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Tag: Hair Extensions

  • How to Rock Clip-in Extensions on Type 4 Natural Hair

    How to Rock Clip-in Extensions on Type 4 Natural Hair

    Clip in extensions are taking the natural hair community by storm. It offers versatility, endless styling options, extra length and volume in minutes. It’s no wonder they’re so popular! Compared to 10 years ago, there are so many options on the market for Type 4 Naturalistas. The textures range from kinky, coily and curly which means there’s a texture to match every hair type regardless of if you have Type 4A, 4B or 4C hair. If you’re looking for overnight volume or length then clip-in extensions will give you that short term look. So what are you waiting for! Give clip in extensions a try – you’ll be surprised about how much you’ll love it. 

    Keep reading for a breakdown of everything you need to know about clip-in extensions and how to rock them with your type 4 hair. If you’re interested in learning more about the best extensions for natural hair, click here. 

    How to pick clip-in extensions that match your natural hair texture?

    Picking the right clip in extensions for natural hair all comes down to the hair texture and ensuring it matches your natural coils and curls. The ones that match Type 4 hair usually come in 3 textures. 

    1. Kinky 

    Kinky is suitable for 4C & 4B hair, the texture mimics the z-pattern of 4C hair seamlessly and it’s the kinkiest texture of all the types. You can either choose kinky if you want to style your hair in its natural curl pattern or a kinky straight if you prefer to wear your hair stretched. Regardless of which one you choose, if you purchase human hair then you’ll be able to straighten the extensions. 

    2. Coily

    Coily is suitable for 4A & 4B naturals. 4C naturals can also wear this but may need to manipulate their natural hair with a twist out or braid out for a seamless blend. The coily texture tends to be tight ringlet curls mimicking an s-pattern. Although 4B hair has a z-curl pattern, it also works very well with the coily texture.

    3. Curly 

    Curly is suitable for type 3 naturals due to the looser curl pattern. If you’re a 3A or 3B natural then this is the curl pattern for you. The curly texture has a springy ringlet pattern also mimicking the s-pattern but a lot looser in comparison to the coily texture. It has medium coarseness and not as tight as the kinky and coily textures. 

    TIP – If you prefer to wear your hair slightly looser and regularly use techniques like braid outs, twist outs and shingling method to manipulate your curl pattern then you can try a texture one up from yours. For example, if you’re a 4C natural, purchase a coily curl texture instead of kinky.

    Image Source : Istock by Getty Images

    How to install clip in extensions?

    Clip ins are easy to use which is why people love it so much. You can install them in less than 20 mins by yourself without having to go to a hairstylist. Here are 2 main techniques you can use to install your hair extensions. 

    Method 1 – Hair Left Out 

    Step 1 – Prep your clip-in extensions and your natural hair

    Step 2 –  Section your hair starting from the nape of your neck. It should be a straight line across from ear to ear and roughly an 1 – 2 inches from the nape.

    Step 3 – Apply clips to parted section and secure them in place 

    Step 4 – Part another section of your hair (roughly 1 – 2 inches).Your hair should lay on top of the clips you placed previously covering the tracks.

    Step 5 – Apply the next set of clips and secure them in place

    Step 6 – Keep repeating until you get to the top of your hair 

    Step 7 – Blend your leave out and voila! Your good to go.

    clip in extensions natural hair
    Image Source : GIPHY

    Method 2 – Cornrows or Twists 

    Step 1 – Section your hair as you would a sew in leaving out the perimeter and parting

    Step 2 – Cornrow or flat twist the remaining sections 

    Step 3 – Tuck in the ends or booby pin them upwards. Just make sure they lay flat so it’s not bulky 

    Step 4 – Apply clips starting from nape of your neck until you reach the top

    Step 5 – Blend your leave out and perimeter of your hair with the clip ins 

    clip in extensions natural hair
    Image Source : GIPHY

    Additional TIP’s

    • Wash clip in extensions prior to installing and prep hair with a curling cream or mousse
    • Prior to installation, get familiar with your clip-ins. The sizes vary so measure them against your hair so you know what order to clip them into your natural hair. 
    • Make sure your hair is fully detangled prior to installation to minimise matting 
    • If the clips feel uncomfortable, unclip them and re-clip them in another place 
    • Treat the clip-in extensions like your natural hair. Take care of them as you would your own hair so they last longer
    • For additional blending, you can twist a small piece of your natural hair with the clip-ins for a seamless look.

    How do you blend clip in extensions with real hair?

    There are many techniques and methods to blend Type 4 natural hair with clip in extensions. It’s a bit of trial and error to figure out what option works best for your hair. Here are the most popular methods which will give you a seamless look.

    1. Shingling Method :

    This is by far my favourite method!. It works best with minimal leave out and makes it easy for your natural hair to blend with the clip in extensions. As the method utilises LOC or LCO, it also helps to ensure your coils and curls are moisturised whilst rocking your clip ins. Work with damp hair and apply your leave in conditioner followed by your curl cream throughout your hair. Work section by section, take a small piece of hair and stretch it whilst twirling it around your fingers. Repeat until you get through all your leave out and then let it air dry. For that extra definition, apply a hair gel after you’ve applied your hair cream. 

    2. Twist out :

    You can either do a 2 strand or 3 strand twist to mimic the curl pattern of the hair extensions. When you unravel your twists, you’ll end up with a tight spiral or ringlet curl. This helps all the textures blend into one. We recommend a twist out for coily or curly extensions. TIP – make sure your twists aren’t too big to give you a tighter curl. You can also do a twist with the clip ins installed to help with blending.

    3. Braid out :

    Braid outs are similar to twists outs, the curl definition tends to be more wave-like enhancing your curl pattern and giving you that extra definition. This is great for all the clip in extension textures including kinky, coily or curly. You can also do a braid out with the clip in-extensions installed to ensure the texture matches your natural hair seamlessly. 

    4. No Leave Out Method :

    This has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years and requires no leave out so less time blending. Your hair will be braided or twisted away making this a protective style. You’ll need to have 2 anchor braids for your parting as you’ll be crocheting the hair for it to blend. Don’t worry, if you haven’t crochet before – it’s pretty simple to do. You’ll just need to get used to the tool and you’ll be fine. 

    How long can you keep in clip in hair extensions?

    You can usually keep in your clip in extensions in your hair for up to 7 days without having to reinstall them. It really depends on the method you choose to use to install them. For instance, if you hair is braided underneath then they’ll last slightly longer. If the clips are uncomfortable to sleep in, there is no harm taking them out before you go to bed and re-install them in the morning. The benefits of using clip-ins are they are quick and easy to apply so it shouldn’t take too long to re-apply in the mornings.  

    Some brands advice not to sleep in them but I’ve slept with my clip-ins many times without having any issues. Especially when I’m rocking bun styles or have cornrows underneath. If you do decide to sleep with them, make sure you wear a silk scarf and bonnet to protect your hair. When sleeping with clip-ins, use the pineapple method to preserve your curls which will make it easier to refresh in the morning.

    FAQ’s re; Clip In Extensions for Natural Hair 

    1: Why won’t my hair extensions blend?

    The main reason your clip in extensions aren’t blending with your natural hair is because the texture you purchased is completely different to your curl pattern. There’s no point purchasing a silky or body wave texture if you have afro textured hair. You’ll end up spend most of your time excessively straightening your hair which will eventually lead to heat damage. Always purchase a texture that closely matches your hair texture. There’s such a wide variety on the market that you should be able to find a texture that gives you a seamless blend.

    Another reason could be that you’re leaving out too much of your natural hair. If this is the case, you can twist or braid your hair and apply the clip ins on top to minimise how much of your hair is left out. This is my preferred method as it acts as a protective style.

    2: Can you wear your hair up with clip in extensions?

    Yes – you can wear your hair up in a ponytail or an updo style. The way you apply the clips will be slightly different in this scenario. There a couple of methods you can follow;

    Method 1 : Put your hair in a ponytail and braid whats loose into one big braid. Then clip the clip ins around the braid until you get to the top.Take a section of the clip ins and wrap it around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin.

    Method 2 : Section the middle of your hair and put it in a ponytail. Then apply your clips in an upwards motion around the ponytail. Keep sectioning your hair as you would normally and continue applying the clips until they’re all secured. You should have a perimeter of leave out left. Make sure it’s enough to cover the clips and tracks and then place your hair in a ponytail. 

    The only downside of these methods is it works best for medium to long hair. If you have short hair, it could end up being bulky. So try a drawstring ponytail if you want a seamless look. You’ll still achieve the desired look and it’ll be a lot less fuss trying to cover the tracks.

    3: Do clip in extensions damage fine hair?

    Yes – clip ins can add further damage to fine hair if you wear them too often. Damaged hair is more fragile and the clips can rub against your hair causing tension and friction. If you have damaged hair then it’s best to opt for a method where your hair is braided or flat twisted underneath the clips and have minimal leave out. This way your hair is protected from any tension and pulling on your natural hair.

    4: How do I keep my clip in extensions from slipping?

    The clips are designed to stay in place when attached, however, you can experience them slipping when you run your hands through your hair if they’re not secured properly. Here are some steps to follow to minimise them from slipping;

    1. Ensure your clips are secured before installing the next set
    2. Minimise the use oils on your hair and hands when applying 
    3. Braid, twist or cornrow your natural hair before installing your clip-ins. This creates a base to help your clips stay in place
    4. Don’t be heavy handed when styling – you can always prep your clip in extensions before installation

    5: Why do my clip in hair extensions keep matting?

    The main two reasons your clip ins are matting. The first one is the quality of your hair extensions, cheaper isn’t always the best option when choosing your clip-ins. It’s always best to purchase from a brand who are known for their quality. Always do your research beforehand, read reviews and see what their customers have to say about the brand.

    The second reason is you’re not detangling your clip-ins thoroughly and adopting a hair care routine. Type 4 Natural hair is prone to tangling due to the texture, so any hair extensions that mimic our natural hair is likely to have the same effect. Always detangle your clip-ins with care, the same way you would with your own natural hair. The products you choose to maintain and style them are also key. 

    Final Thoughts

    Clip-in extensions are a personal favourite. I’ve been rocking them for years and absolutely love the versatility and the extra volume/length it adds to my different hairstyles. I love the fact you can’t tell if it’s your hair or not. It’s easy to apply and effortless to use for naturals who don’t have time to go to a hairstylist very often. 

    Our key tips will be to purchase quality hair extensions and create a natural hair care routine so they last a long time. Also, highly recommend braiding your hair underneath prior to installation so it doubles up as a protective style.

    Do you wear clip-in extensions with your natural hair? What has your experience been? Are there any brands you’ll recommend for fellow Naturalista’s? 

    Leave a comment and share your experience. We’d love to hear your thoughts. 

  • Best Extensions for Type 4 Hair – Everything you need to know

    Best Extensions for Type 4 Hair – Everything you need to know

    Black women have been wearing extensions in forms of wigs and weaves as a protective style for decades. Over the last couple of years, more brands have been emerging specifically focussing on extensions for Type 4 Hair. These textures are usually described as kinky straight, afro curly or coily hair. 

    In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about hair extensions for type 4 hair.

    Why have natural hair extensions become so popular?

    Black women typically wear weaves and wigs to protect their natural hair. Which makes styling easier to aid hair growth and prevent damage. It’s also common knowledge that afro textured hair has been hugely discriminated against for decades but that’s a topic for another day. The biggest downside of extensions at the time was majority of brands were focusing on straight, silky and wavy hair. As opposed to textures that actually matched our hair type.

    The natural hair movement began in the early 1960’s and re-emerged in popularity in the 2000’s. Women began documenting their journey to achieve healthy, long, luscious locks without having to constantly use chemicals to alter their hair texture. As a result, a market grew for natural hair extensions. Specifically for Type 3 & 4 hair which is usually harder to blend with straight textures.

    Fast forward to today and there is a wide variety of hair extensions on the market for natural hair. We’re also seeing more black owned brands who actually understand natural hair and are able to cater to our hair needs. Type 4 Hair is finally being represented! And we’re here for it.

    What are the best extensions for Type 4 hair?

    Hair Extensions Type 4 Hair
    Image Source : Unsplash

    1. Traditional Weave also known as Sew-in extensions 

    This is the most popular method of using hair extensions for natural hair. It also acts as a protective style as your hair is braided closely to your scalp before the wefts are applied. The wefts are sewn onto the braids and a portion of your hair is left out to cover the tracks. This helps to achieve a seamless blend.  

    PROS👍CONS👎
    Great protective style as majority of your hair is tucked away Inflexible styling options 
    Weave styles have evolved over time i.e. flip over method, versatile sew-inScalp can become itchy if you don’t follow a maintenance routine
    Long lasting style 

    2. Clip-ins

    Similar to sew-ins, clip-in extensions are wefts of hair attached to small one-inch combs/clips that are applied to your natural hair in sections. The sizes of the wefts vary in size so you can apply them across your hair. Some people braid or twist their hair underneath and then apply the clips on top to protect their ends.

    PROS👍CONS👎
    Easy Application & Removal processCan tug on hair if not applied properly 
    Endless Styling OptionsClips need to be re-adjusted daily to stay in place
    Can be tailored to any head shape 

    3. Micro Links

    Microlinks are an extension method where the hair is attached with silicone microbeads or microtubes. You don’t need to braid your hair when using this method as the hair is attached to your hair strands and held in place with tubes. This gives your hair the opportunity to grow with the extensions but just be mindful you’ll need to have regular salon visits to move the tubes up as your natural hair grows out. 

    PROS👍CONS👎
    Seamless styling – no lumps or bumps when worn in a ponytail or bun Can cause tension on your hair as your natural hair grows
    Lasts up to 3 months with a touch up in between Doesn’t protect ends as much as other styles
    Very pricey due to the regular maintenance

    4. Tape Ins 

    They’ve become more popular over the last couple of years. Tape-ins are small sections of pre-taped hair extensions, about an inch wide, and secured with medical grade glue. Tape-ins can be left in for four to six weeks, depending on your hair texture. They offer a flatter and sleeker finished look as no braids are required for the tape-ins to be applied.

    PROS👍CONS👎
    Easy installation Glue can cause damage to natural hair if not maintained properly
    Lightweight and comfortable Can be difficult to blend with your natural hair in between washes
    Easy to style into a bun, ponytail or updoCan knot easily and become entangled

    What are the least damaging extensions for Type 4 Hair?

    Sew-ins and Clip in extensions are by far the best hair extensions for type 4 hair. Mainly due to the fact they add less tension to your scalp and your hair is in cornrows underneath serving as a protective style.

    @haircrushuk

    RUKA hair four aye clip ins – my absolute fav | use HAIRCRUSH10 for 10% off 🥰 #clipinsforblackgirls #clipinsfornaturalhair #blackhair #haircrush #fyp #fypage #blackhairstyle #blackhairtiktok

    ♬ Body – Instrumental – Summer Walker
    @byserenitysalome

    Kinky straight bundkes from @Empresshairboutiquex Can’t get over hoe much i loved this install and how pretty my client is 💕 #weaverotterdam #weavesalonrotterdam #hairstylistrotterdam #weavenederland #weavewithleaveout #sewinweave #voorjouwpagina #fyp #weavelondon #londonhairstylist #londonweaveinstall #hairstylistatlanta #weaveatlantastylist #beautysalonrotterdam #londonweave #trending #tapeinslondon #versatilesewin #makeuprotterdam #makeupnederland

    ♬ traphouse by tory lanez – tae

    Here are 3 reasons WHY they are the least damaging extensions for your hair:

    1. Protective Hairstyle

    Sew-ins : You’re hair is usually braided to the scalp which equals to less manipulation and styling apart from your leave out. 

    Clip-ins : Many naturals have their natural hair in cornrows and twists and use it as a base before applying the clip ins.

    2. Versatile Styling Options

    Sew-ins : Typically, they haven’t been known to be as flexible but due to some innovation and new styling options. There are different types of sew-ins you can get such as a versatile and flip-over sew in. With these styles, an additional leave out is left at the perimeter of your hair so you can have your hair up in a ponytail or updo when needed.

    Clip-ins : They offer you flexibility to style your hair in many ways such as ponytails, buns, half up half down styles etc. The clips usually come in 6 – 10 pieces. This gives you the flexibility to apply them to your hair in different ways to achieve multiple hairstyles.

    3. Easy Maintenance

    Sew-ins : You can wash your hair as normal with sew-ins without having to go to the salon. It’s helpful to use a shampoo bottle with a nozzle so you can get right into your scalp to ensure it’s completely clean. NOTE : We recommend blow drying the cornrows to ensure they are completely dry as opposed to air drying. As they’re are underneath the wefts, you want to ensure the base is dry to prevent matting or any nasty smells.

    Clip-ins : The removal process is less than 5 mins so you can literally remove them and continue with your natural hair routine as usual.

    5 Reasons Why We LOVE Clip In Extensions for Type 4 Hair

    Clip-in extensions for natural hair have become more and more popular over the last decade. Gone are the days when you tried to blend your Type 3 & Type 4 Hair with extensions that don’t blend with your natural hair texture. We now have a range of kinky, curly and coily hair textures for all hair types.

    1. Clip in extensions can help you during that awkward transitioning phase when you want to get used to your new hair texture. 
    2. It can also add extra length and volume to your natural hair when trying new hairstyles. This is great for anyone with short to medium hair to add that extra length to complete your desired look. As well as, fine hair naturals who need that extra bit of volume.
    3. The best part of clip in extensions for natural hair is the styling options are endless and if used correctly – it can aid hair growth.
    4. Various hair textures for every hair type – the clip-ins are usually classed as afro kinky for 4C hair, coily for 4A – 4B hair types and curly for type 3 hair.
    5. Easy to use – it’s so easy. They all come with instructions but if you’re a visual learner, jump on youtube, instagram or tiktok for some quick styling options.

    Here our some of our favourite brands… we would classify these as some of the best on the market and they have options for 4A, 4B & 4C hair. They’re also black owned brands which is an added bonus.

    RUKA
    HeatFreeHair
    NaturalGirlsWigs
    KinkyCurlyYaki

    Read our latest post on How to Rock Clip in Extensions on Type 4 Natural Hair.

    Image Source : GIPHY

    Important Factors to Consider before deciding on what Natural Hair extensions to use

    Do Your Research:

    Read reviews and check social media for people’s true reaction on how they’ve found the hair. It’s not just about what it looks like when it arrives but also how long it lasts. I.e – Does the hair matte or tangle easily? Are the clips comfortable? Are the extensions prone to drying out?

    Purchase a texture that matches your hair:

    This is really the key, you don’t want to spend a lot of time altering your natural hair pattern to blend with the extensions. Most companies have a guide on their site to help you figure out what texture to purchase. As we mentioned earlier, afro kinky is  for 4C hair, coily for 4A – 4B hair types and curly for type 3 hair.

    Have a maintenance routine:

    Look after your extensions as you would your natural hair. Create a hair care routine that includes cleansing, moisturising and sealing the hair. Remember, to ensure your natural hair is thoroughly dry to reduce matting or damp smells.

    Understand what products to use:

    Most websites will give you recommendations on what hair products work best for your extensions. We suggest doing some research by watching youtube videos to understand what products other Naturalista’s are using to see what works/doesn’t work.

    Lastly, enjoy it! Experiment with different styles and make the most of your styling options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Are Tape-Ins damaging for Type 4 Hair?

    Yes and No – it really depends on your maintenance routine. The key with tape-ins is to make sure they’re maintained professionally to minimise damage to your natural hair. You also want to make sure you remove them with a 99% alcohol based solution as opposed to pulling them out. 

    Other things to consider;

    • If you have a dry scalp then stay away from tape ins as the adhesive is sensitive to moisture. 
    • You won’t be able to oil your scalp regularly to prevent tape ins from slipping out.
    • Detangle your hair as regularly as possible to prevent the extensions from matting with your natural hair. 
    • Sleep with a scarf and/or bonnet 

    2. Why is my hair thinning after using extensions?

    If your hair is thinning then this could be a sign of traction alopecia. Hair extensions can contribute to this form of alopecia and is caused from the pulling of the strands on your hair. If your natural hair is thinning then it’s best to give your hair a break and stay away from extensions. If you continue to use them, it could add more strain to your hair and will lead to thin or bald patches, especially around your edges and the perimeter of your hair line. Note: Once your hair follicles are damaged, your hair will have difficulty growing back, leading to permanent hair loss.

    3. What are the easiest extensions to maintain?

    Maintaining your hair extensions depends on what style you opt for. Micro links and Tape-ins should be maintained with regular visits to the stylist. Although, you can do some things at home such as detangling and moisturising. 

    Clip ins and sew-ins can be maintained easily at home with minimal visits to a stylist. Our suggestion is to adopt your natural hair routine whilst wearing these extensions. 

    4. What hair extensions look most natural?

    This depends on the extensions you decide to go with. Some would say micro links and tape-ins are the most natural looking. Due to the fact they are applied closely to your scalp and makes it easy to style your hair into a bun or ponytail. However, you can still achieve a seamless look with weaves and clip-in extensions. You can make either look natural but you want to ensure whatever style you choose you have a great maintenance routine to minimise damage to your own hair.

    5. How do I sleep with extensions?

    As you would normally, get a scarf and bonnet so it stays in place overnight and not rub against your pillows. If you’re not a fan of scarves, purchase a silk pillowcase instead. Depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, you can put them in flexi rods, rollers, twists or  braids in preparation for your hairstyle the next day.

    Our Final Thoughts

    We love extensions and have made no surprise that clip-ins are our no 1 for type 4 naturals. Extensions can add volume and length to your hair whilst serving as a protective style. Whatever extensions you choose you should always have a maintenance routine in place. With clip-ins and sew-ins, it’s easy to maintain by yourself. But if you decide on tape ins and micro-links, make sure you visit your stylist regularly for your maintenance routine.

    There have been cases when extensions have led to damage so pay attention to your hair whilst wearing the style. Don’t keep the style in for too long and make sure your stylist doesn’t apply too much tension to your hair to prevent excessive pulling and tugging.

    Have you tried natural hair extensions? What’s your favourite type for natural hair?