How to Use Clip in Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a great way to give your hair extra length, volume, or both. If they are made from real hair, you can dye them to match your own hair color, give them highlights, or even heat style them. There is a trick to applying them, however; if you don't do it right, the results could look unnatural. Your starting hair length and texture will also make a difference in how you apply them.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Apply Extensions

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1
Buy a pack of clip-in extensions that match your hair color. If you can’t find the right color, you can dye them using hair dye (if they are made from real hair). You can also buy them in a lighter shade for an ombre effect.
- It would be even better if the extensions matched your hair texture (curly or straight). Don't worry if you can't find the right ones; you can curl or straighten them later.
2
Separate the wefts into groups based on how many clips they have. Most packs of extensions will come with 7 wefts, or strings of hair. Each weft will have 2, 3, or 4 clips sewn into it. Separate your wefts into groups based on how many clips are sewn in. Some groups may only have a single weft, while another group may have up to 4 wefts.
- Knowing how many clips are on each weft is important. Where you place the weft depends on how many clips are sewn into it.
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Gently brush the hair starting from the ends. Never drag a brush straight down through the wefts without detangling it first. If the hair is particularly knotted, detangle it first using a wide-toothed comb, then brush it.
4
Straighten or curl the extensions to match your hair, if desired. If the extensions are made from real hair, apply a heat protectant product then use a curling iron or a hair straightener on them, just like you would on your own hair. If they are made from synthetic fibers, read the package to ensure that they are heat-resistant, or you risk melting the fibers. Alternatively, you can straighten or curl your hair to match the extensions instead.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- A trick for styling the extensions is to pull your own hair back into a ponytail then clip the extensions in one at a time to the side of your head and curl or straighten them.
- Alternatively, you can clip the extensions to a skirt hanger to make it easier to style them.
Wash, dry, and brush your hair. Even though these extensions are only temporary, your hair should be clean, dry, and free of any knots or tangles. Wash your hair as you normally would, then allow it to air dry or use a hairdryer. Brush your hair until it is smooth and free of knots.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Extensions

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1
Section off the hair just below your ears. Slide the handle of a rat-tail comb through your hair, just below your ears. Pull everything above the comb up into a bun. Check the horizontal part that you made in the mirror to ensure that it is even. Any strands of hair interrupting it may snag on the comb and feel uncomfortable.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Ideally, the part should be level with the bottom of your ears.
- It would be a good idea to brush the loose hair below the comb once again to ensure that it is smooth.
2
Insert a 3-clip weft into your hair, just below the part. Find a weft that has 3 clips sewn into it. Snap open the comb-like clips on your weft. Position the weft right over the horizontal part and slide the combs into your hair, as close to the roots as possible, and snap them shut. Start with the middle clip first, then do the sides.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Don't clip in the extensions too close to your hairline.^{[5]XExpert SourceMadeleine Johnson
  Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions SpecialistExpert Interview. 18 December 2019.} Keep them 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your hairline for a natural look.
John Frieda, Hairstylist
Clip-in hair extensions are the most popular and versatile type of extensions. They can be applied in just minutes by clipping wefts of hair into your own hair, allowing you to quickly transform your look for a night out or event. When cared for properly, high-quality clip-ins can be reused again and again.
3
Repeat the process for mid-ear level. Let down another section of hair. Use your rat-tail comb to create a horizontal part that is level with the middle of your ears. Gather everything above the part into a bun, just like before. Insert a 4-clip weft into the roots just below the part. Again, insert the middle clips first, then do the sides.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Some packs will have a short 4-clip weft and a long 4-clip weft. Use the shorter 4-clip weft here.
4
Repeat the process above your ears using a longer weft. Let down another section of hair. Use the rat-tail comb to create a part that's level with the tips of your ears. Insert the longest weft into the roots just below the part, starting with the middle clips and finishing with the outer.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Use a 5-clip weft or a longer 4-clip weft for this.
- If you don't have either of these clips, skip this step.
5
Insert a 3-clip weft 2 inches (5.1 cm) below your crown. Undo your bun and measure down 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the back of your crown. Create a horizontal part with your rat-tail comb and bun the rest of your hair, just like before. Insert the final 3-clip weft into the roots, then let down your hair.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If you have whorls, deep splits, or other cowlicks in your crown area, check this weft after inserting it to ensure it isn't visible due to a cowlick.
Use the handle of your rat-tail comb to create a horizontal part 2 inches (5.1 cm) above your left ear. Instead of putting your hair in a bun like before, brush it over to the opposite side and secure it with a clip. Insert the 2-clip weft into that part, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the hairline. Repeat this step for the right ear.^{[9]XResearch source}
Typically, you'll need to add them right above the 2-clip wefts, 2 on each side.^{[10]XResearch source} If you part your hair to the side, however, you may wish to use more clips on the thicker side of the part. If you use them on the thinner side, the wefts may show.
8
Remove the extensions at the end of the day before going to bed. Starting from the top-left side of your head, pat your hair where you inserted the wefts. Once you feel the wefts, slide your fingers into your hair and snap open all of the combs on that weft. Gently pull the weft out, then move onto the next.
- Work your way from top-to-bottom. You will have to feel your way around for this step.
- Never go to bed while wearing clip-in extensions, or you may end up pulling out your hair.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Working with Short or Thin Hair

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1
Trim and layer your extensions if you have short hair. This may seem counterintuitive, especially if you are trying to make your hair look longer, but it will look more natural. If you clip in the extensions without blending them into your own hair, the difference in length will be obvious.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Trim the extensions after you insert them into your hair. It would be a good idea to have a trained stylist do it for you.
2
Go a shade lighter if you have short hair and want an ombre effect. In most cases, you will want to match the extensions to your hair color. If you desire an ombre effect, consider going 1 to 2 shades lighter. If the ends of your hair are already lighter, you could match the extensions to them instead.^{[12]XResearch source}
- You can use this step for longer hair as well.
If you get extensions that aren't thick enough, the ends of your hair will look too thin compared to the rest of your hair. This will look unnatural and make it obvious that you are wearing extensions.^{[13]XResearch source}
4
Tease your roots before adding the extensions to add volume. This will give the wefts something to grip onto and prevent them from sliding off. It will also help give your hair a little extra volume. Tease each section just before adding the extension.^{[14]XResearch source}
- To tease your hair, pull a thin section of hair away from your head, then run a comb under it in short strokes, starting from the middle and ending at the roots.
5
Don't be afraid to leave some wefts out if you have thin hair. This will often be the case if you bought thick hair extensions. If you use all of the extensions, the difference in volume between your hair and the extensions may be obvious. You may also create too much bulk, which could lead to visible wefts.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Consider buying extensions designed for thin hair. They will give you length and volume while looking natural.
6
Make sure that the wefts are not visible. You may have to adjust the positioning of the extensions. If you don't have enough hair covering them, the wefts may be visible. It would be a good idea to give your head a shake, and check for any wefts that are peeking through when your hair moves.^{[16]XResearch source}
- The best places to position your extensions is anywhere below eyebrow level. This ensures that you have enough hair covering them.
Curling your hair and the extensions will help give your hair even more volume. Whether you curl the extensions before or after you add them to your hair is up to you. Go with whatever is most comfortable for you. If your extensions are synthetic, check the package to see whether or not they are heat-resistant. If they are not heat-resistant, don't curl them.^{[17]XResearch source}

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Tips

If the extensions keep slipping, mist your roots with hairspray first. Let the hairspray dry, then add the extensions.^{[18]XResearch source}
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Consult a doctor if you are dealing with excessive hair loss before trying extensions. They may not be the right solution for your condition and could make it worse!^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Curl or straighten the extensions to match your hair texture. Alternatively, you can curl or straighten your hair to match the extensions.
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Warnings

Take out your extensions before going to bed. If you wear them to sleep, they may snag on your hair and cause bald spots.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
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Do not wear extensions more than 2 times a week. The weight will cause too much tension on your roots and lead to bald spots.^{[21]XResearch source}
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