Having trouble achieving the perfect blend for your hair extensions? Don’t worry – the Cliphair team is here to help! Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes you want to fit and blend hair extensions, and just like with clothing, sometimes you need to make a few adjustments here and there to get the best results. Buying the perfect hair extensions for your current shade is just the start of a gorgeous hair journey. In today’s blog, we’ll spill the beans on how to blend hair extensions seamlessly and achieve that flawless look that celebrities and A-listers get with the help of their stylists.
Ready to achieve flawless, natural-looking hair? Browse our wide selection of premium hair extensions and find your perfect match – explore our permanent collection today!
Learn more about choosing the right colour for your hair extensions here.
How to Blend Hair Extensions With Your Own Hair Based On Your Hair Type and Style
Let’s start with hair type: how to blend hair extensions with your own hair doesn’t have to be a daunting process, instead it can be a refreshing experience – if done properly. Let’s see how you can blend hair extensions with natural hair, according to your hair type.
First of all, you'll need to assess your hair type and make sure you pick the correct type of hair extensions for your tresses. There are different type of hair texture, pattern, and density, and there are many ways of wearing your natural hair and hair extensions.
Take a good look at your hair in its natural state, and find out how it behaves so that you can learn how to style it properly. Of course, your personal taste and style are also important, so that you can express yourself accordingly.
Understanding Your Hair Type
You'd be surprised to know that a lot of people spend majority of their life thinking that they were born with straight hair when, in fact, they may have naturally wavy or even curly hair. Sometimes factors like chemical and heat damage can alter the way your hair naturally behaves, so much so that you are mistakenly convinced of having a specific hair type, when this couldn't be farther from the truth.
Knowing your hair type can help you achieve the right hair care routine, implementing the right products, and unlocking drying and styling techniques that can bring your hair to life like never before.
Fun fact:
I have personally thought I had straight hair my whole life. The life-changing event that made me realise the truth was... Meeting someone with a real Type 1 tresses. I was convinced she straightened her hair on a daily to get that poker-straight look, as it surreally always looked perfectly straight, silky, and smooth. That was, of course, until we went on holiday together and hit the swimming pool. Whilst her hair naturally air-dried into that old-school pin-straight Avril Lavigne look, mine did its usual thing where it created funny waves and presented an impressive exhibition of flyaways and frizz.
That's when I decided to read about hair types, and shockingly, I've found out my natural hair is actually... a Type 2B. (I know, I know, still doesn't classify as gorgeous ringlets, but anyways...)
This is how I knew I needed to create a new hair care routine specific for wavy hair. And whilst yes, I still did experiment with the flat-iron look, I embarked on a journey of self-love, embracing the natural look of my tresses from time to time.
Finding out about your hair type can help you achieve a seamless blend with your hair extensions. If you want to know more about blending for different hair patterns, check out our dedicated blog: How To Blend Your Hair Extensions With Different Hair Types.
How Can I Know What Hair Type I Have
You don't need to force all of your friends to a joint trip to the local leisure centre to find out more about your hair type. In fact, there are a few simple tests that you can try at home to discover (or confirm) the real nature of your hair.
Let your hair dry naturally without using a hair dryer and a brush, making sure to detangle it under the shower after using your trusty conditioner and a large-toothed comb or a wet brush.
Then, once it's dry, observe your hair and keep in mind the following key points:
- If your hair dries straight, without signs of bending or curves, you are a Type 1 - just like my friend.
- If your hair dries forming a slight curve, perhaps towards the mid-lengths and the ends, or following an "S" pattern, you are a Type 2 (aka, wavy hair).
- If your hair dries with a defined yet relaxed spiral, your hair is curly (also known as Type 3).
- If your hair dries to form tight, smaller spirals, your hair is Type 4 - coily.
Your hair type is determined by genetics, although you can adopt solutions such as a brazillian blow dry or a perm to alter it according to your preferred style. If you are wearing permanent hair extensions and would like to try one of these solutions, speak to a certified hair professional before booking your appointment.
How To Determine Hair Density
Another factor that hugely impacts your hair extensions choices and blending techniques is your hair density. Usually, hair density is divided in three categories: thin (also known as fine), medium, and thick/coarse.
They're kind of self-explanatory, but you can check your hair density by doing the "finger test" at home. Take a single hair and roll it between your fingers: if you can't feel it or it feels like it's barely there, your hair is fine. If you can feel the hair between your fingertips, chances are you have medium hair. Thick, coarse hair, finally, can be felt between your fingers almost like a thread.
Hair types such as thin hair can benefit greatly from products such as Seamless hair extensions or nano bond hair extensions, as they stay discreet even in the finest of tresses. These products can be used to add length to your mane, or to plump the volume, giving more glamour to your look.
Thicker hair types, instead, can be taken to the next level with products such as Ultra Volume hair extensions - to maximise bounce and thickness for the ultimate bombshell finish.
How To Blend Hair Extensions With Straight Hair
If you’re going for a sleek, long, and thick finish – you may be wondering how to flawlessly blend in hair extensions with straight hair. Sure, adding curls and bouncy waves here and there is helpful when trying to hide the difference in length between your hair and your extensions, but what if you wanted to go for a silky-smooth look?
First of all, you need to pick the right type of hair extensions. If you have shoulder-length hair, for example, you’ll need to invest in a product that can make it up for the lack of volume around the ends, so that the difference in length isn’t as visible. Products such as the weave weft hair extensions or ultra volume clip in hair extensions are the perfect choice for this type of makeovers.
To blend in straight hair with extensions, divide your hair into rows from the nape of your neck to just in front of your ears. Working from back to front you want to tease your roots vigorously to give them extra body, this will help your hide on top of your human hair extensions too.
Once you have clipped your clip in hair extensions, smooth over the top and brush your hair and the extensions together to blend. Lower that top layer of hair and the front section. Brush and straighten your hair so that it blends in with your extensions seamlessly.
Then, all you need to do is get styling. Use a generous amount of heat protection spray for your tresses, then use your best hair straightener to smooth down those tresses. Even if your hair is naturally straight, you’ll want to use the straightener on your hair extensions for a seamless blend. Last but not least, don’t forget to finish with a spritz of our Moisture Lock Shine spray, a delicately fragranced mist that will magnify the shine on your tresses for a deliciously modern and elegant “glass hair” style.
If you're looking for the best products to wash your hair extensions with, then look no further than our Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture collection.
Enriched with Shea butter, Baobab seed oil, rice proteins, silk amino acids and other precious oils and ingredients, the trio features a 100% sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner for extensions, plus a deep conditioning hair mask for hair extensions. The trio works wonders on both Remy tresses and natural hair alike, replenishing the moisture levels in your hair fibres penetrating deep into the hair shaft, improving softness, elasticity, manageability, and shine. Tested and trusted by hair professionals and enthusiast customers already, this collection is what you need to keep your hair extensions in tip top shape at all times!
How To Blend Hair Extensions With Layers
Layers on hair can help create a sense of bounce and movement in your mane, for an effortlessly glamorous look even without complex styling every two days or so – on top of that, layered hair can offer a stunning face-framing finish that is oh-so-trendy nowadays! However, some people find it frustrating to blend with hair extensions, especially if the layers are particularly choppy or short.
Now, with a layered hairstyle you can either use Remy hair extensions for volume, keeping them at the same length of your natural hair, or you can add length and thickness together by cutting them to match your layered hair style. To do this, take your extensions to a qualified hair salon professional, as DIY can permanently ruin your extensions and waste your precious investment.
How To Blend Hair Extensions With Short Hair
The easiest and best way to blend your human hair extensions with short hair is to make your short sections look like layers. Your hair should be at least about five to six inches long in order to get best grip from your clip ins and keep them hidden.
This allows you to play with your real human hair extensions and have some hair on the top layer that can cover the clips so that it looks natural. Pop the clips and make sure that you lay it flat against your head, make sure that you leave about an inch, so you don’t give yourself a headache.
The benefit of attaching this bottom part first is that if you mess it up you have layers above to cover it up. Divide your hair evenly and add more rows of clip ins. The key thing to remember is to leave a layer of hair on the top and sides so you can blend the extensions and hide the clips.
To do that you have to continue the layers, or it will look visibly fake. It's important to use a very steady hand and layer your hair extensions correctly.
How To Blend Curly Hair Extensions
We all love a curly mane, however, many curly-haired beauties get nervous when it comes to blending in curly hair extensions in their tresses. The extra body at the roots in a curly mane is actually a blessing to hide the seams of clip ins!
Divide your hair into sections – you can use alligator clips or even a claw-clip to hold them in place – and secure your curly clip in hair extensions. You can also use a volumising powder at the roots for some extra grip, or even slightly tease the hair close to your scalp with a pintail comb.
Blending Hair Extensions With Fine Hair
If your hair is quite fine, then choosing to blend hair with invisible tape hair extensions is probably your best option, together with products such as the flat track weave hair extensions and the ever-popular nano ring or nano bond hair extensions. Virtually invisible even in the finest of hair types, these products are all made of 100% Remy human hair – double drawn for a glamorous finish, superior softness and shine, and top-tier manageability. These products can be styled however you’d prefer – although those who have finer hair usually prefer avoiding heat-based hairstyling techniques.
For this reason, I usually recommend heatless styling techniques that can help conceive your hair extensions in a natural, flawless, and damage-free way. For example, Velcro rollers and curly headbands can give you salon-worthy blowouts without causing any trouble in your hair cuticles!
How To Blend Hair Extensions With Thick Hair
People that were blessed with naturally thick hair are often mislead to think that they can't or shouldn't wear hair extensions. This couldn't be further from the truth: in fact, many celebrities that belong to this hair type are encouraged by their stylists to make use of products such as human hair extensions and volumisers to achieve even greater, more glamorous results. As long as you pick the right type of hair extensions, achieving a seamless blend is easy as 1, 2, 3. Products such as Weave weft hair extensions and Ultra Volume clip ins can help you get glorious bombshell looks, adding bounce and movement to your tresses.
With thicker hair, especially if you have a blunt haircut, layering is essential to get the best results and hide your extensions seamlessly. This can be achieved by getting the right haircut and soften the ends, and/or nailing the grams of hair extensions you're putting in your hair. Curling your tresses is also a great way to achieve a seamless blend. Make sure you are very clear with your hair extensionist as they apply and style your hair, so that you are both satisfied with the final result!
Blending By Length
Shopping for the right length of hair extensions is essential for a realistic blend. For example, if you have a thick, chin-grazing bob, going for 26” hair extensions might be a bit unrealistic, especially if you want to achieve a seamless blend where your hair extensions are completely unnoticeable.
Tape in hair extensions are a great product for a long-lasting makeover even if your hair isn’t too long. Another option, especially for finer hair, would be invisible tape hair extensions or nano bond hair extensions – two different products and applied with different techniques, but characterised by their utmost discretion.
For a natural finish, it is best to mix lengths with layers. For example, if your desired length is 18 inch, then you should consider blending with 16, or 14-inch hair. This helps balance shorter lengths with longer ones, so your overall look won’t appear uneven and artificial as adding really long, heavy hair extensions to very short hair would.
Blending Hair Extensions With Short, Thick Hair
If you have short hair, you need to match the thickness of your hair accurately. Thicker hair can benefit from tape in hair extensions, weave weft hair extensions, or ultra volume clip in hair extensions – depending on the desired results, the preferred after care, and so on.
How To Blend Hair Extensions With Medium Hair
Medium-length hair and shoulder-length hairstyles can all benefit from some curling when it comes to hiding the hair extensions difference in length. After choosing the perfect product for your tresses, all you need to do is work with your curling wand/curling iron and create soft, bouncy curls around your mane for a seamless blend.
The same goes for straighter hairstyles, although you will need to pay particular attention to your natural hair’s ends, so that they won’t flip in another direction, revealing where your hair ends and where your hair extensions flow.
How To Create Faux Layers With Hair Extensions
As previously mentioned in the blog, the easiest way to blend your hair extensions with short hair is to make your short sections look like layers. To do this, you have to continue the layers, or it will look unnatural. Remember, as Cliphair hair extensions are 100% human they can be cut and styled just as you would with your natural hair. Ask your hairstylist to gently skim the framing around your face and blend the front layers for a natural finish!
How To Blend With Pre-Bonded Extensions
If you have short, thick hair, pre-bonded hair extensions are a great option too, since each piece is made of a very small strand of hair (only weighing 1g!). Products such as flat tip hair extensions are even further improved, with their pre-bonded attachment now reacting quickly to heat and easily moulding around the section.
In the case of nano ring hair extensions instead, it’s essential to ensure that both the rings and the hair used match your hair colour, as this can be easily visible when you have short natural hair. If fitted correctly, you will have longer, thicker, natural looking long hair that lasts around 8 to 10 weeks before needing a refitting!
How To Blend Hair Weaves And Weft Extensions
Hair weft extensions are more flexible, as you can choose the application method yourself – may it be a sew-in, glue-in, or even a trendy LA weave. Your hair can go from shoulder length to super long in under an hour, and as wefts are thicker and can be doubled over, they tend to blend really well with your natural ends – as long as they are positioned correctly. Please, always refer to a qualified salon professional who has experience with weave weft hair extensions, as not all hair stylists have experience with this type of hair makeovers.
Why Are My Hair Extensions Not Matching?
If, even after this, you’re still struggling to achieve a seamless, flawless blend, there may be a few reasons why. Let’s find out together.
Sometimes it is down to buying the wrong product – if you’re in doubt, even after reading this blog, you can always refer to our customer advice completely free of charge. Get in touch via Instagram, Facebook, or email – or refer to our “hair journey quiz” to find your perfect match.
Other reasons for not blending may be:
Hair Extensions Don’t Match Hair Color
Matching your hair colour to your hair extensions is vital if you want a seamless blend. There are some colour blending techniques – such as mixing hair extensions colors –used by many extensionists every day that you can refer to to ensure a perfect match.
If you have bought the wrong shade but haven’t used your extensions, you can always return them and swap them for the right colour for free – please refer to this page for more info about returns and shipping.
You can also rent a colour ring for the most accurate match, so that you can compare your natural hair to the available swatches and find the colour that works better with your tresses. First, always remember to match to the mid-length and ends of your hair as this is where your human hair extensions will show. Usually this will mean you will need to use a colour that is slightly lighter than the roots of your hair; the exception to the mid-lengths/ends rule is when you are using a clip in fringe or ponytail, these will need to be matched to the roots of your hair as this is where they will sit.
If you are finding it tricky to find your perfect match yourself, send some photos of your hair over to the Cliphair FREE colour matching service, and our team of colour specialists will suggest the perfect shade for you.
Incorrect Weight of Hair Extensions Causing Them to Not Blend
The weight and thickness of hair extensions is another key factor to consider when aiming for the perfect blend. Those who have been blessed with naturally thick locks will need to use thick hair extensions too, aiming for more weight and volume to seamlessly hide between your natural hair. Using extensions that are thinner or lighter than your own hair will leave the result looking unnatural, with a visible line of your own hair through the extensions. This is especially important if you are adding a lot of length to your thick hair!
If you are using Clip in hair extensions and you have thick hair, go for types that are at least 180g +, anything less than this and you will find it tricky to hide your own hair. It’s also a great idea to go for hair that is double drawn – extensions are as thick at the ends as they are at the top – which ensure a natural blend with your own ends.
If you have thick hair and are using permanent hair extensions to make your hair longer, you must make sure to use the right amount or you could be left with gaps showing the hair extensions. The general rule for a full head of hair extensions for average to thick hair when creating more length is to use 150-250g. Again, having a professional consultation before ordering and applying your hair extensions will give you far better results.
How To Blend Hair Extensions For Fine Hair
On the other side of the spectrum are extensions not blending with fine or thin hair. This does not usually show in the lengths of the hair but at the roots or attachments of the extensions. For example, you may be able to see the seams of the clip ins or the rings of micro rings. If your hair is thin or fine, the weight of the extensions should be strongly considered before applying – not only to keep the extensions as discreet as possible, but to protect the health of your hair. Using extensions that are too heavy for your hair can cause damage and hair shedding over time. This can be avoided by simply using the correct weight for your hair.
For thin/fine hair, choose extensions that have very small seams and attachments. If you are using permanent hair extensions, we would recommend either Nanos or Tape ins for the best blend. These both have very thin attachments that are far easier to hide in even the finest of hair. If you prefer using clip-ins we advise to not go over 150g in weight, usually clip-ins this weight and under will have a delicate, easy-to-disguise seam that will blend perfectly in your hair without showing through or looking bulky.
Hair is Too Short to Blend with Hair Extensions
With extremely short hair, or even hair above the shoulders, it is very tricky to blend naturally with human hair extensions. But not impossible!
For hair that is under 5” long you will need to use permanent hair extensions such as tapes or Nano Ring Hair Extensions. Any other extension types will most likely show through your hair at the attachment area and not have a natural finish. Nano tip hair extensions are so tiny they are even used to create fringes at the front of the hairline. Remember, if you are using extensions on very short hair you will need to use a lot to blend out the line. Aim for 150 -200g of hair for a good result.
For hair that is above shoulder length but longer than 5”, you can use either permanent or clip in extensions to add length to your hair as long as they are the correct thickness for your hair type. With very blunt, one length bob cuts, clip ins can be very difficult to blend in.
If you have gone for the wrong type of hair extensions for whatever reason, don't worry - there might still be hope. Check out our blog: How To Blend Hair Extensions That Don't Match!
How Can You Make Clip In Extensions Blend With Short Hair
Where you place your hair extensions - whether that be tape ins, micro rings, or clip-ins - makes a HUGE difference to the result of your look. Applying them in the wrong place can cause them to stand out for all the wrong reasons. To avoid this from happening, here’s a trick of the trade that hair extensionists use every day: the RED ZONE!
What is the Red Zone? The Red Zone is the area on the head that hair extensions should never be placed in. Generally, this is a 1.5-inch space from around the entire hairline and each side of the parting and back from the crown area. Avoiding the Red Zone ensures no sign of extensions can be seen by others, keeping them secure and discreet.
It’s not just the attachments that can be visible if the extensions are placed incorrectly, it’s also the ends. If using clip ins, make sure to evenly spread out the larger pieces at the back so they are not all in one area. Doing this also created a layered effect in hair which looks far more natural.
On very fine/thin hair the red zone can be even thicker as the hair is sparser around the hairlines and partings making it easier to see the extensions. Using the Red Zone rule is also critical when applying permanent extensions on clients that like to wear their hair up, as it keeps them out of view even when the hair is scraped back.
Fixing Unblended Hair Extensions
Sometimes, even with all the right research, you can still be left with extensions that just don’t sit nicely with your own hair. The good news is there are still things you can do to solve this and get that seamless blend you’re after!
How to Style Extensions So They Blend Better
Straight hair can show up a multitude of sins when it comes to blending hair extensions. Generally, they look a lot more natural when the hair is curled, as it helps the two different hair types to merge with each other.
We advise you to add the hair extensions to your hair first, then curl the hair all together for a more natural finish, flowing fluidly and flurrying together in curls and ringlets – making it nearly impossible to spot which is your own hair and which is the extension!
Giving the hair a gentle brush after it has been curled also gives a soft result which is extremely popular today.
How to Cut Hair Extensions to Blend
Another way to blend your hair extensions in with your own hair is by using cutting techniques to soften the ends and to add layers. For the best quality results, you should have a qualified hairdresser do this for you as they will be able to shape the hair cleverly to blend the hair together.
Taking Care Of Your Hair Extensions
Once you achieve the perfect layering, it's important that you know exactly how to take care of your hair extensions. When it comes to Remy human tresses, Cliphair knows what's best for you - and this is why we've designed the perfect hair care to keep your hair extensions looking (and feeling) fabulous throughout their whole lifespan. Using the right shampoo and conditioner for hair extensions can help you make sure that your tresses stay soft, shiny, and hydrated, perhaps even exceeding their lifespan itself, so...
Introducing: Quench The Thirst - Deep Moisture hair care range! Enriched with Shea butter and Baobab seed oil, the Quench The Thirst shampoo for hair extensions is 100% sulphate-free and paraben-free. Its signature non-sticky lather gently cleanses your scalp and hair, removing impurities and oil in excess whilst restoring the moisture levels in your tresses.
Then, the Quench The Thirst Deep Moisture conditioner for hair extensions will help you detangle your hair right under the shower, characterised by a powerfully softening formula infused with silk amino acids and rice proteins.
Last but not least, the Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture hair mask for extensions, designed to be used as a weekly deep conditioning treatment, penetrates the hair shaft and revitalises natural hair and hair extensions alike from the inside out. Its ingredients list features true hydration heroes such as Shea butter, Avocado oil, Coconut oil, Fig extracts, and Honey - Mother Nature's very own humectact, helping to attract and retain moisture in your hair fibres for long-lasting shine, softness, and manageability.
Explore the Quench The Thirst collection today, so that you can make the most of your hair extensions.
Conclusion:
Discover the perfect hair extensions for you! Now that blending your hair extensions is not a secret anymore, why not come and explore our range of clip in hair extensions and professional hair extensions for your next best hair makeover? Cut it, style it, blend it, and achieve the transformation you’ve been longing for with premium quality human hair extensions and double drawn hair extensions for glamorous, stunning results.
