Everything you need to know about clip-in extensions
Once apon a time, I cut my hair too short + absolutely hated it.
Now, if you know me, you know I was/am known for being a hair chameleon.
Like, really. Every second I would change my hair, it’s sooo fun.
But, this was a time before I started playing as much and was used to my long, sleek, dark, natural hair.
So, you can imagine when I cut my hair short for the first time in my whole life, it was a hair culture shock for me.
Now, after beauty school and becoming a hairstylist, I absolutely loved my more recent short hair journey. I find it empowering and sassy and the shorter lengths gave me a whole kind of freedom I never knew existed.
But this was another time, another age, another moment. Now, of course, I am currently trying to grow it because I want it long for my wedding. (Like every other soon-to-be bride on the planet.)
After probably being super over my complaining, my best friend at the time bought me my first set of clip-in hair extensions.
She clipped them in for me, and it made me feel like a whole new person. I actually remember crying tears of joy.
15 or so years later, I still love having a pair on hand in case I want more length or density. They are currently making for an easy transition through that “awkward” stage of growing my hair hair out.
You know what I’m talking about, ladies. That medium “not short, but also not long yet” in between bologna. (Why do we not spell it baloney?! …anyways…)
I personally have fine hair, but a lot of it.
So, having clip-ins helps me feel like I’m Cher once in a while. You know what I’m sayin?
You know what’s also fun about them? It’s like a dirty little secret. If it’s well blended and color-matched correctly… no one will probably even notice! Except, well, hairdressers, we notice EVERYTHING. ;)
When my clients at the salon say “Wow your hair is growing so fast!” I say in a low tone of voice “Oh, it’s just fake!” Then I giggle a little & reveal my secret weapon to them.
The most common reaction I have gotten was “Wait, really?! I never would have guessed!” And “How do you put them in?!” And “Where do I get them?!”
So, LALALALAA here ya go ladies. The day has come- your questions are all going to get answered here!
Let’s start with the
W H A T.
A hair weft is a collection of hair strands which have been woven on to a fine strip of cloth to create a "weft".
Wefts will differ in width dependent on their length, but are generally referred to by their weight.
So, when searching, you will find “Human” and “Synthetic”.
Obviously, synthetic means fake.
This is a common mistake that happens since you may think
“Well, hair extensions are technically fake hair, so that must be the kind I am looking for.”
When referring to “Synthetic hair” it is talking about the actual hair material…
Synthetic hair is made up of various polymers, AKA plastics.
Although it is manufactured to look like human hair, it is usually made of low-grade acrylic that is heated and strung into strands to make individual hair fibers.
Human hair, well… I don’t need to explain that one do I?
(Okay fine, it comes from humans, duh.)
While depending on your haircut and length, usually I suggest putting a wave or some curl into your extensions.
But even if you are a flat iron lover, this still applies to you too.
Basic science: What happens when heat + plastic fall in love?
… duh nuh nuh nuh...It will melt!
*** MAKE SURE you buy REAL 100% human hair. *** You can either buy them with the clips attached already (most will come this way)
OR, You can save a few bucks and buy the hair wefts alone and sew-in your own clips.
I’ve done both, but I do prefer to spend a little more and not bother with the sewing project. But, that’s just me.
If you are shopping online, double check what the return policy is.
Ideally, purchase one with return capabilities just in case you don’t like the quality or color.
Since you’re likely ordering online… As far as color goes, you’ll have to eyeball what you feel matches best.
I relate it to buying a face foundation online, Wing it & return if need be. If you do not have solid hair color and for example have a balayage or something bi/tri-tonal, what you can also do is buy a basic color extension that matches your root color or end color.
Then, ask your stylist if she does extension cutting/coloring services.
If so, you can have your stylist either darken, tone, or add dimension to match your existing hair color style. Then, they can even specially cut/texturize them for you! This is a game changer! Viola!, looks just like your hair.
Trust me, custom extension cutting/coloring them is the best way to get away with our “dirty little hair secret.” (Shh!) Now that you have the [darn near] perfect extension wefts, where the heck do you put them, right?
Obviously everyone does theirs differently because it surely depends on your specific head shape, hair density, and all that good stuff. For me, personally, here’s how I approach:
Real quick… Personal extension pet peeve that I have probably been guilty of at some point in my life.
I find it…Well, distasteful, when you can see the short natural hair by the neckline/ clavical area and then the long extension hair outside on the outside. It’s a dead giveaway to the secret. It looks like a reverse mullet situation. I don’t know, I’m not here for it.
A tip on how to combat this is included in the below how-to.
HERE’S WHAT TO DO":
Lay out your extension wefts.
Depending on how many you purchased, hopefully you’ll have 2-4 very small wefts that have one or two clips on the back. Save the small guys for the first and last extension applications.
I take a one-inch horizontal section from my nape of my neck. (The very bottom part of your hairline at your neck)
Secure that tiny section into a braid or ponytail with a small elastic. (This is a real mid-west, rat-tail, Billy Ray Cyrus type of situation until you lay the extensions all over it, LOL.)
Take your first small one or two clip extension and clip it into that area. BOOM- no shorties popping out to say hello right at your neck. Only the new, long, fresh extensions!
For the rest of the hair, I take another small section, usually about 1 1/2 - 2 inches thick, and tease at the root. This creates a nice little cushion for your clips to grasp onto. I even add a little dry texturizing dust or hairspray to the area to keep it in tact.
Clip the hair on top of your new little rat’s nest area.
Keep going up the head like so. Taking bigger wefts as you approach around your occipital bone areas. (Lower middle of your head)
I do not find the most natural results if I clip wefts into anything around the crown area. It is more likely to show through your hair and plus, it may reveal the secret, also.
I curl and style as normal.
I save two small wefts for my temple areas. Use your best judgment on the placement of those.
As far as brands go, google or amazon the most popular companies, or ask your stylist for their favorite brand.
Last few pointers:
I do not recommend sleeping on them, because the clips can pull on your hair in the night and create damage to your hair follicle.
You can wear these with your hair up as well! There are a ton of youtube videos on how to wear extensions as a ponytail or braid.
If you are choosing between a lighter or darker version of what may match your hair best, always opt for the lighter version. Your stylist (if they offer this) can tone or deposit color into the hair, but not lighten the extensions. So always opt for the slightly brighter option if you have to choose while buying online.
Since I have written this blog, I have now become certified in both tape-in and sew-in extensions. Those are two of several types of extensions to be installed instead of clipped in
I love this option as well and am so excited to offer a more permanent wear to my guests.
Who these are great for:
Clip-ins are a great option for someone who only wants to change up their style sometimes and serve as a great option for someone who can’t invest in installed extensions yet. This blog is not to take away from the magical option of actual installed extensions, because I am obsessed with the process and how life changing it can be! My hopes are that this little blog just serves as a great second option for someone who wants to dip their toes in the extension world.
Have fun with your new favorite little secret! And if you’d like a consult for extension *installs or custom clip-in extension alterations, feel free to go to my booking page and schedule a chat with me about goals before making the jump!
Photos of me were taken by Jay Wick, clothing & hat is by @jaydenpboutique