Hair extensions are some of the most exciting beauty products to experiment with: using extensions, you can instantly transform your look and actually experience what another hairstyle would be like from day to day.
Typical glue-in and *shudder* weave types of extensions are difficult both to put in and get out of, and it’s best to have a professional do either. The solution lies in clip-ins, which have improved immensely since their days as a Halloween party alternative to a bad wig.
Here’s a guide on how to put in clip-on extensions all by your resourceful little self (or with a friend, who may be useful here):
- Find the right extensions. We recommend human hair clip-ins over synthetics, since they’re reusable and can be styled just like natural hair. Texture (wavy, straight, thick, fine) is the most important element in picking extensions, since color blends easily as long as you choose something relatively close – but curly or wavy extensions will never blend with straight hair. We like Jessica Simpson hair.do clip-in extensions.
- Prep the extensions. No matter the length of your extensions, you’re going to have to cut them to look natural. First, measure an extension by holding it up to the top of your ears and choosing where you’d like the extension to end. Then cut to that length. Repeat the process, measuring and cutting extensions all the way down to the nape of your neck, so that the ends fall evenly. (Use Step 3 below to figure out how many to cut at each length, and lay them out on a table so you can keep them straight.)
- Put them in already! First, put hair up in a high ponytail, leaving out a small layer of hair at the base. Spritz a little hairspray at the root of this section and tease the roots slightly to prevent the extensions from slipping. Then place the first clip-ins here, covering from side to side but leaving approximately 1″ room on both sides of your hair. Continue as follows:
- 1 1/2″ up from the lowest section (about even with your earlobes), with the same application as the first section;
-2″ up from that section (slightly above the tops of your ears), applying in 3 close layers for extra volume, since hair here is naturally thicker;
- On both sides of your head, at an even level with the crown, putting only 1 extension on each side at a 45 degree angle;
- And finally, one clip-in on each side about 3″ up from the tops of your ears, leaving at least 1″ from the front of your hairline. - Take care of “your” hair. Some tips on clip-in extension maintenance:
- Don’t sleep in your clip-ins.
- To prolong the life of extensions, straighten after each use.
- Use a heat protection spray when heat styling.
- A complete shampoo and treatment can be applied once a month, if needed: apply diluted shampoo and very gently stroke through the hair from root to tip, keeping hands flat. Rinse with a shower head & repeat with conditioner. Keep the top clip part of the extension dry. Avoid tangles and allow hair to drip dry naturally overnight. Once dry, gently comb through the hair starting at the tips.
- Do not comb hair when wet.
Photo source: Clipinsbycarol.com
Good tips. Glue in extensions can be frustrating, trust me, I know from way too much experience. I’m addicted to them, but I have been wanting to try out the clip ins… I think I am going to get one soon. That way, I dont have to worry about all my hair falling out when I have to rip the glue off my head, haha.
My wife loves Jessica Simpson hair extensions too. It’s pretty funny to walk into the bathroom and find layers of hair extensions drying over the bathtub. She likes the clip in hair extensions the best. I like how it gives her a new longer hair look. My favorite is the curly hair extensions though. They look really sexy when she gets them all in.
Jessica Simpson pieces are fine, but they are expensive. Try Magdalena Hair Extensions which are far cheaper. They have excellent 100% human hair in them and give a great life span. They can be cut, coloured and styled to match what ever your mood.
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I purchased the Jessica Simpson clip on extensions but have a hard time keeping them in place. I tease the crown of the hair and apply hairspray, the extensions are a bit heavy and tend to slip after a few hours (which can be quite embarassing). Any tips for keeping them in place?
Hi. I have been a fan of hair extensions in the past. 6 1/2 years to be exact. I glued mine in every week and changed them when they got bad myself. Here’s my horror…I lost all of the hair on the side of my head and downward from that. I eventually looked like a person going thru chemotherapty! It was horrible!!! the only hair left on my head, other than the sparse patches of fuzz, was on the very top of my head. I finally stopped using the glue in type of extensions and switched over to wigs for about 4 months at which time I decided to give my hair a fair chance to grow out, so I shaved it all off!!! In 3 1/2 mo. I had about an inch of thick new hair in all the places that it needed to be!!! That was almost a year ago now. I didn’t think i would EVER have good hair again!!! Thank God for healthy hair folicles at 40 years old!!! LOL!
I MISS MY LONG HAIR!!! SOOOO BAD!!!! I have never heard of “Clip in extensions”. How do they work? Where can I get them? If anyone can let me know I would appriciate it greatly! WOW!!! Who would have thought? I like this idea!!!!
Thanks…
Deb
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I found your article on hair extremely informative… personally, hair extensions have always been a passion of mine so I really liked your take. My favorite type of hair is remy hair, I just love the texture and I think Indian hair holds up best. Thanks again, I’ll be stopping by soon!
Michelle – you may not be putting the clips high up enough over your crown. Also make sure that the side clips are securely fastened and that the cap feels tight and smooth after you put the hair extensions in.
I definitely want to try them..I have shoulder length hair and I can’t wait for it to grow so I guess I’ll cheat a bit
**Check out my fashion/beauty blog: http://www.havolin-hav.blogspot.com**
Hey iam only new to hair extentions and have no idea how to wash them.
My hair extentioons are clip in ones.
I have just washed them but not sure if i have done it right and not sure how to dry them and how long itll take
If anyone can help me that’ll be GREAT!!!
Thanks Nicole
@Nicole X: the best way to wash extensions is usually with lukewarm water and a shampoo formulated for your extensions (I got my extension shampoo on BeautyChoice.com). Dry them by hanging them in the shower from the faucet and letting them air-dry. Don’t use heat if you don’t have to!
Im not sure how far up to put the last ext. I just bought them so I am new at this. I kind of look like I have a mullet. lol Idk if my hair is too short? or I have too many layers? Its just about touching my shoulders. Idk Im scared to use heat on mine bc they were so expensive. PLEASE HELP!