Hair Extension Length Chart: Straight, Wavy, and Curly Compared

If you’ve ever bought extensions and wondered why your 20-inch set looks shorter than expected, you’re not alone. The truth is, texture plays a big role in how hair length shows up. That’s where a hair extension length chart comes in. By breaking it down by straight, wavy, and curly, you can see exactly how many inches you’ll need to hit your dream length.

Why Texture Changes the Way Length Looks

A strand of straight hair measured at 20 inches will hang the full length. But once you add wave or curl, the hair springs up and appears shorter. Even though the actual strands are still 20 inches long. This is why stylists and manufacturers always measure extensions stretched straight.

Without a hair extension length chart that shows texture differences, it’s easy to misjudge. For example, a curly 20 inches bundle might look closer to 16 inches once it’s dry and styled. Knowing this before you buy saves frustration and makes sure you get the result you want.

Knowing this before you buy saves frustration and makes sure you get the result you want. If you want a bigger picture of how length and height work together, check out our Hair Extension Lengths Guide.

Hair Extension Length Chart by Texture

Here’s how extensions fall at different textures. Keep in mind these are averages: head size, density, and styling can shift the final look.

Straight Hair Extensions

Straight extensions show the truest length. If you buy 18 inches, you’ll see all 18 inches. On most women, this length sits around mid-chest, while 22 inches grazes the waist for those under 5’4”. Straight hair is the easiest way to predict results with a length of hair extensions chart.

Wavy Hair Extensions

Wavy textures absorb 1-2 inches in appearance. So a 20″ wavy bundle may look closer to 18″ when worn. This is perfect for women who want body and movement without extreme length. Medium wavy textures are especially versatile, blending beautifully with natural wave patterns while still keeping fullness.

You can also see how different wave patterns look at shoulder and medium lengths in our Hairstyles for Wavy Hair.

Curly Hair Extensions

Curly hair shrinks the most, sometimes 2 – 4 inches depending on curl tightness. A 20-inch curly bundle may appear shoulder length when dry. That’s why many stylists recommend sizing up with curly textures. The hair extension length chart for curly hair is essential for realistic expectations. Without it, clients often feel like their “long” extensions came up short.

Comparing Lengths Side by Side

Take a closer look at our 20 inch HD Lace Closures extensions: 2 straight, 2 wavy. The straight hair will fall mid back, the wavy hair will look a little shorter.

That’s why hairstylists always check a length chart hair extensions reference before ordering. It avoids disappointment and helps decide whether to size up.

Celebrity Looks & Stylist Advice

Celebrities are some of the best real-life references when using a hair extension length chart, because they switch up their looks often with the help of top stylists. Here’s how different textures and lengths translate into iconic styles:

Straight Hair Inspiration

For straight styles, Ariana Grande’s 26-inch ponytail during her “No Tears Left to Cry” is the ultimate example. Her extensions were glass-straight and waist grazing, giving her a sleek, dramatic finish. On the other hand, Ciara often wears 22-inch layered extensions, which feel softer and lighter because of the added movement.

Stylist tip: With straight extensions, layering is everything. Mix lengths like 18 + 20 + 22 inches for a soft, tapered finish that blends seamlessly with natural hair.

Wavy Hair Inspiration

Zendaya’s 20-inch waves at the 2019 Emmys fell mid-back and looked effortlessly polished. Kylie Jenner’s 22-inch casual wavy style from the 2016 shows how just two extra inches can take waves closer to the waist. For install ideas and how lace pieces can change the final shape, take a look at our guide to Closures vs Frontals.

Stylist tip: Always go 2 inches longer than your target with waves. It accounts for natural bounce while still delivering that full, voluminous look.

Curly Hair Inspiration

Curly looks bring the most shrinkage. Tracee Ellis Ross at the Tom Ford’s LA Catwalk Show wore tight curls that measured about 22 inches, but they looked much shorter because of the tight texture. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian in the 2019 shooting for her fragrance collection show how medium lengths can still make curls dramatic.

Stylist tip: For curls, don’t just size up. Use layering for a natural shape so that curly ends look fuller, so mixing lengths gives better flow.

Pro tip: If your natural hair is curly or wavy, clip-ins can help you switch textures without the shrinkage surprise. Our raw wavy clip-ins are measured true-to-length when straight, so you always know what you’re getting.

>>> Read more: Ultimate Hair Extension Lengths Guide: Find Your Perfect Match

Final Thoughts

A hair extension length chart isn’t just about inches, it’s about texture. Straight shows the full length, wavy shortens it slightly, and curly can shrink it dramatically. Knowing this difference will save you from ordering the wrong size and make every install look intentional.

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