Prepare Hair for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are popular hair treatments that add length and volume to your hair. Extensions allow individuals to have the hair they've wanted, but may not have been able to grow on their own. There are several ways that you can add extensions to your hair. However, this is often a lengthy process and it can sometimes damage the hair you have. It is important to properly prepare your hair for extensions prior to adding them, so that the process is easier, and your hair looks better and avoids unnecessary damage.

Steps

Preparing for Clip-in Hair Extensions

  1. Choose an extension color that matches your hair color. You can have clip-in highlights put in at a salon, or you can do them on your own. Either way, you need to make sure you choose the right color for your extensions. You can match your extensions with the hair color you already have, or you can dye your hair to match the extensions you desire.[1]
  2. Choose an appropriate length. Look for hair extensions that will give you the length you desire. The extensions should not be shorter than your current length. It is better to go with a shorter length of extensions at first. Extensions that are too long can be a heavy weight for your neck muscles if you’re not used to wearing them.[1]
    • 16” extensions should come to the bra line.
    • 20” extensions come just below the bra line.
    • 24” extensions fall to the back pocket of your jeans.
  3. Section off your hair. First, part your hair the way you normally do. Then, section your hair off from the part down to your ear. Separate the two sections with the ear in the middle. Use clips to hold the two front sections. Next, pull up most of your hair in the back. Secure it with a clip. Leave the bottom inch of hair down.[2]
    • This step will be taken care of by a professional if you’re having it done at a salon.

Prepping for Tape Extensions

  1. Use a clarifying shampoo. Before having extensions put in, you should remove any dirt, grease, or styling products from your hair. The tape won’t stick to your hair well if it is not clean. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup from your hair. After that, use your regular conditioner. Make sure to blow dry your hair before moving onto the next step.[3]
  2. Avoid styling your hair. Once your hair has been washed, conditioned, and dried, do not use any heat or styling products on your hair. Straightening or curling your hair can make it difficult to apply extensions in a way that looks natural. Wear your hair with its natural texture when putting in the extensions. You can style your hair to your liking once the application process is finished.[3]
  3. Part your hair with a rat-tail comb. A rat-tail comb has a long, tapered handle. You use the tapered end of the comb to make a horizontal part. Start at the nape of your neck and begin separating into sections if you will be putting in a full head of extensions. Start parting at the crown of your head if you will only be putting in a few extensions.[3]
    • You can tell that the part is too thin if you can see the comb through the section of hair.
  4. Dip a cotton ball in alcohol. Lightly dip the cotton ball in alcohol. Don’t soak it. Too much alcohol applied to the hair can dry it out. Apply the cotton ball to the strands at the places where your hair is parted. The alcohol soaks up the excess oil at your root, which allows the extensions to hold better.[3]

Preparing Your Hair for Sew-in Extensions

  1. Shampoo your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo on your hair to remove any excess oil or product buildup from your hair. The extensions will be easier to attach and will hold better with clean hair. After that, use a conditioner. Any type of conditioner is fine, but a lighter conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down too much is ideal.[3]
  2. Use a blow dryer. Blow dry or air dry your hair once it has been washed and shampooed. Do not use any heat or styling products after it has been dried. Make sure that it is not damp underneath when you begin sectioning it off for the extensions.[4]
  3. Part your hair. Use a comb to section off your hair. Section it depending on where the braided base will go. The braided base is the part where the extensions are sewed into. Pin up hair that you don’t want to be a part the weave.[5]
  4. Braid your hair. If you will be covering your entire head in extensions, all of your hair will need to be braided. Braid your hair into into a continuous cornrow braid. Attach the end of a braid to the next braid. Your scalp may feel uncomfortable from the tight braids. Add some olive oil or other hair oil to ease the discomfort.[6]

Tips

  • If your hair is easily tangled make sure to remove all knots prior to using the clarifying shampoo, and then again after shampooing. Knots can make the extension process more difficult.
  • If you’re going to a professional, do not cut, perm or relax your hair after your consultation and before your extensions appointment. Stylists judge how much hair to purchase and how to do the extensions based on the condition of the hair during the consultation.

Warnings

  • Weak hair can be damaged even more by extensions. Ask a stylist for their opinion if you’re not sure that your hair can support extensions.

Related Articles

  • Care for Your Indian Hair Extensions
  • Braid Extensions
  • Bond Hair Extensions
  • Do Bonding Hair Extensions and Hair Color in the Same Day

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.xovain.com/hair/clip-in-hair-extensions-tutorial
  2. ↑ https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/how-to-use-clip-in-hair-extensions?utm_term=.fanVzq6Gz#.tb8vrqnxr
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 http://www.bellehairextensions.com/preparation_and_aftercare.html
  4. ↑ http://www.bellehairextensions.com/preparation_and_aftercare.html
  5. ↑ https://www.reference.com/beauty-fashion/sew-hair-weaves-e151ef600a668355
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8Oh32PJp4g
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