FAQ's
Everything you're wondering about, in one place
From choosing between nano rings and clip-ins, to shipping cut-off times, payment methods and our returns window — search below or browse by topic to find your answer in seconds.
Extensions basics
What makes Hair Island different?
Two things: the hair and the people behind it. Every set is crafted from 100% double-drawn Remy human hair — the kind that blends, moves and behaves exactly like your own — and our in-house team can help you find the right method and shade before you buy.
What are clip-in hair extensions?
Clip-in extensions are wefts of 100% real hair with small, secure clips attached at the base. You clip them into your natural hair to add length, volume, or both, instantly — no glue and no salon appointment needed. Browse the full range in Clip-In Extensions.
What are nano ring hair extensions?
Nano rings are a semi-permanent method fitted strand by strand using tiny, discreet rings — around 90% smaller than traditional micro rings — with no glue, heat or harsh chemicals. This gives a flat, virtually undetectable fit with natural movement. See the full range in Nano Extensions.
What does “Remy” mean?
Remy hair is collected with every cuticle intact and aligned root to tip, rather than stripped away as with lower-grade hair. That reduces friction between strands, minimises matting and tangling, and gives smoother movement, more shine and longer wear.
Do you sell clip-in hair extensions for Black hair?
Yes. We offer textures designed to blend with Afro-textured and relaxed hair, from natural yaki textures to finishes that mimic a blow-dry or silk press. Explore the range in Clip-In Extensions.
Do hair extensions damage your hair?
Clip-ins are one of the gentlest options since they're removed daily, so there's no constant tension on your roots. Nano rings use no glue or heat and are considered low-damage when fitted and maintained correctly. Both are safe for your natural hair when applied and cared for properly.
Application & wear
How do I put clip-in hair extensions in?
- Start with dry, styled hair.
- Section your hair horizontally, beginning at the nape of your neck.
- Gently backcomb the roots slightly where the clip will sit, for grip.
- Snap the clips open, secure them close to the root and press shut.
- Release another section and repeat, working upwards.
Blend with a quick brush or curl and you're done — around 5–10 minutes once you've had a bit of practice. Read our full step-by-step guide.
How are nano ring extensions applied?
Nano rings are applied professionally in-salon for a secure, damage-free finish:
- A small section of your natural hair is threaded through a nano ring.
- The extension strand is inserted into the same ring.
- The ring is gently clamped flat to secure both strands together.
Strands are placed strategically for even distribution and natural density.
How long do hair extensions last?
Clip-ins typically last 6–12 months or longer with proper care, since they're removed daily and experience less tension. Nano rings usually stay fitted for 8–12 weeks before a move-up appointment, and with regular maintenance the same hair can often be reused for 6–12 months.
Will extensions work for my hair type?
In most cases, yes — both clip-in and nano ring ranges work across fine, medium and thick hair. The method matters more than the hair type, and our stylists can help you decide which suits you best via our Contact Us page.
Aftercare
How do I care for my hair extensions?
For clip-ins:
- Always remove them before sleeping.
- Brush gently before and after each wear.
- Wash after 15–20 wears using sulfate-free shampoo.
- Let them air dry and store flat when not in use.
For nano rings:
- Avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots or rings.
- Brush twice daily with an extension-safe brush.
- Tie hair loosely before bed and never sleep with wet hair.
Full detail is in our After Care Guide, and our Accessories & After Care range has the brushes, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners built for this.
Colour & length
Can you colour match extensions to my natural hair?
Yes — match to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair rather than the roots, since that's where the extensions blend. If you're between shades, a slightly lighter tone usually looks most natural. See our full Colour-Match Service and Our Shades guide, or contact us for extra help.
How do I choose the right length?
- 14–16" — a subtle enhancement
- 16–18" — noticeable length for shoulder-length hair
- 20–22" — a soft, flowing finish for longer hair
- 22"+ — full glam
Nano rings follow the same length guide — the difference is how they're fitted, not how they fall.
Orders & shipping
How long does delivery take, and what's the order cut-off?
Orders placed before 3:00 PM (GMT), Monday to Friday, are dispatched the same day. Standard shipping takes 2 business days and is free; Express shipping takes 1 business day for a flat rate of £4.99. Orders placed after the cut-off, or on a weekend or bank holiday, are dispatched the next working day. Full details are in our Shipping Policy.
Do you ship outside the UK?
We're a UK-based company and currently ship only to addresses within the United Kingdom. We don't yet offer international delivery.
Will I get tracking for my order?
Yes — you'll receive tracking details by email as soon as your order is dispatched, so you can follow it every step of the way.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Because orders placed before 3:00 PM are dispatched the same day, please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make a change. If it's already dispatched, you're still covered by your statutory cancellation right — see our Refund Policy for how that works.
Order cut-off
3:00 PM, Monday–Friday (GMT, London time)
Same-day dispatch
On all orders placed before cut-off, Monday–Friday
Standard shipping
2 business days — free
Express shipping
1 business day — flat rate £4.99
Payments
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, all processed through Shopify's secure, PCI-compliant checkout, along with Klarna for those who'd prefer to pay in instalments. Card details are never stored on our own servers.
How does paying with Klarna work?
Klarna lets you split your order into instalments or pay later, subject to Klarna's own eligibility checks and terms. You'll choose Klarna at checkout and be taken through their application; Hair Island doesn't handle the credit decision or repayments, both of which sit entirely with Klarna.
Is checkout secure?
Yes. All transactions run over an encrypted connection through Shopify's checkout, and we never see or store your full card number.
Returns & refunds
What is your returns window?
We offer a 30-calendar-day returns window from the date of delivery on unused, unopened items in their original packaging — separate from, and more generous than, your statutory 14-day cancellation right. Full detail is in our Refund Policy.
How long does a refund take once approved?
Once your return is received and approved, we process your refund to your original payment method within 14 calendar days. In practice, most refunds are issued sooner — 14 days is our maximum, not our target.
Can I return a nano ring pack or shampoo once opened?
Nano ring extensions, and aftercare products like shampoo and conditioner, are sealed for hygiene reasons. Once that seal is broken or the product has been used, they can no longer be returned for change of mind — this doesn't affect your rights if the item is faulty.
My item arrived faulty or not as described — what now?
Contact us within 30 days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we'll arrange a repair, replacement, or refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This applies even to items that are otherwise excluded from returns once opened, such as nano rings or aftercare products.
Trade & salons
Do you offer trade or salon pricing?
Yes — salons and stylists can apply for a Trade Account for professional pricing on our nano ring and clip-in ranges. Details and the application form are on our Trade Account page.
Can you recommend a salon to fit my nano rings?
Use our Salon Finder to locate a stylist who works with Hair Island extensions near you.
No matching questions
Try a different word, or contact our team directly and we'll answer it for you.
Our team replies within 48 hours, every working day
Whichever method you're deciding between, or whatever's happened with an order, our UK-based team is on hand by email and live chat.
More detail, if you need it
Last updated and effective from 6 September 2026. Hair Island is a trading name of Hair Island Limited (company no. 16790985, VAT GB522646694), 19-20 Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8HD, United Kingdom.

