Do you want great long locks for your hair, but don't have the time and patience to wait for them to grow? So why not think about extensions ?! These not only look very natural but are also easy to apply at home.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Extensions You Want
Step 1. Decide on the type of hair you want
Hair extensions usually come in two different qualities: synthetic or real hair. The extensions made with synthetic hair are artificial, made up of a mix of keratin and plastic very similar to real human hair. Those made with real hair, on the other hand, are made up of hair donated by real people.
- Synthetic extensions are very similar to human hair, but they lack some characteristics that are unique to natural hair, such as texture and shine.
- Real hair is much more expensive than synthetic hair, so try to use it only after testing synthetic hair.
Step 2. Also consider clip extensions
These consist of synthetic or human hair attached to the base of the hair clips and which allow you to lengthen the hair temporarily.
- These are the cheapest type of hair extensions on the market and are also the easiest to apply.
- Clip-on extensions need to be reapplied daily when they begin to peel off and fall out.
Step 3. Consider Fusion Hair Extensions
These consist of strands of synthetic or human hair that are treated at one end with a special glue or keratin wax; once applied, these substances will dissolve, causing the extensions to stick to your natural hair.
- Fusion extensions are the ones that last longer, but they are also much more expensive than clip-on extensions.
- Although fixed extensions require the use of heat to be melted, this process is not that harmful to natural hair. If you are concerned about ruining your natural hair, then consider cold fusion extensions.
- Since it is quite difficult to apply fusion extensions yourself, try going to the hairdresser or getting help from a friend for a better result.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Clip Extensions
Step 1. Purchase some strands of hair
A strand consists of a single row of hair and can be inserted between the natural hair to give it greater length. You can buy strands of both synthetic and human hair, although the latter is the more expensive of the two options.
- Try to choose extensions that are the same color as your hair as much as possible. The extensions must have a natural look, which you will not get if there is a discrepancy between the color of the applied hair and that of your natural hair.
- Choose the right length. While you obviously want the extensions to be longer than your hair, avoid adding too much difference between the natural length and that of the extensions. Not only will it be evident that they are added hair, but they will also have a higher price tag. Opt for extensions that are no more than 15-20 centimeters in length.
Step 2. Divide the hair into several sections
You can do this by gathering all your hair into a ponytail, leaving the section you intend to add the loose clip extensions to on the neck / back; continue like this by taking sections of hair from the ponytail as you add extensions.
Step 3. Tease your hair
Tease your hair focusing on the roots, so as to obtain about 1-2 cm of volume at the base of the strands.
- By backcombing your hair, the clips will have a firmer foundation to lean on, as natural hair may be too slippery to hold the clips for long without dropping the strands.
- Raising the hair roots by backcombing them also provides more coverage for the clips. This will make it more difficult to point out that you are using extensions.
Step 4. Take a strand and clip it at the root of the hair
You should push lightly into the teased strand of hair to allow for a better fit.
- Make sure the space between extensions is even, so that you have the same length of hair around your entire head.
- Let the extensions be layered in the hair and not all in a row; they should look the same as natural hair and therefore be shorter in some areas.
- Feel free to cut or shorten the extensions to better match them to the rest of your hair; you don't have to leave them as they come out of the box.
Step 5. Grab another section of hair from your ponytail
Repeat the same procedure as described above, backcombing the hair at the root and adding one strand at a time.
Step 6. Complete the application of the extensions
Tease your hair at the roots and brush the top layer to smooth it out. Clip-on extensions must be completely blended into the natural hair so that they cannot be seen between the roots.
- In case you can still see the extension clips in your hair, rearrange them so they are not visible.
- Make sure the clip-on extensions are not visible even when you pull your hair into a ponytail. These should be close enough to the roots and mixed with enough layers of natural hair, so that they are almost invisible to the naked eye.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Blended Extensions
Step 1. Clean your hair
There are many shampoos available on the market that help to effectively remove any buildup or residue of dirt from the hair strands that may be preventing the extensions from sticking well to the hair.
- Do not use conditioner or other hair products after washing them, otherwise you will re-add substances that were just removed with the shampoo.
- If you are concerned that the specific root cleansing shampoo is too aggressive, try to find one designed for sensitive skin, made with organic materials instead of chemicals.
Step 2. Dry your hair very well
If they are still wet, the glue from the extensions will not adhere well.
Step 3. Get a hair divider
This will dissect small strands of hair to blend the extensions into and protect the scalp from possible burns. To do this, you will need a piece of construction paper approximately 7 centimeters in diameter.
- Cut the cardstock into a circle about 7cm wide. It doesn't have to be a perfect shape, but using a curved shape will be more useful.
- Cut a slit from one side of the circle to the center, as if you want to trace the radius. In the center of the circle, drill a hole about 1 to 2 millimeters.
- You should now be able to slide small strands of hair into the center of the card, where the extension can be securely applied to the root of the hair without burning your scalp.
Step 4. Section the beginning of your hair at the base
Part the hair about 5 centimeters from the occiput, fixing everything above this mark, on the top of the head.
Step 5. Insert a strand of hair into the divider card
The first strand should be approximately the same size as the extension. If necessary, clip the divider into your hair with a bobby pin or clips.
Step 6. Apply a section of the extensions to the selected hair
Line up the ends of the extensions with the roots of your hair, so that the beginning is as close to the scalp as possible.
Step 7. Use a hair straightener to blend the extension
Hold the end of the extension and your hair from the roots into the straightener for a few seconds. Remove the plate for a few seconds and repeat the step. Be careful not to burn your hair.
Step 8. Smooth out the fused extension strands in your natural hair
Using your fingertips on the still warm hair, make a twisting motion to blend the extension into your natural hair. This will help you fix the glue or melted keratin better.
Step 9. Remove the hair divider
Take another section from the same row of hair and place the construction paper back on a new section of hair.
Step 10. Repeat the parting and blending of the hair
Try to apply the extensions evenly over your head so that they look more natural. Continue with this process for all strands of extensions.
Step 11. Style your hair
Use a brush that has no protruding tips on the bristles so you don't pull out the newly melted extensions. After applying the extensions, there should be no problem with treating your hair, following the simple basic daily routine, as long as you are careful not to damage the base of the extension.
- Do not brush or comb the hair near the scalp.
- Too much tension can result in extensions moving or falling out.
Step 12. Take care of your extensions
Brush your hair regularly, making sure you don't brush too close to the scalp. When washing them, use sulfate-free products and avoid rubbing the conditioner on your scalp. Leave-in conditioners can help prevent knots from forming.
- Proceed gently. Do not rub, rub or pull the hair.
- You will need to have your extensions done every 6-8 weeks, as they will start to shift or fall out at this point.
Advice
- If possible, have your extensions applied by a professional hairdresser. While this is more expensive, it significantly reduces stress and results will be better.
- It's always best to make things easier when it comes to extensions, so start with the cheapest option.
