How to Apply Black Hair Extensions

Hair extensions offer versatility to the hair unlike any other hairstyle, and they have become a favorite among busy women who don't have much time to devote to styling. There are many different ways to attach and wear hair extensions. African American women looking for a protective style in order to grow their hair long use extensions to preserve their hair and avoid daily styling that can cause breakage. In this article, you will learn several ways to attach black hair extensions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Extension hair Weaving needle (weaving) Hair thread (weaving) Hair glue gun (fusion) Hair glue stick (fusion) Bonding glue (bonding)

Weaving

1. Braid dry, clean hair close to the scalp into cornrows. Cornrow the hair going to the back of the head or in a spiraled circle around the head. Most people like their cornrows to go from the front of the head all the way to the nape when they want a style with a part, and in a spiral when they want the hair to frame the face.

2. Thread the weaving needle with the hair thread. Make sure that the thread isn't too long that it makes sewing in the hair uncomfortable.

3. Sew the hair weave tracks into the braids. Stick the needle through the front of the track and through the braid. Be sure not to stick your scalp with the needle. Bring the needle and thread back to the front of the hair and make another stitch. Continue to sew the weave into the braids in a looping motion. The tracks should be sewn in tightly enough so they won't slip, but not so tight that it hurts your head.

4. Repeat Step 3 until the entire head is complete. Cut and style as desired.

Braiding

5. Part the hair into small sections. Each section should be parted in a box-like shape.

6. Separate the extension hair into small sections. When purchasing the extension hair, make sure you tell the salesperson at the beauty supply store that it will be used for braiding to ensure that you have the right type of hair. Extension hair that is used for braiding is loose and not on a weft like other extension hair.

7. Using braiding techniques, braid the extension hair into the natural hair. Techniques that can be used are either cornrows, twists, French braid or tree braid. If you don't know how to do any of these techniques, have a professional stylist do it.

Fusion

8. Plug up the glue gun and prepare it with the glue sticks. This is the most expensive way to add extensions. It is best to get a professional stylist to do this if you have never done it before.

9. Part the hair in small sections. Each section should be about 1 to 2 inches thick.

10. Using the glue gun, glue the extensions to the ends of the hair. Make sure not to use too much glue on the hair. Also, be careful; the glue is extremely hot.

Bonding

11. Part the hair and measure the width of the extension weft against the part. Cut the extension weft to match the part.

12. Add a small amount of hair bonding glue to the extension weft. Using both hands, press the side of the extension that has glue to the scalp.

13. Press and hold in place until the glue is semi-dry. Take a blow dryer and dry the glue the rest of the way.

14. Part the hair again, and follow Steps 2 and 3 to add more extensions. Continue on until all the weave has been bonded to the head.

15. Cut and style as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure that you wash and dry your hair before adding extensions. To avoid breakage, always add a light hair moisturizer to your hair and scalp.