Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished for longer, fuller, or more voluminous hair, just for a day or a special occasion? You’re not alone. Many of us dream of a quick hair transformation, and that’s exactly where hair extensions come in. While the process might seem a little intimidating at first, with the right guidance, you can learn how to put them in yourself and achieve a beautiful, natural-looking result from the comfort of your home.
Choosing Your Extension Method
Before you can put anything in, you need to choose your type. Clip-in extensions are the most beginner-friendly option, offering instant volume and length that you can remove before bed. For a more semi-permanent solution, tape-in or halo extensions are great choices. Tape-ins lie flat against the head for a seamless blend, while halo extensions are completely commitment-free, resting on a nearly invisible wire. The method you pick will determine the specific application steps.
Prepping Your Natural Hair
The key to a flawless look is all in the preparation. Start with hair that is clean, completely dry, and lightly brushed. It’s often best to apply extensions to day-old hair, as the natural oils provide a bit of grip. If your hair is very slippery, a light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray at the roots can help the extensions stay in place. Have a comb, a mirror, and all your extension pieces laid out and ready to go.
A Simple Guide to Applying Clip-Ins
Let’s focus on the popular clip-in method. Begin by sectioning your hair. Take a horizontal section of hair about an inch above your nape, clipping the rest of your hair out of the way. This will be where your first weft goes. Take your largest clip-in weft and open the clips. Position the weft right at the root of your sectioned hair and snap the clips closed securely. Release the next section of hair down, covering the first weft completely. Continue this process, working your way up your head, using smaller wefts as you move towards the crown and temples.
Blending for a Natural Finish
Once all your wefts are securely in place, it’s time to make the extensions look like your own hair. Gently brush or style your hair together with the extensions to blend them seamlessly. For the most natural look, curl or wave the extensions along with your natural hair; this helps everything marry together and hides any potential lines of demarcation. You can also tease the hair at the roots slightly for extra lift and to help conceal the clips.
Putting in hair extensions is a skill that gets easier with practice. Start by wearing them around the house to get comfortable. Remember to be gentle when removing clip-ins, always unclipping them carefully to avoid tugging and damaging your natural hair. With a little patience, you can master this technique and enjoy the confidence that comes with your dream hair.