Have you ever looked at a picture of someone with gorgeous, voluminous hair and wished you could have that same look, just for a day? Clip-in hair extensions are the secret weapon for instantly adding length, volume, and even a pop of color without any long-term commitment. While they might seem a little intimidating at first, putting them in is much easier than you think.
With a few simple steps and some practice, you can master the art of clipping them in for a seamless, natural look that feels completely secure. Let’s walk through the process together so you can achieve the hair of your dreams in minutes.
Getting Your Hair Ready for Extensions
Preparation is the key to making your extensions look undetectable. Start with hair that is clean, dry, and completely brushed through to remove any tangles. It’s best to style your natural hair as you normally would before you begin. For a secure hold, a little texture from dry shampoo or a light-hold hairspray can help the clips grip better than perfectly slick, silky hair.
The Step-by-Step Clipping Process
Begin by sectioning your hair. Create a horizontal part about an inch above your nape, from ear to ear, and clip the top section of your hair out of the way. Take your largest weft of extensions—this is usually the one for the bottom—and open all the clips. Position the weft right along that part line, with the clips facing down toward your scalp. Snap each clip closed firmly, one by one. You should feel them secure against your scalp, but it shouldn’t hurt.
Release another horizontal section of hair, about an inch or two above the first one. Place the next weft along this new part, hiding the first row of extensions completely. Continue working your way up your head in this manner, using smaller wefts as you move toward the top and sides.
Blending for a Natural Finish
Once all the wefts are securely in place, let down all of your natural hair. Gently brush or style everything together, blending your natural hair with the extensions. For the most natural look, you can gently backcomb the roots of your natural hair at the part lines to help conceal the wefts. Curling or waving the hair together will also help everything blend seamlessly into one beautiful, full head of hair.
Keeping Your Extensions Secure and Comfortable
If you feel any discomfort or can see a weft, simply unclip that section and try again. The goal is a snug fit that you barely notice. Remember to always remove your extensions at the end of the day by carefully unclipping them, starting from the bottom and working upward.
With this simple technique, you can confidently put in your clip-in extensions anytime you want an instant hair upgrade. It’s a quick and easy way to change your look and boost your confidence for any occasion.