How to Style Hair Extensions
One of the best things about quality hair extensions is that you can style them just like your own hair, but there are a few tricks that keep them looking flawless and protect them at the same time. Whether you want to curl them for an event, straighten them sleek, or sweep them into an updo, knowing how to style hair extensions properly makes all the difference. In this guide, a specialist at Hair Nova Salon in Finchley shares how to style hair extensions safely, from heat styling to updos, so your hair always looks its best.
Can You Style Hair Extensions Like Your Own Hair?
If your extensions are real human hair, then yes, you can style them almost exactly like your natural hair. You can curl, straighten, blow-dry, put them up and even use most of your usual products. The main differences to remember are that the extension hair does not receive your scalp’s natural oils, so it needs a little extra moisture, and that you must always style around the bonds or attachment points rather than directly over them, to avoid damaging them or your natural hair.
How to Curl Hair Extensions
Curling extensions is straightforward with a little care. Always apply a heat protectant first, and keep your curling wand or tongs on a medium heat setting rather than the highest, as too much heat degrades the hair over time. Work in sections, and keep the barrel away from the bonds so they do not get hot. Because human hair extensions hold a curl beautifully, you often need less heat than with your own hair, and the curls tend to last well. Let the curls cool before brushing them out gently.
How to Straighten Hair Extensions
Straightening works the same way, with protection first. Apply a heat protectant, use a medium temperature, and glide the straighteners through in sections, always keeping them a safe distance from the bonds or tapes so the heat never touches the attachment. One pass per section is usually enough, which protects the hair from unnecessary heat. Finish with a tiny amount of serum on the ends, well away from the roots, for a sleek, glossy result that blends seamlessly with your own hair.
How to Style Hair Extensions into an Updo
Updos are where extensions really shine, adding the volume and length that make elaborate styles possible. The trick is placement: position your ponytail, bun or braid so that your natural hair covers the bonds and keeps them hidden. Backcombing lightly at the base of a style helps disguise any join, and pinning sections over the attachment points keeps everything concealed. Braids and twists are especially good at hiding bonds, and with extensions you get the thick, full updo that thin or short hair cannot usually achieve alone, which is exactly why so many people book extensions ahead of weddings and big events where they want a full, glamorous style that lasts all day.
Heat Styling Hair Extensions Safely
Because extension hair cannot repair itself the way your growing hair does, protecting it from heat is essential for a long life. Always use a heat protectant, keep tools on a moderate setting, and give your extensions heat-free days when you can. Never apply direct heat to the bonds, tapes or rings, as this can loosen them or damage your natural hair. Treating extensions gently with heat keeps them soft, shiny and lasting far longer between appointments.
How to Blow-Dry Hair Extensions
Blow-drying keeps extensions smooth and blended, and it is gentler than you might think if done well. Always apply a heat protectant first, use a medium heat setting, and dry in sections with a paddle or round brush, keeping the nozzle moving rather than concentrating heat in one spot. Dry the bond or tape area gently and fully, as damp bonds can weaken. Directing the airflow downwards smooths the cuticle for a glossy finish. Never go to bed with damp extensions, as this causes tangling and can loosen the attachments.
How to Style Hair Extensions for a Ponytail
Ponytails are one of the most popular ways to show off length, and extensions make them look thick and glamorous. The trick is to hide the bonds: gather the ponytail so your natural hair sits over the attachment points, and avoid pulling it too tight, as tension on the bonds can be uncomfortable and damaging. For a polished finish, wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic. A mid or low ponytail is usually easier to keep the bonds hidden than a very high, sleek one.
Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid
A few slip-ups undo good styling. Applying heat directly to the bonds, tapes or rings is the biggest, as it can loosen them and damage your hair. Getting heavy product or oil on the attachment points causes slippage, and brushing roughly, especially when wet, leads to tangling and shedding. Tying styles too tightly puts strain on the bonds, and skipping heat protectant shortens the life of the hair. Avoid these, treat the attachment points with care, and your extensions will style beautifully and last far longer.
Everyday Styling Tips
For day-to-day wear, a few habits keep extensions looking natural and fresh. Blend the extensions with your own hair using soft waves or a light backcomb so no join is visible, and use accessories like clips, headbands and scarves to add interest while covering any attachment points. Loose, textured styles tend to look the most natural. Brush gently throughout the day with a soft loop brush, and avoid piling all your hair into very tight styles that pull on the bonds.
How to Style Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-ins are the most beginner-friendly extensions to style, because you can style them off your head. Clip them into sections of your natural hair, starting from the bottom and working up, making sure each weft is hidden by a layer of your own hair. You can curl or straighten clip-ins before or after fitting, which makes blending easy, and because they are removed daily there is no bond to work around. For a natural look, match the clip-in style to your own, then lightly brush everything together once they are in.
The Best Products for Styling Extensions
Choose products that style and protect without weighing extensions down or harming the bonds. A good heat protectant is essential, along with a light styling cream or mousse for hold and a lightweight serum or oil for the ends, kept well away from the roots. Avoid heavy oils and conditioners near the bonds, as they can cause slippage, and steer clear of high-alcohol products that dry the hair. Sulphate-free, extension-friendly products keep your hair in the best condition to hold a style.
Book Your Extension Appointment in Finchley
Want your extensions styled, refreshed or refitted by a professional? Book a consultation for nano ring extensions and we will keep them looking flawless.
To book, reserve online on Fresha or call 020 8129 4894. We are at 375 Regents Park Road, Finchley, London N3 1DE, one minute from Finchley Central Station.
