Hair Guide: How To Apply Clip-In Hair Extensions

For those with short hairstyles, one of the fastest and easiest ways of achieving long, glossy hair is to invest in some good quality clip-in hair extensions. Offering complete style flexibility and allowing you to avoid a lengthy trip to the salon, you can change your look day after day – but applying your extensions to achieve a natural look can require a bit of practice. Here are some quick tips to get you started:

Make sure your hair is clean, dry and tangle free before you start.

Most extension packs come with 6 pieces: two wide pieces and four smaller ones. Lightly brush them through to release any snags.

The first pieces to apply are the widest ones. Section your hair horizontally across your head, just below your ear, using the tail of a comb. Clip the rest of your hair up out of the way.

To ensure a good grip, it is a good idea to slightly backcomb the roots of your hair, just below where the clips will go. This also helps give your hair a bit of lift and prevents it being weighed down by the weight of the extension piece.

The widest pieces usually have four clips. Starting with the central clips, attach them to your hair close to the parting line you have created. Then attach the remaining two clips to each side. You can then repeat this process an inch or two higher up your head with the second wide extension.

Release all of your hair and gently tousle with your hands to blend the pieces into your natural hair.

The narrower extensions are for the side of your head. Apply to both sides of your head in the same way as before, beginning about an inch above your ear and an inch away from your face. Then repeat an inch or two higher.

When all of your extensions have been applied, finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold everything in place.

Depending on the type of extensions you have, you may be able to use further hair-products. If you have synthetic hair pieces, you must check whether curling irons or straighteners are safe to use. Always follow the advice given by the manufacturers. Real hair extensions are far more robust and will be able to withhold further styling and light product usage.

Guest Post contributed by Emma Beecroft from Café La Moda, visit us for hair and beauty advice and to save on all your favourite hair products when you shop online.