How to Put in Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are a low-effort, non-permanent alternative for adding volume and length to your everyday look. Experimenting with different textures and colors, like curls or extensions with highlights, elevates your hairstyle without the damage of heat and chemical treatments or harsh dyes.

Clip-in hair extensions are a favorite for first-time extension experimenters and extension experts alike because of how easy it is to apply them. With enough practice, you can apply clip-in extensions at home in under 15 minutes.

Clip-in extensions are affordable, easy to maintain and won’t damage your hair. But they’re not the only option you have for hair extensions. Before buying your first (or next) set of hair extensions, it’s important to understand the different materials that hair extensions are made of and the different types to choose from.

Each type of material and type of hair extensions has its own set of pros and cons.

Hair extensions are typically made out of real human hair or synthetic hair. 

• Most professional hairstylists recommend hair extensions made from real human hair because they look more natural and are more durable than synthetic hair extensions.
• Synthetic hair extensions are more affordable, but typically don’t last for more than a few months of use. Extensions made from real human hair can last up to one year, but it all depends on how well you care for your extensions.
• Synthetic hair isn’t as heavy as human hair and can’t be dyed to match the multi-tonal color of real human hair, so synthetic hair extensions often look unnatural. While it’s difficult to create a completely natural look with synthetic hair extensions, it’s not impossible.
• Synthetic hair extensions are a good option if you’re just getting started or if you only plan to wear extensions for a short duration.

Hair extensions can be temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent. Temporary hair extensions are unlikely to damage your hair but can only be worn for a few hours to 1 day. Semi-permanent hair extensions, like tape-in or micro link extensions, are also unlikely to damage your hair and can be worn for up to 2 months. Permanent hair extensions can last up to 6 months and, although the risk is minimal, can cause some damage to the roots of your hair. 

Let’s break down 5 common types of hair extensions.

• Type: Permanent

• Average Cost: $500–$3000

• Lifespan: Up to 6 months

Fusion hair extensions, also known as glue-in or keratin bond extensions, use small keratin bonds that are melted with a heat gun near your natural roots. This process “fuses” or “bonds” your natural hair with the hair extensions for a long-lasting and durable look.

• Type: Semi-permanent

• Average Cost: $500–$1000

• Lifespan: 2–4 months

Sew-in hair extensions, or weaves, use a needle and thread to “sew” the hair extension into a braid or cornrow on your natural crown. Sew-in hair extensions are best for people with thicker hair.

• Type: Semi-permanent

• Average Cost: $200–$600

• Lifespan: 1–2 months

With tape-in hair extensions, wefts of hair are taped together using a special hair tape and then taped to your natural hair. The application process is quick and simple and provides a stunningly natural and voluminous look. Tape-in hair extensions are great for people with all hair textures, but work especially well for people with thinner hair.

• Type: Semi-permanent

• Average Cost: $500–$3000

• Lifespan: 3–6 months

Micro link hair extensions use small bead-like clamps and a special application tool to connect small wefts of hair to your natural hair. The beads are small enough to seamlessly blend into your hair and are also a great option for shorter hair.

• Type: Temporary

• Average Cost: $100–$300

• Lifespan: 1 day

If you want to completely avoid the risk of damaging your hair or just need longer locks for a special occasion, clip-in hair extensions are your best bet. All you need to do to apply clip-in hair extensions is separate your hair at your natural crown and clip-in the wefts. Clip-in extensions cannot be worn overnight but are more versatile than permanent and semi-permanent options. With clip-in hair extensions, you can change up your look every day.

We recommend experimenting with clip-in extensions before committing to a permanent or semi-permanent type of hair extension. If you find a color or style of clip-in extensions that you like, you can ask your hairstylist or contact us at The Wig Company for help finding a similar, more permanent option when you’re ready to take the next step.

Clip-in hair extensions can be applied in a matter of minutes and without the help of professional hairstylists. All you need is your favorite clip-in extensions, a rat-tail hair comb, and a few large hair clips and you’ll look runway-ready in no time.

Don’t stress about getting your clip-in extensions perfect on your first try. Remember, clip-in hair extensions are only temporary so you can unclip them and try again as many times as it takes to get the right look. Now that you know all about hair extensions, you can start experimenting with clip-in braids or any one of our high-quality hair extensions.