Having curly hair is both a blessing and a problem for many women. There are days when you crave sleek, straight locks but worry that frequently using hot tools will damage your curls over time. Curly hair extensions are for you. But finding ones that match your natural texture and pattern can be hard. The key is taking time to research extensions that complement your curl type and density.
Don't just grab any old extensions. Consider the specific curl pattern, thickness, and length you want. As experts say, "You need enough natural hair to cover tracks for a seamless blend." Understanding your curls helps decide the bundle amount and curl type to match your hair.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about curly extensions. We’ll talk about blending, choosing the right ones, matching textures and colors, and blending methods to look natural.
We’ll go through:
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What is curly hair extensions
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Types of curly hair extensions
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What hair extensions are made of
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How to choose the perfect extensions for you
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Caring for curly extensions
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Common questions (FAQs) about wavy or curly extensions
What is Curly Hair Extensions
Curly hair extensions are for naturally curly hair textures. Unlike traditional extensions that require sewing or gluing, they can be installed by attaching the clips on the wefts directly to your own hair. This allows for easy self-installation without the need to visit a stylist.
The main benefit of curly clip-in extensions is the ability to quickly add length, volume, and defined curls without having to grow out or chemically treat your natural hair. They blend in with your own texture and curl pattern when properly matched. The clips hold the extensions securely in place, but can also be removed easily as desired since there is no permanent commitment.
Types of Curly Hair Extensions
There are lots of extension styles out there for all hair types. For your own curls, look for pre-styled extensions made just for curls and waves. These are permed or steamed to match your texture.
The good news is, if you have natural curls, you have options. You can find curl patterns and extensions that blend with your hair. Here are some extensions you might want to consider:
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Tape-Ins: These are thin hair strips taped between your natural hair strands. They feel lightweight and blend in well. A stylist applies them, and they can last 6 weeks before reapplying. Low maintenance and damage-free.
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Clip-Ins: Clip hair sections right into your own hair. Easy DIY installation and removal whenever you want. Great for adding length and volume during the day. Take them out at night.
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I-Tip Extensions: I-tips add volume and are fused to your natural hair using a bead or tool. A pro stylist attaches them based on your hair type. They may use some heat to apply them.
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U-Tip Extensions: Also called nail tips. A stylist gently fuses them to your hair using heat. The U-shape makes them very natural looking. You can still style up.
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Weft Bundles: Hand-tied or machine-sewn hair bundles. Get them online and have your stylist install using beads or stitches. Beaded wefts come pre-installed for a secure application.
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Wigs: Full wigs cover all your hair, while blended wigs mix in some of your own. Adjustable straps keep them secure and comfortable. Lace fronts look natural and allow parting freedom. U-part wigs blend your hairline while wearing the unit.
What Hair Extensions are Made Of
Natural hair extensions are made from real human hair. Synthetic extensions are made from materials like acrylic or nylon.
Human hair costs more but has better quality. It can last for years with care. The best are virgin and Remy hair:
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Virgin means the hair was never chemically treated before.
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Remy means the hair was cut in a way that keeps the roots aligned. This helps it stay smooth and tangle-free.
Synthetic hair is cheaper but doesn't always look natural. It can get matted and tangled more easily. Also, products build up in synthetic hair over time.
With human hair, you can use products and wash them out after. This helps maintain the extensions. Synthetic hair can't be washed, so avoid using lots of products.
Ways to Style Your Curly Hair Extensions
Here are some gorgeous ways to style curly, textured hair naturally:
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The Classic Half-Up, Half-Down- Do Gather the top half of your curly locks in a ponytail or secure with pins, letting the rest cascade down naturally. This versatile look works for any event.
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Voluminous High Ponytail- Pull hair up high for a glam, elegant style. Leaving some pieces down keeps it soft and romantic. The added volume makes it red carpet worthy.
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Boho Braids- Part hair in middle and braid both sides loosely. Gently pull at the braids for a relaxed, free-spirited vibe perfect for festivals or the beach.
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Messy Curly Bun- Gather curls atop your head in a loose, imperfect bun. Let some tendrils fall around your face for a romantic touch. Effortlessly chic for any occasion.
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Glamorous Waves - Channel Old Hollywood with soft curls made by a curling wand. Run fingers through and finish with shine spray for starlet locks. Dazzle on your next night out.
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Side-Swept Curls- Part hair to one side, letting curls cascade over one shoulder. Pin back the heavier side to let those lush locks take center stage. Elegant for any event.
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Braided Crown- French braid both sides from front to back then cross and pin. Regal and romantic for feeling like royalty at prom or weddings.
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Curly Faux Hawk Gather and pin up center hair for a faux hawk shape. Let curly locks flow freely at the sides for an edgy, eye-catching party look.
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Curly Side Braid- Sweep hair to one side and loosely braid. Gently pull edges for a relaxed yet practical style perfect for casual days.
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Curly Pixie Cut- Go bold and short with a sassy pixie cut! Style extensions into curls as a unique way to showcase your natural texture.
How Do You Select your Color
Our expert colorists are here to help you select and find hair extensions and the ideal hair color to complement your complexion and style.
Getting started is easy - simply send us a few photos of your current hair color and hair patterns and we'll take care of the rest. For best results:
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Capture your full hair length from the back to see overall tone
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Ensure lighting is natural (but not direct sun)
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Avoid using filters and editing that alter color
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Include 2-3 head-shoulder shots along with the back view
With clear, unedited photos, our experienced team can accurately identify and match your shade. We'll provide personalized recommendations for flattering Foxy Hair® colors like honey blonde guaranteed to give you your dream locks.
Identifying Your Curl Type
Hair types generally fall into four main texture categories: straight, wavy, curly, and coily or kinky. While pinpointing straight hair extensions are straightforward, determining your exact wavy or curly hair type can be more complex.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has soft, loose curls that tend to be wide and well-spaced out. There can be anywhere from a few waves to very defined S-shaped waves. Wavy hair often lacks a defined curl pattern.
Curly Hair
Curly hair has more defined, springy curls that coil in a corkscrew shape. The curls can vary from loose spirals to tight ringslet curls. There are a few sub-types of curly hair:
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Type 2A Curls: Loose waves that tend to be wide, stretched out S-shapes.
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Type 2B Curls: Defined, classic frizzy curls. The curls coil more than waves but remain quite soft and loose.
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Type 2C Curls: Prominent S-shaped curls that are fuller than type 2B but remain bouncy, not tight corkscrews.
Kinky Hair
Kinky curly hair features very tight coils that have a zig-zag shape. The coils tend to have a more fragile texture than looser curl types. The sub-types include:
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Type 3A Curls: Tight corkscrew curls about the width of a Sharpie marker
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Type 3B Curls: Extremely tight curls that clump together for defined ringlets
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Type 3C Curls: Sections of hair with a mix of tight corkscrews and thinner pencil-sized curls
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Type 4A Curls: Very tightly coiled S-curls that resemble coils
Installation Techniques for Curly Hair Extensions
Installing extensions on curly hair isn't the same as on straight hair. You use the same extension techniques, but curly hair needs extra work to blend and look natural. The curls require more styling so they mix with the natural curl pattern. It's more effort than straight hair to get that flawless look.
Clip-in extensions are made with weft hair bundles that offer a very convenient way to temporarily boost curly fullness and length. These can be self-installed by sectioning your natural hair and then clipping the wefted hair extensions in place. Since no heat or chemicals are used, clip-ins allow you to add and remove curls on a daily basis without damage.
For more semi-permanent solutions lasting 4-6 weeks at a time, micro link or loop extensions fuse small sections of curly hair to your natural hair using tiny plier-clamped beads or loops. Micro links/loops are appreciated for their security and tight hold. However, repositioning once installed is not possible.
Tape-in extensions take wefted curly hair and literally tape them onto small sections of natural hair, sandwiching your strands between two gentle perforated tape tabs. Tape-ins are known for being gentle on natural hair while allowing for some repositioning. As your hair grows out, the tapes must be replaced every 6-8 weeks.
Nano ring/bead hair extension installation goes strand-by-strand, clamping tiny beads with attached curly hair using pliers. The beads and nano rings don’t damage natural hair like clips, ties or glue. As an lightweight option, nano bead extensions create a very natural blend of curly textures but it is best for a professional stylist to apply it. Expect beads to last in the hair around 8 weeks before needing replacement.
For maximum precision and seamless results, I-Tip or strand-by-strand methods use either heat or ultrasound to essentially melt and fuse curly keratin hair tips to your natural hair one strand at a time. This allows stylists to artfully place and achieve curls in the most natural-looking pattern to complement your waves and face shape. However, the strand-by-strand process tends to be more time consuming during initial installation.
How to Choose the Perfect Extensions For You
At Foxy Hair®, we want to help you look and feel your best. Our clip-in extensions come in different colors and styles. We use only high-quality hair so you can get the length and volume you want. If extensions are new to you, choosing the right ones can be tricky. Consider these things before you choose:
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First, consider your hair type and texture. Curly or wavy hair does best with extensions made specifically for curls and waves. Straight hair can handle a wider variety of extension types. Next, think about the look you want. Do you want a drastic change with long, full extensions or a more subtle, natural enhancement?
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For length, measure how many inches you want to add. For fullness, calculate how much volume you need by sectioning your hair and measuring the diameters. This will help determine how many extension pieces you need.
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Also factor in your lifestyle - are you looking for durability for daily wear or ease for occasional use? Removable clip-ins or tapes work for versatility while sewn-in extensions are more heavy duty.
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And choose human hair over synthetic for the most seamless look and longevity. Within human hair, Remy or virgin hair has the most natural movement and softness. Its quality makes it worth the investment.
Caring for Your Curly Extensions
When wearing extensions, you need to care for your natural hair and the extensions. Curly or wavy extensions require a bit more maintenance than straight hair. The bouncy curls can become dry and frizzy more easily.
To keep curly extensions looking their best:
Washing and Conditioning
Washing depends on if you have synthetic or human hair extensions.
For synthetic hair, it's best not to wash your hair daily as this can cause tangling.
For human hair:
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Rinse with lukewarm water first.
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Use a sulfate-free, alcohol-free shampoo or a cleansing conditioner.
Conditioning is key for hydration and frizz control. Some tips:
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Apply a hydrating hair mask and let it sit under a shower cap for a few minutes.
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Use a leave-in conditioner or oil like jojoba or argan oil after to lock in moisture.
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Air dry the extensions on a towel rather than using heat.
Detangling and Brushing
Be very gentle when detangling curly or wavy hair extensions. Avoid brushing them when wet to prevent breakage. Use your fingers to lightly comb through knots instead. If needed, use a wide-tooth comb starting from the bottom up. For tough tangles, make a conditioner spray to loosen them as you go. Carefully detangle each clip-in section. After, a tangle teezer can define the curls. Gently brush before and after wearing.
Air Dry
Don't blow dry your curly extensions since the high heat can damage them. Instead, gently scrunch with a towel to absorb water. Then let them completely dry naturally. Air drying avoids heat and keeps the curls healthy. Use a heat protectant in case you are going to use blow dryer.
Moisturize
Moisturizing is key for shiny, frizz-free curly extensions. After showering, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream. Apply it starting from the ends of the hair. This keeps extensions hydrated all day. Moisturizing is especially important in summer when curly hair gets frizzy.
Protecting and Storing
Storing curly extensions properly keeps them looking their best. Keep them in a dry, dark place like a drawer to avoid sun damage. Lay the wefts flat and neatly stacked to prevent tangling.
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Also take precautions when wearing extensions:
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Remove clip-ins before bed to avoid damage and tangling overnight.
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Or use a satin scarf or silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and knots while sleeping.
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Wrap hair in a silk or satin scarf when wearing to minimize frizz.
Summary
In conclusion, you can achieve gorgeous curly hair in minutes with Foxy Hair®'s Remy human hair clip-in extensions. Our lightweight curls add bounce and length while blending beautifully with your natural wave texture. Whether you have long layers of loose waves or tight spirals, we handpick pieces that match your curl size for a seamless, natural locks.
Our ethically-sourced Remy hair mimics real hair to perfection, holding curls, cuticles and color. This makes our voluminous curls ideal for heat styling or air drying just like your own hair – no compromises required.
Shop and view our collections today to find extensions crafted just for your wave shape and thickness goals. Or send us a message now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can curly haired people get hair extensions?
Yes, curly haired people can get hair extensions.
What extension method is best for curly hair?
For the best results with curly hair, consider using real human hair extensions and styling methods like finger coiling or scrunching to seamlessly blend in the extensions`.
Can I get hair extensions if I have wavy hair?
Yes, you can get hair extensions even if you have wavy hair.
How long do curly hair extensions last?
Curly hair extensions can last between 6 months to a year or even longer with proper care, frequency of use, and minimal heat styling. S
Can I wash my curly hair extensions?
Yes, you can wash your curly hair extensions, especially if they're made of human hair.
