Your Guide To Attaching Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a fabulous way to increase the length and body of shorter hair quickly and easily. However, if going to a salon to have hair extensions attached is a little too costly for your budget, here is a do it yourself guide for applying hair extensions.

Using clip on hair extensions made from real human hair, as opposed to synthetic hair, is preferred. Real hair will blend more naturally and stands up better to styling products and heated tools such as curling irons or blow dryers.

Attaching clip on hair extensions is really quite simple, but it does take a little time and attention to detail. It's really all about blending the extensions with your natural hair.

The secret to successfully adding extensions to short hair is camouflaging the clip on hair pieces with your natural hair. This is done by adding the extensions in sections, and then layering your own hair over them.

Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail. Using a rat tail comb, divide a section of hair at the back of your head about an inch from the base of your neck. This bottom most section of hair will be your first layer, so clip the rest of your hair out the way.

Clip three extensions onto this base layer, with the outside two first, then the centre clip in between. Take care not to clip your extensions too close to the scalp as this may pull or cause discomfort.

Using your comb, pull down another one inch section of your hair to drape over the completed extensions. This is now your second layer. Although three is recommended for the base layer, two extensions are enough for the remaining layers. Continue layering and clipping your extensions to the back of your head until you have about three inches of hair left at the crown for the final covering layer.

Depending on your hair style, you may wish to add some length to the sides of your head also. Section off an area of hair at the side of your head, about three inches above your ear. Clip on your extension and let your remaining hair fall over it to complete the coverage layer.

To finish off your new look, try using a curling iron to style your hair. This will help incorporate your extensions into your natural hairlines and detract any choppiness you might have from the layering, leaving you with long, natural looking hair.


Learn about beauty without cruelty cosmetics plus many other beauty tips.