Many women wish for hair that is fuller and longer. Luckily, today we can achieve that in a matter of minutes with hair extensions. If you have never tried hair extensions you might feel a little intimidated by the idea of adding luscious locks. Don’t worry, putting on and caring for hair extensions isn’t as hard as it seems.
1. Start at the Back
To put extensions in you will want to start by sectioning off the hair at the nape of your neck. Section off the hair from ear to ear. If you have fine hair, you might want to tease your hair at the base to give the extensions a little something more to hold on to. Put a medium clip in here.
2. Move up
Come up above your ears and section off again. This will be right above your ears along the widest part of your head, so be sure to use your wide set of extensions here. Again, tease the base of your hair if you are worried about them falling out.
3. Next Piece
You should have one more wide section of extensions. This one will go just under the crown of your head. Section off the hair and clip in. I’ve noticed it is best to start by attaching the center clip in place first and then doing the sides.
4. Create More Side Pieces
Some beauty experts suggest cutting down a larger section of hair extensions to create side pieces. Then cut between the clips to create smaller sections that are perfect for adding length and body to the side of your head.
5. Add the Sides
It is important to remember when you are clipping in the side pieces that you place them a little further back, but not too far. You still want to add fullness to the front, but you don’t want them to be easily detected by someone else. Also be sure to add the same number of pieces to each side of your head and in roughly the same places so one side isn’t fuller than the other.
6. Store Them Correctly
When you take your extension out of your hair, you want to make sure you store them correctly. The better care you take now, the longer they will last. Don’t just throw them in a drawer or your bag. Gather all the pieces together and brush them out. Gather them together at the base with a hair tie and then twist the length loosely together. Fold them up and gently place them in the box or container they came in.
7. Prevent Tangles
Chances are your hair is slightly damaged. It’s not as smooth and silky as your extensions. When you wear extensions, your hair rubs against the extension creating friction and causing tangles. Keep a small brush with you and brush through the tangles as often as possible.
8. Wash Them
Your hair extensions do need to be washed, but not very often. They don’t collect oil from our scalp like our natural hair. If you don’t use a lot of product on your extensions, you can go a month or longer between washes. I suggest you limit product use. The less washing you have to do, the longer they will hold up.
Enjoy your hair extensions. I hope these tips will help you apply them well and take good care of them. Do you have any tips for someone new to hair extensions?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I choose the right type of hair extensions?
- Consider your hair type, lifestyle, and budget; consult a professional stylist to find the best match for natural hair and desired look.
- Can I put in hair extensions myself?
- While some clip-in extensions are easy to apply at home, tape-ins or bonded extensions are best installed by a professional to avoid damage.
- How often should I wash hair extensions?
- Wash extensions gently every 10-15 wears or when they start to look dull, using sulfate-free shampoos to maintain moisture.
- Will hair extensions damage my natural hair?
- If applied and cared for properly by a skilled stylist, extensions shouldn't damage your hair, but neglect or improper use can cause breakage.
- How do I prevent tangling in hair extensions?
- Regularly brush extensions with a soft bristle brush and keep them moisturized to minimize knots and tangles.
- Can I style hair extensions with heat tools?
- Yes, but use a heat protectant and keep the temperature moderate to avoid drying or damaging the extensions.
- How long do hair extensions typically last?
- Depending on the type and care, extensions can last from 6 weeks (temporary clip-ins) up to 3-6 months (professional semi-permanent).
- What products should I avoid on hair extensions?
- Avoid sulfates, alcohol-based sprays, and heavy oils which can dry out or loosen the bonds of extensions.
- Can I swim or exercise with hair extensions?
- You can, but it's best to tie them up and wear a swim cap when swimming to reduce tangling and exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
- How do I maintain the health of my scalp with extensions?
- Keep your scalp clean and moisturized, and avoid tight hairstyles that can cause tension or irritation around the roots.