5 Quarantine Hacks with Hair Extensions to Refresh Your Looks
With the ongoing pandemic keeping us in our homes more than ever, we now have all the time in the world to practice self-care, which can include changing the way we look. Instead of doomscrolling and watching your newsfeed, finding ways to better yourself will lead to greater fulfillment.
After all, just because you’re staying at home most of the time, you don’t have to give up on glam altogether. Yet, since going to your salon of choice or visiting your favorite stylist is out of the question (at least for now), the next best thing is to style your own hair using hair extensions. Whether it’s for a quarantine selfie, online dating profile, or all-important Zoom meetings, you’ll be proud to show off your new look. With the help of hair extensions, you can instantly transform a shorter cut into glorious mermaid hair in just a matter of minutes.
To achieve a flawless look with hair extensions, you must make sure they’re undetectable. In other words, the key is to make them blend naturally with your real hair. Master the art of installing hair extensions and make them look as natural as possible with these easy-to-follow hacks:
Style your hair extensions before putting them in your hair
Styling the extensions once they are in your hair is a big no-no because they might get pulled out of place during the styling process.
Instead, use a hanger when styling. You’ll have an easier time because you can use both hands while curling or straightening the extensions.
Add texture to hair with backcombing
Make the clip-in process as smooth and stress-free as possible with backcombing. If you have fine, thin hair, use a teasing brush to backcomb your hair. This will result in added texture that will prevent natural hair from showing and will allow the hair extensions to stay in place.
Start by dividing your natural hair into several sections. Then, backcomb the roots in each section to give your hair some grip, which will give the extensions something to hold on to.
Attach the hair wefts as usual. As a finishing touch, apply dry shampoo to give the hair additional texture and volume, and to secure the clips in place.
Hide shorter hair by braiding extensions
Combining shorter natural hair with longer extensions is not advisable. The shorter hair can peek through the longer strands, making it obvious that you’re wearing hair extensions.
With that being said, there is a way to add in extensions if you have shorter hair. Simply gather the bottom part of your hair at the nape and braid it. Wrap the braid around itself and place it flat against your head, then secure with bobby pins.
Once you are done attaching all the wefts, undo the braid and let down your real hair. This will result in a more natural and seamless look, without a drastic, noticeable difference between the shorter and longer strands.
Create layers on your extensions
If your hair extensions are uniform in length and density, they can look flat and lifeless. Layering will do great wonders for your extensions and will add life to your hair. It would be best if the layers are done by a professional hairstylist, but if you can’t make the appointment, you can do this on your own.
Create sections into your hair using ponytails, then use your fingers to angle the ends of the hair towards the ceiling. Start snipping using quick, short strokes, taking off at least 2 – 3 inches of hair until you achieve a tapered look that suits your face.
Maintain hair extensions properly
Hair extensions need to be well-maintained in order to last long, so treat them with utmost care just as you would your own real hair.
Once you’re done wearing them, be sure to store the extensions in a storage ziplock pouch to prevent dust and debris from settling in. Don’t have a storage pouch lying around? You can also use a clean silk pillowcase to store the extensions.
Hair extensions do not have the supply of natural oils that real hair does, so make it a habit to wash them with sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Avoid using products that contain alcohol and sulfate, which can strip the hair of nourishment. Don’t apply conditioning products near the roots; instead, apply them to the midlength and ends of your hair.
After washing, use microfiber towels to wring out water from the extensions. Do not rub vigorously, as this could cause tangling. Air dry the extensions as much as possible to avoid excess heat from the blow dryer.
Hair extensions are an important part of every girl’s beauty arsenal. Whether you want to experiment with a new hair length or just want to amp up the volume of your tresses, you can depend on hair extensions to get the job done. By following these tips and tricks, you can apply them like a pro and look fabulous even if you’re stuck at home.