Are you tired of waiting for your hair to grow out? I completely understand, as I found myself in the same place not too long ago. You’ll be excited to know that after much research and discovering that hair extensions have been used since Ancient Egypt around 5000 BC, I’ve uncovered a great solution! This article will guide you through how to make your very own hair extensions right at home.
Get set for an exciting DIY journey.
How to make hair extensions?
To make your own hair extensions, start by choosing the right type and color of hair that matches your natural hair. Then, prepare the extensions by washing and conditioning them to ensure they are clean and ready for use.
Next, add clips or sew the extensions onto a weft using a needle and thread. Finally, style the extensions to blend seamlessly with your natural hair for a flawless look.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Hair
When it comes to making your own hair extensions, choosing the right type of hair is crucial for achieving a natural look and ensuring durability. Opting for human hair extensions rather than synthetic ones is highly recommended because they blend seamlessly with your natural hair and can be styled just like your own locks.
Look for human hair that has intact cuticles and is perfectly aligned, as this ensures a smooth texture and prevents tangling. Additionally, high-quality human hair extensions are sourced ethically and offer longevity, allowing you to enjoy your new hairstyle for months to come.
Keep these factors in mind when selecting the perfect hair for your homemade extensions to achieve the most beautiful results possible!
Step 2: Preparing the Extensions
To ensure that your DIY hair extensions turn out beautifully, it’s crucial to properly prepare the extensions. This step is essential for achieving a seamless blend with your natural hair.
Begin by gently washing and conditioning the extensions using sulfate-free products to maintain their quality and longevity. After rinsing, carefully comb through the strands with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush to remove any tangles or knots.
Once the extensions are clean and free of any tangles, allow them to air dry completely before further handling. Avoid using excessive heat from blow dryers or styling tools, as this can damage the hair fibers.
Once dry, separate the extension wefts into individual sections to make them easier to work with during installation.
Step 3: Adding Clips or Sewing the Extensions
To add clips or sew your hair extensions, you will need a few supplies like a needle and thread or small snap-in clips. Once you have prepared the extensions by cutting them to the desired length and styling them as desired, it’s time to attach them.
If you prefer a temporary solution, attaching clip-in hair extensions is quick and easy. Simply open the clip, position it against your scalp where you want the extension to be placed, and snap it shut.
For a more permanent option, you can sew in the extensions using a needle and thread. Take care to properly anchor each weft of hair by sewing it onto cornrows or braids close to your scalp for a secure result that lasts longer.
Step 4: Styling the Extensions
When it comes to styling your hair extensions, the possibilities are endless. With the added length and volume they provide, you can create beautiful hairstyles that turn heads wherever you go.
Whether you prefer sleek straight locks or bouncy curls, styling your hair extensions is a breeze. One popular method is to use heat styling tools such as curling irons and flat irons to achieve different looks.
Just remember to use heat protectant products before applying any heat to your extensions to prevent damage. Another option is braiding your extensions for an effortless boho-chic look.
You can experiment with different types of braids like fishtail braids or Dutch braids for a unique style. Additionally, accessorizing your hair extensions with cute headbands, bows, or clips adds a fun and stylish touch to any hairstyle.
Different Methods of Making Hair Extensions
There are several different methods for making hair extensions, including creating halo hair extensions, crafting clip-in hair extensions, and sewing in traditional hair extensions.
Making Halo Hair Extensions
I’m about to let you in on the simple process of creating Halo Hair Extensions.
- Start by selecting premium quality human hair, preferably with intact cuticles for a more natural look and easy maintenance.
- Measure the circumference of your head where the halo would sit comfortably and subtract about an inch for stretch.
- Cut a piece of fishing line or thin elastic cord to match this measurement.
- Take your pre – made weft (you can buy these from popular hair extension brands) and start securing it onto the cord using tiny knots.
- Make sure to space out evenly along the entire length of the weft to prevent sagging or bulking areas.
- Once done, trim any excess thread or cord, ensuring your finished product has a clean finish.
- Blend the extensions into your natural hair for seamless integration.
Making Clip-In Hair Extensions
I have personally found that making clip-in hair extensions is a great way to add length and volume to your natural hair. It’s a relatively easy process that you can do at home, and it allows for flexibility in styling as you can easily remove the extensions whenever you want. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own clip-in hair extensions:
- Choose the Right Hair: Start by selecting high-quality human hair for your extensions. Look for hair that closely matches your natural color and texture for a seamless blend.
- Prepare the Extensions: Measure and cut the hair into wefts of desired widths. Typically, three or four wefts are enough for a full head of extensions.
- Add Clips: Take each weft and attach small metal clips along the top edge using needle and thread. Make sure to evenly space out the clips along the width of the weft.
- Sewing the Extensions: Part your natural hair horizontally at the back of your head, about an inch above the nape of your neck. Secure the rest of your hair with clips or pins.
- Take one weft at a time and position it along the parting line, closest to your scalp.
- Sew each clip onto your natural hair by stitching through both sides of the weft, securing it in place.
- Repeat this process with each weft, working from bottom to top until all extensions are attached.
5. Styling the Extensions: Once all the clip-in extensions are in place, style them as desired along with your natural hair. You can curl or straighten them to match your hairstyle.
Making Sew-In Hair Extensions
Sew-in hair extensions are a popular method of adding length and volume to your natural hair. They offer a more secure and long-lasting result compared to other types of extensions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make sew-in hair extensions:
- Choose the Right Hair: Select high-quality human hair that matches your natural hair color, texture, and length. The finest type of human hair for sew-in extensions is one where the cuticles are left intact and the hair is perfectly aligned.
- Prepare the Extensions: Measure and cut the wefted hair into individual tracks according to the size you desire. Make sure to leave some space at both ends for sewing.
- Braiding Your Natural Hair: Part your hair horizontally, about an inch above the nape of your neck, and create cornrow braids from ear to ear using your natural hair as a base for attaching the extensions.
- Sewing in the Extensions: Starting from the bottom row, use a curved needle and thread to sew each track onto the cornrow braids. Begin by securing one end of the weft, then stitch along the braid using small, tight stitches until you reach the other end.
- Blending with Your Natural Hair: Once all tracks are securely attached, take down any remaining loose or unbraided sections of your natural hair to blend it seamlessly with the extensions.
- Styling Techniques: Style your sew-in extensions as desired using heat tools or styling products. However, be cautious not to damage either your natural hair or the extensions.
- Use a strong, matching thread for sewing in order to ensure longevity.
- Avoid overloading each cornrow with heavy wefts to prevent tension headaches or discomfort.
- Always consult a professional hairstylist if you’re unsure about performing this technique yourself.
- Follow proper maintenance routines like washing, conditioning, and detangling to keep your sew – in extensions looking their best.
Tips for doing hair extensions look natural
To ensure that your hair extensions seamlessly blend with your natural hair, it is essential to carefully choose the right color and texture that matches your own hair.
Matching the Hair Color and Texture
One of the most important aspects of making hair extensions look natural is matching the hair color and texture to your own. When choosing hair for your extensions, it’s essential to find a shade that closely resembles your natural hair color.
This will help create a seamless blend between your real hair and the extensions. Additionally, consider the texture of both your natural hair and the extension hair. If you have fine, smooth strands, opt for extensions with a similar texture to avoid an obvious contrast.
On the other hand, if you have coarse or curly hair, choose extensions that match in terms of curl pattern or thickness. By carefully selecting extensions that match both in color and texture, you can achieve a flawless finish that looks completely natural.
Blending the Extensions with Your Natural Hair
To achieve a seamless blend between your hair extensions and natural hair, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to choose extensions that closely match the color and texture of your own hair.
This will ensure that they blend seamlessly when applied.
When adding clip-in or sew-in extensions, take care to position them strategically along the head for a natural-looking result. Start by placing them lower down near the nape of your neck and gradually work your way up towards the crown.
Additionally, proper securing of the extensions is crucial for a natural finish. Whether using clips or sewing them in, make sure they are firmly attached but not overly tight or uncomfortable.
Properly Securing the Extensions
To ensure that your hair extensions stay in place and look natural, it’s essential to properly secure them. One of the most common methods is using clips to attach the extensions to your natural hair.
Make sure you select high-quality clips that match the color of your extensions for a seamless blend. Another option is sewing the extensions onto a track or weft, which provides a more secure and long-lasting result.
This technique involves attaching the extensions strand by strand to your natural hair using needle and thread. It’s important to consult with a professional stylist if you’re new to this method.
Additionally, always consider how you style your hair after securing the extensions. Avoid putting excessive strain on them by pulling or tying too tightly, as this can cause damage over time.
Remember, proper maintenance and care are crucial for keeping your extensions securely in place for an extended period without any discomfort or slippage.
Styling Techniques for a Seamless Blend
To achieve a seamless blend with your hair extensions, it is essential to use the right styling techniques. Start by curling or straightening both your natural hair and the extensions together.
This will help create a cohesive look and ensure that the texture matches. Another important tip is to layer your hair and the extensions, blending them seamlessly for a more natural appearance.
Additionally, try using texturizing products such as sea salt sprays or dry shampoos to add volume and texture to both your natural hair and the extensions. By following these styling techniques, you’ll be able to create a flawless blend between your own locks and those beautiful extensions.
FAQs
1. Can I make hair extensions at home?
While it is possible to make hair extensions at home, it requires advanced skills and knowledge of hair extension techniques. It is generally recommended to have a professional hairstylist or extension specialist create the extensions for best results.
2. What materials do I need to make hair extensions?
To make hair extensions, you will need human or synthetic hair, thread or adhesive, a weaving needle or glue gun, scissors, and clips or tape for attachment. Other tools such as pliers may also be needed depending on the specific method used.
3. How long does it take to make hair extensions?
The time required to make hair extensions depends on various factors including the desired length and thickness of the extensions, the chosen method of attachment, and your skill level. On average, it can take several hours to create a full set of customized hair extensions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to make hair extensions at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to achieve the long, voluminous hair you desire. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and considering essential tips for a natural blend, you’ll be able to create your own high-quality extensions that perfectly match your hair color and texture.
With practice and dedication, you’ll soon become an expert in crafting beautiful homemade extensions that will enhance your overall look and boost your confidence. So why wait? Start creating your own stunning hair extensions today!
