When it comes to hair extensions, you would think you can recognize them but nowadays it is almost impossible to know if someone even has hair extensions in. So many celebrities are wearing hair extensions that the untrained eye would probably never notice — because said extensions aren’t being used to add navel-grazing length, but overall fullness. The thing is like many others, celebrities aren’t immune to this phenomenon — nor are they all born with naturally thick, luscious hair. But they are ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the versatility of extensions.
By Hina Zahid
Extensions can be added to styles of all sorts — bobs, lobs, you name it — with the goal of making hair appear more voluminous. A scroll through her Instagram is case in point: You’ll see the waist-long extensions she applied on Kim Kardashian, sure — but you’ll also see how she used extensions to amp up Hailey Bieber’s shoulder-length cut. That’s the thing, it can be added to all kinds of looks. Clip-in hair extensions are a low-effort, non-permanent alternative for adding volume and length to your everyday look. Experimenting with different textures and colors, like curls or extensions with highlights, elevates your hairstyle without the damage of heat and chemical treatments or harsh dyes. Clip-in hair extensions are a favorite for first-time extension experimenters and extension experts alike because of how easy it is to apply them. With enough practice, you can apply clip-in extensions at home in under 15 minutes. Clip-in extensions are affordable, easy to maintain and won’t damage your hair. But they’re not the only option you have for hair extensions. Before buying your first (or next) set of hair extensions, it’s important to understand the different materials that hair extensions are made of and the different types to choose from. Each type of material and type of hair extensions has its own set of pros and cons.
Hair extensions are typically made out of real human hair or synthetic hair. Most professional hairstylists recommend hair extensions made from real human hair because they look more natural and are more durable than synthetic hair extensions. Synthetic hair extensions are more affordable, but typically don’t last for more than a few months of use. Extensions made from real human hair can last up to one year, but it all depends on how well you care for your extensions. This kind of hair isn’t as heavy as human hair and can’t be dyed to match the multi-tonal color of real human hair, so synthetic hair extensions often look unnatural. While it’s difficult to create a completely natural look with synthetic hair extensions, it’s not impossible. Also they are a good option if you’re just getting started or if you only plan to wear extensions for a short duration.
Hair extensions can be temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent. Temporary hair extensions are unlikely to damage your hair but can only be worn for a few hours to 1 day. Semi-permanent hair extensions, like tape-in or micro link extensions, are also unlikely to damage your hair and can be worn for up to 2 months. Permanent hair extensions can last up to 6 months and, although the risk is minimal, can cause some damage to the roots of your hair.
How to Clip Hair Extensions:
Clip-in hair extensions can be applied in a matter of minutes and without the help of professional hairstylists. All you need is your favorite clip-in extensions, a rat-tail hair comb, and a few large hair clips and you’ll look runway-ready in no time.
1. Section off hair on top. Using the rat-tail comb, make a horizontal part across your scalp about 2 inches above the nape of your neck. Use the large hair clips to secure the hair above the part
2. Position hair and secure clips. Position the hair’s clips near the root of your hair and clip down to attach the weft to your natural hair.
3. Blend with your own hair. Release the hair that was clipped up and blend the extensions together with your natural hair. If you’re using human hair or heat-friendly synthetic extensions, styling your hair with a straightener, curling iron, or blow dryer can help create a more polished look.
Don’t stress about getting your clip-in extensions perfect on your first try. Remember, clip-in hair extensions are only temporary so you can unclip them and try again as many times as it takes to get the right look. Now that you know all about hair extensions, you can start experimenting with clip-in ponytails, clip-in braids, or any one of our high-quality hair extensions.
