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16-Inch Hair vs. 18-Inch Hair: Choose the Right Length of Wigs and Extensions
Last updated Jul.12,2025
When choosing wigs or hair extensions, length is one of the most confusing issues. 16-inch hair and 18-inch hair are very popular lengths in wigs and extensions. They are only two inches apart, but they can create different looks. Which one is more suitable for you? Today, we will provide a detailed comparison to help you choose the right length!
How Long Is 16-Inch Hair?
The 16-inch hair is 40.64 centimeters long. For wigs or hair extensions, it is considered to be medium length. The visual length depends on the hair texture; the wavy 16-inch hair is shorter than straight 16-inch hair, and the curly 16-inch hair appears even shorter due to the tighter and more defined curling pattern. On a straight wig, 16-inch hair falls around the bust area; on a wavy wig, it falls upper the bust; on a curly wig, it falls around the shoulder.
How Long Is 18-Inch Hair?
The 18-inch hair is 45.72 centimeters long. It is considered to be a long hair length for wigs and hair extensions. 18-inch straight hair falls just below the bust; the 18-inch wavy hair appears about 1.5-2 inches shorter and falls around the bust; the 18-inch curly hair appears 3-4 inches shorter and falls upper around the bust.
16-Inch Hair vs. 18-Inch Hair: How to Choose?
When choosing between 16-inch hair and 18-inch hair, you should consider several aspects, including budget, product type, hair texture, styling needs, and lifestyle.
Budget
The shorter the hair, the lower the price of human hair wigs and hair extensions, and the latter are more affordable for the same hair length. If your budget is sufficient, you can choose any 16-inch or 18-inch wigs or hair extensions, just pick the one you prefer most. Otherwise, choose the more affordable length of wigs or hair extensions.
Product Type
Human hair wigs and hair extensions are two common types of efficient tools to enhance the hair beauty of black women. Human hair wigs often provide full coverage of the head and give one's hair an overall change, such as wear and go wigs, HD lace wigs, body wave wigs, or kinky curly wigs. Hair extensions are a type of strip or strand of hair added to your natural hair to enhance volume and length in an instant.
◾16-inch wigs are shorter and lighter than 18-inch wigs, but the latter look fuller and more flowing and allow more styling.
◾16-inch hair extensions are slightly shorter than 18-inch hair extensions, which can blend well with medium-long hair. The 18-inch hair extensions will do better with long hair.
Hair Texture
Wigs or hair extensions of the same length: different hair textures result in significant differences in visual lengths. Straight hair reproduces the actual length, and wavy and curly hair will look shorter than the actual hair length. When you choose between 16-inch hair and 18-inch hair, you should pay attention to this point.
Styling Needs
Your styling needs determine length selection. If you like simple styling, 16-inch hair is sufficient for use. It allows you to create various half-up, half-down hairstyles, ponytails, buns, braids, etc. If you prefer more versatile styling and complex design, 18-inch hair is what you are looking for. The longer hair will handle more styles and allow you to try more hair ideas.
Lifestyle
The shorter hair is lighter, more comfortable to wear, less likely to tangle, and easier to maintain. So, compared to 18-inch hair, 16-inch hair is more ideal for those who are active and prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle.
16-Inch Wig vs. 18-Inch Wig
✔️If you want a more lightweight, comfortable wig that looks neat and natural, choose a 16-inch wig.
✔️If you love long, flowing looks and don't mind extra care, choose an 18-inch wig.
✔️If you are seeking a wig that allows more complex styling, choose an 18-inch wig.
16-Inch Hair Extensions vs. 18-Inch Hair Extensions
✔️If you have medium-length hair and want a natural hair volume boost, you can choose 16-inch clip in hair extensions.
✔️If you have long hair and want to add natural layers and hair volume, you can choose 18-inch hair extensions.
Conclusion
In fact, the key to choosing wigs and hair extensions between 16-inch hair and 18-inch hair is whether they meet your needs. What suits oneself is the best! Which length do you prefer? Welcome to share your choices in the comment section!
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