You want long, beautiful hair, but don't have the time or patience to wait for your hair to grow? Then try doing hair extensions! Hair extensions not only look natural, but are easy to apply yourself.
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Method 1 of 3: Choosing Your Hair Extensions
Step 1. Decide what type of hair you want
Hair extensions are divided into two types according to the material: synthetic or human. Synthetic extensions are man-made keratin/plastic blends that mimic the appearance of human hair. Human hair extensions are donated from people and reused into extensions. Human hair extensions are also divided into various types, such as hair from Brazil, India, Malaysia, the three most popular types. All of the finest types and textures of human hair are available in their most natural state, allowing them to be straightened, permed and even colored to the desired color. Brazilian, Indian and Malaysian natural hair extensions will have different types of textures, such as, waves (a natural c-shape along the strands), natural curls, (slightly straight across the hair shaft and fully curled at the ends to form small curls). (The strands have very small natural curls.) When choosing human hair extensions, it is always a good idea to always use hair that is closest to the natural texture of your own hair, this will create a smooth blend when the extensions are applied.
- Synthetic extensions are great at mimicking the look of human hair, but they lack the texture and sheen that natural hair has.
- Human hair is much more expensive than synthetic hair, so consider using human hair after testing synthetic hair.
Step 2. Think about hair extension clips
This type is synthetic or human hair that is attached to a hair clip at the base which is used as a temporary extension for your hair.
- This type of hair extension is the least expensive, and also the easiest to apply.
- Extension clips should be re-attached in a few days as they will start to fall off after a day.
Step 3. Consider fusion hair extensions
Fusion extensions are synthetic or human hair in which a special glue or keratin wax is applied to one end which is melted into your natural hair.
- Fusion extensions are the most durable extensions, but they also cost a lot more than extension clips.
- Although fusion extensions use heat, they won't do much damage to your natural hair. If you're afraid of damaging your hair, consider cold fusion extensions.
- Due to the difficulty of doing fusion extensions yourself, for best results ask a friend or hair stylist to apply them for you.
Method 2 of 3: Attaching Hair Extension Clips
Step 1. Buy hair extension strands
A hair extension is a strand of hair that you will clip between the layers of your natural hair to increase the length of your hair. You can buy strands of synthetic hair or human hair, where human hair is a more expensive option than synthetics.
- Match your colors as best you can. Hair extensions aim to make the hair look natural, which would not happen if there was a slight mismatch in the hair color.
- Find the right hair length. While it's obvious that you want your hair extensions to be longer than your current hair length, avoid adding any drastic difference between your natural hair length and the extensions. Not only will your hair look fake, but you'll also be charged a much higher amount. Maintain the principle of increasing the length of your hair a maximum of 15-20 cm.
Step 2. Divide your hair into sections
You can do this by tying all the hair to the top of your head into a ponytail, leaving one section of hair down the neck/back. Later on you will continue to remove individual sections of hair from the ponytail as you add more extensions.
Step 3. Squeeze your hair
Take a comb and work your hair at the roots. You will need to make your hair rise 1 to 2 cm at the base of your hair.
- Squeezing the hair will provide a place for the extensions to attach. Natural hair is too slippery for extension clips to clamp, as it will slide down your strands.
- Tearing at the hair roots will also cover the clip. People will have a harder time seeing that you're wearing hair extensions.
Step 4. Take a strand of hair and pin it to your hair at the roots
You should be able to clamp it against the squeezing so that the extension clip attaches very well.
- Make sure you keep the extensions evenly spaced, so you have the same level of hair length all over your head.
- Give your hair a layered look by twisting the extensions. You don't have to keep it in a straight line, but rather have the same look as natural hair by keeping it shorter in some areas.
- Feel free to trim or trim the extensions to match the rest of your hair. You are not required to install it as is as from the packaging.
Step 5. Untie another section of your ponytail
Repeat the same steps as above, tucking the hair at the roots and pinning a strand of hair in that section.
Step 6. Finish your hairstyle
Squeeze your hair at the roots and comb the top layer of hair to make it neat. Your extension clip should be completely hidden so you can't see it at the roots of your hair.
- If you can see the clip on your hair extension, rearrange your hair extension so that the clip is not visible.
- Make sure your extension clips won't be visible even if you tie your hair into a ponytail. The clips should be clamped close enough to the roots and blend into the layers of hair so that they are not easily visible.
Method 3 of 3: Installing Fusion Extensions
Step 1. Clean your hair
There are many shampoos you can buy to help rid your hair of any build-up or residue that could make the extensions unable to stick to your hair.
- Don't use conditioner or other hair products after you're done shampooing, as that means you'll be adding to the residue you just washed off with your shampoo.
- If you're afraid the shampoo is too harsh, look for shampoos specifically for sensitive skin and made from organic ingredients rather than more chemical.
Step 2. Dry your hair until it is completely dry
If your hair is still wet, the glue on your hair extensions won't stick.
Step 3. Make a separator for your hair
The separator will divide the hair into small sections to hold the extensions together, as well as protect your scalp from burning. To do this, you will need a piece of cardboard about 8 cm in diameter.
- Cut the cardboard into a circle, about 8 cm wide. The cardboard doesn't have to be perfectly shaped, as it will be easier to use curved shapes in this process.
- Cut a slit on one side of the circle to the center of the circle, like drawing the radius of the circle. In the center of the circle, make a hole that is 1-2 mm wide.
- Now, you'll be able to tuck small strips of hair into the center of the cardboard circle, where the fusion extensions can be securely attached to the hair roots without burning your head.
Step 4. Part your hair starting at the bottom of your head
Separate your hair about 5 cm from the nape of your neck, pin all the other hair to the top of your head.
Step 5. Insert a strand of hair into the hole of the cardboard
This will be the first strand of hair you will connect, and should be the same size as the extension strand. If necessary, secure the cardboard to your hair with bobby pins.
Step 6. Attach a strand of hair extensions to the strands you have separated
Align the ends of the extensions with the roots of your hair so that they stick as close to your scalp as possible.
Step 7. Use a hair iron to hold the extensions together
Pinch the ends of the extensions and hair near the roots with a hair iron for a few seconds. Remove the iron for a few seconds and repeat. Be careful not to burn your own hair while doing this.
Step 8. Blend the strands that have blended into your natural hair
Using your fingertips on still warm hair, make curling motions to blend the hair extensions into your natural hair. This will help harden the glue or melted keratin.
Step 9. Remove the hair separator
Take another section of hair from the same row and attach your cardboard to the new strand.
Step 10. Repeat the steps to separate and unite the hair earlier
Arrange the layers of extensions evenly on your head for a very natural look. Continue this process until you have used all the extensions.
Step 11. Style your hair
Use a hairbrush that doesn't have a round or bulging tip at the end of the bristles so you don't pull on the extensions you just applied. There shouldn't be any problems with your hairstyle once your hair is extended as long as you are careful not to damage the sections of hair that have been joined together.
Step 12. Done
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Tips
- It's best if you simplify the hair extension process, so start with the cheapest option first.
- If possible, ask a professional stylist to do hair extensions for you. While this may cost more, it will significantly reduce the amount of stress you face, and increase the chances of your extension process being successful.
