, “whether needing fullness and an overall thicker look, or dimension without the color commitment. Our HALO®s and Blend-Ins are also amazing for [creating] an inverted style or even adding more layers and angles around the hairline to frame the face.”
Is Blending More Challenging with Short Hair?
Compared to longer hairstyles, where “you already have natural length to work with,” styling halos on short hair takes more patience.
“If a shorter-hair client is going for a long transformation, depending on their density, yes, it could be more challenging,” Dakota said. “But it’s still doable! If I’m working with a thick, blunt, shoulder-length bob and my client wants a long, full hairstyle, I will usually cocktail two [or] three of our pieces.”
Wondering how to put in halo hair extensions? As with longer hairstyles, install the HALO® by placing the Miracle Wire one to three inches behind the hairline. Slide the back of the weft down to the occipital bone. To secure, gently pull all of the natural hair that is sitting above the weft out and over with the end of a comb; brush all the hair together to blend.
Is There a Minimum Length Required to Wear a Halo Extension?
“To wear a halo on its own, you need enough natural length to cover where the weft sits,” Dakota said. For most clients, this means the shortest layer will need to reach the nape to ensure the most natural result.
However, if a client’s hair does not reach this point, Dakota still finds ways to craft the transformation: “that’s when we would [use] multiple pieces and [pair] either a Fall Topper with a HALO®, or even a Bang, Fall Topper, and HALO® together.” When it comes to styling halo extensions for short hair, the first step is often reconsidering how typical extension pieces could be used in a creative way.
What Are the Best Short Hair Halo Extensions?
For short-hair clients seeking a longer look, Dakota reaches for the Layered HALO® Extension—a piece equipped with two to three built-in, gradual layers and 30% more hair than the Original HALO®. When clients want to add more than four inches of length, these layers help the extension discreetly incorporate with the natural hair. “If you want both fullness and length, our 14” Layered HALO® is a great start!” Dakota shared.
For styling “short-hair clients that just want to take their shorter look to the next level,” Dakota goes for a 12” Original HALO®, “sometimes even with The Bang for a little bit of spice!”
What Are Some Tips for Styling Layered Halo Hair Extensions?
While Dakota often combines a Layered HALO® with a Fall Topper or Blend-Ins, she shared that using multiple pieces is not always necessary. “If your weight line isn’t naturally dense,” she said, “you can wear an Original HALO® on its own.”
Most importantly, “when blending a shorter hairstyle, you want to be mindful of not looking too bottom heavy and creating a triangle effect” (ends that come together at the same length). “That’s why [HALOCOUTURE] has so many options for blending!”
Are There Other Extension Options for Clients with Short Hair?
Although a textured lob may suit day-to-day errand runs, some may seek a more dramatic length for special occasions. For these clients, Dakota recommends clip-in extensions, especially The Bang and The Pony—two pieces that help clients achieve runway poise without an hour-long appointment (or can of hairspray).
Creating Hair Happiness: Halo Extensions Before and After
Whether impatiently waiting for a shag to grow out or considering a hairstyle that requires long length (see @lauren.hendrix.artistry style a claw clip below), short locks shouldn’t prevent anyone from wearing extensions. Even those staying close to their original length can benefit from halo extensions’ intensified volume.
As for Dakota, she appreciates HALO® Extensions’ ability to realize any clients’ hair ambitions: “there really are so many options for everyone!”
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