Extensions are strands of hair that are purchased and added to your hair to give it more volume and increase its length. The hair used for the extensions can be human or synthetic and are sewn with needle and thread or glued. Sewing extensions is a long process that should be done by a professional hairdresser, so if you are interested in a quicker procedure you can apply the extensions yourself and in a few minutes using a fixing glue.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Hair
Step 1. Buy extensions
Hair extensions are normally made of human hair which is grouped and sewn into strands by hand or machine. On the market there are different colors, types and lengths. Choose the color and type that matches your hair so that the extensions look like natural hair. If the extensions match your hair well, and if they are applied correctly, no one will be able to tell the difference with your natural hair.
- Virgin or Remy hair extensions are made with untreated or lightly treated hair; they are expensive but guarantee a more natural result. Synthetic extensions are less expensive.
- In addition to the extensions, you will need a hair fixing glue. The color of the glue must match that of your hair. Do not use any other type of glue for your extensions.
- This type of extension usually lasts 2-3 months if cared for properly. Since you are applying glue to your hair, be prepared for it to be damaged.
Step 2. Make sure the extensions match your hair type
If you buy straight extensions but your hair is naturally curly, you will first need to permanently straighten your hair before applying the extensions. The type you choose should allow you to have a look as natural as possible.
Step 3. Apply a protective lotion
It will help keep your hair tidy throughout the process and protect it from damage. If you have short hair up to the shoulders, comb it back with the protective lotion making it adhere as much as possible to the scalp. If you have long hair, pull it back into a very tight ponytail and smooth it out with the protective lotion. Let the lotion dry completely.
Step 4. Create a rectangular area
With a comb, divide your hair to form a rectangle on the apex of your head and collect it with an elastic band on the occipital area, so that it is separated from the rest of the hair.
The extensions will be applied below this rectangular area. You need to keep enough hair inside the rectangle to cover the top of the extensions you are going to apply to them, otherwise they will be visible
Step 5. Create a U-shaped area underneath
With the comb create another part starting 7-8 cm above the hairline at the nape of the neck, extending from one side of the head to the other and going around its base. The lower extensions will be applied just below this area.
- Make sure the area is well defined. If the drawn line is not straight the extensions will look messy.
- Make sure that the area starts about 7 cm above the hairline. If you apply the extensions too low they will be visible if you collect your hair.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Extensions
Step 1. Measure and cut the first strand of extension
Lay the section against the bottom edge of the U-shaped zone to measure the length you need. The sides of the extensions should be approximately one and a half centimeters from the hairline on each side of the head. If the extensions go beyond the hairline, they will be visible if you collect the hair. Use a pair of scissors to cut the strand.
Once cut, double-check that the lock is the right length by placing it back on your head
Step 2. Apply fixing glue to the extension
The extension should naturally curve inward and that's where the glue goes. Apply the glue slowly and carefully along the edge of the strand. Check that you have applied it carefully. The glue will come out thick from the bottle.
Step 3. Soften the glue with the hair dryer
Use a hair dryer to heat the glue and soften it until it becomes sticky. It should not be liquid or slimy but sticky to the touch. Gently run a finger along the entire edge of the lock to check that everything is covered with glue.
If the glue is too liquid it can drip on your hair and damage it. Make sure it's not liquid but sticky enough to hold on to your hair
Part 3 of 3: Applying the Extensions
Step 1. Apply the extensions to the hair
Carefully position the extension so that the glue is facing your hair. Start an inch and a half from your side attachment and press the extension against your hair 2-3 cm below the area. Keep applying the extensions until you reach the opposite side.
- Be careful not to apply the extension to the scalp. This may inhibit hair growth and leave you with a bald part, so make sure that the extension is a few inches below the defined part and that it is only attached to your hair and not to your skin.
- Remember that it needs to be applied one and a half centimeters from your side hairline or else it will be visible.
Step 2. Let it dry
Once you have finished applying the extensions, wait at least 3 minutes for them to dry completely. Pull lightly to make sure they are well attached. If some parts of the strands are not well fixed to the hair, apply a little fixing glue and press lightly until the whole strand is well attached.
Step 3. Repeat the process 7-8 cm above the first layer of extensions
After the first layer has been fixed it is time to apply the second. Measure approximately 7-8 cm above the top of the first layer of extensions and trace another U-shaped area around the head. Pin the hair over the defined area and follow the same measurement, cutting and fixing process for the next layer:
- Measure another strand and cut it so that it falls about an inch and a half from the side hairline.
- Apply the glue to the edge and then use the hair dryer to heat it until it is sticky but not liquid.
- Apply the extension to your hair a few inches below the defined part being careful not to apply it to the scalp.
Step 4. Finish applying all extensions
Continue applying the extensions every 7 cm or so until you reach the rectangle you created at the apex of the head. When you get to this point, measure, cut and apply the last extension. This time the extension will extend from one side of your forehead to the other through the apex. Make sure it's about an inch and a half away from each side of the hairline.
Step 5. Comb your hair
When you have finished applying all the extensions, loosen the hair of the rectangular area that you had stopped on the head. Use a comb to comb your hair together with the extensions. Now you can style your hair however you like. You can also decide to cut them in order to make the extensions even more uniform to your natural hair.
Step 6. Remove extensions whenever you want
After a few months the extensions may begin to peel off and it may be time to take them off. You can use a special cream to remove them easily. Apply the cream on the attachment points and let it act for the time indicated on the package; then use a comb to loosen the extensions.
- If you don't want to buy the remover cream you can try olive oil. Apply the oil and let it absorb for 20 minutes, then use a comb to remove the extensions.
- If the oil doesn't work, you can try peanut butter or dish soap.
Advice
- Decide on the hairstyle you want to keep before applying extensions. As long as your extensions last you will need to keep the same one, so choose one that you are comfortable with.
- Purchase shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products that are specific to extensions.
Warnings
- In the days following the application of the extensions you may feel discomfort in the scalp.
- Make sure you have completely dissolved the fixing glue before removing the extensions, so as not to damage your hair.
