How To Apply Hair Extensions? Guidelines, Tips And Tricks

For those who are not blessed with thick hair or have just had a bad haircut, long, voluminous hair seems to be a dream. However, the invention of hair extensions is absolutely a game-changer, as you don’t need to wait in frustration any more to get that dream hair!

If you are interested in this fabulous solution for your hair needs, you may have a lot of questions in mind. And is “how to apply hair extensions?” one of them? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn about the application of hair extensions right now!

1. How to apply hair extensions?

First things first, you need to know that hair extensions come in various types, and each is applied in a different way. Below are the general guidelines on how to put in hair extensions for each type.

1.1. How to apply tape-in hair extensions

• Section your hair: Part your hair horizontally, creating a section near the nape of your neck. Clip the upper section of hair away to keep it out of the way.
• Take a thin strand of hair: Use a rat tail comb to take a thin strand from your unclipped natural hair. The strand should be thin enough to make sure the tape will stick. If you can feel your fingers through the hair, you’re good to go!
• Position the tape: Peel the backing off the adhesive side of one tape-in hair extension. Attach the extension tape close (but not too close) to the root of the natural strand you’ve just taken, leaving a gap of about ¼ – ½ inch between the extension and scalp. Press firmly to secure it in place.
• Sandwich the strand: Take another tape-in extension with the adhesive side exposed. Press it onto the top of the first tape, sandwiching a thin section of your natural hair between them. Make sure they’re aligned correctly.
• Repeat the process for the rest of your hair, working your way up from the nape of your neck.

For a more detailed guideline, check our post here on how to apply tape-in hair extensions.  

1.2. How to apply sew-in hair extensions

• Create braids: Create cornrow braids that closely follow your scalp’s contours. These braids will serve as the foundation for attaching weft hair extensions. Based on your desired style, the size and direction of the braids can vary.
• Secure anchor thread: Thread a curved needle with strong, matching thread. Secure the thread at the end of one of the braids, anchoring it for the sewing process.
• Position the extensions: Position the weft hair extension along the braid, aligning it with your natural hairline. You may need to cut the weft to ensure it fits your braid perfectly.
• Begin sewing: Use a basic stitching technique to sew the extension weft onto the braid. Pass the needle and thread through the weft and then through the braid, creating a secure stitch. Repeat this stitching process along the entire length of the weft.
• Continue weft placement: Repeat the attachment and sewing process with additional wefts, moving upward on the braids. Leave some space between wefts to allow for natural hair to fall and cover the extensions.
• Final stitch: Once all wefts are attached, secure the last weft with a final stitch. Make sure the extensions are evenly distributed and comfortable.

For more details, discover our post here.

1.3. How to apply keratin tip hair extensions

• Section your hair: Part your hair horizontally, creating a section at the nape of your neck. Clip the upper section of hair away, keeping it separate.
• Take a small strand of hair: Take a small strand from your unclipped natural hair. The strand should be about the same width as the extension strand.
• Position the extension: Hold the keratin extension strand alongside the natural strand, positioning it approximately ½ inch away from your scalp. This gap allows for a comfortable and secure attachment.
• Heat attach: Use a heat fusion tool or heat clamp designed for hair extensions. Clamp the tool over the keratin bond where the extension and your natural hair meet. Hold it in place for about 5 seconds. The heat will melt the keratin, fusing the extension with your own hair.
• Seal the bond: After releasing the clamp, pinch and gently roll the bonded area between your fingers for a few seconds. This helps ensure a strong bond.

1.4. How to apply I tip hair extensions

• Section your hair: Part your hair horizontally, creating sections at the nape of your neck. Clip the upper sections of hair away, keeping them separate.
• Take a small strand of hair: Take a small strand from your unclipped natural hair. The strand should be about the same width as the extension strand.
• Thread the microbead: Thread a microbead onto a loop tool or a pulling needle, and then pull the natural hair strand through the bead. Place the bead about ½ inch away from the scalp to allow your hair to breathe.
• Insert the I-tip strand through the microbead: Insert an I-tip hair extension strand onto the microbead.
• Secure the bond: Use special pliers to securely clamp the bead shut. This helps bond your natural hair and the extension together.

1.5. How to apply clip-in hair extensions

• Section your hair: Part your hair horizontally, creating a section near the nape of your neck. Clip the upper sections of hair away.
• Choose Extensions: Select a piece of clip-in extensions that match your desired length. Clip-in hair extensions come in a set of different widths that are designed for different areas of your head. Check out our post here on how to apply clip-in hair extensions for more details.
• Open the clips: Open all the clips on the extensions before attaching them.
• Start with bottom: Begin with the bottom section of your hair. Lift a thin layer of your natural hair, and tease it gently at the roots to create a better foundation for the clips.
• Clip placement: Position the first extension along the teased section, close to the scalp but not too tight. Snap the clips shut, ensuring they grip onto your natural hair securely.

2. Tips on applying hair extensions

When learning how to use hair extensions, besides a step-by-step guide, it’s better to learn some practical tips to help you achieve the best results. Below are the tips we’ve put together for you!

2.1. Clean and dry your hair

Before applying any type of hair extensions, make sure your hair is completely clean and dry. Wash your hair with a gentle clarifying shampoo to get rid of excess oil and product buildup. Clean and dry hair provides a better surface for adhesion and prevents hair tangling and hair loss during the application process.

2.2. Seek professional help if needed

While some types of hair extensions, such as clip-in or tape-in hair extensions, can be applied from the comfort of your home, other types require a hairstylist. Weft, keratin, or microlink hair extensions, for example, need special tools and professional skills for application. Attempts to do it yourself can result in undesired results or damage, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed!

2.3. Prepare necessary materials and tools

In case you apply hair extensions by yourself, make sure you prepare all the necessary materials and tools beforehand. Having them ready before rolling up your sleeves will ensure a smooth application process.

2.4. Don’t apply hair extensions too close to the scalp

One of the most common mistakes that DIYers make when applying hair extensions is placing them too close to the scalp. This leads to discomfort, limited movement of the scalp, and potentially damage both the extensions and your natural hair. Therefore, be careful to leave a small gap of ½ – ¼ inch between your hair extensions and your scalp.

Conclusion

So that’s it, general guidelines and practical tips on how to apply hair extensions! For a detailed guideline on applying a certain type, we have had (and will soon have) a post for you. We hope you’ll find this post helpful, and remember that Macsara always supports you on the journey of achieving your dream hair!

If you are looking for a supplier of high-quality hair extensions, Macsara is proud to be your top choice. Our extensions are made from 100% Remy hair, ensuring they look and feel just like your own hair. Coming in various types, textures, colors, and lengths, they will offer you the most versatile and the maximum longevity of hair. You are free to restyle or re-dye your extensions hair in any way you want. Don’t hesitate to contact us now via (+84) 37 9989 559 for 24/7 support and factory direct prices!

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