How to Apply Clip-In Extensions Step by Step
Clip-in extensions look complicated the first time. By the third time, you'll do it in under 5 minutes without thinking. Here's the full process.
What You Need
Your clip-in set, a tail comb for sectioning, a mirror (and a second mirror for the back), and a brush or loop brush.
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Extensions grip better on clean, product-free hair. Heat-style your natural hair first if you're curling or straightening — doing this after clips are in is harder and risks the wefts.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Using the tail comb, take a horizontal section across the back of your head just above the nape. Clip all the upper hair out of the way. This is where your first (widest) weft goes.
Step 3: Clip in the Widest Weft First
Open all the clips on the weft. Press the center clip onto your sectioned hair first — this anchors the weft straight. Then press the outer clips inward. A firm click means the clip is secure.
Step 4: Work Upward
Release another horizontal section about 2cm above the first. Clip in your next weft. Continue upward. Use the single-clip wefts on the sides and the wider wefts across the back.
Step 5: Leave the Top Layer
The top layer of your natural hair falls over the clip line, concealing the wefts. This is what makes clip-ins invisible — the top layer of your own hair hides all the attachment points.
Step 6: Blend
Run a brush gently through your natural hair and the extensions together, starting from mid-length. This blends the textures and creates a seamless result.
Step 7: Style
Style as normal. If curling, curl the extensions first, then your natural hair. Blending curls creates the most natural result.