Are Clip-In Hair Extensions Bad For Your Hair?

Clip-in hair extensions have become an extremely popular way to temporarily change up your hairstyle. They offer an easy, non-damaging option to add length, volume, highlights, or a combination – no appointment needed! But some people wonder, are clip-in extensions actually bad for your natural hair?

The short answer is no – when worn properly and cared for, clip-ins will not damage your hair. However, there are some key things to keep in mind to prevent breakage and other issues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wearing clip-in extensions safely.

How Clip-In Extensions Work

Clip-in hair extensions consist of wefts of human or synthetic hair that attach via clips sewn into the top of each weft. The clips act like barrettes, snapping onto small sections of your natural hair to hold the extensions in place.

Sets come in a variety of lengths, colors, and textures. Most also include multiple wefts in different widths to allow you to customize the look and coverage.

Are Clip-Ins Less Damaging Than Other Extension Types?

Clip-in extensions are widely considered the least damaging type of extensions. Here’s why:

• They don’t require heat or chemicals: Other methods like tape-ins, bonds, and fusion extensions rely on glues and other chemicals applied using hot tools. This can damage hair over time. Clip-ins simply snap in place without heat.

• They don’t put constant tension on hair: Sewn-in extensions and tight braids can put hair under chronic tension, potentially leading to traction alopecia. Clip-ins are only worn temporarily so there is no ongoing pull on the follicles.

• You can give your hair a break: Permanent extension methods keep hair under strain 24/7. The temporary nature of clip-ins means you can easily remove them and give your hair a rest.

• The weight is distributed: Clips attach the wefts to small sections, dividing the weight evenly and minimizing stress on the follicles.

Clip-In Dos and Don’ts

While less risky than permanent extensions, clip-ins can still cause damage if worn improperly. Here are some key dos and don’ts:

Do:

• Use the right hair type: Stick to high-quality human hair extensions, which blend best with your bio hair. Synthetic hair can feel harsh.

• Choose the right color: Carefully color-match your extensions to your natural hair color and tone. Obvious mismatches will look fake.

• Backcomb sections: Gently tease the sections of hair that will hold the clips. This creates a buffer between the clips and your roots.

• Remove gently: Unclip the extensions gently to avoid breakage. Don’t pull or tug.

• Give hair a break: Avoid overuse. Wearing any extensions daily can cause damage over time.

• Use bond repairers: Bond repair products reinforce hair and help minimize any friction damage from clips.

Don’t:

• Overuse extensions: Wearing them daily/near-daily puts excessive strain on your natural hair.

• Sleep in extensions: Tossing and turning can knot and tug on hair. Always remove before bed.

• Use when hair is dirty: Product residue and oil reduces clip grip. Always apply to clean hair.

• Tease aggressively: Harsh backcombing can itself break and damage hair. Go slowly and gently.

• Let clips slide: Check regularly that clips are still gripping hair firmly to prevent sliding.

• Brush harshly: Gently detangle extensions after removal. Don’t brush them when clipped in.

Follow these simple guidelines and clip-ins will add fullness and length without compromising the health of your natural hair!

Expert Tips For Preventing Damage

For additional guidance, we checked in with stylists for their pro tips on keeping hair healthy when wearing clip-in extensions:

• “Take them out at night and gently brush through your own hair starting from the ends up before bed. This ensures no knots develop as a result of friction against the extensions all day.” – Celia Leslie, Bombshell Salon

• “If you have fine or thin hair, use small clips and extra sections to disperse weight. Don’t pull too much hair into one clip or it can break.” – Michelle Jones, The Hair Lounge

• “Put a little texture spray like sea salt spray on natural hair sections before clipping wefts in place. This adds grip so clips don’t slide down the hair shaft.” – Maxine Dexter, Dexter’s Salon

• “If you’re wearing clip-ins for several hours, bring a small comb and check periodically that clips are still in place. Clips can slide down overtime.” – Demi Rodriguez, Demi’s Salon

• “Don’t continue wearing a set of clip-ins over and over without washing them! Oil and dirt buildup makes them harder to comb and can transfer to your hair.” – Patrick Chung, Patrick’s Salon

• “If clips start to feel tight or tuggy when putting in our taking out, the tension is too great. Try redistributing the clips.” – Naomi Young, Young’s Beauty Bar

Caring For Your Extensions

High-quality clip-in extensions represent an investment, so caring for them properly ensures they last. Follow these tips:

Regularly wash and condition: Buildup of oils, styling products, and dirt damages the hair. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner made for extensions.

Air dry when possible: Heat from blowdryers and hot tools can damage over time. Let them air dry if you have time.

Store carefully: Keep extensions tucked neatly in their original packaging or hung on a padded hanger between uses. Don’t just shove them in a bag.

Avoid harsh brushing: Very gently brush out tangles using a wide-tooth comb. Start from the bottom up.

Use repairing products: Pre-wash with a bond repair treatment or apply leave-in treatments before clipping in.

Proper storage, washing, and handling keeps extensions looking their best so you get the most wear out of each set!

Finding Your Perfect Set of Clip-Ins

Ready to take the plunge? Keep these tips in mind when selecting your clip-in extensions:

• Set a budget: Prices range widely from around $50 to $500+. In general, $100 to $200 buys good quality.

• Match hair characteristics: Consider texture, density, and thickness. Extensions that match your hair blend seamlessly.

• Choose reputable brands: Ask friends for recommendations and read reviews. Established extension brands often offer the best quality.

• Select the right length: Measure your hair and choose a length in proportion to your height. Avoid exaggerated lengths.

• Calculate required thickness: Thicker hair needs more wefts and wider clips. Err on the side of more coverage – you can always use fewer wefts.

• Find the right tones: Have a stylist help you select the exact shades to flawlessly match your natural color.

• Consider removable vs. permanent clips: Some have clips that can be taken off to allow for custom placement; others have sewn-in clips.

With some thought given to hair type, length, color, and your lifestyle needs, you’re sure to find the perfect clip-ins to give you gorgeous, healthy hair any day of the week!

Clip-In Extension Pros and Cons

Like any hair product, clip-in extensions come with pluses and minuses. Assess these benefits and drawbacks:

Pros:

• Adds length, volume quickly and easily
• Fun for occasional styling change
• Versatile – wear just a few pieces or the whole set
• Reusable for months/years
• No appointment needed
• Easy to use at home
• Less damage than glued or sewn-in extensions
• Can be removed at any time

Cons:

• Can look unnatural if not color matched properly
• Doesn’t last as long as permanent extensions
• Can’t be restyled or treated like real hair
• Improper use may damage hair
• Can be expensive for high quality
• Not meant for long-term daily wear

Overall, clip-ins give you lots of flexibility and customization for temporarily changing up your look with less risk of damage than permanent extensions. Just take care to use them properly!

Favorite Clip-In Extension Brands

If you’re ready to buy your first set of clip-ins, these brands come highly recommended by stylists and users:

• [Luxy Hair] – Luxy specializes in clip-ins made with high-grade human hair. Their popular “seamless” wefts and mini clipping make for easy blending.

• [Bellami Hair] – Offering both classic and “invisible” clip-ins