Jessica Harrington

Whether you have thin hair that you're looking to bulk up, short hair that you want to lengthen, or are just in the mood to switch up your hairstyle without the commitment of a more permanent change, hair extensions are a great choice. The topic of hair extensions is vast and complex. There are a variety of different types - like hand-tied extensions, microlinks hair extensions, tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, and halo hair extensions, to name just a few - and each kind has its own list of perks and drawbacks. Aside from the cost, you'll also want to know how to properly care for your hair extensions and how long they'll last before committing. If you're considering trying them for the first time, we're sharing everything you need to know so you can find the best hair extensions for your needs with the help of four experts below. Types of Hair Extensions "There are many different hair types and application methods available, so you can experiment until you find the perfect look for you at a price point that suits your budget," Louise Bailey, founder of Hair Extensions London, tells POPSUGAR. Before we get into the different application types, let's go over the two main categories of hair extensions: real human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. "Human hair extensions are exactly what they sound like - they are made out of real, human hair from top to bottom, collected from a donor," says Julia Venturin, a hair-extension expert at Luxy Hair. "Remy hair means all the cuticles (the outer layer of the hair) are intact, running in the same direction at the time of collection. This allows for almost no tangling and ensures that the extensions remain smooth and silky throughout their lifetime." Synthetic hair extensions, on the other hand, are made out of various synthetic, blended fibers - no human hair. "These fibers are usually very fine, plastic fibers that are manufactured to imitate real human hair," Venturin says. Here, we're breaking down a few of the most common types of extensions. Clip-In Hair Extensions View this post on Instagram A post shared by KnappyHair by Keandra Janelle (@knappyhair) Clip-ins are perhaps the easiest, least time-consuming way of adding length, thickness, and volume to your hair, and one of the best things about them is that you don't even have to see a professional to have them installed. "The good, quality clip-ins will look and feel natural, they will last years, there is no commitment, and you can fit and style them yourself," says Tatiana Karelina, owner of Russian hair-extensions company Tatiana Karelina. These types of extensions clip to your hair, and they come in handy when you want to change up your hair for a particular event or occurrence and don't want to commit to something more permanent. (You typically take them out after a day but can continue to reuse them for long after that.) Nowadays, clip-ins come in all kinds of lengths, textures, and colors, and you can usually buy them in packs. For an editor-approved option, read our full review of Bellami hair extensions; the brand has plenty of weft hair extension options. Tape-In Hair Extensions View this post on Instagram A post shared by Extensionaire Luxury Hair Extensions (@extensionaire) Tape-ins are considered semipermanent extensions; they're similar to clip-ins except that they can last longer and are taped to your hair. They're also pretty weightless, so you don't feel weighed down even if you're wearing a head full of them. "Tape-ins are applied by a professional and can last for two months before needing maintenance," says Bailey. "The hair is reusable with this method." Microlink Hair Extensions Microlinks - also called microrings or microbeads - are a popular alternative option to sew-in weaves and tape-in extensions. These are normally attached to strands of hair using small tubes or rings, and they are said to be safer than other kinds of extensions because they don't damage the hair and scalp by putting too much weight or stress on them. They also don't require the use of glue or adhesive, making them a lot less noticeable in your hair. One downside, depending on how you look at it, is that getting a full head of microlink hair extensions can take anywhere from one to five hours to complete, but they can last up to two to three months. Sew-In Weaves View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taniyah 🤍 (@taniyahslayedyoullc) Installing a weave is a process that requires a bit more labor. They're usually installed by a hairstylist who braids the hair down into a specific pattern - either what's known as a beehive or straight-back cornrows - before sewing bundles or "tracks" down to the braids. This can usually take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on how many bundles you're installing (two or three is a good amount) and how speedy your stylist is. Weaves can last anywhere from six to 10 weeks, though it's important for people who wear them to also make sure they're still regularly taking care of their hair that's beneath the weave. Keratin Bond/Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions View this post on Instagram A post shared by Great Lengths Hair Extensions (@greatlengthsusa) Bonds are fused to the hair using keratin and a heat gun. This process can take a few hours to complete since, like microlinks, each extension is connected to your natural hair individually until the desired look has been achieved. These aren't permanent, but they do last up to four or five months, depending on personal maintenance. Do Hair Extensions Damage Your Natural Hair? Sadly, there's a lot of misinformation out there about hair extensions, including that they will damage your natural hair. In fact, this notion is mostly false. Bailey explains that when applied by a professional and cared for properly, damage is not likely. "If you're considering getting hair extensions, it's important to do your research and consult with a hair-extensions expert to ensure that they're right for you and the correct hair type and product is used," she says. How to Care For Hair Extensions Hair extensions require special care. The better you care for them, the more use you'll get out of them. The number-one rule of handling hair extensions is to be gentle. "Brush them gently with a soft-bristled brush, and avoid using harsh chemicals or too much heat," says Bailey. Venturin adds: "The more you wash and heat style your extensions, the shorter their lifespan will be, so try to keep the washing and product use to a minimum." Nonsynthetic extensions can and should be washed just like the hair on your head. This helps prevent product, dirt, and oil buildup on the hair. "Use a mild shampoo and conditioner, keeping conditioners away from the attachment points," says Bailey. However, just as you don't want to overwash your own hair, try to avoid washing your extensions too much. "Unlike your own hair, which receives natural hydration from the oils on your scalp, hair extensions don't have a natural hydration source," says Venturin. "Therefore, keeping them hydrated is key to keeping them shiny and in good condition." Cost of Hair Extensions If you'r wondering, how much do hair extensions cost? That's a hard question to answer due to the many different types of hair extensions available on the market - hair extension prices are based on the hair you choose, as well as who installs it. "High-quality, hand-tied hair extensions will look more natural and last longer than synthetic extensions but require a higher cost to purchase and install," says Brynn Reed, the lead extension specialist at Mirror Mirror Salon. Quality extensions made from human hair, such as clip-ins, typically range from $100 to $350, while more "permanent," long-wearing extensions that are professionally installed can cost $350 to upward of $2,000. Synthetic hair extensions, on the other hand, are far cheaper. Things to Keep in Mind When Getting Hair Extensions There are many benefits to extensions, but you should consider your current hair routine to determine if they're right for you. "Extensions are not a wash-and-go style," says Reed. "They must be blow-dried. Leaving extensions wet for prolonged periods causes the wefts to break down and shortens the lifespan of your extensions. If you commit to extensions, you commit to the blow-out." For those unfam Additionally, the haircut you have matters. Extensions are able to add volume and length to your existing style, but in order for the final result to look seamless, you'll want to avoid any blunt-style haircuts. "This makes the job so much harder to blend," says Bailey. Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at POPSUGAR, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.

When it comes to 2024 beauty, the makeup looks are going to be more experimental, the skin-care trends will be smarter, the top haircuts will be nods to the past, and the hair colors will make you feel like your very best. As for the top hairstyle trends of 2024, you can expect to see a harmony of old and new. It's time to really hone your signature look. This year will be all about taking care of your hair and sharpening your go-to looks, as well as experimenting with new styles and being playful. What that translates to could be anything like fun and classic updos (like braided buns and braided ponytails), old-meets-new looks resurrected from the past (like big, voluminous bouffants), and anything that really brights the glamour, like undone, tousled waves and deep side parts. And before you ask: no, hair accessories aren't going anywhere. With the popular coquette aesthetic taking over, ultra-feminine hair bows are popping up everywhere. But if that's not for you, on the other end of the spectrum, you can embrace your sporty side with the '90s-inspired athletic headband trend that's perfect for rushed mornings. Keep scrolling for more insight from the pros on the top hair trends 2024 that you need to know about, plus inspiration photos for each one to get you excited to try something new.

Minimalist beauty trends are thriving - just look at some of the recent award shows, red carpet events, and celebrity Instagram pages. Nails, in particular, have seen a massive overhaul recently. Instead of maximalist, over-the-top nail-art trends, beige nails are starting to take over. Trends come and go, and right now, we're experiencing the pendulum swing back in favor of simple, neutral nails. Take, for example, the celebrity-loved supermodel-nails trend, which Jennifer Lopez, Sabrina Carpenter, Zendaya, and Kourtney Kardashian are all fans of. Or the spike in milk-bath nails, which see a sheer, milky-white color on your tips. It's one that Madonna, Megan Markle, and Kylie Jenner have worn recently. All feature a beige nail base - and are about as simple as manicures get. "It seems to be a reaction to how over-the-top and wild nails were getting for a while," Eunice Park, manicurist and Aprés Nail's research and development manager, tells PS. "Now, everyone seems to be trending back toward more natural, wearable nails." The pandemic has certainly influenced this shift. "It made us appreciate our natural features," says Megan Lavallie, makeup artist and beauty content creator. "That's what minimal makeup, hair, and nails is all about: it allows your unique features to shine." Lavallie has been loving beige-color nails with her natural length as of late and even predicted "Parisian nails" to be a huge trend this coming year. In a TikTok video talking about it, she describes it as nail-polish colors that "look kind of like it grew out of your own nail beds." Whether you get on board with the beige manicure trend by letting your natural nails grow out, stocking up on barely there beige nail-polish shades, or even opting for beige ombré nails over extensions such as acrylics or Aprés gel-x tips, you can't go wrong. The result is subtle but refreshing. In keeping with this trend, Park noted that Aprés just launched a new Aprés Neutrals range. "[It] has done extremely well because of this rise in minimal, clean nail looks." Keep scrolling to see just how beautiful different beige nail designs are and save inspiration for later.

I transitioned to natural deodorant about five years ago, but it was not a seamless process. As the old saying goes, I had to kiss a lot of frogs - or swipe on a lot of duds - before I found my prince one. I get it; using natural deodorant isn't for everyone (and at times, I wasn't even sure it was for me), but using the right product makes all the difference. Over the years, I've found a handful of formulas that keep sweat and the odor that comes with it at bay, but none blew me away quite like the Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant ($18, originally $20). I know I'm not alone in thinking it's great, because the product won a 2023 POPSUGAR Beauty Award for Best Deodorant, which is no easy feat considering not everyone on our team subscribes to the natural life. It also has nearly 3,000 reviews on the brand's website with an average rating of 4.9 stars. For a deodorant, that's rare. Not to mention, when I was scrolling on TikTok one night, I spotted not one but two different videos of people singing its praises (and no, they were not ads; it was organic). If you are trying desperately to like natural deodorant but haven't found one that works for you just yet, allow me to introduce you to Salt & Stone's ahead. About the Salt & Stone Deodorant It's a natural deodorant made without aluminum or alcohol. The formula contains seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin, probiotics to balance skin's microbiome to prevent odor, and spirulina for antioxidants and to soothe irritation. It comes in four scents: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, and Neroli & Shiso Leaf. What I Like About the Salt & Stone Deodorant Natural deodorants are very hit or miss. Some don't work at reducing body odor, while others can leave my armpits irritated and dry. The Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant does none of those things - it blew me away. The cream-to-powder stick goes on smoothly without any dryness or tugging. You can immediately smell the fresh fragrance notes. However, this isn't what really wowed me. It's easy for a deodorant to impress right out of the bottle - it's how it holds up hours later that matters. For context, I live in New York City, where it can get very hot and humid. I also walk, a lot, and go to the gym daily. Needless to say, I need my deodorant to work - and well. An hour into a workout, I can tell it's working, as my pits still smell really fresh. Running around the city for a nine-plus-hour day is no match for it, either. Though I may still get a little sweaty (because remember: natural deodorants don't block sweat; that's an antiperspirant), I still don't have any BO. This is likely thanks to the probiotics in the formula, which help to keep the bacteria in your armpits balanced and the smell away. Even though it doesn't keep you from sweating altogether, I do notice a reduction in how much I sweat when I'm wearing it, and I get compliments that I smell good. I used it to the very last drop. How to Use the Salt & Stone Deodorant I wear the Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant all day, every day. I know some people who use a different product for their workouts, but I don't find there's any need with this. I apply it in the morning and reapply later in the day immediately after showering, before a workout, and before leaving the house if I feel the need for a refresh. What to Consider Before Trying the Salt & Stone Deodorant If you're not already a natural deodorant user, you'll likely need to go through what's called the "transitional phase" before this formula works in the same way for you. It's where your underarms detox from the aluminum "plugs" in your glands that have kept you from sweating all this time. It's a trying time but worth it once you reach the other side. That said, the Salt & Stone deodorant will likely make it a little less annoying. It also bears mentioning that this product is not a clear formula. As it goes with many cream-based deodorants, it can get on your clothes if you're not careful when applying it or changing your shirts. I only really notice it on dark-colored clothing, but it's annoying nevertheless. If you'd prefer instead, there is a gel formula ($20) as well. Where Is the Salt & Stone Deodorant Available? The Salt & Stone Deodorant is available at the brand's website, and is on sale for Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024. It's also available at Revolve, Thrive Market, Free People, Violet Grey, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Rating: Shop more of POPSUGAR's editor-curated Amazon Big Spring Sale picks. Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at POPSUGAR, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.

Every year, it's natural to look for new ways to add some excitement to your life. Instead of jumping out of a plane or traveling to the farthest country you can think of, what easier (and more low-stakes) way to inject some fun into your life than dusting off your "haircut ideas" board on Pinterest? Keeping up-to-date on the latest haircut styles allows you to keep tabs on what's new in the space, and over the next few months, it'll be all about having fun with your look. As Jae-Manuel Cardenas, a hairstylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad in New York City, put it: "This year is all about texture and movement. I love to give hair a refresh by adding fresh, choppy layers. Hair [will] look sexy and undone." That's not all. There will be cool shorter cuts and haircut ideas for medium length (plus those in between lengths), but each one follows three common denominators: they are fresh, fun, and anything but boring - and isn't that what everybody wants when they go in for a makeover? From the bold "jellyfish" cut to the more subtly layered shag, there are enough hair ideas to fill an entire inspiration board. Don't just take our word for it. We've asked a handful of experts to break down the hottest looks you should know about, including haircuts for curly hair and all other hair types. Get loads of inspiration photos on how to wear them and learn insider techniques to level up your look - that you'll want to bring to your next salon appointment, so you can kick off the new season right. Related: The Top Hairstyle Trends For 2024

There's nothing like organizing your beauty collection to make you feel like you have your sh*t together. Something about taking everything off of the shelves and out of the drawers; reorganizing it by category, daily use, or brand; and putting it back in an orderly fashion. Extra points if you actually wipe down all of the shelves and drawers so they're sparkling clean. (No? Just us?) If you're itching to instill some order in your current what-day-even-is-it, out-of-sorts state, cleaning your skin-care products can be oddly therapeutic. Makeup products tend to receive more love when it comes to regular tidying (or at least they should - now that we mention it, go wash your makeup brushes), so focusing your attention on your favorite serums, moisturizers, and face masks will easily transform your stash. Just imagine how much easier it will be to complete your morning skin-care routine if your treasured products are arranged just right. Whether you're looking for a skin-care organizer that can hold all of your essentials in the bathroom or a chic beauty holder for your vanity that will double as decor, there are plenty of options available. Don't know where to start? We rounded up a few of the best skin-care organizer products to give you some inspiration.

Cottagecore, mob wife, coastal cowgirl, coquette, glazed-doughnut nails, strawberry makeup. These are just a few of the viral aesthetics that have taken over social media throughout the last year. For the last few years, it seemed there was a new vibe being introduced every week. At first people loved it, but now, there's been a noticeable shift in the tides. Many who were excitedly riding the Trend Train have requested to get off at the next stop. So, what happened? Perhaps what felt like the impossible happened: we hit trend fatigue. The thing is, "trends," which are defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a "prevailing tendency or inclination," have been around forever. People often like to refer back to the biggest trends of decades past - hence the fascination and reimagination of '90s makeup and 2000s hairstyles - but recently, it feels as though the cycle of trends is coming and going at an all-time high. Ahead, we spoke to psychologists to get a better understanding of trend culture. Why are we so obsessed with new and shiny aesthetics, and will we ever hit a point of oversaturation? How Do Trends Start? Trends form pretty easily: someone has to propose a new idea, and then enough people have to "follow" it so that it catches widespread attention. "Trends start with something that an individual or small group gives attention to, and then [they] start to build momentum of other people's focus," Scott Lyons, PsyD, psychologist, author, and educator, tells PS. From there, they continue to grow until they've taken over our news cycle and For You Pages. However, we've seen an uptick in micro trends lately. "While mainstream trends still garner significant attention, there has been a growing emphasis on niche communities and subcultures," says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, an NYC neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "Online platforms have facilitated the formation of micro-communities centered around specific interests, hobbies, and identities." The Psychology Behind Trends You may think that trends catch on solely because they're pretty or new and exciting, and that's certainly part of it. "When we are provided with something new and different that a lot of people are also interested in, then it brings a sense of excitement," says Jenny Yip, PsyD, board-certified clinical psychologist and author of "Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts." We, as humans, are naturally curious creatures, but the psychology behind them goes even deeper than that. We want to belong and feel connected. "Participating in trends invites social interaction, admiration, and appreciation from others, and facilitates a sense of belonging for us while also allowing us to fit in with the crowd," Christie Ferrari, PsyD, also known as Dr. C, clinical psychologist and blogger, says. So, the success of trends boils down to a mix of wanting to be included while also wanting to stand out and feel special. And don't underestimate the power of FOMO in all of this - it's very real. "There's this fear of missing out on something fun or exciting, which can push us to join in on trends even if we're not sure about them," Dr. Hafeez says. "Plus, if something seems rare or hard to get, it makes us want it even more." (This is likely the reasoning behind the sensational Stanley Cup that had teenagers sleeping overnight outside of Target and now, flocking to Target Joe's to get the new mini tote.) Social Media's Effect on Trend Culture Trends are as old as time (even if they weren't referred to as such), but the landscape of how they thrive has shifted drastically. These days, the driving force is undeniably digital media in all of its many forms. TikTok, Instagram, and the internet as a whole (along with influencers) have democratized trend culture and made it more accessible. "With the rise of social media, all of the world is a stage," Dr. Lyons says. Having all of this information at the tips of our fingers is contributing to the increased pace at which we're seeing trends. Before it, you weren't able to connect instantaneously with such a broad group of people. "Back in the day, how did we access trends? Magazines, TV, newspapers. . . you would get one magazine a month," Dr. Yip says. "Information wasn't dispersed as quickly as information is today with the internet." The Impact of Micro Trends Trends used to make you feel like you were part of a greater movement. Now, however, micro trends lack the same effect. Social media has allowed countless fads to flourish - more than ever before - but it's also responsible for the shortened lifespan of these aesthetics or vibes. "Once the trend becomes too saturated and viral, it's time for a new trend," Dr. C says. This cycle keeps things feeling exclusive and exciting, but it's also contributing to trend fatigue. "With the rapid dissemination of information online, trends can become oversaturated and lose their novelty quickly," Dr. Hafeez says. "This phenomenon has accelerated the turnover rate of trends, making it challenging for individuals and brands to keep up." The sheer number of options available to use - not just with trends but everything else, such as brands, TV shows, and books - has forced content to quickly be replaced. Dr. Yip puts it this way: "In the first 10 minutes of a movie, if I'm not into it, there are thousands of other new movies I can choose from." Not to mention, collectively, our attention span is shrinking. "We're getting bored much easier than ever before," Dr. Yip says. And new trends are a solution to that boredom. "When you're feeling that sense of new excitement, it's basically your brain producing dopamine," she continues. So, the question is, will this ever change? "Until it becomes trendy to not be on social media, it's unlikely," Dr. C says.

Black hair is incredibly alluring and can make you stand out in a crowd - just look at raven-haired celebrities like Becky G, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Lana Condor, Ciara, and Megan Fox, just to name a few. But it's a common misconception that you have to be a blond or brunette to have fun with your hair color. In reality, there are ample opportunities to experiment with your color if you have ultra-dark hair, especially by adding highlights on black hair. Understandably, people with black hair can feel a bit left out of the conversation when it comes to the latest hair trends, especially when many of the predictions focus on sand, toffee, caramel, and mocha hues. Highlights, lowlights, and balayage can add dimension and depth to your dark hair, but it's always helpful to research examples before heading to the salon. The great thing about black hair with highlights is that you can completely customize the look to suit your needs. Whether you mix in tones of brown, white, dirty blond, red, or even purple, go subtle or spring for something bold, you'll feel like a whole new person with these black hair highlights ideas. To get inspiration for your next big hair color change, we rounded up examples of highlights for black hair ahead.

Selena Gomez's tattoo collection has been slowly growing for years. The most recent additions to her collection came in 2022, when - over the course of a few months - the singer and actor got three pieces of ink, which brought her collection to a grand total of 17 known tattoos to date. From a delicate number "4" on the inside of her arm to represent her best friends to the large praying-hands mural on her upper thigh and the rose neck tattoo on her upper back, each one of Selena Gomez's tattoos has a special meaning. Most of her symbolic tattoos are by Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy from Bang Bang Tattoo in New York City. That includes some of her more recent pieces of ink: the "Rare" tattoo behind her ear, the cross along her collarbone, and a large, realistic design on her upper back. On a New Year trip with friends, Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham, in 2023, Gomez even ended up getting a matching friendship tattoo with Nicola. Considering that she is a master at containing her tiny tattoos (and that one not-so-tiny), it's also possible she has more ink skillfully hidden and will be adding to the collection again soon. Some fans are even claiming that they saw a glimpse of a new back design on her hit TV show, "Only Murders in the Building," but it has yet to be confirmed. Get a closer look at all of Gomez's tattoos and find out what they mean ahead.

Changing up your hairstyle, whether it's with a big haircut or a fresh color, can make a huge impact - not just on the way you look, but also on the way you feel. But if you're apprehensive about dyeing your entire head a new color or trying one of the hot yet polarizing haircut trends of the year (bixie, anyone?), then highlights are a good way to go. If you're not well-versed in the world of hair, you may think that there's only one option out there, but similar to bangs and bobs, there are many different types of hair highlights. From '90s chunky highlights and money pieces to the ever-popular balayage technique, there are a handful to choose from. Types of Hair Highlights There are also three main highlighting techniques: foil, partial, and full. No matter what type you go with, the objective is the same. Highlights will lighten certain strands on your head to contrast with your base or natural hair color. This helps add dimension to your existing color while brightening it up. That's one of the reasons boxed hair dye can look so harsh - the result lacks any depth and can feel very flat. Meanwhile, blond, black, or brunette hair with highlights done by a professional will look expensive and multidimensional. Highlights are often subjected to trends - like "tennis" and "halo highlights" - so keeping track of what's what can be a job in and of itself. Luckily, you don't need to sign yourself up for cosmetology school to get an idea. With the help of some of our favorite hairstylists, here's a lowdown on techniques, complete with pictures of highlighted hair.