Hair extensions. Probably one of the most sought-after hair services in the hair industry. Have you ever wanted them but are overwhelmed with what method, colour and style to go for? This step by step hair extension guide will help answer all your questions.
Curly, straight, long, short, black or blonde, there are so many factors you need to consider when opting for hair extensions, in this blog we will cover all these aspects. Read on to determine your perfect locks.
Click to skip to the good bits👇
The most common type of hair extension used today is clip-in hair extension. These are attached to the scalp using clips, which are then removed after a few hours.
Clip-ins are popular because they don’t require any permanent changes to the hair. They’re also easy to remove.
If you are here to learn about hair extensions and want to pursue this as a career see our accredited online hair extension course. If not and just hear to learn a little about hair extensions we hope you enjoy our step by step hair extension guide.
What are the best hair extensions for me?
Hair extensions are an easy way to change your appearance quickly, I am often asked which hair extensions are the least damaging whilst still looking natural. Clip-ins are the easiest type of hair extension to apply and remove. They are made of synthetic fibres that are glued onto a band with clips. These types of hair extensions are great for everyday wear since they can be removed and replaced easily. If you need to go out dancing or playing sports and want to know which hair extensions are the least damaging, then I have answered by saying clip-ins may not be the best choice for you.
You should choose hair extensions that can withstand the rigours of daily life, like weaves and wigs. Weaves and wigs are usually made of real hair and are attached using glue, tape or sewn in. They are generally permanent but can be removed at any time.
Wig styles come in many different shapes and sizes, including straight, curly, and wavy. This should help you to find out which hair extensions are the least damaging but if you are looking for more information always ask a professional. Hair extensions can be purchased online or at local beauty supply stores.
If you are wondering how much do hair extensions cost in a salon in the UK – I will touch on this further down in this article.
How long do hair extensions last?
Hair Extensions are made with 100% Remy human hair, which means they’re hypoallergenic and won’t cause any allergic reactions. You can also choose from a range of different lengths, textures, colours, and styles. If you properly take care of your hair extensions and follow your stylist’s advice, then they should last anywhere between 9-18 months.
Do hair extensions damage your hair?
When choosing a method of hair extension, there are several factors to consider.
First, the type of hair extensions matters. You should choose hair extensions that will fit your hair best. For example:
If you have thin hair, then clip-ins may not be the best choice for you because they won’t provide enough volume and will pull on the hair.
If you have thick hair, then clip-in extensions may not be the best option either. Instead, you could opt for wefts, which are small sections of hair that are glued together and attached to your own hair. Wefts are usually less expensive than clip-ins and can give you an even fuller appearance. However, wefts require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep combing through your hair to ensure that the glue doesn’t come loose.
Also, you need to clean your hair regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and oil. Provided you have the correct methods of hair extensions for your hair type, and you properly take care of them, then no, they shouldn’t damage your hair.
How long does it take to clip in hair extensions?
Clipping in clip-in hair extensions takes about 10 minutes.
If you’re interested in learning how to clip in hair extensions, there are lots of helpful videos on youtube and enrol on online hair extension courses.
How do I choose the right shade of Hair extensions?
Most hair extension companies and online hair extension courses will provide a colour match service, where you will send in a photo of your hair in good natural lighting and they will match your hair to a shade they carry. Alternatively, most hair extension companies have colour rings that you can purchase so you can colour match at home.
How do I style hair extensions?
Hair extensions come in many different styles and colours. You can choose your own length, thickness, and texture. Hair extensions can be clipped in with clips, wefts, or glue.
It is important that you go to the hairdresser to get your extensions blended, to get the most natural-looking look. As you may have a more blunt cut that will make it extremely difficult to blend.
As you read through this step by step hair extension guide we will break down further methods of styling hair extensions for different styles of hair.
You can wear clip-in hair extensions even if you have curly hair. Hair extensions come in many different styles now, so you won’t find it difficult to find clips in extensions. As the majority of the more permanent hair extensions are real human hair, they can be curled to mimic your natural curl pattern.
Will hair extensions blend if I have short hair?
If you are asking how long does hair need to be for extensions and whether your extensions will blend with short hair you have to first understand how short is short.
If you have hair that is above shoulder-length hair, you may struggle to blend your hair extensions. Possibly opting for more permanent hair extensions would be best. Ask your stylist how long your hair needs to be for extensions and your stylist will be able to help you or strategically place your extensions and blend them to get the most natural look.
What are the best hair extensions for short hair?
The best hair extensions you can choose from for short hair are wefts, wigs, and even full headpieces.
What are the best hair extensions for thin hair?
Hair extensions are a great way to add volume and thickness to thin and fine-haired women. However, you should always check with your stylist before using them because they may not suit your hair type. Tape hair extensions are best for finer hair women, as they lie flat to the head and are more discrete.
In our online hair extension course, we talk through the different extensions for different hair types.
Will clip in hair extensions work for my wedding hairstyle?
Yes! Hair extensions are a great way to add volume, length, and colour to your desired hairstyle. They are great for creating any style you desire.
If you want your hair to look like it does in the movies, then you need to get real hair extensions. You can buy them online at any time of the year. Hair extensions are very easy to apply and remove. If you’re looking for a specific style, there are many different options available.
How to care for hair extensions 👇
Caring for hair extensions can be a breeze if we want it to be our step-by-step hair extension guide breaks this down below. From what products to use to how to colour your lovely faux locks.
Can I curl and straighten hair extensions?
Hair extensions are an easy and affordable way to change your hairstyle. You can curl, straighten, blow dry and style them just like you would any other type of hair extension (providing they are human hair). However, because of the nature of Remy Human Hair Extensions, they need special care. I recommend using a heat protectant spray before styling. This will help keep your hair extensions looking great for longer. It is easy to ask a professional to curl them or you can take an online hair extension course or even watch some videos on Tik Tok.
I recommend using a lower temperature setting when styling your hair extensions. Anything above 120 degrees Celsius (248 Fahrenheit) will damage your hair extensions. If you’re not sure what temperature setting to use, check out our guide to heatless hairstyling!
What products can I use on hair extensions?
Hair extensions need to be taken care of just like any other type of hair. Shampoo for hair extensions can be hard to choose. There are so many choices, so many brands advertising to you? So who would I recommend?
When looking for a shampoo for hair extensions search for a shampoo that is natural to keep your hair safe and un-damaged
Avoid these in any shampoo for hair extensions:
Sulphates
Sodium
DMDM
If you notice any signs of damage, you should treat it immediately with a hair mask and lay off the heat. Dry shampoo is an easy solution to prevent buildup and maintain a fresh look. Organic hair products are recommended because they contain fewer chemicals and preservatives than non-organic ones. Also, they won’t cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
In addition to using heat protectant sprays, we also recommend using a heat protector serum before applying any heat styling products. Heat protectant serums are formulated to help keep your hair protected during heat styling.
How to wash and dry hair extensions?
Some hair extensions are made out of synthetic materials, so they do not require any oiling. You should wash them once a week at most, and even then, only if there is too much buildup and they are becoming unmanageable to style properly. If you do not wash them regularly, they may start to fall out after 2-3 months.
You should always use sulfate-free and non-comedogenic shampoos when washing Human Hair extensions. Shampooing them will help keep them soft and manageable. I also recommend applying a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to give your hair extensions a boost of hydration and nutrients.
Wash your hair regularly to keep it healthy and prevent split ends. If you notice any tangles, gently pull them out using an extension brush. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach and peroxide. To dry your hair, use a towel or blow dryer.
How to brush hair extensions?
When brushing your extensions, start from the bottom and brush upwards towards the roots. Make sure to support the bonds to prevent unnecessary strain and potentially pulling them out.
Can I colour my hair extensions?
So the question is can I colour my hair extensions, how to dip dye hair extensions, and is it hard to colour hair extensions?. Well, extensions that are made of 100% Remy Human Hair, then yes, You can dye them any colour you desire, including black, blonde, red, brown, purple, etc.
If you are considering colouring your extension then I strongly suggest going to a professional hair stylist to get your set professionally dyed. Just as you would for your hair, nails and eyelashes for the best finish.
How to dip dye hair extensions?
As a professional hairstylist, I do not recommend dip dying your hair extensions yourself, as you need the correct knowledge to prevent ruining your hair extensions. Believe me when I say I often get asked how to dip dye hair extensions by clients and I always respond by reminding them how much they spent on their extensions and that it is not worth wasting money by accidentally dying them incorrectly without a professional.
Can I sleep with hair extensions?
When you sleep with extensions they can get tangled during the night, causing damage to both the extensions and your natural hair. Always make sure you sleep with your hair extensions in a loose braid or ponytail.
Can I swim with hair extensions?
I do not recommend swimming with extensions in because chlorine from swimming pools, salt in ocean water, and dirt from lakes and rivers can damage your extensions.
Can I play sports with hair extensions?
When you wear hair extensions, avoid doing anything that will cause you to sweat excessively. Your sweat is salty, acidic, and dries out your hair extensions. This can cause your extensions to become tangled, matted, and fall out sooner. Try to limit your exposure to sweating by keeping your hair extensions clipped while working out at the gym.
Types of hair extensions
Hair extensions come in many different forms. There are clip-ins, wefts, micro rings, mini ringlets, and even full head pieces. Clip-ins are usually the cheapest type of extension, and they are attached to your natural hair using clips. Wefts are similar to clip-ins, except that they are sewn into your natural hair. Micro rings are small, individual strands of hair that are woven through your own hair. Mini ringlets are smaller versions of micro rings. Full headpieces are designed to cover the entirety of your head.
If you are considering learning how to offer hair extensions as a service I would 100% recommend taking a hair extension course for beginners.
Clips ins
Clip-ins are a form of hair extension that attaches to your own hair using small clips.
Tapes
Tape extensions are a great option if you’re looking for something easy to maintain. You won’t need to worry about getting them cut every month, and you can just let them grow out naturally. If you’re not sure what length you’d like, we recommend going for a tape extension that will fit your natural hair length. Tape extensions are also a great option for those who already have long hair.
Tape extensions should not be applied by someone who doesn’t understand how to apply tape properly. Damage is very easy to cause when applying for tape extensions. An experienced hair extension stylist will be able to prevent damage and help you achieve the best results possible.
How to re tape hair extensions?
Your stylist will know how to re tape your hair extensions. They will remove the old glue from the tapes using a special remover and re tape them with a new glue tab.
Wefts
Wefting is a method of weaving hair into the fabric. It is done by sewing individual hair strands into a piece of fabric. Wefting is often used to create wigs.
Bonded
Bonding hair extensions are strands of hair that are attached to your own hair using an adhesive. These extensions can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 2 years depending on your hair type and the product you use. You will need to replace them every few months.
What is Remy human hair?
Remy Hair is the highest quality human hair available today. Remy hair is made from 100% Remy human hair that has never been chemically treated, bleached, dyed or permed. The cuticle is left intact and not stripped, creating an extension that looks completely natural. This process ensures that your hair will remain super soft, shiny, smooth and completely tangle-free throughout its lifetime.
Synthetic hair extensions are usually cheaper than human hair extensions. They are not as durable as human hair extensions and will need to be replaced every 6 months. Human hair extensions are usually sold at salons and beauty supply stores and are more expensive than synthetic hair extensions. They are very durable and can last years if cared for properly. You can style them however you like, wash them, and treat them just like your own hair.
Hair extensions made from synthetic hair aren’t very durable. They also tend to not blend well with your natural hair. Synthetic hair extensions usually don’t last as long as human hair extensions. If you’re looking for an easy solution to add length and volume to your hair, then human hair extensions may be the best option for you.
Hair extensions by style
Extensions for fine hair. The diameter of your hair determines the number of extensions you’ll need. If you have very fine hair or lack hair density, then you should opt for fewer extensions. Overcompensating with loads of extensions can leave you with an unbalanced look that won’t blend into your natural style.
Keep true to your hair type – extensions will naturally bulk out the strands so they will always give volume, even when you’ve chosen to go lighter.
Extensions for straight hair
You should get extensions that match the texture and length of your own hair. You can also get extensions that are straightened, curled, or wavy. These extensions can be styled using hot tools like blow dryers and curling irons. Make sure to handle them carefully though, as they are delicate and need to be treated as you would treat your hair.
Best extensions for curly hair
Curly Hair Extensions are great if your hair is naturally curly or wavy. Curly hair tends to have a thicker, coarser texture that makes carrying hair extension heavy on a long-term basis. If you’re looking for something lighter weight, tape-in extensions may be a better option for you. Tape-in extensions are less damaging to your natural hair and easier to maintain.
How Much are Tape In Hair Extensions?
I am often asked how much do hair extensions cost in a salon in the UK and the answer is slightly complicated.
Hair extensions are usually sold in bundles of 10 to 50 strands. You can choose to get them all done at once or spread out over several visits. Prices vary depending on the length of your desired extension, the number of strands you need, and whether you want them attached permanently or temporarily.
What Is Flipin Hair Extensions
Flip-in hair extensions are a type of hair extension that secures only one big weave to your head. The bottom half of this weave attaches the weft of the hair, while the top part remains bare. To hide the wire, you can place it under your natural hair. Flip-in hair extensions are great because they are easy to apply and remove, and they allow you to change them whenever you feel like it.
Since this method doesn’t secure the weft to your existing hair, there is a lot less weight happening on your own natural hair.
What Is Sew in Hair Extensions
Sew in hair extensions are perfect for people with curly, thick or coarse hair. You simply go to your local salon and let them braid your hair. Then they sew wefts of hair into each braid. The whole process takes about 2-5 hours and lasts up to 12 weeks. Sew in hair extensions are great because you do not need to use any glue, tape or heat.
After you apply the sew-ins, stick with your regular washing and conditioning routine. You may need to go back to the salon to remove them if you feel like they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing.
What Is micro ring Hair Extensions
In the Micro-Ring Method, the hair extensions are attached using an I-Tip Hair Extension System. These come in two parts: the extension and the ring. The extension attaches to the root of your natural hair and the ring is placed at the end of your natural hair. The extension is then pulled through the ring until it reaches the tip of your natural hair. Once you pull the extension out of the ring, it will stay put because it is held in place by friction.
Micro rings are a great choice if you’re looking for long-lasting hair extensions. You can easily change the colour of the micro rings to match your own hair colour. And because the rings are small, they won’t fall out often. If you’re looking for a simple solution to add length and volume to.
Hair extensions are a great way to start make money by working for yourself. Get started by completing hair extension course for beginners. The Orchard Hair are accredited trainers, offering online and in-person qualifications.
But if you were here just to learn a little more we hope you have enjoyed our step by step hair extension guide – what method do you think you will go for?
Thanks for reading! Until next time ❤️ Feel free to message me on Instagram – @ Theorchardhair