Fake it: How to Use Clip-in Hair Extensions

Hair can be a fickle thing. We choose a hairstyle that we generally like, but sometimes we really need longer or more voluminous hair for a particular style—especially when it’s a special occasion. Here’s how to fake the looks with the use of clip-in hair extensions.

Note: There are several types of hair extensions available, including more long-term options, but this will not be focused on in this article.

How to clip it:

Once you have decided on the length and color of your hair extensions, the next step is learning how to put them into your hair properly.

With practice, this step will take less and less time, but it can be a bit tricky at first. Hopefully, the hair extensions you have purchased have sewn on clips; if not, you’ll need to buy the clips and get to sewing them on yourself!

Assuming they are ready to clip in, lay out your extensions on a flat surface and group the sizes together (they vary in length depending on the position they need to be clipped onto your head).

Part your hair as normal, then section off hair around the skull from your parting down to each ear. Use clips to hold the sections in place. For the back, section the hair from the bottom up and across the hair in straight lines.

Clip each hair extension in place as you go (prongs face down). Cover each clipped extension with a layer of hair from above it, so that all the clips are covered well.

At first, it might be a good idea to enlist the help of a friend to get to those hard to reach back parts of your head and make sure you are placing and clipping the extensions in straight lines.

Once you have all the clips in place and your own hair down, run your fingers through your hair to make it fall naturally (don’t use a brush, in case you drag the clips out of place).

Why fake it?

One of the main reasons women opt for clip-in hair extensions is for a temporary solution to fill out a hairstyle or to use long extensions for short-term ‘hair growth’.

They are the perfect way to thicken up your locks for volume or for those added few inches. What’s more, the clip-in option means that you can change your hairstyle and length with your mood.

A more permanent solution—using bonds, for example—can damage fine hair if you don’t take the time to care for your extensions properly. They are also quite pricey and take hours to fit, plus the added appointments to alter and tighten them.

Clip-in hair extensions are much cheaper and a quick-fix solution. Often, people start out with clip-in extensions to test whether or not they like the extra volume/length before opting for more expensive, longer-lasting extensions.

How to care for your fake hair:

The good news is, you can treat clip-in extensions made from real human hair just as you would your own hair. When the extensions are out of your hair, you can wash, shampoo and condition them.

You can even blow dry, curl or straighten them although it is advised not to use too many heat appliances on them. When combing the hair, treat is with care and use a wide-tooth comb to work out any knots.

As with your own hair, comb gently, pat wet hair with care (don’t rub) and use lukewarm water (not too hot). In other words, just because this hair is not attached to your scalp, doesn’t mean you can be rough with it—it’s delicate!

While your scalp produces new hair follicles, clip-in hair extensions do not repair themselves and they need some extra care and attention. It is best to air dry your hair extensions. You can also take them to a salon to get them cut, feathered or styled a certain way and even use hair dye to color them.

Hair extensions are very versatile, but for them to last and stay in good condition, try not to overuse or over-style them. Also, try not to wear your clip-ins every day (as tempting as that might be) because clipping the same bit to the same section of your scalp over and over can make your real hair thin a little.

How to style your clip-in extensions:

There are loads of styles that put clip-in extensions to good use. Here are just a few to try out.

Bun

If you have naturally short hair, add hair extensions for a voluminous bun! Just like a ballerina, that extra hair can thicken out the bun making it an elegant hairstyle.

French Braid

Short-haired ladies will know the frustration of having thin braids that look weak and drab. Simply clip in some fake hair and add it your braids for thickness! The extra volume means that you can experiment with different braid styles. If you’ve opted for long-length extensions, enjoy long braids hanging down your back!

Sleek Ponytail

If you have long extensions, clip them in and brush your hair up high on your head and into a long and sleek high ponytail. The extra length looks great with this style. You can use one of your hair sections to clip in and wrap around the hair tie as a ‘hair bobble’.

Loose and Curly

Loose curly hair needs that extra volume to turn heads. If you have naturally fine hair, simply add some clips of pre-curled or waved hair to really thicken up your look and pretend you naturally have a full head of curly hair!

Use your fake hair to add the illusion of thickness and volume by adding sections in your favorite upstyles or simply add them to loose hair for a sleek and long option. The best thing about hair extensions is their versatility, especially when you can clip them in or take them out easily if you change your mind.

Do you use clip-in hair extensions? Why do you love yours? We’d love to hear all about them! Drop us a message in the comments section below and help other YouQueen users decide whether or not to get clip-ins of their own and how to wear them best!