Hair extensions and wigs retail is a substantial category serving women seeking length, volume, and colour versatility without chemical processing. The market spans human hair extensions (clip-in, tape-in, weft, keratin bond), synthetic hair, and wigs. Key purchase criteria are hair type (human vs synthetic), Remy classification, origin, colour match, and density. The category has specific returns policy requirements due to hygienic nature of the product. Migrating to Shopify suits the category well, with careful attention to product data structure for colour and length variants.

Product categories

Clip-in extensions: Full head sets (7–8 wefts). Human or synthetic. Weight in grams.
Tape-in extensions: Adhesive wefts applied by professionals. Sold in 20–40 piece packs.
Weft extensions: Machine or hand-tied wefts for sew-in application.
Keratin (pre-bonded) extensions: I-tip, U-tip, nano ring bonds. Applied with fusion tool.
Wigs: Full lace, lace front, 360 lace, glueless wigs. Human or synthetic.
Hairpieces: Crown toppers, ponytail pieces, bangs. For volume and coverage.
Hair accessories: Extension care products, brushes, bands.

Hair type and origin specifications

product.metafields.hair.hair_type = "Human / Synthetic / Human blend"
product.metafields.hair.remy = "true"                          // cuticle-aligned Remy hair
product.metafields.hair.double_drawn = "true"                  // ends same thickness as roots
product.metafields.hair.origin = "Brazilian / Peruvian / Indian / Vietnamese / European"
product.metafields.hair.texture = "Straight / Wavy / Curly / Kinky straight"
product.metafields.hair.weight_grams = "200"                   // per set or bundle
product.metafields.hair.length_inches = "20"
product.metafields.hair.heat_friendly = "true"                 // up to safe limit for synthetic

Remy vs non-Remy classification

Remy classification is the primary quality indicator for human hair — must be accurately stated:

Remy hair: cuticles are aligned in the same direction (root to tip) — prevents tangling and matting; feels smooth and natural
Non-Remy hair: cuticles are not aligned — may be coated with silicone to feel smooth initially but tangles after washing
Virgin hair: Remy hair that has not been chemically processed — highest quality tier; untreated colour
Double drawn: strands are the same length throughout — fuller look; single drawn has tapered ends
Note all of these accurately — misrepresentation of hair quality is a significant cause of returns and negative reviews

Colour matching system

Colour is the most complex aspect of hair extensions product data:

Colour number system: standard hair colour wheel 1 (black) to 613 (lightest blonde); note colour numbers used
Named colours: alongside number, note descriptive colour name (e.g. "1B — Off Black", "#4 — Dark Brown")
Balayage and ombre: gradient colours are particularly popular — name the colour combination clearly (e.g. "Dark Brown to Caramel Balayage")
Colour swatch images: per-colour swatch image as variant image — essential for colour-matching decisions
Colour match guide: content page or video guide showing extensions against natural hair shades — reduces returns from colour mismatch
Custom colour: some retailers offer custom-dyed extensions — note lead time and minimum order

Wig density and specifications

product.metafields.wig.wig_type = "Full lace / Lace front / 360 lace / Glueless"
product.metafields.wig.cap_size = "Petite / Average / Large"
product.metafields.wig.density_pct = "150"                     // 130%, 150%, 180%, 200%
product.metafields.wig.hairline = "Pre-plucked / Natural"
product.metafields.wig.baby_hair = "true"
product.metafields.wig.cap_construction = "Adjustable straps / Elastic band"

Hygienic returns policy

Hair extensions and wigs are hygienic products — returns policy must reflect this:

Sealed products only: extensions must be in original, unsealed packaging with hygienic seal intact for return — opened products cannot be resold for hygiene reasons
No returns on worn extensions: once removed from packaging and applied, extensions cannot be returned unless faulty
Note clearly on product page and in returns policy: "For hygiene reasons, hair extensions cannot be returned once the product seal has been opened"
Statutory rights: consumer statutory rights still apply for faulty goods — product must be fit for purpose, as described, and of satisfactory quality

Post-migration checklist for hair extensions stores

Hair type: human/synthetic/blend clearly stated; Remy vs non-Remy accurately noted
Origin: hair origin (Brazilian, Indian, etc.) noted for human hair
Colour: colour number AND descriptive name as variant; swatch image per colour variant
Length: stated in inches (industry standard); weight in grams per set
Wigs: density percentage, cap size, wig type (lace front, 360, full lace) on all wig listings
Returns policy: hygienic seal requirement clearly stated on all extension and wig product pages

Migrating a hair extensions store from WooCommerce to Shopify (2026)