If you’ve ever dreamed of longer, fuller hair but don’t want the cost or commitment of a salon visit, clip in hair extensions are your best friend. As the easiest do it yourself extensions on the market, they offer instant transformation from short to stunning in minutes – no professional help required.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use clip in hair extensions and how to apply them step-by-step, explain why they’re the perfect DIY hair extensions, and share expert tips to help you achieve a flawless, natural blend every time.
What Are Clip In Hair Extensions?
A clip-in hair extension is simply a weft or set of wefts of hair that are sewn or glued onto a discreet seam that has small, metal snap-clips attached, ready to be applied on natural hair. Clip in hair extensions have many variations in terms of thickness, weight, pieces, lengths, colours and seam materials to choose from to suit to all hair types and uses. This DIY temporary hair extension method is applied and removed on the same day and can be re-used for months if not years if looked after well.
Why Clip In Extensions Are the Best DIY Option
When it comes to hair extensions for beginners, our seamless clip-ins are unbeatable. They give you salon-worthy results without the salon price tag or maintenance. Here’s why they’re the go-to choice for anyone starting out with extensions:
No salon needed: Clip ins are essentially do it yourself extensions. Apply them in minutes from home – perfect for busy schedules or last-minute events.
Budget-friendly: Clip-ins are a one-time investment that can be reused again and again with proper care.
Damage-free: Tdon’t require glue, heat, or sewing to apply or any harsh removal procedures.
Completely flexible: You control when and how you wear them. Go glam for the weekend, then remove them before bed.
Great for experimentation: Want to test a new shade, add highlights, or try a longer length? Clip-ins make it easy to switch up your look whenever you like.
If you’re new to extensions or considering your first DIY set, clip-ins are the perfect introduction.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you learn how to put clip in hair extensions in, make sure to gather your essentials. Having the right tools will make the process smoother and help you achieve a secure, seamless blend.
- A mirror
- A pintail comb
- A detangling brush
- A few sectioning clips to hold the hair in place
- Styling tools for blending your extensions with your natural hair
How to Apply Multi-Piece Clip In Hair Extensions
1. Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry, and tangle-free hair. Brush through gently to remove any knots. Smooth hair ensures your clips hold securely and your extensions blend beautifully. If you have very silky or fine hair, a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray can help add grip.
2. Section Your Hair
Use your sectioning comb to divide your hair horizontally about an inch above the nape of your neck. Clip the rest of your hair up out of the way. This bottom section is where you’ll attach your first weft. If your hair is short, braid or pin the lower layer tightly against your scalp before applying your first weft. This helps disguise shorter layers and creates a smooth base for blending.
3. Backcomb the Roots
For extra hold, gently backcomb and tease the roots of each section where you’ll clip in the wefts. This is especially helpful if your hair is thin or silky – it gives the clips something to grip onto.
4. Apply the Wefts
Now it’s time to start clipping!
Start at the nape – attach your smallest weft (usually with 2 or 3 clips). Snap the clips open, secure them into the teased section, and snap them shut.
Move upward – continue to release sections of hair one at a time, clipping in progressively wider wefts as you move up toward the crown.
Finish with the sides – smaller wefts go near your temples to frame your face naturally.
Always make sure each clip feels secure but comfortable – they shouldn’t pull or pinch on your scalp or natural hair.
5. Blend and Style
Once all your wefts are clipped in, gently brush through your hair and extensions together to blend the layers.
Now style as desired! You can straighten, curl, or wave your clip-ins along with your natural hair. Always use a heat protectant spray to keep both your hair and the extensions healthy.
How to Apply One-Piece Clip Ins and Halo Extensions
If you prefer something even quicker, one-piece extensions are the ultimate in DIY hair extensions simplicity.
Here’s the difference:
- Multi-piece sets come in separate wefts that you layer throughout your hair.
- One-piece sets like halo hair extensions or a quad weft are a single strip of hair attached to a transparent wire or weft that sits comfortably on your head like a headband, blending with your natural hair in seconds.
How to apply a Halo or One-Piece Extension:
1. Brush your natural hair and the extension piece.
2. Place the Halo wire around the crown of your head, resting about an inch behind your hairline.
3. Use a tail comb to pull your natural hair over the wire, concealing it completely.
4. Blend and style as usual – you’ll have fuller, longer hair in under five minutes.
Explore our Halo vs Seamless guide to learn which type best suits your lifestyle.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Flawless Results
Here are some expert techniques to take your look from good to gorgeous:
- Always match your shade perfectly. Use our free colour match service to find your ideal tone.
- Angle your wefts slightly upward near your temples for a more natural fall.
- Hide shorter layers by tucking or braiding them before clipping in your extensions.
- Add movement by lightly layering the ends once clipped in – this helps everything blend beautifully.
- Secure clips firmly but not too tight – comfort is key for all-day wear.
- Style together. Curl your extensions and natural hair as one for a discreet, blended look.
Explore our latest blog 10 Hair Extension Hacks You Didn’t Know About for more expert advice on how to maintain and get the most out of your extensions!
Do’s and Don’ts of Clip In Hair Extensions
Do’s:
- Store your extensions in a clean, dry place when not in use.
- Brush gently with a detangling brush before and after every wear.
- Use sulphate-free haircare to keep them soft and shiny.
- Wash them sparingly – every 10–15 wears or when visibly dirty.
- Always apply heat protectant before styling.
Don’ts:
- Don’t sleep or shower with clip-ins still attached.
- Don’t tug or yank on clips – always open and close them gently.
- Don’t overload your hair with too many wefts – less is often more for a natural finish.
- Don’t use oil-heavy products near the clips, as they can loosen the grip.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to elevate your everyday style, clip-in hair extensions are the easiest way to achieve instant glamour. As the most accessible form of do it yourself extensions, they let you experiment, play, and create – all from the comfort of home.
So grab your comb and your favourite set of clip in Remy hair extensions and get ready to transform your look in minutes!
