Choosing the right texture is just as important as choosing the right color - maybe more so. Extensions that don't match your natural texture stick out, no matter how perfect the shade. We've spent nearly 20 years helping women across all hair types find extensions that actually blend, and texture matching is one of our specialties.
Not sure which texture matches yours? Take our Perfect Match Quiz or send us photos for a free expert recommendation.
Why texture matching matters
Color gets all the attention, but texture is what makes extensions look real. When your extensions move, reflect light, and behave like your natural hair, no one can tell where your hair ends and the extensions begin. When they don't match, you get that obvious "two different hair types" look - even if the color is perfect.
"We were the first company to offer halo extensions for textured hair because we saw how underserved that market was. Women with curly and coily hair were being told to just straighten their extensions to blend - that's not a solution. Everyone deserves extensions that match their natural texture."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Explore our curly hair extensions collection for textures from wavy to coily.
Understanding hair texture types
Hair texture is categorized on a scale from 1 (straight) to 4 (coily), with subcategories A, B, and C indicating the tightness of the pattern. Here's a quick reference:
| Type | Pattern | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1A-1C | Straight | No curl pattern, lies flat, can be fine (1A) to coarse (1C) |
| 2A-2C | Wavy | S-shaped waves, from loose (2A) to defined (2C) |
| 3A-3C | Curly | Spiral curls, from loose loops (3A) to tight corkscrews (3C) |
| 4A-4C | Coily | Tight coils or z-pattern, from defined (4A) to densely packed (4C) |
Most people have a mix of textures - you might be 3B at your crown and 3C at your nape. That's normal. When matching extensions, focus on your dominant texture or the texture at your mid-lengths where extensions will blend.
How to identify your texture
Wash and air dry
Your true texture shows when your hair is clean and product-free. Wash with a gentle shampoo, skip styling products, and let your hair air dry completely.
Examine at your mid-lengths
Your roots and ends often have different patterns. Look at your mid-shaft - that's where extensions will sit and where you need the best match.
Take photos in natural light
Capture your hair from multiple angles. This helps you see your pattern clearly and gives us a reference if you want a consultation.
Try our texture ring at home
Photos and charts help, but nothing beats holding actual hair samples against your own. Our texture ring includes swatches of every texture we offer - straight, wavy, kinky curly, coily, and more - so you can see and feel exactly how each one compares to your natural hair.
How it works: Order the texture ring, compare each swatch to your mid-lengths in natural light, and find your match. Once you've identified your texture, you can return the ring or keep it for future reference.
This is especially helpful for curly and coily textures where curl diameter and pattern density matter as much as the general category. A photo might show you're "3C," but comparing your curl to our 3C swatch confirms whether it's actually a match or if you need something tighter or looser.
Matching extensions to your texture
Straight hair (Type 1)
Straight hair is the most forgiving for texture matching - our straight extensions blend easily with most type 1 hair. The main consideration is weight and density:
- Fine straight hair (1A): Choose lightweight options like seamless clip-ins or halo extensions
- Medium straight hair (1B): Most extension types work well
- Coarse straight hair (1C): You may need higher density extensions for a full blend
Wavy hair (Type 2)
Wavy hair needs wavy extensions - straight extensions will create obvious contrast, especially as your hair moves. Our wavy extensions hold their pattern through washing and styling.
- Loose waves (2A): Can sometimes blend with straight extensions if you plan to heat style regularly
- Defined waves (2B-2C): Match with wavy extensions for the most natural look
Styling flexibility: Because our extensions are 100% Remy human hair, you can curl straight extensions or straighten wavy ones. But for everyday wear without daily styling, matching your natural texture saves time and looks more natural.
Curly hair (Type 3)
This is where texture matching becomes critical. Curly extensions need to match both the curl diameter and the curl pattern. Our curly extensions are designed to blend with type 3 hair.
- Loose curls (3A): Look for extensions with similar-sized spiral curls
- Medium curls (3B): Our curly texture typically matches well
- Tight curls (3C): May need kinky curly options for a seamless blend
Curly hair often appears shorter than straight hair of the same measured length because the curls spring up. Keep this in mind when choosing length - you may want to go longer than you think.
Coily hair (Type 4)
Type 4 hair has historically been the most underserved in the extensions market. We offer kinky curly and coily textures specifically designed for 4A-4C hair.
- Defined coils (4A): Kinky curly extensions often blend well
- Z-pattern coils (4B): Look for tighter coil patterns
- Densely packed coils (4C): Our coily texture is designed for this hair type
For 4B-4C hair: Texture matching can be more nuanced because natural 4C hair varies significantly from person to person. Send us photos and we'll recommend the closest match - we look at every request personally. Or order our texture ring to compare swatches at home.
Can you wear a different texture?
Yes, with some caveats:
Straight extensions on curly hair: This works if you regularly straighten your hair. The extensions will blend when your hair is straight, but will look mismatched when your natural texture comes through.
Curly extensions on straight hair: Less common, but some people want to add curl without heat styling their natural hair. The blend line will be more visible, so placement matters.
Our honest advice: Matching your natural texture gives the most seamless, low-maintenance result. If you want versatility, match your texture and then style both your hair and extensions together.
Common texture matching mistakes
| Mistake | The fix |
|---|---|
| Buying straight extensions for curly hair "because I'll straighten it" | Match your most common worn texture |
| Matching to heat-styled hair instead of natural texture | Identify texture after wash-and-go |
| Ignoring curl diameter (tight curls vs loose curls) | Look at curl size, not just "curly" |
| Choosing based on photos with products or manipulation | Send photos of natural, product-free hair |
Frequently asked questions
My hair has multiple textures - which should I match?
Match your dominant texture, or the texture at your mid-lengths where extensions will sit. If you're truly split (say, 3A crown and 3C nape), matching the middle ground often works, or you can use different textures in different sections.
Will curly extensions stay curly after washing?
Yes. Our curly and coily extensions have a lasting curl pattern - they return to their natural texture after washing, just like naturally curly hair. You don't need to re-curl them.
Can I straighten curly extensions?
Yes - our extensions are 100% Remy human hair, so they respond to heat styling just like natural hair. They'll return to their curl pattern after the next wash.
What if I don't see my exact texture in your options?
Reach out to us. We may have specialty options not shown on the main site, or we can guide you to the closest available match. We'd rather help you find the right texture than sell you something that won't blend.
How do I match texture AND color at the same time?
Start with texture - that's harder to adjust. Once you've identified the right texture, use our color matching guide or send photos for a full consultation covering both.
Can I order texture samples before buying?
Yes - our texture ring includes swatches of all our textures so you can compare at home. It's the most reliable way to find your match, especially for curly and coily hair types.
Find your texture match
We've been matching textures since 2007, including for hair types that other companies ignore. Our shop by texture collection makes it easy to find your match, and our team is here if you need help.
- Take the quiz to find your texture and color match
- Order our texture ring to compare swatches at home
- Send photos for personalized recommendations
- Shop by texture to explore your options
