How to Clip in Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a great way to instantly add length, volume, and style to your hair. Clip-in extensions are temporary and removable, making them a versatile option for changing up your look without any long-term commitment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clip in hair extensions at home.

What Are Clip-In Hair Extensions?

Clip-in hair extensions are wefts of synthetic or real human hair that you can easily clip into your own hair to transform your look. Here are some key facts about clip-in extensions:

• Made of strands of hair woven together into a weft with clips sewn in

• Clips allow you to temporarily clip hair pieces in and out of your natural hair

• Come in a variety of lengths, textures, and colors

• Can be made from synthetic fibers or real human hair

• Provide instant length, volume, highlights, or layers

• Easy to apply by yourself at home

• Temporary and removable, unlike bonded or sewn-in extensions

• Reusable for up to 12 months with proper care

Clip-ins are popular because they allow you to quickly change up your hairstyle without damaging your natural hair. They are also affordable, low maintenance, and reusable compared to other extension methods.

Benefits of Clip-In Hair Extensions

There are many benefits that make clip-in extensions a top choice:

• Versatile – Easy to put in and take out as needed. Allows you to experiment with different lengths, textures, and colors.

• Temporary – No long-term commitment. Wear them for a day or night out without worries.

• Removable – Take them out gently without professional help. Avoid salon removal fees.

• Damage-free – Do not require glues, chemicals or heat that can damage hair. Safe for all hair types.

• User-friendly – Simple to apply by yourself at home. No need for professional help.

• Reusable – Can be worn again and again with proper storage and care. Get more value for your money.

• Natural look – Blend seamlessly into your own hair for a natural, voluminous look when applied properly.

• Affordable – Cost effective way to change up your style compared to salon services.

Things You’ll Need

Gather the following tools and accessories before starting the application process:

• Set of clip-in hair extensions (matched to your hair color and texture)

• Wide-tooth comb

• Rat-tail comb

• Several large hair clips

• Hair ties

• Heat protectant spray (if heat-styling)

• Curling iron or flat iron (optional)

• Handheld mirror

Ensure your clip-in extensions match your natural hair color and texture as closely as possible. This will allow them to blend in seamlessly. Purchase them from a reputable retailer that offers color swatch matching.

How to Apply Clip-In Extensions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to properly insert clip-in hair extensions:

1. Prep Your Hair

Start with clean, dry, tangle-free hair. Wash and condition your hair as normal, then let it air dry or use a blowdryer. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, then follow with a boar bristle brush to smooth it out.

2. Section Out Top Layer of Hair

Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear just above the nape of your neck. Use the rat-tail comb to create a clean straight part.

Clip the top section up and out of the way using hair clips.

3. Unclip the Wefts

Unclip all the wefts and arrange them in order from longest to shortest.

Use the wide-tooth comb to gently detangle each weft, brushing from the ends upwards.

If the wefts are very tangled, use leave-in conditioner to help smooth them out.

4. Identify Clips on Each Weft

Count how many clips are sewn onto each weft. This will determine the placement order.

Typically, the longest wefts will have the most clips. Shorter wefts will have fewer clips.

5. Insert the Longest Weft First

Start with the longest weft, which likely has the most clips. Open all the clips and position the weft horizontally along your part line.

Anchor it close to the roots by snapping the middle clip closed first. Then close the clips on the ends.

6. Work Upwards in Layers

Take the next longest weft and position it above the first weft, anchoring it about 1-2 inches from the first weft line. Snap clips from middle to ends.

Keep adding wefts in order from longest to shortest, placing each new weft about 1-2 inches above the previous one. Always start clipping from the middle first.

7. Blend with Top Layers

Once all the wefts are secured, unclip and release the top layers of your natural hair.

Gently blend the extensions together with your own hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

8. Set and Style

If needed, use a heat protectant spray before styling with heat tools.

Curl or flat iron both the extensions and your natural hair to seamlessly blend.

Spritz lightly with hairspray for a finished hold.

9. Check Placement

Do a final check that the clips are anchored securely and wefts are blended properly throughout your hair.

Gently shake your head back and forth and look for any visible clips or wefts that may need adjusting.

Make any tweaks as needed so the extensions move and bounce naturally with your hair.

Tips for Different Hair Types and Textures

• Fine or thin hair: Use lightweight, thinner wefts to avoid visible bulking. Add volume with teasing and backcombing at the roots.

• Short hair: Opt for extensions just a few inches longer than your natural length. Add layers for a seamless blend.

• Long hair: Choose extra-long wefts to maximize length. Focus on adding volume and thickness.

• Curly hair: Get wefts with a matching curl or wave pattern. Use a curling wand to touch up and blend as needed.

• Straight hair: Select straight, smooth wefts or gently straighten textured wefts to match your hair.

• Damaged hair: Avoid placing wefts on broken sections prone to tangling. Use leave-in treatments before clipping in.

• Fine textured hair: Pick smooth, silky wefts to complement your hair type. Rough or thick textures may not blend well.

How to Remove Clip-In Extensions

Taking out your clip-in extensions is quick and easy:

• Start from the bottom weft first. Gently slide your fingers under the weft to locate the clips. Unclip them one at a time.

• Work upwards in order. Continue to locate each weft and unclip all the clips until all wefts are removed.

• Use care when removing. Unclip slowly and gently to avoid snapping or tugging on your natural hair.

• Never sleep in extensions. Always remove them fully before bed to avoid tangling and damage.

• Comb out your hair after removing. Use a wide-tooth comb to smooth out your hair after taking extensions out.

Storing and Caring for Clip-Ins

Proper storage and care will help clip-in extensions last longer. Follow these tips:

• Keep extensions secured on a wig stand or mannequin head when not in use. This maintains the style and prevents tangling.

• Never braid, tie or wrap the hair into buns or ponytails when storing. This causes stress, friction and irreversible tangles.

• Avoid harsh brushing. Use a wide-tooth comb and gently brush from ends to roots when needed.

• Wash human hair extensions with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Let air dry.

• Spot clean synthetic extensions as needed using a gentle brush and dry shampoo or baby powder.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent drying out.

• Consider using a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum before clipping in for an ultra-smooth look and easier styling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these tips to prevent mistakes when clipping in extensions:

• Don’t use extensions that don’t match your natural hair color, texture, length or thickness. This can look unnatural and obvious.

• Don’t clip in rows too close together. Leave 1-2 inches between each weft for optimal blending.

• Don’t apply heavy oils or product buildup before putting extensions in. This causes sliding and tangling.

• Don’t sleep in extensions. Always remove before bed to maintain the quality and avoid damage.

• Don’t aggressively brush or over-wash. This can cause frizz, shedding