How to Choose and Apply Hair Extensions Like a Pro?

Have you ever dreamed of having long, luscious, or colorful hair? Hair extensions might be the perfect solution if you’re tired of waiting for your hair to grow or want to change your look without committing to a permanent dye job.

Hair extensions are artificial or natural hair pieces that are attached to your existing hair to enhance its appearance. They come in various lengths, colors, textures, and qualities and can be applied using different techniques. Whether you want to add some highlights, create a dramatic ombre effect, or boost your hair’s volume and length, a type of hair extension suits your needs and budget.

But how do you choose the best hair extensions for your hair? And how do you apply them without damaging your natural hair or looking unnatural?

In this article, we’ll guide you through choosing and applying hair extensions or choosing a hairdresser in Raleigh like a pro. We’ll cover the following topics:

• The benefits of hair extensions
• The different types of hair extensions
• How to choose the right color, length, and texture of hair extensions
• How to prepare your hair for hair extensions
• How to apply different types of hair extensions
• How to care for your hair extensions
• How to remove your hair extensions

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to transform your hair with hair extensions. Let’s get started!

The Benefits of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are not only a fun and easy way to change your look, but they also have many benefits for your hair and confidence. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to try hair extensions:

• They add length and volume to your hair. If you have thin, fine, or short hair, hair extensions can give you the illusion of fuller and longer hair. You can choose from different lengths and thicknesses of hair extensions to achieve your desired look.
  
• They allow you to experiment with different colors and styles. Hair extensions are a great option if you want to try a new color or style without damaging your natural hair or committing to a permanent change. You can choose from various colors and textures of hair extensions, such as straight, curly, wavy, or kinky. You can also mix and match different shades of hair extensions to create highlights, lowlights, balayage, or ombre effects.
  
• They protect your natural hair from heat and chemical damage. If you use heat tools or chemical treatments on your natural hair frequently, you might notice that it becomes dry, brittle, or split. Hair extensions can help you reduce the heat and chemicals you apply to your natural hair by allowing you to style them instead. You can also use hair extensions to cover any damage or breakage your natural hair might have.
  
• They boost your confidence and self-esteem. Hair extensions can make you feel more beautiful and confident in your appearance. They can enhance your facial features, complement your skin tone, and express your personality and mood. You can also use them to create different looks for different occasions, such as casual, formal, or glamorous.

The Different Types of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions come in two main categories: artificial and natural. Artificial hair extensions are made from synthetic fibers that mimic the look and feel of human hair. Natural hair extensions are made from real human hair that is collected from donors.

Artificial hair extensions are usually cheaper than natural ones, but they also have some drawbacks. They tend to look less realistic than natural ones, especially under sunlight or flash photography. They also have a limited lifespan and cannot be styled with heat tools or dyed with chemicals.

Natural hair extensions are more expensive than artificial ones but have many advantages. They look more realistic than artificial ones because they blend seamlessly with your natural hair. They also have a longer lifespan and can be styled with heat tools or dyed with chemicals.

Within these two categories, different types of hair extensions are also based on how they are attached to your natural hair. Here are some of the most common types of hair extensions:

• Clip-in hair extensions: These are temporary hair extensions that are attached to your natural hair using clips or combs. They are easy to apply and remove by yourself without any professional help. They are also versatile and can be moved around different sections of your head depending on where you want more volume or length.
  
• Tape-in hair extensions: These are semi-permanent hair extensions that are attached to your natural hair using adhesive strips or tapes. They are usually applied by a professional hairstylist who sections off your natural hair and places the tape-in extension on top of it. They last for about 6 to 8 weeks before they need to be re-applied.
  
• Sew-in or weave-in hair extensions: These are permanent hair extensions that are attached to your natural hair using a needle and thread. They are usually applied by a professional hairstylist who braids your natural hair into cornrows and sews the weave-in extension onto them. They last for about 2 to 3 months before they need to be re-applied.
  
• Bonded or fusion hair extensions: These are permanent hair extensions that are attached to your natural hair using keratin glue or beads. They are usually applied by a professional hairstylist who sections off your natural hair and bonds the extension onto it using heat or ultrasonic waves. They last for about 3 to 4 months before they need to be re-applied.

How to Choose the Right Color, Length, and Texture of Hair Extensions

One of the most important factors in choosing the best type of hair extensions for your hair is matching them with your natural color, length, and texture. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Color: The color of your hair extensions should match or complement the color of your natural hair as closely as possible. If you want a subtle change, you can choose a shade that is slightly lighter or darker than your natural color. If you want a more dramatic change, you can choose a shade that is significantly different from your natural color, such as blonde, red, or black. You can also use multiple shades of hair extensions to create highlights, lowlights, or ombre effects.

To find the right color match, you can use a color ring, which is a tool that shows different shades of hair extensions that you can compare with your natural color. You can also take pictures of your natural color in different lighting conditions and send them to an online retailer or consult with a professional hairstylist.

• Length: The length of your hair extensions should suit your face shape, style preference, and lifestyle. If you want a natural-looking result, you should choose a length that is not too long or too short compared to your natural hair. If you want a more glamorous result, you can choose a longer length that adds more drama and movement to your hair.

To find the right length, measure your natural hair from the top of your head to the ends and then add the desired amount of inches you want to achieve with your hair extensions. You can also use a ruler, a tape measure, or an online chart to compare different lengths of hair extensions.

• Texture: The texture of your hair extensions should match or blend well with the texture of your natural hair. If you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, you should choose hair extensions that have the same or similar texture. If you have kinky, coily, or afro-textured hair, you should choose hair extensions that have more texture and volume.

To find the right texture, you can touch and feel different types of hair extensions matching different textures. You can also look at pictures or videos of people with similar textures to yours and see what hair extensions they use.

How to Prepare Your Hair for Hair Extensions

Before applying any hair extension, you should prepare your natural hair properly. This will help you achieve a better result and prevent any damage or discomfort. Here are some steps on how to prepare your natural hair for hair extension:

• Wash and condition: You should wash and condition your natural hair before applying any permanent or semi-permanent extension, such as tape-in, sew-in, or bonded extension. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup that might interfere with the attachment process. You should use mild shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for your type of texture. You should avoid using any products that contain silicone, sulfate, or alcohol, as they might cause slippage or damage.

If you’re applying clip-in extension, you don’t need to wash your natural hair beforehand unless it’s very dirty or oily. However, you should make sure that it’s dry before applying the clip-in extension.

• Dry and detangle: You should dry and detangle your natural hair before applying any hair extension. This will ensure that your natural hair is smooth and tangle-free, making the application process easier and preventing any pulling or snagging. Depending on your preference, you can use a blow dryer or a towel to dry your hair. You should also use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to gently detangle your hair from the ends to the roots.
  
• Choose your parting: You should choose your parting based on how you want to style your hair with the extensions. You can opt for a middle, side, or no part at all. You should also consider how you want to hide the clips or attachments of the extensions, especially if you have thin or fine hair. You can use your natural hair to cover them, or you can use accessories such as headbands, scarves, or hats.
  
• Section your hair: You should section your hair into horizontal layers starting from the nape of your neck and working your way up to the crown of your head. You can use clips or elastics to secure each section and leave them loose enough to avoid creating any bumps or creases. The number and size of the sections will depend on the type and amount of extensions you are using, but generally, you should aim for about four to six sections.

How to Apply Different Types of Hair Extensions

Once you have prepared your natural hair for the extensions, you can start applying them according to your chosen type and technique. Here are some general guidelines on how to apply different types of hair extensions:

• Clip-in hair extensions: These are the easiest and fastest type of extensions to apply by yourself. To apply clip-in extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the lowest section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.Take one clip-in extension and hold it up to find the best placement. It should sit close to the roots of your natural hair without getting too close to the ears or the hairline.Brush through the section of your natural hair where you want to attach the extension and tease it slightly at the roots. This will create some texture and grip for the clips to hold onto. You can also spray some hairspray on the roots for extra hold.With all clips on the extension open, spray each one lightly with hairspray before applying. This will help them stay in place and prevent them from sliding off.Attach the extension to your natural hair by snapping each clip onto the roots. Make sure that they are secure and comfortable and that they are not visible from any angle.
  • Repeat with the rest of the clip-in extensions, working your way up from section to section until you reach the top of your head. You can leave some of your natural hair out at the front or sides to blend with the extensions and create a more natural look.
    
• Tape-in hair extensions: These are more durable and long-lasting than clip-in extensions, but they also require more skill and care to apply. To apply for tape-in extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the lowest section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.Take one tape-in extension and peel off the protective layer from the adhesive strip. Hold it up to find the best placement. It should sit close to the roots of your natural hair without getting too close to the ears or the hairline.Brush through the section of your natural hair where you want to attach the extension and tease it slightly at the roots. This will create some texture and grip for the adhesive strip to stick onto.Attach the extension to your natural hair by pressing it firmly onto the roots. Make sure that it is aligned with your natural hair and that there are no gaps or bubbles between them.Take another tape-in extension and peel off the protective layer from the adhesive strip. Hold it under the first extension and press it firmly onto the roots of your natural hair, sandwiching it between the two extensions. Make sure that they are aligned with each other and that there are no gaps or bubbles between them.
  • Repeat with the rest of the tape-in extensions, working your way up from section to section until you reach the top of your head. You can leave some of your natural hair out at the front or sides to blend with the extensions and create a more natural look.
    
• Sew-in or weave-in hair extensions: These are more permanent and secure than tape-in extensions, but they also require more time and expertise to apply. To apply for sew-in extensions, you should follow these steps:
  Start with the lowest section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic. Braid your natural hair into a horizontal cornrow along the section line, starting from one ear and ending at the other ear. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band or tuck it under the braid itself. Take one weave-in extension and measure it against the length of the cornrow. Cut off any excess length if needed, leaving about an inch extra on each side for adjustment. Thread a curved needle with a matching thread color and knot one end. Hold the weave-in extension along the cornrow, starting from one end, and sew it onto the braid using small stitches along the extension’s weft (the top edge). Make sure that the stitches are tight and secure but not too tight so that they pull on your scalp or create tension in your natural hair.
  • Repeat with the rest of the weave-in extensions, working your way up from section to section until you reach the top of your head. You can leave some of your natural hair out at the front or sides to blend with the extensions and create a more natural look.
    
• Bonded or fusion hair extensions: These are more versatile and customizable than sew-in extensions, but they also require more care and maintenance to apply. To apply for bonded extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the lowest section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.Take one bonded extension and hold it up to find the best placement. It should sit close to the roots of your natural hair without getting too close to the ears or the hairline.Brush through the section of your natural hair where you want to attach the extension and tease it slightly at the roots. This will create some texture and grip for the bond to adhere onto.Attach the extension to your natural hair using a heat tool or an ultrasonic device that activates the keratin glue or bead at the tip of the extension. Make sure that it is aligned with your natural hair and that no glue residue or bead is visible from any angle.
  • Repeat with the rest of the bonded extensions, working your way up from section to section until you reach the top of your head. You can leave some of your natural hair out at the front or sides to blend with the extensions and create a more natural look.

How to Care for Your Hair Extensions

After applying any hair extensions, you should take good care of them to ensure that they last long and look good. Here are some tips on how to care for different types of hair extensions:

• Clip-in hair extensions are easy to care for because they are removable and reusable. You should wash them every six to eight uses using mild shampoo and conditioner, preferably sulfate-free and alcohol-free products that won’t dry out or damage them. You should also brush them gently before and after each use using a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to prevent tangling and shedding. You should store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  
• Tape-in hair extensions require more care because they are semi-permanent and attached to your natural hair. You should wash them every two to three days using mild shampoo and conditioner, preferably sulfate-free and alcohol-free products that won’t loosen or damage them. You should also avoid applying any products directly on the adhesive strips or tapes, as they might cause them to loosen or slip. You should also avoid using any heat tools near the tapes, as they might melt or damage them. You should brush them gently before and after each wash using a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to prevent tangling and shedding. You should store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  
• Sew-in or weave-in hair extensions require the most care because they are permanent and attached to your natural hair. You should wash them every week or two using mild shampoo and conditioner, preferably sulfate-free and alcohol-free products that won’t dry out or damage them. To keep them hydrated and shiny, you should also moisturize them regularly using natural oils, such as coconut, argan, or jojoba oil. You should avoid applying any products directly on the braids or the wefts, as they might cause buildup or irritation. You should also avoid using any heat tools near the wefts, as they might burn or damage them. You should brush them gently before and after each wash using a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to prevent tangling and shedding. You should store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  
• Bonded or fusion hair extensions require some care because they are versatile and customizable. You should wash them every two to three days using mild shampoo and conditioner, preferably sulfate-free and alcohol-free products that won’t loosen or damage them. You should also avoid applying any products directly on the bonds or beads, as they might cause slippage or breakage. You should also avoid using any heat tools near the bonds or beads, as they might melt or damage them. You should brush them gently before and after each wash using a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to prevent tangling and shedding. You should store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

How to Remove Your Hair Extensions

When it’s time to remove your hair extensions, you should do it carefully and gently to avoid damaging your natural hair or the extensions themselves. Here are some tips on how to remove different types of hair extensions:

• Clip-in hair extensions: These are the easiest and fastest type of extensions to remove by yourself. To remove clip-in extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the top section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.
  • Take one clip-in extension and hold it by the weft (the top edge). Gently lift each clip away from your natural hair until it snaps open. Make sure that you don’t pull or tug on the extension or your natural hair.
  • Repeat with the rest of the clip-in extensions, working your way down from section to section until you remove all of them.
  • Brush through your natural hair and the extensions separately using a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to remove any tangles.
    
• Tape-in hair extensions require more skill and care to remove yourself. To remove tape-in extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the top section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.Take one tape-in extension and apply some oil-based remover (such as coconut oil) onto the adhesive strip. Let it sit for a few minutes until it loosens up.Gently peel off the extension from your natural hair by sliding it downwards. Make sure that you don’t pull or tug on the extension or your natural hair.Repeat with the rest of the tape-in extensions, working your way down from section to section until you remove all of them.
  • Wash your natural hair and the extensions separately using mild shampoo and conditioner to remove any residue.
    
• Sew-in or weave-in hair extensions require more time and expertise to remove by yourself. To remove sew-in extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the top section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.Take one weave-in extension and cut off the thread that connects it to the braid using scissors. Be careful not to cut your natural hair or the extension itself.Gently pull off the extension from your natural hair by sliding it downwards. Make sure that you don’t pull or tug on the extension or your natural hair.Repeat with the rest of the weave-in extensions, working your way down from section to section until you remove all of them.
  • Unbraid your natural hair and wash it using mild shampoo and conditioner to remove any residue.
    
• Bonded or fusion hair extensions require some care and patience to remove by you. To remove bonded extensions, you should follow these steps:
  • Start with the top section of your hair and release it from the clip or elastic.Take one bonded extension and apply some oil-based remover (such as coconut oil) onto the bond or bead at the tip of the extension. Let it sit for a few minutes until it softens up.Gently break off the bond or bead from your natural hair using pliers or your fingers. Make sure that you don’t pull or tug on the extension or your natural hair.Repeat with the rest of the bonded extensions, working your way down from section to section until you remove all of them.
  • Wash your natural hair and the extensions separately using mild shampoo and conditioner to remove any residue.

Conclusion

Hair extensions are a great way to add length, volume, or color to your hair without damaging it or committing to a permanent change. However, they also require some extra care and attention to keep them looking good and lasting long. By following these tips on choosing, applying, caring for, and removing different hair extensions, you can enjoy beautiful hair that suits your style and personality.