How to Wear Extensions with Short Hair

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Short hair is beautiful, fun, and sexy, but you may crave a change in style sometimes. Extensions are great to temporarily gain some length, make your hair appear thicker, or experiment with different colors. There are several types of extensions you can choose from, but clip in extensions are ideal. This is because they blend in easier with short hair and can be done at home. To wear extensions, choose the right ones for you, apply them, and then style them to your liking.

Quick Guide: Putting Extensions in Short Hair

Secure the top half of your hair out of the way with a hair tie and gently tease the hair where you want to put in the extensions. Undo the clips on the extensions, decide exactly where and how you'd like to place them, then snap the clips shut to install the extensions.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Applying Extensions

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  1. Wash and condition your hair right before you plan to apply the extensions. Oily hair won’t hold the clip in extensions as well as clean hair. This may not be a problem if you have naturally dry hair. [1]
    • Make sure to dry your hair before applying the extensions, or you might end up damaging your hair.
  2. Pull up the top half of your hair. It may not be possible to hold it with a hair tie if it is very short, but you can use clips to secure your hair if that’s the case. You will apply the clip in extensions to the divide between your top and bottom half of hair. [2]
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  3. You can use a backcombing brush or comb to do this. Use the brush or comb to gently tease the hair where you plan to clip in the extensions. This will create a shelf, which makes it easier for the extensions to stay securely clipped in. [3]
    • You can apply the extensions to any part of your head as long as your natural hair covers them.
    • You will usually secure the extensions on the back of your head if you’re using one weft, but you may also use extensions on the sides of your head if you use multiple wefts.
    • Spray hairspray on the “shelf” for added grip.
  4. Grab your extensions and undo the clips. Hold the clips up to the shelf that you created. Make sure that you are satisfied with where they are being clipped in before snapping the clips shut. Look in the mirror once the extensions are clipped in to make sure they smoothly fit in with your natural hair. [4]
    • You can undo and redo the extensions until you are happy with the placement.
  5. 5
    Go to a salon for more permanent extensions. If you want longer lasting professional extensions, head to your local salon and discuss your options with a hairdresser. You can get extensions micro-linked, sewn, taped, or fused. [5]
    • Tape-in extensions are taped to your roots, and take 40 minutes to an hour to complete. They last about four to eight weeks.
    • When applying sew-in extensions, your hairdresser will cornrow your hair and weave the extensions into the braid. This method works best on thicker hair, and lasts about six to eight weeks.
    • The fusion (or glue-in) and micro-link methods are very damaging, so they’re best for really healthy hair. It takes about three hours to apply extensions using these methods, and the extensions last up to four months.
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Part 2
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Styling Extensions

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  1. You may find that the extensions are too blunt at the ends to look natural. Trim the ends of the extensions to solve this problem. Vertically hold a pair of scissors made for hair cutting to the ends of extensions. For a natural look, keep the scissors in that vertical position as you cut. [6]
    • It’s also an option to take the extensions to someone who knows how to cut hair if you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own. They can trim the extensions while they’re in your hair to blend them in perfectly.
  2. The texture of the extensions will most likely look at least slightly different than your hair. Blend in the extensions by curling or straightening your hair while wearing the extensions. It does not matter if you decide to use a curling iron or flat iron. Either method will help the extensions look natural. [7]
  3. This is an especially good option you have straight, synthetic extensions. Synthetic hair extensions are usually shinier than human hair. Use a shine serum to make your hair as shiny as the extensions. Simply spray it all over your hair and style as usual. [8]
  4. You can use this for real or synthetic hair if you want a tousled and wavy look. Thickening spray is a great option for synthetic hair extensions since you usually can’t use heat styling tools. Spray the hair all over your hair and use your fingers to scrunch your hair, including the extensions, into waves. [9]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Choosing Hair Extensions

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  1. Shorter extensions usually look more natural, especially if your hair is very short. Aim for extensions that are between 16 and 18 inches (40 to 45 cm). You can look for even shorter extensions if your hair is shorter than chin length. [10]
    • You can cut the extensions on your own or have them cut by a stylist if they are longer than you’d like.
  2. This is especially important if you have a blunt haircut. Thin extensions may not blend in if the ends of your hair don’t thin out. Thicker extensions will make the transition look smooth and natural. [11]
    • Compare the extensions to the thickness of your own hair to make sure they are thick enough.
  3. Wefts are basically the individual clip in sections. You can use several wefts if you are looking for extra volume and length, but one or two wefts should be enough. One 100g (3.5 oz) weft is ideal. This will make styling easier and the possibility of the clips showing less likely. [12]
  4. It’s very important to match the extensions to your hair color, or the illusion of longer hair the extensions create won’t be successful. The best way to find extensions that match is to go to a beauty supply store to purchase the extensions rather than purchasing them online. This will give you a chance to put the extensions up against your own hair, check them out in a mirror, and ask for advice. [13]
    • If you’ve worn extensions before and know the brand and color you like, you can order them online.
    • If you’re using human hair extensions, you can color the hair to match your current hair color. You can also dye your hair to match your extensions.
    • Look for an ombre set of extensions if your ends are a different color than the rest of your hair.
  5. You can buy either type of hair and look great. Human hair, however, is probably the way to go if you have the option. It is more expensive, but it will usually look more convincing than synthetic hair. This is because you can use heat to style human hair and you can dye it as if it were your own hair.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you take care of 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
    This depends on the type. Generally, you'll need to wash very gently focusing on the scalp, use specially designed combs to detangle very gently, and keep extensions hydrated with a rich conditioner.
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  • Question
    How long do hair extensions last in your hair?
    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
    Hair extensions should be removed every 6-8 weeks. It's best to let your hair rest for at least a week or two before getting a fresh set.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Do hair extensions damage your real hair?
    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
    Extensions put extra weight on your hair and can cause damage if not properly cared for. If your hair is healthy and you care for them correctly, you can have extensions without causing damage.
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      Tips

      • You may want to wash your extensions before applying them if they are very shiny. To wash them, use a gently shampoo and conditioner and leave the extensions out to dry overnight. You will also need to wash and condition the extensions after wearing them a few times. [14]
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      • Use sponge rollers on the extensions if you have wavy or curly hair. To do this, dampen the extensions. While they are drying, roll the extensions into the rollers. Leave them on the rollers overnight and remove them in the morning for a natural texture. [15]
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      • Number the wefts to remember where you applied them. If you are using several wefts. [16]
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      Warning

      • Look at the back of your hair in a mirror before leaving the house while wearing extensions. Make sure that the clips aren’t showing.
      • Do not sleep with your extensions, as this can create traction and tension on your scalp, leading to bald spots over time.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about wearing hair extensions, check out our in-depth interview with Frankie Sanderson .

      References

      1. ↑ http://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/2016120835107/how-to-apply-cliip-in-hair-extensions/
      2. ↑ http://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/2016120835107/how-to-apply-cliip-in-hair-extensions/
      3. ↑ http://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/2016120835107/how-to-apply-cliip-in-hair-extensions/
      4. ↑ http://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/2016120835107/how-to-apply-cliip-in-hair-extensions/
      5. ↑ https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-hair-extensions
      6. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/diy-hair-extensions/
      7. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/diy-hair-extensions/
      8. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2127/how-to-wear-hair-extensions/?slide=7
      9. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2127/how-to-wear-hair-extensions/?slide=7
      1. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/diy-hair-extensions/
      2. ↑ https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/how-to-blend-hair-extensions-with-short-hair
      3. ↑ http://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/2016120835107/how-to-apply-cliip-in-hair-extensions/
      4. ↑ https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/how-to-blend-hair-extensions-with-short-hair
      5. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/diy-hair-extensions/
      6. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2127/how-to-wear-hair-extensions/?slide=6
      7. ↑ https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/how-to-blend-hair-extensions-with-short-hair

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