Synthetic extensions do a very good job of mimicking the appearance of human hair, but lack some of the texture that natural hair maintains. At the same time, synthetic extensions tend to be shinier than natural human hair. Human hair is much more expensive than synthetic hair, but it is also more versatile and natural looking. Unlike synthetic extensions, it can be styled with heat tools, chemically treated, colored, and washed and styled.

These are the cheapest available hair extensions, and are also the easiest to install. They take only minutes to put in. Clip-in extensions must be reapplied on a daily basis as they begin to fall out over the course of a day. They are not very comfortable to sleep in.

Fusion extensions are the longest lasting extensions, but are also significantly more expensive than clip-ins. Although fusion extensions use heat, they are not too damaging to your natural hair. If you are afraid of damage, look into cold fusion extensions. Because of the difficulty in applying fusion extensions yourself, for the best results have a friend or stylist apply them for you.

Match your color as best as possible. Hair extensions are intended to look natural, which they are unable to do if there is a simple discrepancy in hair color. Find the right length of hair. Although you obviously want your extensions to be longer than your current length, avoid adding a dramatic amount of difference between your natural length and the extensions. Not only will it obviously look fake, but it will cost a significantly higher amount of money. Stick to 4 inches (10. 2 cm) of extra length at the most.

Teasing your hair gives the extensions something to stick to. Natural hair is too slippery for the clips to hold long without sliding down your strands. Ratting the roots of your hair also provides coverage for the clips. This makes it more difficult to tell you are wearing extensions.

Be sure to evenly space the extensions, so that you have a level length of hair all the way around your head. You can give your hair the look of layers. Apply the extensions in evenly spaced vertical sections. You may need to cut the extensions to blend them in with your natural hair. Feel free to cut or trim your extensions to match the rest of your hair. You are not required to leave them as-is from the packaging.

If you can see the clip from your extensions, rearrange them so that they are not visible. Be sure that your extension clips cannot be seen even if you put your hair in a ponytail. They should be close enough to the roots and blended with enough layers that they are invisible to the naked eye. [2] X Expert Source Madeleine JohnsonHair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist Expert Interview. 18 December 2019.

Do not use conditioner or other hair products after clarifying your hair, as you will be adding in the things you just removed with your clarifying shampoo. If you are afraid of your clarifying shampoo stripping too much, look for ones that advertise sensitive skin and are made from organic materials instead of more chemicals.

Cut the cardstock into a circle, around three inches wide. It doesn’t have to be perfectly shaped, but using the curved figure will work best. Cut a slit on one side of the circle to the center, like drawing the radius. At the center of the circle, make an enlarged hole one to two millimeters wide. Now, you will be able to slide small pieces of hair to the center of the cardstock circle, where the fusion extension can be safely attached at the root without burning your head.

Don’t brush or comb your hair near the scalp. Too much tension can result in the extensions sliding or falling out.

Use a very gentle touch. Do not rub, scrub, or tug at your hair. You will need to have the extensions redone every six to eight weeks, as they will start to slide out around this time.