Hair Care

So you've taken the plunge and ordered new clip-in hair extensions. It's an exciting time, and I'm sure you're ready to start rocking your new locks! This guide will walk you through how to install them for the most natural look possible. In some areas, I'll include tips and tricks for overcoming tricky steps. While there are multiple ways to install clip-in extensions, this method is the most natural and secure one I've found—whether you're a first-timer or seeking an alternative to your usual approach.

What You'll Need for the Install:

Clip-in hair extensions

Small hair rubber bands

Hair pins

Flat iron

Wide-tooth comb

How To Apply Clip-In Hair Extensions

Preparation

First, start with clean, dry hair. Shampoo and condition as usual, then blow-dry using a heat protectant. Once completely dry, detangle your natural hair with a wide-tooth comb. Ensure the clip-in extensions are also detangled before moving forward. With both your natural hair and extensions prepped, you're ready for the next step.

Sectioning Your Hair

Begin by identifying the "leave-out" section—the hair you'll keep loose to blend with the extensions. Gather this section into a clip or ponytail, shaping it like a horseshoe around the crown of your head. Now, decide between two base styles for the remaining hair:

Cornrows/Braids: Starting near the ears, braid the hair downward toward the nape of the neck. This creates a secure base for the extensions to grip.

Low Ponytail: Brush the hair smoothly into a very low ponytail, securing it tightly at the base with a rubber band.

I prefer braiding because it provides more texture for the clips to hold, ensuring better security.

Braiding vs. Low Pony

Braiding: Work from the ears toward the back, creating neat cornrows or braids. Secure each row at the base with a small rubber band.

Low Ponytail: Brush hair into a sleek low ponytail and secure.

Whichever method you choose, pin the remaining hair (above the braid/ponytail) upward toward the crown to keep it out of the way.

Installing the Clip-In Extensions

Start at the nape of the neck with a 3-clip weft, attaching it close to the base of your braided/low ponytail hair.

Move upward, using 5-clip wefts for the mid-section to add volume.

Near the ears, place 3-clip wefts at a gentle diagonal angle angling toward the neck for a natural flow—no drastic angles needed.

Add 2-clip wefts above each ear to fill in gaps.

Finally, apply a 4- or 5-clip weft at the top, near the part line of your leave-out section.

Once all wefts are clipped in, release the leave-out hair from the clip or ponytail.

Blending

Blending is the trickiest step, but these tips will help:

Flat Ironing: Heat your flat iron and apply heat protectant to both natural hair and extensions. Start with ¼-inch sections of your leave-out hair, smoothing each with the iron. Gradually work upward, occasionally gliding the iron over the extension edges where they meet your natural hair for seamless integration.

Curling Tips: Curl the ends of your hair both natural and extensions under slightly to create a unified texture.

Back-of-Head Hack: Tease the hair just below the crown above the highest clip-in weft with a teasing comb. This adds volume and hides the extension bases, preventing a flat, obvious line.

Bang Area: If needed, insert single-clip extensions into the bang area to fill in sparse spots.

Finish by gently smoothing everything with the flat iron again. For lasting hold, mist with a lightweight finishing spray or hairspray.

Final Tips

Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to uneven placement. Adjust angles until the extensions flow naturally with your hair.

Balance Volume: If the top looks too full compared to the bottom, remove one weft to create harmony.

Protect Extensions: Always use heat protectant to maintain their shine and longevity.

With practice, installing clip-in hair extensions will become second nature! The key is patience and attention to blending—soon, you'll have a flawless, natural-looking hairstyle that turns heads.