Clip-in extensions are one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to switch up your look—and the best part? You can install them yourself; no salon appointment needed. That said, if you don’t know what you’re doing, your clip-ins can easily look bulky, poorly blended, or even slip out altogether. If you want to install your clip-ins like a pro, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for our clip-in install guide. We’ll break down everything from prep to placement, blending, and styling.
Benefits Of Wearing Clip-Ins
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Beginner-friendly: Clip-ins are very easy to install and do not require any professional installation. You can pop them on in minutes, even if you're a complete beginner.
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Easy removal: You can remove your clip-ins in less than two minutes. Once you're ready to go back to your natural curls, just unclip the extensions, and that's it.
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Zero damage: Unlike other hair extension methods, clip-ins do not put any tension on your hair and scalp, so they do not cause any damage.
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Comfort & affordability: Clip-ins are one of the most affordable and lightweight hair extensions.
Is It Ok To Sleep With Clip-Ins?
It is not recommended to sleep with clip-ins since they can create friction on your hair while you toss and turn in your sleep. However, if you wear them to bed once in a while it is okay to do so, just make sure to put your hair into a loose braid to keep them secure and wear a satin bonnet before sleeping.
Do Clip-Ins Damage Natural Hair?
Clip-ins do not damage natural hair. They are safe and not designed to put excess tension on the hair. The only reason you may notice hair damage with clip-ins is if they were installed incorrectly or you remove them haphazardly with too much force, pulling out your real hair in the process.
Can You Wear Clip-In Extensions Every Day?
Yes, you can wear clip-ins everyday. However, it is best to take a break from time to time to give your hair and scalp room to breathe.
How To Apply Clip-In Hair Extensions
The Braid Down Method
This method is ideal for those with fine or thin strands who want to avoid too much tension on their hair. It is also great if you want to keep your real hair fully protected while you wear your extensions.
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Shampoo and moisturise your hair with a leave-in conditioner to create a clean base for your extensions.
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Detangle the hair properly from ends to roots and divide it into 6-8 sections.
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Braid each section into a straight back cornrow. The braid does not have to look perfect; the goal is simply to keep your strands tucked in.
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Starting from the nape of your hair, secure the clip-ins on the hair by gently hooking the metal clips into your cornrow. Repeat this process until you cover the entire head.
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For a natural blend, leave some hair unbraided at the front section of your hair, close to the edges, then use your fingers to finger detangle and blend the loose or leave-out section with the rest of the clip-ins.
The Section Method
This method is perfect for those who do not want to use a lot of clip-ins and simply want a little bit of extra volume on their natural hair. It is also perfect for anyone who does not know how to braid their hair.
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Shampoo and condition your hair to start with a clean base
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Then, apply a moisturiser and detangle your hair thoroughly from ends to roots.
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Starting from the nape of your hair, part your hair into a small 1-2 inch section horizontally, then secure the clip-ins into the root of your hair. Repeat this process, working in small sections until you cover the entire head.
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Apply a leave-in spray and use your finger to gently detangle and blend the extensions with the rest of your hair.
Pro Tips For The Perfect Clip-Ins Install
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Define Your Hair With Curl Creme Or Gel For A Seamless Match: This is especially important if you are using afro textured like our kinky curly clip-ins. The extra definition from the gel will make the curls pop and ensure a seamless blend with your natural hair.
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Match Your Texture: if you want your clip-ins to look truly undetectable, it is important to use something that matches your natural hair texture. If you have afro-textured or relaxed hair, our 100% human hair clip-ins are the perfect fit for you. If you have type 2 curls, opt for our Brazilian curly clip-ins. For the type 3 curls, our kinky curls are your best fit, and if your coils are type 4, go for the kinky coarse clip-ins.
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Don’t Overload Your Hair:We all want volume, so it can be pretty tempting to load your hair with as many clip-ins as possible. Do not do that. Moderation is key for a natural finish. Additionally, putting too many extensions on small sections of your hair can put excess tension on them and result in breakage.
Installing clip-ins doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right prep, proper placement, and—most importantly—high quality clip-ins that match your natural hair texture, you’ll get a finish every time. Texture match is key for that seamless finish, so if your hair is textured or naturally curly hair, grab our 100% human hair kinky curly clip-ins, which are designed to blend in with your curls. Take your time, follow the steps, and once you’ve got the technique down, clip-ins will soon become your go-to hair extensions.