How to Put in Clip-in Hair Extensions for Beginners

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Get instant length & volume with these simple steps
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Hair extensions are a great way to give your hair extra length, volume, or both. If they are made from real hair, you can dye them to match your own hair color, give them highlights, or even heat style them. There is a trick to applying them, however; if you don't do it right, the results could look unnatural. Your starting hair length and texture will also make a difference in how you apply them.

Putting in Clip-in Hair Extensions: Quick Steps

  1. Section your hair about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your neck & secure the rest of your hair.
  2. Brush a 3-clip weft and clip it close to the root near the section part.
  3. Section off 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) above the first weft & secure your hair.
  4. Brush a 4-clip weft and clip it close to the root near the section part.
  5. Continue sectioning and clipping in wefts until you reach 2 inches (5.1 cm) below your crown.
  6. Brush a 3-clip weft and clip it close to the root near the section part.
  7. Section off and install 2-clip wefts over your ears & use 1-clip wefts to fill in thin spots.
Section 1 of 3:

Applying the Extensions

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  1. Slide the handle of a rat-tail comb through your hair, just below your ears. [1] Pull everything above the comb up into a bun. Check the horizontal part that you made in the mirror to ensure that it is even. Any strands of hair interrupting it may snag on the comb and feel uncomfortable.
    • Ideally, the part should be level with the bottom of your ears.
    • It would be a good idea to brush the loose hair below the comb once again to ensure it is smooth.
  2. Find a weft that has 3 clips sewn into it. Snap open the comb-like clips on your weft. Position the weft right over the horizontal part and slide the combs into your hair as close to the roots as possible, and snap them shut. Start with the middle clip first, then do the sides. [2]
    John Frieda, Hairstylist

    Clip-in hair extensions are the most popular and versatile type of extensions. They can be applied in just minutes by clipping wefts of hair into your own hair, allowing you to quickly transform your look for a night out or event. When cared for properly, high-quality clip-ins can be reused again and again.

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  3. Let down another section of hair. Use your rat-tail comb to create a horizontal part that is level with the middle of your ears. Gather everything above the part into a bun, just like before. Insert a 4-clip weft into the roots just below the part. Again, insert the middle clips first, then do the sides. [4]
    • Some packs will have a short 4-clip weft and a long 4-clip weft. Use the shorter 4-clip weft here.
  4. Let down another section of hair. Use the rat-tail comb to create a part that's level with the tips of your ears. Insert the longest weft into the roots just below the part, starting with the middle clips and finishing with the outer. [5]
    • Use a 5-clip weft or a longer 4-clip weft for this.
    • If you don't have either of these clips, skip this step.
  5. Undo your bun and measure down 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the back of your crown. Create a horizontal part with your rat-tail comb and bun the rest of your hair, just like before. Insert the final 3-clip weft into the roots, then let down your hair. [6]
    • If you have whorls, deep splits, or other cowlicks in your crown area, check this weft after inserting it to ensure it isn't visible due to a cowlick.
  6. Use the handle of your rat-tail comb to create a horizontal part 2 inches (5.1 cm) above your left ear. Instead of putting your hair in a bun like before, brush it over to the opposite side and secure it with a clip. Insert the 2-clip weft into that part, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the hairline. Repeat this step for the right ear. [7]
  7. Typically, you'll need to add them right above the 2-clip wefts, 2 on each side. [8] If you part your hair to the side, however, you may wish to use more clips on the thicker side of the part. If you use them on the thinner side, the wefts may show.
  8. Starting from the top-left side of your head, pat your hair where you inserted the wefts. Once you feel the wefts, slide your fingers into your hair and snap open all the combs on that weft. Gently pull the weft out, then move on to the next.
    • Work your way from top-to-bottom. You will have to feel your way around for this step.
    • Never go to bed while wearing clip-in extensions; otherwise, you may pull out your hair.
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Section 2 of 3:

Tips for Short or Thin Hair

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  1. This may seem counterintuitive, especially if you are trying to make your hair look longer , but it will look more natural. If you clip in the extensions without blending them into your own hair, the difference in length will be obvious. [9]
    • Trim the extensions after you insert them into your hair. It would be a good idea to have a trained stylist do it for you.
  2. In most cases, you will want to match the extensions to your hair color. If you desire an ombre effect, consider going 1 to 2 shades lighter. If the ends of your hair are already lighter, you could match the extensions to them instead. [10]
    • You can use this step for longer hair as well.
  3. If you get extensions that aren't thick enough, the ends of your hair will look too thin compared to the rest of your hair. This will look unnatural and make it obvious that you are wearing extensions. [11]
  4. This will give the wefts something to grip onto and prevent them from sliding off. It will also help give your hair a little extra volume. Tease each section just before adding the extension. [12]
    • To tease your hair, pull a thin section of hair away from your head, then run a comb under it in short strokes, starting from the middle and ending at the roots.
  5. This will often be the case if you buy thick hair extensions. If you use all of the extensions, the difference in volume between your hair and the extensions may be obvious. You may also create too much bulk, leading to visible wefts. [13]
    • Consider buying extensions designed for thin hair. They will give you length and volume while looking natural.
  6. You may have to adjust the positioning of the extensions. If you don't have enough hair covering them, the wefts may be visible. It would be a good idea to shake your head gently and check for any wefts peeking through when your hair moves.
    • The best place to position your extensions is below eyebrow level. This ensures that you have enough hair covering them. [14]
  7. Curling your hair and the extensions will help give your hair even more volume. Whether you curl the extensions before or after you add them to your hair is up to you. Go with whatever is most comfortable for you. If your extensions are synthetic, check the package to see whether or not they are heat-resistant. If they are not heat-resistant, don't curl them. If they are heat-friendly, curl them using a heat that is appropriate for the product you’re using. This is usually noted on the packaging. [15]
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Section 3 of 3:

Preparation Tips for Best Results

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  1. If you can’t find the right color, you can dye them using hair dye (if they are made from real hair). You can also buy them in a lighter shade for an ombre effect.
    • It would be even better if the extensions matched your hair texture (curly or straight). Don't worry if you can't find the right ones; you can curl or straighten them later.
  2. Most packs of extensions will come with 7 wefts or strings of hair. Each weft will have 2, 3, 4, or 5 clips sewn into it. Separate your wefts into groups based on how many clips are sewn in. Some groups may only have a single weft, while others may have up to 4 wefts.
    • Knowing how many clips are on each weft is important. Where you place the weft depends on how many clips are sewn into it.
  3. Gently brush the hair starting from the ends. Never drag a brush straight down through the wefts without detangling it first. If the hair is particularly knotted, detangle it first using a wide-toothed comb, then brush it.
  4. to match your hair, if desired. If the extensions are made from real hair, apply a heat protectant product, then use a curling iron or a hair straightener on them, just like you would on your own hair. If they are made from synthetic fibers, read the package to ensure they are heat-resistant, or you risk melting them. Alternatively, you can straighten or curl your hair to match the extensions instead. Just make sure your hair is clean and healthy before installing the extensions to protect against damage and breakage. [16]
    • A trick for styling the extensions is to pull your own hair back into a ponytail , then clip the extensions in one at a time to the side of your head and curl or straighten them.
    • Alternatively, you can clip the extensions to a skirt hanger to make it easier to style them.
  5. Even though these extensions are only temporary, your hair should be clean, dry, and free of any knots or tangles. Wash your hair as you normally would with products designed specifically for your hair type, then allow it to air dry or use a hairdryer on a low setting. [17] Brush your hair until it is smooth and free of knots.
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Expert Q&A

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      Tips

      • If the extensions keep slipping, mist your roots with hairspray first. Let the hairspray dry, then add the extensions. [18]
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      • Consult a doctor if you are dealing with excessive hair loss before trying extensions. They may not be the right solution for your condition and could make it worse! [19]
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      • Curl or straighten the extensions to match your hair texture. Alternatively, you can curl or straighten your hair to match the extensions.
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      Warnings

      • Take out your extensions before going to bed. If you wear them to sleep, they may snag on your hair and cause bald spots. [20]
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      • Do not wear extensions more than 2 times a week. The weight will cause too much tension on your roots and lead to bald spots. [21]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Hair brush
      • Rat-tail comb
      • Mirror
      • Set of extensions
      • Heat-protectant product
      • Styling tools (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/BSURvwOnQfc?t=107
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/J6R3MFjiWCE?t=151
      3. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 December 2019.
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/z4Fi5TPiaSY?t=221
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/z4Fi5TPiaSY?t=277
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/K-tldOmiFJE?t=480
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/1SfEvITbz00?t=405
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/1SfEvITbz00?t=418
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/hbW89VQlo1I?t=98
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/I-pBB8XocVU?t=166
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6dc1cRZ5hQ
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/s_9P8Aoa0AU?t=162
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/kjc4X0FKnNc?t=46
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/kjc4X0FKnNc?t=127
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/g-TI04xqkL4?t=24
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage/prevent-hair-damage-weave-extensions
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZs7_BjnoPY
      10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women
      11. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage/prevent-hair-damage-weave-extensions
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_URCZ1C3adg

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