How to Sew Clips on Hair Extensions – A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Having long, voluminous hair is a dream for many. While some are naturally blessed with luscious locks, others rely on hair extensions to get the look they desire. Clip-in hair extensions are a popular option as they are easy to put on and take off. But buying readymade clip-ins can be expensive. A cost-effective alternative is to sew hair wefts onto clips yourself.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of sewing clips on hair extensions step-by-step.

Why Sew Clips on Hair Extensions?

Here are some key reasons why you should consider sewing clips on hair extensions instead of buying ready-made ones:

• Cost-effective – Buying pre-clipped hair extensions can be very expensive. Sewing them yourself costs a fraction of the price.

• Customizable – You can choose the exact type, color and length of hair. This allows you to perfectly match your natural hair.

• Replaceable – Clips may get damaged over time. It’s easy to remove and replace clips sewn with thread when needed.

• Durable – Hand-sewn clips hold up well. Your DIY clip-ins can last a long time with proper care.

• Easy to do – With some basic skills and tools, sewing hair extension clips is quite simple.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following supplies before starting:

Hair

• Wefted hair extensions – Match the texture and color to your natural hair. Get enough to achieve your desired length and volume.

• Extra wefts – Keep some spare wefts handy for attaching multiple clips or if you make any mistakes.

Tools

• Sharp scissors – For cutting thread and trimming hair wefts.

• Needles – Curved needles work best but regular needles can also be used.

• Thread – Pick a thread color close to the hair extension color.

• Wig clips – Metal clips with grooves to sew through. As many clips as needed.

• Measuring tape – To measure weft width for spacing clips.

• Hair extension pliers (optional) – To firmly press clips onto wefts.

Other Essentials

• Rubber bands – To section hair and keep separated from extension hair.

• Hair clips – For sectioning and holding your natural hair in place.

• Rat tail comb – For detangling and neatening extension hair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to sew clips onto your hair extensions:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair Wefts

• Take your wefted hair extension and carefully detangle it using a wide-tooth comb. Be gentle as hair wefts are prone to shedding.

• If the wefted hair has a folded edge, cut it open. This allows the tracks to lie flat when clipped in.

• Cut the weft length according to your preference. For a natural blend, match it to your hair length.

• Lay the weft on a flat surface. Ensure there are no tangles or knots.

Step 2: Section Your Natural Hair

• Part your hair as per your usual hairstyle.

• Divide hair into multiple horizontal sections using clips and bands. This will help blend extensions.

• Tie up the top section so it’s secure and doesn’t mix with the extensions.

Step 3: Attach Clips to the Wefts

• Cut a thread about 2 times the length of your forearm and thread it through a needle. Make a knot at the end.

• Place a wig clip at the edge of the weft, with rounded side facing up.

• Passing through the weft and clip, loop the thread 3 times around each clip hole.

• Space clips 2-3 inches apart across the weft, securely sewing them in place.

• Leave a small gap at the ends of the weft.

Step 4: How to Add Volume

For a fuller look, sew additional weft strips and clips:

• Take a small 1-2 inch weft section and sew a clip at one end, leaving the other end open.

• Place this small weft underneath your main weft, overlapping them slightly. The open ends should face opposite directions.

• The top weft hides the attachment point of the small weft underneath.

• Repeat to add as many mini-wefts as needed for extra volume.

Step 5: Attach Clips to Your Hair

• Start clipping the wefts in the bottom-most hair section near the nape of your neck.

• Match the center clip to the middle of the section. Secure the other clips to the left and right.

• Work upwards section-by-section. Make sure the wefts’ clipped portions are fully hidden by natural hair.

• Blend your natural hair over the wefts using a brush and fingers. Style as desired.

• Check all clips are secured. Ensure hair is untangled and hangs smoothly.

Hair extension before and after sewing clips

Tips for Natural-Looking Clip Ins

• Choose fine, soft textured hair that matches your hair type and blends well.

• Opt for remover wefts over thicker sewn-in wefts for a seamless finish.

• Get wefts no more than 2 inches wider than your hair’s natural width.

• For short hair, use narrower 1-1.5 inch wefts to prevent visible bulking at the roots.

• Get wefts in multiple lengths and install accordingly – longest at the bottom and shorter as you go up.

• Dye or bleach the extensions to perfectly match your current hair color.

• Cut wefts into multiple smaller pieces rather than using one long weft for more natural results.

• Apply dry shampoo at roots to absorb oil and maintain freshness between washes.

How to Care for Your Clip-In Extensions

• Be very gentle while brushing and handling the extensions. Use a wide-tooth comb.

• Wash hair extensions separately from your natural hair using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

• Let the extensions air dry fully before clipping them in. Direct heat damages the hair.

• Take care to detangle the ends post washing. Use leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness.

• Switch the placement of the wefts with each use to prevent too much tension on one part of your hair.

• Avoid sleeping with clipped in extensions. Remove them gently before bedtime.

• Regularly check the clips and threads. Re-sew any loose clips for a secure hold.

• Store extensions on a wig stand or soft padded surface away from direct sunlight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sewing clips on hair extensions is easy but there are some common mistakes to be aware of:

• Using the wrong thread color – Match the thread closely to the extension color or it may be visible.

• Inadequate knots – Triple knotting each clip hole ensures the tightest hold.

• Improper clip placement – Clip extensions need to be firmly anchored at the roots to stay hidden.

• Applying excess tension – Clipping sections too tightly puts stress on the hair and clips.

• Skipping sectioning – Evenly distributing extensions in sections prevents lumps and bumps.

• Insufficient blending – Natural hair must fully conceal clips, wefts and attachment points.

• Wearing extensions 24/7 – Remove extensions gently at night to avoid permanent damage to your hair.

• Using damaging tools – Avoid applying too much heat from curling wands, straighteners, etc.

• Rough handling – Yanking out tangles or catching the extensions on things can cause irreparable harm.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Hair extension clips are visible through the hair.

Solution: Re-adjust the clips and blend over the attachments using your fingers to completely hide them. Go for narrower wefts if they are peeking out from the sides.

Problem: Wefts are shedding excessively and look sparse.

Solution: Avoid overbrushing extensions, detach clips gently without pulling hair. Check hair quality – human hair lasts longer than synthetic.

Problem: Extensions feel tight/ heavy and hurt the scalp.

Solution: Ensure clips are not placed too close together. Redistribute them to spread out the weight. Take breaks from constant use.

Problem: Natural hair looks bumpy and uneven at the roots.

Solution: Work in smaller sections, angle clips to lie flat against scalp. Smooth down bumps with a comb or your hands.

Problem: Clip-ins