How to Use Clip-in Hair Extensions

Though not as expensive or glamorous (or believable) as sewn-in hair extensions, clip-in varieties are much more popular due to their ease of use and the way they are able to lend variety to the user. To someone with enough money, they can provide an easy way to completely change styles on a weekly or even daily basis. Many of the top brands are nearly as effective as the expensive salon types, and for much less expense. They can be used to add length, contribute to body, and provide alternatives to a current style. With some experimentation, you can blend them with your real hair so that no one knows the difference. Here's how to apply them.

Cutting the Hair Extensions

For best results, you'll need to do some prep work, both on yourself and the piece you purchased. Chances are, you'll want to cut them to fit whatever style you're going for. Some of them come pre-cut from the store, while others will need to be modified at home. If you are having a difficult time cutting them into a style you prefer, you can always take them to a nearby salon and have a professional handle the job for you. In fact, other than buying them pre-cut, this is probably your best bet.

Curling

One of the biggest giveaways to store bought hair extensions is the look of them when they are straight. Getting straight hair extensions is possible, but it is better to have it done professionally. They have a tendency to look fake when purchased off the rack. Therefore, you will probably want to curl them a bit before putting them into your style. If using a natural piece, you can use hot irons to create the curls. If using synthetic materials, however, heat should not be used. This can not only ruin your purchase, but is also a likely fire hazard. Putting them wet into rollers for 8 hours or so should give you the desired effect, even without heat.

Put Them In

To apply clip-in hair extensions, you'll need to make a part somewhere above the nape of your neck going all the way from one ear to the other. Make sure you get all of your natural locks out of the way to provide a home for the clip-ins. Once you have this done, secure the piece with a clip. You'll find your best success comes from sliding the comb part of the clip onto the roots of the follicles right where you created the part. Push the clip closed and tease some of the thinner locks where it is attached. This will give the comb a bit more to hold onto and make it less likely that it will fall out unexpectedly.