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How Do You Blend Hair Extensions That Don’t Match?
Hair extensions have many different uses. Whether you’re trying to make your hair longer, thicker, or even the change color, extensions can give you the hair you always dreamt of in a fraction of the time it would take to grow. Applied well, the results can be life changing; applied badly, you can be left with a painfully obvious line where your natural hair and the extensions collide. Luckily, there are tons of tricks and tips to prevent and fix badly blended hair extensions. Read on to find out more.
First of all, let’s explore some of the causes of badly blended hair extensions. Sometimes it really is as simple as just buying the right kind for you. We always strongly recommend having a consultation with a professional extensionist before ordering or applying hair extensions.
Even with DIY products like clip in hair extensions, it’s worth doing some research first to make sure you are buying the correct ones for your hair type. At Cliphair, we have a handy expert-run advice service to help you choose your perfect set, click the link below to get in touch for your FREE consultation.
The weight and thickness of hair extensions is another huge factor in ensuring a seamless finish. Those of you blessed with naturally thick locks will need to use thick hair extensions too. Using extensions that are thinner or lighter than your own hair will leave the result looking very unnatural with a visible line of your own hair through the extensions. This is especially important if you are adding a lot of length to your thick hair.
If you are using Clip in hair extensions and you have thick hair, go for types that are at least 180g +, anything less than this and you will find it tricky to hide your own hair. It’s also a great idea to go for hair that is double drawn – extensions are as thick at the ends as they are at the tops – which ensure a natural blend with your own ends.
If you have thick hair and are using permanent hair extensions to make your hair longer, you must make sure to use the right amount or you could be left with gaps showing the hair extensions. The general rule for a full head of hair extensions for average to thick hair when creating more length is to use 150-250g. Again, having a professional consultation before ordering and applying your hair extensions will give you far better results.
On the other side of the spectrum is extensions not blending with fine or thin hair. This does not usually show in the lengths of the hair but at the roots or attachments of the extensions. For example, you may be able to see the seams of the clip ins or the rings of micro rings. If your hair is thin or fine, the weight of the extensions should be strongly considered before applying, not only to keep the extensions as discreet as possible but to protect the health of your hair. Using extensions that are too heavy for your hair can cause damage and hair shedding over time. This can be avoided by simply using the correct weight for your hair.
For thin/fine hair, choose extensions that have very small seams and attachments. If you are using permanent hair extensions, we would recommend either Nanos or Tape ins for the best blend. These both have very thin attachments that are far easier to hide in even the finest of hair. If you prefer using clip-ins we advise to not go over 150g in weight, usually clip-ins this weight and under will have a delicate, easy to disguise seam that will blend perfectly in your hair without showing through or looking bulky.
With extremely short hair, or even hair above the shoulders, it is very tricky to blend naturally with hair extensions. But not impossible!
For hair that is under 5” long you will need to use permanent hair extensions such as tapes or Nano rings. Any other extension types will most likely show through your hair at the attachment area and not have a natural finish. Nano tip hair extensions are so tiny they are even used to create fringes at the front of the hairline. Remember, if you are using extensions on very short hair you will need to use a lot to blend out the line. Aim for 150 -200g of hair for a good result.
For hair that is above shoulder length but longer than 5”, you can use either permanent or clip in extensions to add length to your hair as long as they are the correct thickness for your hair type. With very blunt, one length bob cuts, clip ins can be very difficult to blend in. Take a look at the video below for an amazing tutorial of hiding your own hair when using clip ins.
Where you place your hair extensions - whether that be tape ins, micro rings, or clip-ins - makes a HUGE difference to the result of your look. Applying them in the wrong place can cause them to stand out for all the wrong reasons. To avoid this from happening here’s a trick of the trade that hair extensionists use every day: the RED ZONE!
What is the Red Zone? The Red Zone is the area on the head that hair extensions should never be placed in. Generally, this is a 1.5-inch space from around the entire hairline and each side of the parting and back from the crown area. Avoiding the Red Zone ensures no sign of extensions can be seen by others, keeping them secure and discreet.
It’s not just the attachments that can be visible if the extensions are placed incorrectly, it’s also the ends. If using clip ins, make sure to evenly spread out the larger pieces at the back so they are not all in one area. Doing this also created a layered effect in hair which looks far more natural.
On very fine/thin hair the red zone can be even thicker as the hair is sparser around the hairlines and partings making it easier to see the extensions. Using the Red Zone rule is also critical when applying permanent extensions on clients that like to wear their hair up, as it keeps them out of view even when the hair is scraped back.
Sometimes, even with all the right research, you can still be left with extensions that just don’t sit nicely with your own hair. The good news is there are still things you can do to solve this and get that seamless blend you’re after!
Straight hair can show up a multitude of sins when it comes blending hair extensions. Generally, they look a lot more natural when the hair is curled as it helps the 2 hair types to merge with each other.
We advise to add the hair extensions to your hair first, then curl the hair all together. This gives a far more fluid finish, making it near impossible to spot which is your own hair and which is the extension! Giving the hair a gentle brush after it has been curled also gives a soft result which is extremely popular today.
Another way to blend your hair extensions in with your own hair is by using cutting techniques to soften the ends and to add layers. For the best quality results, you should have a qualified hairdresser do this for you as they will be able to shape the hair cleverly to blend the hair together.
If you want to attempt cutting the extensions in yourself, here are a few tips to help!
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