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Clip-In Extensions Guide
How to Put in Hair Extensions
Beautiful, versatile, and instantly effective. Clip-in extensions give you longer, fuller hair in about 30 minutes, no salon required. Here's everything you need to choose the right set, put them in yourself, and make them look like your own.
What's beautiful, versatile, easy to use, and instantly effective? If you guessed clip-in hair extensions, you'd be right.
Everyday, weddings, photo shoots, special events, there are so many occasions to wear extensions and even more reasons to love them. Add length for a wedding. Add volume to fine hair. Try a highlight without ever picking up a bottle of dye. Clip a long ponytail in when you want it, take it out at the end of the day. It really is that easy.
The quick version: most women can put in a full set of clip-ins in about 20 to 30 minutes. Jump to the step-by-step if that's all you need.
Certainly, clip-ins are a great secret weapon to keep in your arsenal of hair tools. Plus, they're the safest, simplest, most forgiving way to wear hair extensions, and you can put them on yourself at home. No glue, no heat, no salon appointment, no commitment. At Headcovers, we've been helping women shop for hair for 31 years, and clip-ins are the one extension style we carry. If you've been curious about hair extensions and want a do-it-yourself option, this is a wonderful place to start.
Why women love clip-ins
Length in minutes
Add four, six, even twelve inches in a snap. No waiting, no growth treatments, no patience required.
Fullness where you want it
Thin ends or fine hair gain body and thickness without teasing, powders, or heat damage.
Highlights without the chemicals
Caramel, honey, or a vivid streak of color. No bleach, no commitment, no trip to the salon.
Weddings and special occasions
Updos, ponytails, and bridal styles need length and body to work. Extensions give you both.
Browse our clip-in extensions or keep reading to figure out which set is right for you.
1
Are clip-in extensions right for you?
Clip-ins are wonderful for most women, but they're especially good for some. Here's how to tell if they'll work for you.
Clip-ins are a great fit if you're...
Getting ready for a wedding or special event
This is where clip-ins shine. They're a must for weddings, prom, and special occasions. Wedding hairstylists reach for them again and again because they hold curls beautifully, fill out updos, and let you wear the Pinterest-worthy style you've been dreaming about. Wear them for the big day, take them out that night, and your own hair is untouched.
Adding length to healthy hair
If your hair is strong and you love it at its current length most days but want four to six extra inches for a night out or a photo shoot, clip-ins are the simplest answer. This is the use case they were designed for, and they're beautiful at it.
Testing long hair before you commit
Thinking about growing your hair out but not sure it's for you? Clip-ins let you try long hair for a weekend before you spend a year on the real thing. You can go right back to short whenever you want.
Adding a little volume to fine hair
Clip-ins can add body to fine hair, with some honest caveats. In our experience, the women who get the most out of clip-ins with fine hair choose the lightest-weight wefts, wear them for special occasions rather than every day, and rotate where they place the clips so they're not stressing the same section of hair repeatedly. For significant thinning, a hair topper is a better product.
If you're going through chemo or in the early stages of regrowth
Clip-in extensions aren't the right product yet. Your hair needs to be healthy and at least 4 to 5 inches long for the clips to hold and hide properly, and the scalp needs to be past the sensitive phase. In the meantime, our wigs and hair toppers are designed exactly for where you are. Once your hair has fully grown back in, clip-ins are a wonderful way to add length or volume for a special occasion.
If you're not sure where you are in your regrowth, our hair growth after chemo guide walks through the stages with honest recommendations for each.
A quick note on other extension methods: You may have heard of tape-in, sew-in, micro-link, and keratin fusion extensions. Those are professional options, applied in a salon and worn for weeks at a time. They can work beautifully for the right person, but they're a bigger commitment in cost, time, and risk to your natural hair. We don't carry them because clip-ins do everything most women actually want without any of those trade-offs. If you've decided a semi-permanent method is right for you, a local stylist is the best next step.
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How to choose the right set
There are four things to pick: the hair type, the length, the volume, and the color. Get these right and the rest is easy.
Pick your hair type
Clip-in extensions come in two main fiber types. Each has its strengths, and the right one for you comes down to how often you'll wear them and what kind of styling you want to do.
Human Hair
Longest-lasting option
✓ Heat styling OK
Best for daily wear, the most natural movement, and matching a specific dimensional color. Human hair looks and behaves like your own.
Pros
- Looks and moves like your real hair
- Blends easily with most natural hair colors
- Longest lifespan with proper care
- Can be curled, straightened, and styled however you like
Keep in mind
- Frizzes in humidity, like real hair does
- Heavier on the scalp
- Most expensive option
Heat Friendly Synthetic
Most affordable option
✓ Heat styling OK
Best for occasional wear, lower maintenance, and a more affordable price point. Can still be curled or straightened to match your hair texture.
Pros
- Can be styled with a curling iron or flat iron
- Holds its style through weather and wear
- More affordable than human hair
Keep in mind
- Can't be dyed or permed
- Shorter lifespan than human hair
- The fiber is delicate and can tangle or frizz over time
How to pick between them
Both options have their place. Pick human hair if you want the most natural look and movement, plan to wear them regularly, and want the option to dye or color them down the road. Pick heat friendly synthetic if you want a lower-maintenance option that holds its style, costs less, and still lets you curl or straighten to match your own hair. In our experience, the right answer usually comes down to how often you'll wear them and what your budget is.
Looking for a ponytail extension instead? Clip-in wefts (what this page covers) are strips of hair you clip throughout your head for added length and volume. Clip-on ponytail extensions are a single wrap-around or drawstring piece that attaches to a ponytail base for instant length or volume at the back. They're a different product for a different look. Shop our clip-on ponytail extensions →
A note on lifespan
You'll see a lot of sources quote specific timelines for how long extensions last. In our experience, those numbers are misleading because lifespan really depends on how often you wear them and how hard you use them. Daily wear, heat styling, frequent washing, and direct sunlight all shorten lifespan. Occasional wear and gentle care extend it significantly. A set of extensions worn for weddings and special occasions will last far longer than the same set worn every day. Human hair outlasts heat friendly synthetic, but how you treat them matters more than what they're made of.
Then decide on length, volume, color, and texture
01 · Length
How long should they be?
Measure from your hairline at the nape of your neck down to where you want your hair to fall. For a subtle lift, pick something close to your current length. For a dramatic change, go four to six inches longer.
A 16-inch extension clipped at the crown falls to roughly mid-back on most women. An 18-inch or 20-inch set lands well past the shoulder blades.
02 · Volume
How many wefts do you need?
A full set usually has 7 to 10 wefts of varying widths, enough to add length and volume across the whole back of the head. A half set, with 3 to 5 wefts, adds a touch of length or a highlight without a full transformation.
If your hair is fine or thinning, start with a half set or lighter wefts. If your hair is thick, a full set blends more naturally.
03 · Color
How to match your hair color
Match to the ends of your hair, not the roots. Extensions within two shades of your natural color will blend beautifully, and rooted or dimensional shades blend more easily than flat single colors.
Not sure? Send us a photo or a small hair clipping and our team will help you match. There's no charge for the consultation, and getting this right makes all the difference.
04 · Texture
Match your hair's texture
If your hair is naturally straight, most extensions will blend beautifully. If you have waves or curls, look for a set that matches your pattern, or choose heat friendly synthetic or human hair that you can style to match.
Trying to keep naturally curly hair straight while wearing extensions isn't realistic for daily wear. Match the texture, don't fight it.
Now that you know what to look for, browse our clip-in extensions to find your set. Or keep reading to learn how to put them in.
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How to put in clip-in hair extensions yourself
Learning how to put on and install hair extensions yourself has a little bit of a learning curve. Luckily, clip-ins are the most forgiving extension method there is, and if you follow these five steps, you'll get the hang of it in no time! Most women have it down by the second or third try.
You'll need
- Your clip-in extensions
- A rat-tail comb
- A few large claw clips
1
Section off the top layer
Use the tail of your comb to draw a horizontal part from ear to ear, running across the top of your head. Clip everything above that part up and out of the way with a claw clip. Remember that you don't want your clips to show, so leave enough hair in this top layer to cover your extensions completely. This top layer is what hides the wefts.
2
Divide the bottom section for each weft
Working with the hair you left down, use your rat-tail comb to create horizontal sections, one for each weft you plan to clip in. For example, if you have 10 wefts, make 10 sections. Start at the nape of your neck and work up. If you only have one or two wefts, you can skip this step.
3
Clip each weft near the root
Select the weft that matches the width of your section. Tease the root of your hair gently where the weft will sit so the clips have something to grip. Open the clips, position the weft flat against your scalp about half an inch below your part, and snap each clip closed. Give the weft a gentle tug to make sure it's securely attached.
4
Keep working upward until every weft is in
Release one section at a time, clip the next weft in place, and keep moving up the back of your head. Use the narrower wefts near your temples and above your ears where the sections are shorter. Save the widest wefts for the widest parts of your head.
5
Release the top layer and check the back
Take out the claw clip and let your top layer fall naturally over the wefts. Use a mirror to check the back for any clips peeking through. If you spot one, lift the section above and reposition the clip lower so more hair covers it. Most adjustments only take a few seconds.
Tip
Put them in clean, dry hair. Extensions grip best to hair that has a little natural texture. If your hair is freshly washed and very smooth, a touch of dry shampoo or a light teasing at the root helps the clips hold.
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How to blend and style your extensions
Putting clip-ins in is the easy part. Making them look like your own hair is where a few small tricks make all the difference.
Four ways to make clip-ins look natural
01 · Style together
Curl or straighten as one
If you have human hair or heat friendly synthetic, take sections of your natural hair and your extensions together and curl or straighten them in the same pass. The texture ends up matching beautifully. For standard synthetic, twist and tousle the hair together with your fingers for a softer, more natural line.
02 · Trim with a pro
Take them to a stylist
Clip the extensions in, then visit your hairdresser for a trim. A stylist will layer your natural hair and the ends of the wefts together so they fall as one, instead of a top layer ending sharply over a longer bottom layer. It's a small investment that transforms how they look.
03 · Choose the right color
Within two shades
Match the color of your extensions to the ends of your hair, up to two shades lighter or darker. A rooted or dimensional color blends more easily than a flat single shade. Darker extensions blend into your hair, while lighter ones stand out, so go slightly darker if you're between two shades.
04 · Match the weight
Don't overload fine hair
Fine hair looks unnatural with thick, heavy wefts. Thick hair looks patchy with thin ones. Pick wefts that match the density of your own hair. For instance, if you have thin hair, select lighter invisible-style wefts. If you have thicker hair, a fuller set will blend more naturally.
How to put your hair up with extensions in
One of the best things about clip-ins is they don't stop you from wearing your hair up. Here's how to style them so the clips stay hidden.
- For a ponytailPull your hair back gently and secure with a soft hair tie. Make sure the top layer of your natural hair covers the clips. A mid-height or low ponytail works best. For a high ponytail, you may need to reposition a weft or two lower so they don't peek out above the hair tie.
- For a bun or updoTease your hair at the crown and around the clipped areas so the extensions blend into the volume instead of showing as flat strips. Pin the bun or twist over the clipped sections for extra coverage. Extensions are what make big dramatic updos possible on shorter hair.
- For a half-up styleThese are the easiest to do with clip-ins in, because the top layer of hair naturally covers the wefts. Pull the top section back, secure with a pin or tie, and let the wefts stay invisible underneath.
- For a braidFrench braids and fishtails work beautifully with clip-ins because the braiding itself incorporates the wefts into the pattern. Clip your wefts in as usual, then braid as you normally would. The extra length and thickness makes the braid look fuller.
5
How to care for your extensions
Now that you know how to put in your clip-in extensions, here are some tips to help you care for them. With proper care, your extensions will look better and last longer. Washed right, stored right, and brushed the right way, a good set lasts.
How to wash clip-in extensions
1
Brush first
Gently brush out any tangles with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush before the extensions get wet.
2
Saturate with lukewarm water
Hot water damages both human and synthetic fibers. Fill a sink or run the tap and soak each weft until fully wet.
3
Shampoo from top to bottom
Use a small amount of wig or extension shampoo. Work it through each weft with your fingers, stroking downward. Don't scrub or twist.
4
Rinse clean
Run cool water through each weft until no shampoo remains. Don't wring.
5
Condition and let it absorb
Apply conditioner from top to bottom and leave it for a few minutes. This is where extensions get most of their moisture.
6
Rinse in cool water
Cool water seals the fiber. Rinse until the water runs clear and all residue is gone.
7
Squeeze and comb gently
Press out excess water with your hands. Don't twist or rub with a towel. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles while the hair is still wet.
8
Air dry flat
Lay each weft flat on a clean towel away from sunlight. Skip the blow dryer. Extensions dry fully in a few hours.
Quick rule
Don't wash more than once every four to six weeks. Extensions don't get oily the way your scalp does. Washing them too often strips the fiber, fades color, and cuts their lifespan in half. Brush between wears and they'll stay beautiful.
How to store clip-in extensions
Option 1
In their original box
Brush out tangles, lay the wefts flat in their packaging or a shallow shoe box, and keep them somewhere cool and dry. This is the gentlest storage option and works well if you don't wear your extensions every day.
Option 2
On a hanger with clips
Clip each weft to a pants hanger and hang it in your closet. The hair stays straight, detangles stay minimal, and your extensions are ready to grab. Ideal if you wear them often.
Never
Don't sleep in your extensions. Even if you're tired. Sleeping in clip-ins mats them into your hair, damages both, and loosens the clip grip. Take them out and lay them on a towel if you need to in the moment. Brush and store them properly in the morning.
Extensions aren't about changing who you are. They're about having a little extra on the days you want it, and knowing you can take it off when you don't.
Ready to shop
Find the set that's right for you.
Browse our full collection of clip-in hair extensions. Or call us and we'll walk through it together, the same way we've been helping women shop for hair for 31 years.
or
Not sure which is right for you? Call us at 1-800-264-4287
Mon-Thu 9am to 5pm CST · Fri 9am to 3:30pm CST
Common Questions
Common questions, answered
Section your hair horizontally from ear to ear and clip the top half up out of the way. Take a small section of hair along the bottom, tease the root slightly so the clip has something to grip, and press the weft into place near the scalp. Snap each clip shut and gently tug to make sure it's secure. Repeat up the back of your head, release the top layer over the wefts, and blend. The whole process takes about 30 minutes once you've done it a few times.
Most women put in a full set of clip-in hair extensions in 20 to 30 minutes. The first time takes a little longer while you figure out your sections and clip placement, but once you've done it a few times it's quick. Clip-ins are the fastest extension method there is. No appointment, no heat, no adhesive.
Yes, with some honest caveats. Clip-ins can add volume and length to fine or thinning hair, but they work best for occasional wear rather than daily use. Choose lightweight wefts so you're not overloading fragile hair, place the clips on areas where your hair is still strong, and rotate placement rather than clipping to the same spot every time. For significant thinning or noticeable sparse areas, a hair topper covers the crown and part line without any weight pulling on your hair, and it's typically the better product.
Absolutely, and it's one of the best things about clip-ins. For a ponytail, pull your hair back loosely and secure it with a hair tie, making sure the clips stay covered by your own hair. For an updo, tease the root area where the wefts sit so they blend in, then style as usual. Half-up styles are especially easy because the top layer naturally covers the clips. If you're doing a very high ponytail, you may need to reposition a weft or two lower so they don't show.
The best fix is to match texture instead of fighting it. Choose extensions that match your curl pattern, either curly human hair you can wash with your own hair, or heat friendly synthetic that holds a curl you set into it. If you want to wear your curly hair straight with extensions in, you'll need to straighten your natural hair each time you wear them, which isn't always realistic. Wearing your texture is usually easier and looks more natural.
Clip-in extensions are the gentlest extension method available. There's no heat, glue, tape, or sewing. When they're applied correctly, clipped to strong hair rather than fragile sections, and taken out each night, they don't damage your natural hair. The two things that can cause damage are sleeping in them and clipping to the exact same spot every time, so rotate the placement a little and always remove them at night.
Match the color to the ends of your hair, not the roots. Extensions that are up to two shades lighter or darker will still look natural, and a rooted or dimensional color blends more easily than a flat single shade. If you're between two colors, go slightly darker. Darker blends; lighter stands out. If you're not sure, our team offers a free color consultation and can match from a photo or a hair clipping you send us.
Clip-in extensions only need washing every 15 to 20 wears, or roughly once every four to six weeks with regular use. Unlike your own hair, extensions don't have a scalp producing natural oils, so washing them too often dries out the fiber and shortens their lifespan. Brush them out after each wear, store them properly, and they'll stay beautiful.
No. Always take your clip-ins out before bed. Sleeping in them causes the wefts to mat together with your natural hair, which damages both. It also pulls on your scalp and loosens the clip grip over time. Take them out, give them a quick brush, and lay them flat in a drawer or clip them to a hanger.
It depends entirely on how often you wear them and how hard you use them. Human hair clip-ins last longer than heat friendly synthetic, but your own care matters more than the material. Daily wear, heat styling, frequent washing, and direct sunlight all shorten lifespan. Occasional wear and gentle care extend it significantly. A set worn for weddings and special occasions will outlast the same set worn every day by years.
If you want long, beautiful, voluminous hair in a matter of minutes, clip-in extensions are a wonderful option. Now that you know the ins and outs, why not give them a try?
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