Clip-in hair extensions are a great way to add volume to lacklustre locks and gorgeous, Rapunzel-like length without looking fake. But they can be difficult to put in – and get right. So we visited leading London hair extension salon Vixen & Blush, who specialise in seamless custom-made clip-ins, to bring you a comprehensive, step-by-step video guide by its founder Sarah Mckenna…
When fitting your clip-ins, Sarah advises sectioning your hair with a tailcomb and backbrushing the roots of the section – this is important to create a grip to fix the extensions. For extra texture, which will make application easier, spritz the roots with dry shampoo.
The snap grips should be firmly placed against the backbrushed area – make sure it feels really secure. Vixen & Blush clip-in extensions, which are made of 100 per cent Russian virgin hair and are completely seamless, are large pieces that go from ear to ear, which is a great way to add volume while using fewer pieces.
Danielle Peazer rocking the Vixen & Blush clip-in extensions
Sarah recommends using two of these large pieces for the back, and several smaller pieces at the sides for a more versatile application. For the most natural-looking finish, it's best to go in-salon to have your clip-in extensions trimmed to blend in with your own hai.
Clip-in extensions look best when they are properly styled after application. Use a heat styling tool and consider the top of your own hair, not just the extensions, so that it can be blended in together flawlessly.
Once styled, try not to use too much hairspray as this can make them look a bit sticky. Vixen & Bush prefers to use dry shampoo or even a bit of backbrushing on the ends to create more volume.
As for the maintenance of your clip ins, because the hair is not attached to the scalp they don't get oily like your own hair, so there's no real need to wash them. But if you feel like freshening them up, simply brush them through after removal and shampoo gentle with warm water before hanging them up to air dry.