For a long time now, celebrities (and their hair stylists) have been using hair extensions to magically transform their hair. It's how Kylie Jenner can go from a bob to long, waist-length waves in just a few hours.
The good news is you can seamlessly hide clip-in extensions too with the right techniques. In this guide, we'll walk you through effortlessly blending clip-ins with your natural hair. You'll learn key steps like picking the right extensions and strategic placement to keep your extensions looking natural.
What You Will Learn
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How to select the ideal clip-in extensions to match your natural hair's color and texture.
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Techniques like layering and sectioning to conceal clips and make extensions undetectable.
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Strategies for positioning and styling clip-ins to achieve a natural look.
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Effective maintenance through regular cleaning and correct storage to extend the lifespan of extensions.
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Common mistakes like incorrect placement of clips, lack of blending with natural hair, and visible texture differences that can reveal clip-ins.
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Why proper maintenance through regular cleaning and correct storage extends the life of your clip-in extensions.
Selecting the Perfect Match
Picking the right clip-in extensions is step one for making them blend beautifully. It's like finding the perfect pair of jeans - you want ones that fit just right. The quality of the extensions matters for how real they look and feel.
Consider two things when choosing extensions: color and texture.
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Getting the Color Right
Matching the natural hair color precisely can be tricky. Check your hair color in natural light and get extensions that blend with the mid-length to ends of your hair. We at Foxy Hair® offer a color matching service to help you find the perfect shade of extensions to blend with your natural hair color.
Want a more dynamic look? Try mixing lighter and darker shades of extensions. Clip lighter pieces on top and darker ones underneath, and move them around while putting them in. This adds depth and dimension for vibrant, natural-looking hair.
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Texture Tips
After color comes texture. Again, you want the extensions' texture to match your real hair for seamless blending. No matter if your hair is straight, wavy or curly, choose extensions with the same texture.
To pick the right texture, figure out if your hair is straight, wavy or curly. For curly or wavy hair, get wavy or curly extensions. For straight hair, go with smooth, straight extensions.
Pro Tips for Hiding Clip in Hair Extensions
Once you've picked your extensions, it's time to master clipping them in. The secret to making clip-ins undetectable is strategic placement. This means creating a solid base for the extensions to cling to and using smart patterns to clip them in smoothly.
A strong base could be a braid, stitched-in wefts with beads, or starting with 3-4 clip wefts at the bottom. To secure the clips, try braiding the base first, gently teasing the roots for grip, and using hairspray to lock them in.
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Build a Sturdy Base
Creating a solid base is like constructing a strong foundation for a house - the stronger it is, the better your extensions will stay put. Backcombing at the roots, for example, adds volume and texture so clips grab on tightly.
Use a teasing comb to lightly "rat" the roots, making them fuller so extensions cling to them. A spritz of hairspray before clipping in can also reinforce the hold. The tools you'll need are a backcombing brush and teasing comb.
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Strategic Clip Placement
Once your base is set, focus on evenly distributing the extensions around your head for a natural look. Follow placement patterns that blend extensions in seamlessly. Doing these hide hair extensions securely in place with no tell-tale bumps or tracks.
To prevent bumps and discomfort, clip in extensions like this:
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Avoid tangling or damaged sections.
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Gently brush hair and tease about an inch from the scalp.
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Or, braid the base first for easy clipping.
Layering Techniques for Hair Extensions
Next up - the layering technique for blending extensions flawlessly. This involves using extensions in multiple lengths and texturizing the ends with shears to create layers. Leaving a layer of your real hair on top lets you seamlessly conceal clips for a natural look.
To layer extensions like a pro, you'll need:
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Hair brush
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Rat tail comb
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Shampoo and conditioner
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Leave-in conditioner
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Hair serum
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Heat protectant
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Hair spray
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Hair extension layering tools like thread cutter
Having the right tools makes it easier to get beautiful blended layers.
Sectioning your hair is crucial for layering success. Dividing hair into sections makes it easy to place extensions exactly where you want them. Whether using tape-ins, micro-rings or other methods, sectioning ensures even distribution for a seamless look.
Must-have sectioning tools include alligator clips, sectioning clips, pliers, and a flat surface for sealing extensions like Foxy Hair®'s luxury hair extensions.
The final step is blending extensions seamlessly. Layer your real hair over the clip-ins and comb through them to unite them. This makes Foxy Hair® high quality hair extensions look totally natural while adding volume and dimension.
To detangle and blend extensions perfectly, use a high-quality detangling rrush. This helps create flawless, flowing locks.
Styling Secrets to Camouflage Clip Ins
If your hair lacks volume or thickness, hair extensions can help add fullness and bounce. But to wear hair extensions as if it is not there, you'll need to know some tricks. Follow this:
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Choose Extensions in Matching Colors
Pick clip-in hair extension colors that match the ends of your natural hair to help conceal them. For hair with multiple shades, buy extensions in complementing colors.
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Get Enough Extensions to Match Hair Density
To ensure a natural, full look, get enough clip-in hair extensions to match the density and length of your current hair. Those with very short hair may need extra extensions for a dramatic change.
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Style Strategically to Blend Textures
Careful styling helps seamlessly blend extensions with short hair. Use curling irons or straighteners to match the textures of both your real hair and extensions. When curling, use 250-350°F to avoid synthetic hair damage. Shape short ends inward with a straightener.
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Use Hair Products
Products like root concealer spray and dry shampoo further disguise clip-in extensions for a more natural look. High-quality root touch-up sprays match your hair color while adding shine. Use dry shampoo sparingly before washing, avoiding direct contact with tape-in extensions.
Tricks: Headbands matching hair color/texture also help in hiding extensions. Tease roots before clipping in for more grip.
Common Mistakes in Hiding Clip ins
There's nothing worse than a bad hair day when your extensions start to show while you're out. Having your clip-ins or tape-ins unexpectedly peek through can ruin your look and confidence.
Here are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid when trying to hide your hair extensions:
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Using too many or too few tracks. Most clip-in sets come with around 7 pieces. Follow the recommended number of tracks for your head. Going overboard with too much hair makes it obvious you're wearing extensions.
How to hide them: Choose a suitable number of tracks - not too many or too few. There's no shame in extensions, but good results should be the goal. Keep the weft number reasonable for the most natural look.
Sets are designed with around 7 pieces for full coverage. Stick close to the recommended amount for your head size so there are no gaps or overloading.
Balance is Key- Inadequate track distribution can cause constant pulling, leading to traction alopecia, thinning and even permanent hair loss in extreme cases. To avoid this, use the suggested number of tracks, position lower, and handle extensions gently.
One method to find the right amount, especially for short or thin hair, is measuring ponytail circumference. Under 2" is low density, 2-3" is medium, over 3" is high density.
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Clipping too high up. Position clips evenly to conceal them. Putting most clips at the crown creates an unbalanced look.
Fix it by: Clip lower, leaving more natural hair to hide them. Follow placement guidelines for the best distribution.
Distribute clips evenly from root to ends. Position lower sections first, working upwards and using your hair to hide clips.
Keeping It Low- Maintaining a low, even extension placement prevents tension, discomfort and fake-looking volume. Lower placement helps blend with natural hair for consistent texture. Styling too high makes extensions obvious.
To distribute evenly, smooth hair with hands when attaching. Space clip-along parts for secure hold and to avoid scalp damage.
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Getting too adventurous with styles. It's tempting to try new looks, but clip-ins have limited mobility. Stick to routines that work to meticulously hide tracks.
Instead: Even if it's boring, precision is key. A proven technique avoids mistakes and keeps extensions hidden.
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No base for clips to grip. Tease and backcomb roots to create a solid base that clips cling to. Without substance to hold onto, they can slip out.
Prevent this: Generously backcomb for the most secure hold. Falling out accidentally is never good.
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Wearing on oily scalp. Greasy, overproducing scalps aren't suitable for clip-ins. The oil defeats the purpose of wearing hair extensions.
If oily: Prioritize controlling sebum before clipping in. Grease and slipperiness make them obvious.
Maintenance Tips for Prolonged Wear
Just like your real hair, Foxy Hair® clip-in extensions need some care to stay looking great. It only takes a few minutes to clean both synthetic and human hair extensions. Tending to the individual hair sections, or wefts, daily also keeps them sleek. Here's how:
When Washing Extensions
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Wash synthetic extensions weekly and real hair every 6-8 wears to remove dirt and product buildup.
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Use lukewarm water and sulfate-free shampoo to clean without stripping or damaging the hair.
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Detangle with a wide-tooth comb before washing so the hair is smooth and tangle-free.
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Massage shampoo into each weft then rinse thoroughly so the hair gets fully cleaned.
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Apply conditioner from mid-shaft to ends and let sit 1+ hour before rinsing to hydrate and soften hair.
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Give a final cold water rinse to seal in the conditioner (not for synthetics) and boost shine.
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Allow to fully air dry on a clean towel to prevent heat damage from drying tools.
For Daily Maintenance
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Gently brush extensions daily with a wide-tooth or wire brush to prevent tangles and knots.
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Use heat protectant spray before using hot tools on real hair to reduce styling damage.
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Invest in specialty combs, brushes and shampoos for extensions for optimal care.
What is Proper Storage
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Tie the base of extensions before storing to avoid twisting and tangling while packed away.
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Keep stored in original packaging or in a cool, dry place for protection from elements.
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Organize multiple sets in storage boxes/containers to keep them neat and dust-free.
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Always brush before storing to prevent matting so the hair is smooth for the next wear
Summary
We've gone over everything you need to know to hide clip-in extensions effortlessly. From choosing the ideal match and clipping strategically to blending smoothly and caring for your new hair, you've got this!
With these pro tips, you can wear gorgeous extensions from Foxy Hair® with total confidence. It may take some practice at first, so be patient with yourself as you perfect your technique. The world of hair extensions offers endless styling possibilities - go ahead and explore!
Foxy Hair®'s clip-ins allow you to experiment with new looks while their color matching service helps you find the perfect blend every time. Remember, just have fun styling your new fabulous locks. With your expert techniques, no one will be able to tell you're wearing clipped-in extensions. Your hair secrets are safe with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my hair extensions from showing?
To prevent your hair extensions from showing, lightly spray a brush with hairspray and use it to ensure your natural hair covers the extensions securely.
How can I hide my extensions when I put my hair up?
Gather your hair into a high ponytail first and secure it with an elastic band. Next, take the ponytail and wrap it around itself to create a messy bun shape. Make sure to secure the bun in place using bobby pins. And gently pull out pieces of hair around the face to frame it softly.
How do you make clip in hair extensions look natural?
To make clip-in hair extensions look natural, follow these tips: choose high-quality extensions, match the color to your own hair, carefully place the extensions, ensure you use enough extensions, and consider using different lengths.
How often should I clean my hair extensions?
You should clean clip-in hair extensions every 15-20 wears or when there's product buildup.
How many tracks of hair extensions should I use?
Most clip-in hair extension sets come with 5-8 tracks or wefts. Aim to use the full set for your head size to achieve even volume and coverage. Too few tracks will leave gaps, while too many creates an overloaded look. For fine or thin hair, stay on the lower end around 5-6 tracks. Those with thick hair can go up to 7-8 tracks for a seamless blend with natural volume.
