Adding some extensions to your hair is a great way to give it extra length and volume. Hair extensions are popular with celebrities and can often be seen on the red carpet. It is possible for you to be able to get that celebrity look, you just need to know the tricks of the trade; we are here to help.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are the easy way to get instant length, volume and style without damaging your own hair. The hair is supplied in tracks which are attached to clips so it is ready to use as soon as you take the hair out of the packaging.
Clip-in extensions are easily applied to the hair at the roots in layers. Firstly, wash, dry and brush your own hair to ensure that it is in perfect condition. Then, take a comb and make a horizontal parting at the very back of your hair, just above the nape of your neck; clip/tie the rest of your hair out of the way. Back-comb the roots of the hair which is left down to ensure that the clips have an area to grip on to easily. Take your track of extensions and, attaching the middle clip first and working your way outwards, secure the extensions to your hair. Repeat the process with the next layer of hair, leaving approximately 1/1½ inches between layers.
The beauty of this process is that your own hair will cover the extension tracks, making them look completely natural. It is worth noting that it is easier to create a more natural looking style using a curled style than a straight one. This is because the curls of your own hair and that of the extensions merge together more seamlessly than if you hair is straight and so are the extensions; often, a notable contrast and step between then shorter natural hair and long extensions can be seen.
Clip in hair extensions can be made from both synthetic and natural human hair.
Synthetic Hair
Synthetic hair extensions are the cheap option of you want impressive hair but are on a budget. The main attraction of these types of extensions is the price; caring for them is quite difficult. Synthetic hair cannot be heat treated as it will burn or melt, therefore any styling must be done using alternative methods.
To curl synthetic hair extensions, wrap them around rollers and secure the rollers in place. Then, run the hot tap until the water is very warm; dip the extensions in this water. You can then leave them to dry with the rollers in. Once dry, remove the rollers and you should have lovely curly extensions; secure the curls with a little hairspray if required. Whilst this method is effective, it is more time consuming that using curling tongs as you are able to on human hair extensions.
Human Hair
Human hair extensions are more expensive than their synthetic counterparts, but this is for a good reason. As the hair is human, you can wash and style the extensions as you would you own hair, including blow drying and heat styling. This means that they will last a lot longer than synthetic extensions.
As it is human hair you are using, it will be prone to heat damage such as split ends. When this occurs, simply cut the split ends off and your extensions will be as good as new, prolonging their life.