How to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions

Co-authored by Madeleine Johnson

Last Updated: November 11, 2024

Clip-in hair extensions are a cheap, comfortable, and easy way to achieve the illusion of long, flowing locks. Read this article for instructions on how to use them.

1

Match the extensions to your real hair.

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Find extensions in a similar color and texture to your real hair. Hair extensions should blend in with your natural hair, meaning that they should be the same color, texture, and style as your real hair. However, you can style your extensions to better match your hair.
- If the extensions are wavy or curly, use a curling iron to curl your natural hair. If the extensions are pin-straight, then use a flat iron to achieve the same sleek appearance.
- Protect your hair from the potential damage of hot styling tools by applying a dime-sized amount of a heat-protecting product like Argan oil prior to styling.

2

Divide your hair into 2 horizontal sections.

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Create a horizontal part around the circumference of your head. Use your finger or a comb to draw a horizontal line from your right temple to your left temple, sectioning off the top part of your hair. Then, secure the top section of hair with a hair tie or hair clip.
- If your hair is very thin, use a comb to gently tease the lower half of your hair in one-inch sections. This will help keep the extensions securely in place.
EXPERT TIP

Madeleine Johnson
Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist
Madeleine Johnson is a Hair Stylist and Hair Extensions Specialist based in Beverly Hills, California. She is affiliated with Hair by Violet Salon in Beverly Hills. Madeleine has over six years of hairstyling experience as a licensed cosmetologist. She specializes in microbead extensions and tape-in extensions. She trained under celebrity extension artist Violet Teriti (Chaviv Hair) and earned her cosmetology license from Santa Monica College.

Madeleine Johnson
Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist

A common mistake when applying hair extensions is not having clean hair. Your hair needs to be clean and not greasy for the extensions to clip in quickly. You also shouldn't have any products in your hair.

3

Clip the extensions to the bottom section of hair.

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Open the clips on your extensions and attach them to your hair. Align the tops of the hair extensions with the horizontal part you made. Then, gently push down on the top strip of the extensions to snap the clips into place.
- Some clip-in hair extensions come in one large piece, while others come in multiple smaller pieces. If you are using multiple clip-ons, attach them one by one, making sure that you evenly distribute them along the part in your hair.
- If your clip-on is one large piece, then start by fastening the upper row of clips near your part, eventually working your way down to the lower clips near the nape of your neck.

4

Blend the extensions into your hair.

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Release the top section of your hair. Then, gently tousle it to blend your natural hair with the clip-on extensions. Enjoy!

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Question

Can I use any type of oil, like Moroccan oil for my synthetic hair?

Community Answer

Yes. Just don't apply it too heavily or it will weigh down the hair and cause it to look greasy.

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How do I remove clip-on hair extensions?

Community Answer

Press your thumbs down while applying pressure outward with your index fingers. The clip will snap open. If you have more than one clip applied in a section, or if you are using weft hair clip extensions, you'll want to open all of the clips before removing the extensions for that section.

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Question

How do I make sure the extensions will stay in if I am performing an activity that moves my hair a lot?

Community Answer

Braid it or put it up in a bun or ponytail to secure the extensions a little more.

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Tips

Take extensions out before going to bed, taking a shower, or going swimming.

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Store your extensions in a clean, dry area.

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For the most natural-looking results, use extensions that are made of 100% human hair.

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They don't have to be the exact color of your hair. You can have multicolored ones for stylish hair!
Measure the length of the extensions' width to the width of your head for more natural results.
Make sure to keep your extensions in a safe, dry, bug-free spot. This is especially important!

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How to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions

Steps

Match the extensions to your real hair.

Divide your hair into 2 horizontal sections.

Clip the extensions to the bottom section of hair.

Blend the extensions into your hair.

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