How to Glue Hair Extensions

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Glue-in extensions can be a great way to add extra length and volume to your hair, or just to try a new style. If you don’t want to spend the money at a salon, you can purchase extensions, or wefts, and hair bonding glue from a beauty supply store. Then, you can either apply them yourself or ask a friend for help!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Hair

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  1. Synthetic hair looks unnaturally shiny and won't blend as well into your natural hair color, so it's best to opt for extensions made from 100% human hair. If you can find them, choose extensions that match your hair's natural texture [1]
    • In addition to not looking as good, synthetic hair can actually cause a serious allergic reaction in some people.
    • With extensions, you get what you pay for. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you’ll get a more natural result if you save up for higher-quality wefts. Human hair extensions will also last longer than synthetic hair extensions.
  2. Your extensions shouldn’t show through your hair, but they’ll blend more naturally if the glue matches the color of the extensions. Hair bonding glue is generally available in either white or black, so opt for white glue if your hair is light blonde to medium brown, or choose black glue if your hair is dark brown to black. [2]
    • If you’re not sure what type of glue to use, you can ask a sales associate at the same place you buy your extensions.
    • If your hair has different color tones, choose two colors to be sandwiched together to create a more natural or even highlighted look. If you have hair that is differently colored at the root end from the hair ends, then opt for ombre hair extensions that can reflect this range of color change.
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  3. Hair extensions come in lengths ranging from 8 to 30 inches (20 to 76 cm). If you do want to cut them yourself, hold each weft up to your head at about the spot where you think it will lay, and look in the mirror to determine the length you want. Mark this spot with your fingers, then trim them with sharp scissors. [3]
    • If you’re adding the extensions just for extra volume, cut them to the same length as your hair. If you want to add length, your extensions should be cut longer than your natural hair.
  4. You can color extensions made from human hair yourself, but it's best to use semi- or demi-permanent colors because they're not as damaging. Lay them flat and apply the hair color, attempting to match the color to the ends of your hair, rather than the roots.
    • If you want your extensions to look really believable, take them to your hair stylist and have them cut and colored professionally.
    • Do not attempt to dye synthetic hair extensions, as they can be ruined.
  5. Wash, deep condition , and dry your hair before applying the track. The hair bonding glue will adhere better to your hair if it’s free from any oils, so be sure to shampoo your hair thoroughly. In addition, your natural hair will be hidden under the extensions for as long as you have them in. Deep conditioning your hair in advance will help your locks stay nourished and healthy.
    • Your hair should be completely dry before you apply extensions, so either blow dry it or allow it to air dry.
    • Other than shampoo and conditioner, do not use other hair care products before attaching extensions.
  6. You’ll get a more even application if the extensions lie straight on your hair, so be sure both your hair and the weft are free of tangles.
    • The extensions are made to be treated like real hair, so although you should be gentle, it’s okay to comb them the same way you would your natural hair.
    • It may help to lay the extensions flat while you’re detangling them.
    • If you have curly hair, it may be easier to detangle your hair before you dry it.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Attaching the Extensions

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  1. Use a rat-tail comb to draw a line on either side of your part, from your hairline all the way back to your crown. This should create a rectangular section of hair around your part. Pin this section up with clips or a hair tie. [4]
    • If you part your hair in the middle, the section should be at the center of your scalp.
    • If you prefer a side part, the section should be off-center.
  2. Start a little below one of your ears, then follow the natural contour of your head in a U-shape around to your other ear. Leave about 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) [5]
    • Make the part as clean as possible, because you don't want stray hairs getting into your glue.
  3. You should be left with a section of hair 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) above the nape of your neck and stretching from ear to ear. This piece of hair will hide your extensions in the back when you pull your hair up into a ponytail. [6]
    • You’ll need to undo the rest of your hair after you apply the first track, so it’s best to hold the hair up using a banana clip or a similar technique that’s easy to remove.
  4. Hold the weft against your scalp about 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) away from your hairline, then stretch it to the other side to 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) away from your hairline. Use your thumb to mark the place where your extension should end as you pull the weft away from your head. [7]
    • Cut the weft with scissors, then hold the extension piece up to double-check the width.
    • You want to leave the extensions at least 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) from your hairline because the piece of hair that’s left will hide the extensions if you pull your hair back.
  5. The side of the track with the hair attached should be face-down. Apply the glue in small increments until the entire track is covered. [8]
    • There should be enough glue to coat the weft but not drip off.
  6. This will help the glue become tacky so it will adhere to your hair. If the glue is too wet when you apply the extension, the glue will drip down the strands of hair, causing a messier application. [9]
    • Touch the glue to make sure it's neither runny nor dry. It should be about 60-70% dry when you’re finished drying it.
    • Some hair stylists will also apply a strong hold hairspray at this stage and then blow dry your hair.
    • If you're using synthetic hair, make sure your blowdryer is on the cool setting.
  7. The line of the track should run slightly below the part you made near the nape of your neck. The extension should be installed on an angle.
    • Remember to leave the hair at least 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) away from your hairline. You always need to have enough hair in the front to cover the extensions.
    • Do not apply glue on your scalp. [10] If you apply the extension directly to your scalp, it can stunt the growth of your hair and lead to hair damage.
    • If you find that your extension wasn’t cut long enough, just snip a little piece and apply it using the same method.
  8. This will finish drying the glue so the extension will stay attached to your hair. To check whether the glue is dry, gently tug on the extensions. If they move, continue drying them. [11]
    • If you opted for synthetic extensions, you may want to use the cool setting on your hair dryer.
    • It's a good idea to use a heat-protecting product before applying heat to your hair and extensions. Treat your extensions like real hair.
  9. The width of your sections can vary based on how thick you want your extensions to be. If you’re primarily hoping to add volume, space them so they’re a little closer. [12]
    • Use the same technique to apply the second extension as you did the first.
  10. Once your part falls above your ears, your U-shape will start near your temple, then will reach back towards your crown and circle around towards your other temple. [13]
    • You’ll still follow the same application technique, but your extensions will be a little longer since they’re reaching further around.
    • This wide U-shape will mimic the natural fall of your hair and should make the finished result look more natural.
    • Place your last extension around the rectangular shape you made at the beginning of the process.
  11. This top section of your hair should completely hide your extensions, so you’re ready to enjoy your glamorous new look! [14]
    • When you're combing out your hair, be sure not to push the comb into your extensions. Gently comb just along the surface of the hair to smooth it out.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Extensions

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  1. Shampooing your extensions can loosen them up, so you may want to hold off on shampooing your hair until you are ready for the extensions to come out. You should brush or comb them regularly, but be careful when you’re combing your hair. Do not place the comb directly onto the glue or you may pull out your extensions, and maybe even some of your own hair. [15]
    • You can heat style extensions made from real hair, although you should limit how much you do so, or your extensions may start to look damaged and messy.
    • Just like with your regular hair, you can spray your extensions with a heat protectant to help prevent damage due to styling.
  2. Don’t apply conditioner directly on your roots, and avoid putting hair oil near your extensions. Oil will dissolve the glue, making your extensions fall out before you’re ready. [16]
  3. Since your natural hair is hidden by your weave, it can be easy to forget about it. However, your hair may become matted or break off if you don't take care of it. Make sure to wash, condition, and detangle your real hair while you’re caring for your extensions. [17]
    • To detangle your real hair, gently lift the extension and comb out the shorter pieces of your own hair.
  4. Saturate your scalp and the bonded wefts thoroughly with scalp oil or silicone spray so the glue completely softens. You can then gently slide the wefts off of your real hair. If there is any glue residue left on your hair and scalp, apply the solvent to a fine-toothed comb and use it to gently remove the glue. [18]
    • You should usually take out your extensions after about 3 weeks, but if you’re experiencing scalp pain or excess shedding, take them out sooner.
  5. Overuse of extensions can cause loss of hair due to the pulling and extra weight on the hair strand. Give your hair a break once you take out the extensions. [19]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How long should glue-in hair extensions last?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Glued-in extensions can last up to two months, but may begin to loosen up in as little as four weeks. Using oil-based hair products can destroy the glue.
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  • Question
    How do you remove glued-in hair extensions?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Apply an oil-based solvent or just use straight oil. Allow it to sit on the hair for about 15 minutes to soften the glue, then carefully comb out the extensions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What is a tape-in hair extension?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Tape-in hair extensions are extensions that come on adhesive strips. They are attached in pairs to thin strips of your hair.
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      Tips

      • Glue-in extensions work best on thick or coarse hair. If your hair is very thin, you may prefer another method.
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      Warnings

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      References

      1. ↑ https://thegrio.com/2011/01/26/weaves-101-ten-tips-your-stylist-wont-tell-you/#
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=409
      3. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a6812/things-your-stylist-should-be-telling-you-about-extensions/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=41
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=190
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=190
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=226
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=439
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=541
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=639
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=806
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=837
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=884
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/T6ao64HCHdE?t=1077
      6. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/618775-maintain-hair-extensions/
      7. ↑ https://www.allure.com/gallery/guide-to-hair-extensions
      8. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/618775-maintain-hair-extensions/
      9. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/618775-maintain-hair-extensions/
      10. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/618775-maintain-hair-extensions/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To glue hair extensions to your head, start by laying one of the hair pieces down and carefully applying a line of glue from one side of the track to the other. Next, blow dry your hair for a few seconds until the glue has a tacky consistency. Then, press the track onto your hair about 0.5-inches away from the root. Once it’s in place, blow dry the track on medium or high for 30-60 seconds to ensure the glue firmly attaches to your hair. To learn more, including how to section your hair before applying extensions, read on!

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