Not to brag, but I haven’t had a bad hair day in about 3 years. So when I removed my Hairdreams, my usual hair extensions (100% remy human hair) to try halo extensions (also 100% remy) for the first time, I fully admit I was scared. But we all want to know how different kinds of extensions really stand up to daily life, right? And it’s my job to tell you which ones are worth the try and why.
Pictured here: My natural mane.
What are Halo extensions?
Halo extensions aren’t just a brand, but a type of weft that forms a circle, like an angelic halo. The front half is a flexible wire and the back half of the halo is hair sewn together onto the rest of the band. The extensions are clipped in on the back of the head and the flexible wire just sits on the top of your head like a headband.
The problem is natural hair does not have this imbalanced circle of hair, creating an uneven hair density and a weird bump of hair in the back of the head.
There are expensive and inexpensive halo extensions based on hair sourcing, remy or synthetic (manufactured fiber) hair, etc.
I decided to try Goo Goo Halo Hair in chocolate brown to start (no swatches available but you can submit a photo). If it didn’t work out, $40 seemed like a good testing price for a review. Here’s the details of how my month went:
Goo Goo Halo Hair
- Remy (dyable and real human hair)
- Sourced from Brazilian women, but is it really?
- Pick your shade or send them a photo of your hair for color matching
My hair
- Small head
- Fine, wavy curly hair
PROS
- The price! Unless you get the salon kind (salon may select a more compatible hair texture).
- Slightly easier to put in than glue lashes.
- It feels like a headband worn backwards.
- You only need to style the top layer of hair.
- The color match was good.
- Blended pretty well…but see cons list.
- You can take it out at night since it’s temporary.
- Good temporary party or special occasion hair.
CONS
- I woke up a half hour earlier for styling. No wash-n-go and more frequent bad hair days.
- The back of the halo kept pushing my glasses forward because it has a similar position as a headband.
- If my part wasn’t perfect, the invisible wire got wrapped in my own hair and tangled around. So much for invisible. See #1.
- If you have frizzy/wavy/curly hair like me, invest in a mannequin head so you can style the halo hair first, so you don’t overheat your real hair by mistake. My hair would be fried trying to change the stick straight texture (again, or get an expensive halo if you have a wavy/curly texture).
- Not a great weight match for my fine hair. May be ok for more coarser/thicker hair.
- Created a big bump on the back of my head, but at least my tiny head looked bigger.
- Halo hair was a nightmare on a windy/humid day because of the texture differences of my own hair vs. the halo. Top layer was all frizz and halo was all smooth. This could be due to the inexpensive version I got, so check the salon to match hair type if you want a long term solution.
- I didn’t love the pressure after a couple hours. The headaches were real.
- I hated storing my hair daily. I hid my girl-toupee from my husband.
Overall there were some good points to this type of extension. If I only wanted to wear extensions for special occasions, this could be my pick. This is a great option for costume parties, events, or even prom. Also a good option if you are giving your hair a break from permanent extensions or are in-between appointments.
But…
For a girl like me that likes low maintenance, low heat daily? Halo extensions are NOT for me. I felt uncomfortable having people know I wear extensions. My usual extensions (see for yourself) look so much like my own hair that no one believes me if I tell them I wasn’t born with great hair–not the case with halo extensions.
Even more, I can’t workout, go swimming, hang out in humidity, wind, etc. I would need a different hair piece for every style (like a ponytail) if I don’t want people to know I wear extensions. So much for putting hair up mid-day if I’m hot. Also, daily use is not a good idea for fine hair since it can damage hair with those clips and weight.
Glue tape or adhesive extensions are a more suitable every day, semi-permanent solution for those that aren’t ready to commit. They’re also better for fine hair (like my hair type).
If I did this method again, I would just get temporary bangs for sleek ponytail and headband days.
Though halo extensions are kind of fun if you’ve never had the luxurious experience of damage free quality extensions, I’ll be putting the halo in the back of the closet ASAP.
Hi thank you so much for your review on Halo extensions! They were significant for me and helped me to discard the idea of our handing it since we have the same hair characteristics. Have a lovely day!
So glad I could help. I definitely love my nano extensions because the weight is more suitable for my hair. Good luck!
Thanks for the details. I will not be getting them. It sounds like I have the same type of hair as you. Glad you posted the truth! They will tell you anything for you to but it. So they make it sound “GREAT”! Thanks again for your honesty! If they were honest they would have more business! That is what they don’t get!!!
I’m glad this article was helpful. Do keep in mind I didn’t get a super expensive halo because I wanted to live with it for a little while first. I just can’t seem to enjoy these kinds of temporary solutions when better solutions are available.
Terrible waste of money. The wire is a nightmare to adjust, the back sticks out after you clip it in, the wire shows.
Very disappointed in this.
I so completely agree. Great for a costume or a one time thing but not very practical for daily use.
I am wondering if you placed some hair up before putting the wire part on though? The back shouldn’t stick out with correct placement. Hope you try more permanent options than the halo for next time!
I also wish to give you a huge thank you! I have very thin, fine, curly hair. Thanks to you, I’m going to pass on “halo hair”!
Hi Liz, You are so welcome! Your hair is similar to mine! I don’t wear my hair curly but it is. 😉 Permanent extensions are the way to go. If you don’t do Hairdreams, just cut them so they aren’t heavy in any one spot on your head. I had to learn this the hard way and will write about it as soon as I’m able.
You think hair dreams is the best?
This is the one that’s worked for me. Let me know if you have any other nano suggestions. 🙂
Where/ what salon did you get your normal extensions. I read another review on those and she had a horrible (not using that term lightly)experience with the salon and with the company itself. She lost half of her hair and she says she followed the directions to the letter.. I was thinking about doing hairdreams, but after reading her review about how she was treated by the company and the matting problems, I question if it’s wise. I can’t afford to lose what little hair I’ve got and what you describe is totally different than the review I read.
Hi Bonni,
I got them at their Torrance salon in Los Angeles. For ANY hair extension, you are adding weight to your hair. If you have any type of autoimmune issues, nutritional issues, allergies, etc., those issues need to be addressed before before getting extensions because stress makes your hair very weak. Though hair extensions hide these issues, the weight can make a bad situation worse.
Look at it this way: If you have rosacea or acne on your face, you don’t go putting active ingredients that will further inflame the situation. You first have to resolve the root cause or it’ll make the situation worse. One issue at a time!
The solutions I’ve been researching right now (because I have fragile hair too due to some health issues), are scalp massage brushes, hair growth shampoo systems, rice water (strengthens and adds UV protection), eliminating processed sugars in my diet, and checking my Vitamin levels (like B, D, Zinc, and Magnesium). I’ll be writing about them as I see what works.
I can tell you that if you want the look of extensions but can’t handle the weight, just get nano extensions in the back and at the bottom of your head for volume. Tell them no to putting any on the front of your head (where stress patterns show up) and to keep the extensions to a minimum (just like 1-2 layers of extensions). This way you won’t have a lot of extensions in your head, and your bank account will thank you. Just enough to thicken up and add a nice finish to your ends.
Also, I have to say, I’m not a doctor, but I do talk to a lot of them. 😉
Thank you for Your review on the Halo extensions. I’ve been using them for about 2 years, and I can’t tell you how annoying they can be. I have a ponytail and clip ins to so I prefer to wear those more. Everything you said that was annoying about them really is. I personally have thick hair, so they do look more natural on me but when I have to move my head to the right or left and/or if my hair is down for the whole day, it ends up looking like I went into a windstorm. They snarl horribly bad, where you have to constantly run your fingers through your hair and get it tamed down. I use Hidden Crown and Zala but prefer Hidden Crown. I used to do tape ins but they get itchy.. so I stuck to temp clip ins and halos. So yes I couldn’t agree with your review more. I am saying goodbye to these insane annoying halos lol once my hair gets a few inches longer. I also wear glasses and they push them also forward. Yup!!
Hidden crown the brand? I still hesitate because of the lack of weight distribution (clip-in halos can still be heavy), but if you are blessed with thick hair, this seems like a great option! Thanks for giving people a temporary alternative to try if they aren’t ready for a more permanent option.
SAME EXPERIENCE!! The fact is, the quality just is not there! The cuticles are NOT going the same direction, as promised, which is what causes them to tangle!!! All hair strands MUST have the cuticles going the direction it grows out of a persons head naturally!! This is a major quality issue! This is why the hair is constantly tangling!
I paid a huge amount for these extensions! I am sending them back, 100%. They also shed immensely! Plus the breakage is real!
For over $850 this is completely unacceptable!
Question for you is, who’s the alternative fake in town that has top of the line quality hair game without clipping sewing tapping braiding or gluing in?
I love the concept! Any other recommendations? I’m all ears!!
Wow! Goes to show the halo style is just problematic in general. Thanks for sharing that experience! I’ve been testing a new brand of extensions I’m loving. Can’t wait to tell you all more about it! Bottom line though, temporary extensions are just not the way to go for everyday IMO. 😉
This helped me make so many decisions. Thank you!
Great post! I bought a halo out of human hair with clips for reinforcement. I tried it on, but never wore it. It’s just not for me. My question is, what are my options for selling this? I’m never going to use it. Do stylists ever buy these?
Hmmm. Good question! I think yes, if you find a stylist who works out of their home. They can always break down the halo into bonds, or you can, if you have a stylist that can help you with that.
Hey there! 👋 Thanks for the honest review! 💁♀️ Your journey with Halo extensions is a rollercoaster. Appreciate the detailed pros and cons—definitely helps us make informed decisions! 💡✨
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing this information with us, your blog is very informative. At Hair 4 All, we understand that your hair is not just a feature but an expression of your personality, confidence, and style.
I’m so glad I came across this article. Thank you for being open about the downfalls. I was contemplating getting a set for a special trip I have coming up. However, it’s to an island so it’s almost guaranteed to be windy. You’ve saved me £100!
Hi Emma, I’m so glad to hear it. Yes! Windy weather would not work well with a Halo style! Perhaps a ponytail for a special night out? Have a great island vacay! XX
Great article! Thanks for your honesty.