Hair extensions are a fantastic way to try out new hairstyles, experiment with volume, and of course, add more length in minutes. However, if you're new to the world of hair extensions, you might want to learn some hair extension hacks to really get the most out of your faux tresses. On the other hand, you might be a hair extension veteran who's worn them for years, but you're looking for new ways to use them and care for them.
After all, hair extensions can be quite expensive, depending on which type you go for. After speaking to some pro hairstylists about the price of hair extensions, I found that generally longer lasting types cost more, while others lean towards the thriftier side. Whichever type you go for, you'll definitely want to look after the ones you end up with, so that they'll last and be worth what you paid for them.
Hair extensions are beauty magic – they allow people to totally change their look, so you can choose between a sassy, cute lob one day and Rapunzel worthy locks the next. Because where's the fun in rocking the same hairstyle your whole life? So, for those looking to learn more about their hair, here are some hair extension hacks from the experts, so you can bring salon worthy style tips to your bedroom.
1. Use A Dresser Drawer To Curl Your Clip-Ins
Max Gierl, Senior Stylist at Mizu New York informs me how to pre-curl clip-ins before putting them in your hair. Gierl says, "Put the weft (the clips end) in a dresser drawer and then curl them with a wand. Pop them in your head and style your natural hair around them as you go." This sounds much easier than trying to curl pre-applied clip-ins at the back of your head!
2. Style Hair Extensions On A Wig Stand
Sunny-Business Folding Wig Stand, $2, Amazon
When you're drying your extensions and creating different styles, Honey Artists Hairstylist Daven Mayeda tells me, "Try to blow dry extensions and curl them using a wig stand for easy styling. This will help you when you need to prep your extensions the night before a big day."
3. Wash Them Regularly
Honey Artists Hairstylist Tyler Colton says, "Your extensions will need shampooed and conditioned from time to time, depending on how often you use them and how much product you are using. I suggest clipping them in and shampooing and conditioning in the shower while wearing them."
Mayeda seconds this advice saying, "Always try to wash them regularly to remove the product, the heavy build up can leave them clumpy and noticeably different in texture." So if you want your extensions to be kept in tip-top condition, make sure to wash them often if you're regularly using products on them.
4. Keep Them Straight & Smooth When Washing
Gierl tells me to be careful not to tangle your hair extensions when washing them. Gierl says, "They should be shampooed and conditioned from weft to ends, not roughed up at all. The more stress on the weft the more hair will fall out of it making your extension look ratty, sacrificing volume."
Colton agrees and informs me to try and keep them as straight and smooth as possible while shampooing and conditioning. He says, "Don’t ball them up and lather, you will just end up with a tangled mess!"
5. Air Dry Your Extensions After Washing
Gierl informs me of the best way to dry hair extensions, "After washing them, let them air dry after brushing them out with a leave in detangler." He explains, "They'll be so shiny! Use hot tools to style them after they're 100 percent dry!"
While Colton tells me, “You can either dry them while wearing them or just take them out and let them air dry on a dry towel."
6. Create A Natural Texture
Mayeda explains how to achieve a natural texture with hair extensions. Mayeda tells me, "Air-dry extensions clipped into your own hair to create a natural texture to them. They will wave with your natural texture."
7. Make Custom Hair Extensions
Honey Artists Hairstylist Nate Rosenkranz' favorite hair extension hack is to make your own! Rosenkranz says, "Take a trip to the local hair supply and pick out hair that perfectly matches your own that do NOT have clips sewn in already – you can even get multiple colors if you need to. You can get higher quality hair at a better price this way. Buy clips in the right color (brown or black for darker hair and blond for lighter) hair glue, a curved needle, and thread that will blend." He continues, "This way you can make custom sizes to fit your head perfectly. Measure and cut two to three wefts of hair at the same length and glue them carefully together at the seam, slightly off from each other so they don't get too thick. Once the glue is dry you can then sew on the hair clips and then you have your very own custom made extensions!" If you're nifty with a needle and thread, this sounds like a super cool craft project.
So there you have it, a handful of hair extension hacks straight from the experts, so you can get the most out of your fabulous faux hair!
Images: ErikaWittlieb (1), shc9607 (1) /Pixabay; freestocks.org (1), Ryan Moreno (1), Rachael Crowe (1), elizabeth lies (1), Brooke Cagle (1) /Unsplash; Courtesy Brand
