How to Put in Hair Extensions at Home

Hair extensions can add length, body and volume to hair that otherwise falls flat. Clip-in extensions can be used to achieve an interesting hairstyle for just a day, or glue-in extensions can be used for a look that lasts up to six weeks. Extensions can be dyed, permed, curled or straightened, just like your own hair. Prices for extensions range greatly. Synthetic clip-on extensions are the cheapest, while untreated human hair extensions put in at a professional salon are the most expensive. With a little effort, you can get a professional look at home by putting in hair extensions yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Clip-in hair extensions or glue-in hair extensions with glue and glue remover

Instructions

1. Buy hair extensions in a color that complements your own shade. If you want the extensions to blend in, purchase a color that is very close to your own. If you want to add a highlighting effect with thin clip-in extensions, you may want to choose hair a few shades lighter or a few shades darker than your own. Extensions are also available in bright, artificial colors such as green, blue and purple. If you are buying extensions that need to be glued in, be sure to also buy the glue loosening solution.

2. Wash your hair to prepare it for extensions. Use shampoo but don't use conditioner, as this makes hair slippery, which makes it harder to attach the extensions. Don't use any styling products that may make your hair oily or greasy. Dry your hair completely.

3. Clip your hair on top of your head, leaving a one-inch horizontal row of hair down at the back of your head.

4. If you're using glue-in extensions, trim the extension piece to the width of the back of your head. Apply the extension glue to the top of the extensions. Allow 30 seconds for the glue to begin to firm, and apply it to the roots of your hair. Don't apply it to the scalp, as this will not allow the extensions to move freely with the rest of your hair.

5. If you're using clip-in extensions, simply apply pressure on the clip to open it, apply the comb teeth into the row of hair at a downward angle, and apply pressure to close the hair clip. Clip-in extensions often come in smaller pieces, so you will need to apply several along the horizontal row in the back of your hair. If you have these smaller clip-in pieces, you can lift hair at the sides of your head and apply pieces toward the front as well.

6. Let the rest of your hair down, covering the extensions. Trim extensions as needed to blend into your hair. Clip-in extensions will need to be removed at the end of the day, but glue-in extensions can be washed, brushed and dried with the rest of your hair for weeks. When brushing, be careful not to comb through the base of the extensions, as this will loosen them.