How to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions

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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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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
    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.
      Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
    • 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.
      Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
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2

Divide your hair into 2 horizontal sections.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
    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.
      Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
    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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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
    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.
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4

Blend the extensions into your hair.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Attach Clip in Hair Extensions
    Release the top section of your hair. Then, gently tousle it to blend your natural hair with the clip-on extensions. Enjoy!

Community Q&A

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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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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
  • Question
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • 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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      References

      1. http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Use-Clip-In-Extensions-Do-Clip-In-Extensions-Yourself/2

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To attach clip-in hair extensions, start by separating the top of your hair from the bottom using a tie or clip so there's a horizontal part running along the back of your head. Then, open the clips on your extensions, and line them up with the horizontal part you made. Next, press the extensions into the part to snap them into place. Finally, let down the top section of your hair and blend it in with your extensions. For advice on how to choose extensions that match your hair, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Rapunzel Man

        Jul 17, 2020

        "Amazing! I was a man with short hair but I put in a lot of extensions and now I have waist length hair Thank you!"
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