If you have thought of getting hair extensions before, you probably have considered the clip-in type and perhaps even bought it. Clip-ins are considerably the most user-friendly of all the hair extension types, plus they are easily accessible and come in various types and colours to match your natural hair.
This guide highlights all you need to know about clip-in hair extensions, from selection and installation to their pros, cons and maintenance practices.
What Are Clip-In Hair Extensions?
Compared to the other types of hair extensions, clip-ins are a temporary option, which many prefer due to their versatility. Clip-ins can add length, volume, or highlights to your hair. They come as wefts of hair with small, discreet clips attached to the base, which allows for easy attachment of the extensions to your natural hair.
Like the other extensions, clips-in come in various lengths, colours, and textures. This means you can easily find one that perfectly matches your looks for a quick transformation without a long-term commitment.
Pros and cons of Clip-In Hair Extensions
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of using clip-ins:
Pros:
- Quick & easy to install.
- It’s affordable compared to permanent options.
- You can try out several styling options.
- You can reuse it multiple times with proper care.
Cons:
- It may feel heavy if too many wefts are applied.
- It can cause slight discomfort if worn for extended periods.
- You may need to adjust it throughout the day to stay secure.
Cost of Clip-In Hair Extensions
Before we look at the cost of clip-ins, it is important to note that how much hair extensions cost depends on material quality, brand, extension type, and length.
The price tag of human hair clip-ins ranges from $200 to $600, while synthetic types are a bit cheaper. Some may start from as low as $20 to $200 on the higher end.
How to Apply Clip-In Hair Extensions
Once you have bought your ideal clip-in hair extension, installing it will take only a few minutes. Follow these steps to apply them:
- Prepare your hair: Start dry and clean your hair. Brush the hair to remove any tangles.
- Section your hair: Use a comb to divide your strands into horizontal sections, starting from the nape of your neck.
- Attach the clips: Snap open the clips on the extension weft, attach them close to your scalp, and secure them by snapping them shut.
- Layer the extensions: Repeat the process for each weft, moving upward in sections.
How Long Do Clip-In Hair Extensions Last?
As noted earlier, hair extensions come in various types and qualities. How long hair extensions last depends on several factors, such as the material used to make the extension, the wear frequency and the maintenance routine.
Human hair clip-ins worn occasionally but adequately maintained can last up to a year, while the same type worn regularly can only be worn for half the time. For synthetic types, occasional use can see the extension last up to two years and about 4 months for regular use.
Maintenance Tips for Clip-In Hair Extensions
To keep your clip-ins looking fresh and to ensure they last longer, here are the care tips to prioritise:
- Wash sparingly: Use sulphate-free shampoos for hair extensions when needed to remove buildup.
- Brush carefully. Detangle extensions with a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for extensions.
- Store properly: Keep the hair extensions in a cool, dry place, away from dust particles and direct sunlight.
Depending on the material type and quality of the clip-ins, how to wash and care for hair extensions may vary. For instance, you should treat the human hair clip-ins like your natural hair, i.e., Deep-conditioning and dyeing (where necessary). They can also handle heat styling, but you should be keen not to overdo it.
With synthetics, you should wash them less frequently, always use cool water, and avoid heat styling or hair dyes. If a clip-in hair extension comes with maintenance instructions, follow those care guidelines for the best results.
Are Clip-In Hair Extensions Damaging Your Natural Hair?
Whether hair extensions damage your hair comes down to the extension type and the installation procedure. Compared to the other types, such as sew-in extensions, clip-ins are one of the safest options for temporary styling. Even so, improper use, such as wearing them too tight or leaving them overnight, can cause tension on your scalp and hair strands.
Here are a few FAQs concerning clip-in extensions and how to avoid damaging your extensions and natural hair:
Can clip-in hair extensions cause hair loss?
No. If you have installed them correctly and are keen when removing the clips, the risk of hair loss should not be a concern.
Are clip-in extensions bad for your hair?
No. Clip-ins are some of the safest and easy-to-use hair extensions. They also look good on your head, as long as you have chosen a quality type and have styled it properly.
How can you wash clip-in hair extensions without causing damage?
Always use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, and stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions where possible.
How do you put clip-in hair extensions to avoid bulkiness and discomfort?
If you have fine hair, it is advisable to use fewer wefts to avoid the extensions weighing down your natural hair and causing that bulky appearance.
Can I sleep in clip-in hair extensions?
No. Always remove your clip-ins before bedtime to avoid causing tension in your natural hair. As pointed out in this guide on removing tape-in hair extensions, sleeping with the extension causes tangling, which can make styling difficult.
Clip-In Hair Extensions for Different Hair Types
Among the many benefits of clip-in extensions is that they are versatile and suitable for all hair types, whether fine, thick, curly, or straight. When properly matched in colour and texture, they blend well with natural hair.
When making a selection, you should keep all these aspects in mind. If you are going for synthetics, make sure they are in your preferred colour and texture since there is minimal styling you can do to change such qualities.
Can You Dye or Style Clip-In Hair Extensions?
The answer depends on the type of extension. With human clip-in extensions, you can dye them and even apply some treatments to enhance the colour, texture, and feel. This is not the case with synthetic extensions, which are sensitive to chemicals found in dyes and heat styling.
When colouring or using heat tools on your human clip-in extensions, always apply products designed for extensions to maintain their quality. For more tips and guidelines, check out this guide on how to dye hair extensions.
How to Remove Clip-In Hair Extensions
Now that we have discussed how to apply, care for, and style clip-in hair extensions, here is a procedure for removing them:
- Start from the topmost weft and work your way down.
- Gently unsnap the clips and slide them out of your hair.
- Avoid pulling or tugging to prevent damage to your natural hair.
If you have any questions concerning clip-in hair extensions or would love to consider styling solutions for them, check out our hair extensions service or contact us to discuss your overall hair goals.
