Can You Do Your Own Hair Extensions? AN EXPERT Guide to Stunning Hair Extensions

If you’ve been trying to grow your hair out forever, hair extensions are game-changers for getting long, flowing locks in a hurry! They allow us to achieve elegant, waist-length waves without having to wait months until our hair finally grows an inch. Not to mention, they can add volume and bounce and overall make your hair look incredible! But they can cost a pretty penny when you’re getting them done at a salon. So, the question is, can you do your own hair extensions? Keep reading to find out! 

Expert Guide to Stunning Hair Extensions

If you’re new to the world of hair extensions, the zillions of choices available can be confusing. From clip-ins, tape-ins to pre-bonded hair extensions. And then there’s the synthetic v.s human hair option. 

What does this all mean?! 

You’re not alone if you’re totally confused by the different hair extension choices. But don’t worry, we’re here to decipher all things extensions, to help you decide which option will work for you and your locks.

Human Hair VS Synthetic Hair

When choosing hair extensions, you first have to decide if you want real human hair extensions or synthetic hair extensions. Confused yet? Human hair extensions are made from – you guessed it – human hair. Synthetic extensions, on the other hand, are made from nylon, acrylic, or polyester fibers.

Human Hair Extension Pros/Cons

Human hair extensions are the most popular kind of hair extension for a few reasons. One of them is they blend seamlessly with your natural hair, so no one will know you’re rocking extensions. Another plus is you can style them with your hot tools, color them, and cut them. Basically, you can treat and care for your human hair extensions just as you would your natural hair.

The downside? These benefits do lead to pricey hair extensions. Human hair extensions are the most expensive choice on the market.

Synthetic Hair Extension Pros/Cons

The pros of synthetic hair extensions are their affordability and availability. Need a quick and affordable solution to long hair? Just head to your local mall, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when picking out synthetic extensions to buy. They are great for a night out when you want to create a funky look or just add a few inches!

The cons? Synthetic hair extensions don’t blend in well with your natural hair, and it may be obvious that you’re wearing extensions. They can’t be styled with hot tools, cut, or colored. Unfortunately, they don’t last as long as human hair extensions, and the quality just isn’t the same. 

Different Types of Hair Extensions

Hopefully, you’ve made up your mind on the human hair v.s synthetic hair debate. Now, it’s time to choose what type of hair extensions are the best match for your hair.

Temporary Hair Extensions

Temporary clip-in hair extensions are perfect for a special date or if you want to achieve longer hair or a sleek, high pony! The benefits of clip-in extensions are they’re non-committal and affordable, plus, they don’t damage your hair.

You don’t have to spend hundreds, or in some cases, even more, on permanent extensions that you might come to hate! With clip-ins, you can change up your look or color and add that “wow” factor whenever you like.

Semi-Permanent Hair Extensions

Tape-in extensions are the most popular form of semi-permanent hair extensions, and after clip-ins, they’re the easiest and quickest extensions to apply and remove. Tape-ins are perfect if you want to try out your extensions for a few weeks before committing to permanent extensions.

They last around 4-6 weeks, making them an excellent choice for your next summer vacation. You can brush, curl, and braid them, just as you would your natural locks (with a little extra care).

Permanent Hair Extensions

Pre-bonded, sew-in, or micro link hair extensions are some of the most popular permanent hair extensions available. While the name suggests they are “permanent” hair extensions, unfortunately, they don’t last forever.

Fusion hair extensions are bonded to your stands using keratin glue and heat and can last up to 6 months. Sew-in extensions are sewed into your natural hair, making them practically seamless, lasting up to 3 months. Micro link extensions are secured to your hair using silicone beads, and they can last up to 4 months.

If you were hoping to do your own permanent hair extensions, think again. Make sure these hair extensions methods are applied by a hair stylist for your own safety! 

Can You Do Your Own Hair Extensions?

The question we’ve all been waiting for! Can you do your own hair extensions? Well, if you want to do your own hair extensions, you’re in luck because there are a few possibilities for DIY at-home extensions! Permanent extensions are off the table, but you can do your own clip-in hair extensions or clip-in ponytails at home! INH hair offers full-length clip-ins ranging from extra-long waves to long, sleek straight extensions. They also offer clip-in ponytails, bangs, buns, and even wigs that you can do yourself. 

Clip-ins are super easy to put in and can take less than 10 minutes to do. They don’t require any heat or special adhesives. It is as simple as clipping them in, and you’ve got gorgeous long locks ready to be styled. If you need some hair inspo, we’ve got you! Check out our favorite 90s inspired hairstyles here. 

Bonus Tip – How to Care for Your Extensions

Just like our own hair, you must treat your hair extensions with the same tender loving care! When it comes to cleaning your extensions, you only need to wash them once a month since they don’t produce any natural oils. We recommend using a treat your hair extensions with the same tender loving caregentle shampoo and conditioner and only using a small amount of product.

I know it’s hard, but try to avoid overusing your hair curler and straightener. When you do style them with your hot tools, make sure you use a good thermal protector to avoid drying out your extensions.

If you’re wearing clip-ins, don’t wear them to bed! At the end of the day, give your extensions a light brush and set in a shoebox for safekeeping.

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