Health & Beauty

Hair Extensions 101: Your Guide to Getting Luscious Locks

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Just because you have shorter hair doesn’t mean you still can’t have long, picture-perfect hair. Many celebrities change their look daily thanks to hair extensions — and you can too!

Hair extensions don’t just add length, they also add volume — that’s why those hairstyles you see on Pinterest and Instagram look so good. They’re easy to style at home, but you can also have them fitted by a salon professional. 

So if you want your own hair to resemble the celebs you know and love, read on to learn more about what hair extensions are and how they work.

Explore deals on hair extensions and hair salon treatments near you.

What Are Clip-In Hair Extensions, Exactly?

Close-up of a woman getting clip-in hair extensions.

Clip-in hair extensions are made of either real or synthetic hair, with tiny combs that can be clipped in to add length, volume and even highlights. 

They come in small pieces (known as wefts) or as one large piece that extends from ear to ear. They’re available in various colors, textures and lengths — so you can customize them to your preferred style. 

Clip-in hair extensions are non-permanent and non-invasive, meaning they’re easy to fasten in and remove whenever you feel like it. (Perfect for trying out fun, new hairstyles!)

How Do Clip-In Hair Extensions Work?

Close-up of a woman getting clip-in hair extensions applied.

Clip-in hair extensions attach to your real hair, which can make it look thicker, add length or create a certain style. They’re hidden by the section of hair above it, layering over them to give the appearance of natural volume. 

Clip-ins are either made with synthetic or human hair. Synthetic hair extensions are cheaper and rarely frizz. However, most types can’t be heat styled as they tend to melt, and they often have an unnatural shine to them. There are some that advertise as heat-friendly, but it’s always best to do your research.

Human hair extensions can be heat styled and colored to your liking. (That’s why they’re more expensive than their faux counterparts.) Virgin Remy hair is the highest quality of human hair because it has never been colored or chemically treated. It’s a blank canvas — but it’s also the priciest.

How Are Hair Extensions Put In?

Close-up of a woman getting hair extensions put in.

There are various ways to get long, luscious locks with hair extensions. Each option has their own benefits and methods for how they’re applied, varying from temporary to semi-permanent. 

  • Clip-in extensions – Ideal for daily use and removal. 
  • Tape-in extensions – Taped/glued to your hair and last between four and eight weeks. 
  • Sew-in extensions & weaves – Sewn into braids or cornrows and can last up to eight weeks.
  • Fusion extensions – Bonded to small sections of natural hair, lasting up to four months. 
  • Microlink extensions – Similar to fusion extensions. Small wefts attach to sections of natural hair with silicone-lined beads and hold in place without heat or glue. They can last up to three months as your natural hair grows out.

Getting tape-in extensions at the salon follows a similar process to clip-ins. Application can take 40 minutes to an hour to achieve longer-lasting lengths. Here’s how tape-in hair extensions are put in:

In a salon

A woman looking at her new haircut in the hair salon.
  1. Before application, your stylist will prepare your hair by sectioning it. They might also run a flat iron through it to smooth everything out.  
  2. One at a time, small wefts are taped to the top of your natural hair, just below the scalp. Each weft sits beneath another section of real hair placed over the extension.
  3. Another weft is then secured on top, creating a sandwich between the two extensions and your own natural hair.
  4. The extension is secured with an adhesive tool and is gently pressed together. 
  5. Finally, your stylist will complete each section of hair in rows, layered and styled to blend naturally and reveal a luscious head of voluminous hair. 

At home

A woman playing with her hair while looking in the mirror in the bathroom.

Always see a professional stylist to apply and remove semi-permanent extensions to avoid damaging your real hair and scalp. 

Temporary clip-in extensions are safe to apply at home with a mirror and your trusty sectioning comb. Just like the salon, you’ll work through three or four sections, blending them between layers of your natural hair.

How To Install Clip-In Hair Extensions

Prepare your hair 

  • Figure out where you want your extensions, then section off the hair right above that spot. If you’re using all your extensions, start from the nape of the neck and work upward.
  • If your hair is normally straight, tease it before clipping in your extensions to prevent any slipping. Add hair spray for an even better grip.

Get clipping  

  • Pick three and four-clip wefts for the back of your head, saving the biggest for the middle of your head. Use two-clip wefts on the sides by your ears.
  • You can secure smaller wefts section by section or use one or two one-piece extensions, known as quad wefts. These are great for adding extra volume and length in one quick step, sectioning at the widest part of your head.
  • As you clip your extensions throughout each section, layer your natural hair over each one so the clips are nicely covered.
  • If you’re working with smaller wefts, be careful not to space them too widely apart. A short distance between each piece can help results appear more cohesive and natural. 

Style your hair 

  • For straight hair, curling both your real hair and hair extensions can help them blend more seamlessly. 
  • If your natural hair is shorter than your extensions, curling it can also encourage the appearance of medium layers (no one will ever know!).
  • Braids and updos look great with extensions, adding extra volume. They can also help disguise the fact that you’re wearing any at all.

How long does it take?

It can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes to install clip-in extensions. So, whether you’re on a tight morning schedule or heading out for a romantic dinner after work, you can feel glamorous in no time at all. 

And remember: practice makes perfect!

How Much Do Clip-In Hair Extensions Cost? (And Other Things You Need to Know)

A hair stylist measuring out a hair extension next to a client's real head of hair.

How much are clip-in hair extensions?

Cost varies depending on the type, length, brand and installation. On average, you might expect to spend between $100 and $500 for a set of quality clip-in hair extensions. Synthetic clip-ins are more affordable, costing around $5 to $50 per set. Real human hair is more expensive, with virgin hair extensions often costing more than $1,000 — particularly at luxury salons.

Check out our deals on hair extensions and hair salons near you.

How long do clip-in hair extensions last?

Quality clip-in hair extensions can last up to a year with good care, though everyday use may encourage a little more wear and tear. You can care for them by:

  • Gently brushing regularly. 
  • Washing and styling before and after use (if human hair).

Are clip-in extensions bad for your hair?

Good quality clip-in hair extensions are not bad for your hair if you wear and remove them properly. Try not to wear them for long hours throughout the day, every single day, as the weight can put strain on your natural hair and scalp. 

What are the easiest hair extensions to apply yourself?

The easiest hair extensions to apply yourself depend on your hair type. For straight hair, this may be a clip-in quad weft, which can be applied in minutes. For curly hair, you can also find large sections of textured wefts to make extensions look effortlessly natural. 

You can even find halo extensions, which have an elastic headband to secure a quad weft extension in seconds — rather than clips or adhesives.

Top Tips

Close-up of dark red, brownish hair extensions.
  • Clip-in extensions are ideal for temporary styles This means they are perfect for special occasions such as weddings and proms.  
  • Store them correctly – Brush your extensions carefully before storing them in their original box, or even a shoe box. A silk bag is great for natural hair and extensions because silk is gentle, breathable and can help retain moisture. 
  • Even short hair can benefit from extensions – Customize clip-ins to make short hair more voluminous by picking shorter lengths or cutting long extensions. Curl straight hair to appear even more thick and bouncy.

FAQs

A woman with long, beautiful hair looking off into the distance.

How do I make clip-in hair extensions look natural?

Whether you have synthetic or human hair extensions, try to match your extensions to your current hair color and texture to help them blend flawlessly. There are also synthetic clip-in extensions that come pre-styled with beachy waves or texture. 

Clip-in vs. tape-in extensions — which is better?

Tape-in extensions last longer but are typically more expensive, and often need to be fitted by a professional stylist. If you’re looking for an instant and temporary boost in length and volume, clip-in extensions may be more cost and time efficient. 

What are the best clip-in extensions for thin hair?

The best clip-in extensions for thin hair types are ones that match your natural hair thickness but accentuate the volume. That way, the results are subtle while still enjoying the benefit of longer, fuller hair.

How long can you wear clip-in hair extensions?

While you can wear clip-in extensions every day, it’s better to save them for days you need extra oomph. It’s advised to take breaks to allow your real hair to rest from the extra weight. To avoid damage, always remove clip-ins before going to bed.

Feel like trying some clip-in hair extensions yourself? Find great deals on hair extensions and hair salon treatments near you.

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