How to Hide Extensions When Putting Hair Up

Hair extensions are a great way to add length, volume and style to your locks. But getting them to seamlessly blend when putting your hair up can be tricky. Nothing ruins an updo faster than obvious bonds, clips or tracks peeking out!

Follow these pro tips to flawlessly hide your extensions when styling your hair up so no one ever suspects you’re wearing added hair.

Choose Discreet Extension Methods

The type of extensions you choose will impact how invisible they are when putting hair up. Look for methods that allow strategic placement:

• Clip-ins – Conceal clips under layers at the crown. Avoid long, heavy tracks.

• Tape-ins – Have tapes applied vertically underneath top layers near the nape.

• Micro links/rings – Tiny bonds are easy to disguise within hair.

• Wefts – Opt for hand-tied wefts which contour the head for invisible placement.

• Halos – Situate the wire halo under layers at the crown away from the hairline.

Go for lighter, daintier extensions placed close to the scalp and under top layers of hair.

Match Your Hair Color Perfectly

Even the slightest mismatch in color between extensions and your natural hair will be glaringly obvious when hair is up. Choose 100% remy human hair extensions custom-blended to precisely match your exact tone and depth.

When in doubt, go slightly darker as this helps camouflage bonds and attachments. Have your color professionally matched if needed.

Style Hair in a Messy Bun

Messy buns are the ultimate extension hider! The casually twisted up style conceals any clips, tracks or bonds perfectly. Pull hair up into a loose bun, leaving out face framing pieces.

Add volume at the crown and nape to disguise any attachments. Finish with bobby pins to secure any peeking pieces.

Try a Braided Updo

Intricate braided updos are another excellent way to camouflage extensions when hair is up. Braiding locks in attachments and creates plenty of texture to hide bonds.

Do a fishtail, lace braid or milkmaid braid sweeping pieces elegantly up and disguising where extensions start. Finish by pinning braids into a chic upstyle.

Use Bobby Pins and Accessories

When pinning up hair, use bobby pins strategically to secure any extensions pieces threatening to pop out. Place pins vertically rather than horizontally for most discreet securing.

Hair accessories like bands, scrunchies, clips and sticks are also great for camouflaging attachments seamlessly.

See a Stylist for Pro Blending

For special events, see a stylist to install and seamlessly blend in extensions so bonds are totally invisible when hair is up. They can point cut, slice, color melt and style hair up in ways that completely disguise extensions.

Check the Back!

After putting hair up, always do a thorough check of the back to ensure no clips, wires or wefts are peeking out. Have a friend check for you too. Make any necessary adjustments to keep extensions totally hidden.

Style Backcomb Braids or Crimps

Full, voluminous braided or crimped styles are terrific for hiding extensions when styled up. Backcomb and tease hair at the root before braiding or crimping to add loads of volume that conceals attachments.

Common Questions

What if my extensions are a different texture than my hair?

Use styling products to smooth down the extensions hair and match your texture. Oils, gels and creams help blend different textures and densities.

Can I wear a high ponytail with extensions?

Yes, but sweep hair straight back rather than pulling it tight vertically which can expose bonds. Check the ponytail placement in the mirror.

What are the best extensions for updos?

Hand-tied wefts, micro links, tapes and clip-ins are all good options for updos as they allow adjustable placement to keep extensions hidden.

Will extensions Damage My Hair When Up?

No – extensions don’t inherently damage hair when worn up. Just be gentle, don’t pull too tight, and use soft hair ties. Give hair a break from extensions regularly.

Should I Put Extensions in a Top Knot Bun?

No – top knot buns pull hair extra tight and are likely to expose bonds and wefts. Opt for looser, messier buns placed at the back crown instead.

Takeaway

With the right application methods and careful styling techniques, extensions can be styled in gorgeous updos, braids and buns without anyone ever detecting you have added hair. Use accessories, leave out fringe pieces, backcomb for volume and do regular hand checks to keep bonds concealed for hair that looks fabulously full and natural in all your updos.