Did you know that hair straighteners can be used for so much more than just smoothing the hair? You can use them for curls, flicks, waves and even crimping if you know the right techniques! This multi-purpose styling tool is a favourite among human hair extension wearers due to its speed, strong hold and versatility, dive into today’s blog to find out exactly how to curl your hair with straighteners and how to keep your extensions protected from heat damage.
Not got your extensions yet? Explore our collection of 100% Human, Remy hair extensions today and get styling!
Preparing Your Hair for Curling
Before you use hair straighteners, or any heated tool for that matter, you need to prepare your hair and hair extensions to ensure they are well protected against heat damage. Heat when used carelessly or too much can cause dryness and damage over time leading to broken or brittle hair and extensions so its super important to use the right products and practices to protect your locks. Always start with clean, dry hair. Adding heat to hair that’s got a build up of product or grease can damage your straighteners and cause the hair to feel stiff and oily, the styling will also likely not last due to the weight of the product build up. This next step mustn’t be skipped! Spritz your hair and hair extensions with heat protection spray to add a protective barrier preventing the heat from penetrating into the hair shaft and causing damage, this is especially important for extensions as they are more fragile and prone to damage. Explore our full haircare range for remy hair extensions today to keep your tresses protected and ready for styling.
For more information and tips on preventing heat damage, check out our dedicated blog ‘Heat proofing your hair extensions’.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Curl Hair with Straighteners
The best way to curl hair with straighteners is to use a medium to small width flat iron tool such as the Classic GHD Original straightener. The width does matter as if they are too wide the plates can leave ridges or dents in the hair ruining the seamless finish so if you plan to use your straighteners for curling too, opt for a thinner width. GHD’s may be more on the expensive side but they last a lifetime so the investment is totally worth it.
How Its Done…
- If your using Clip-In hair extensions make sure to apply them first before you begin to style, this will ensure a flawless and natural blend with your own hair.
- Prep your hair and extensions by removing any knots or tangles with an extension friendly hairbrush and spray all over with heat protection spray. Allow the spray to dry for 30-60 seconds before styling.
- Section the hair neatly with alligator clips for better control starting with a 2 Inch section from the neck upwards. For tight curls make the section thinner, for looser waves it should be wider.
- Simply drag the straightener down the hair as you would to smooth but twist as you go creating movement in the hair. Start twisting from the top for tighter curls and from lower down for looser waves. Wider sections of hair will give you larger curls whereas small pieces will give smaller, tighter ones. Use your finger after each section to twirl the curl if it comes out of place.
- For a soft wave effect curl the hair in the same direction on each section, for a more textured, beachy curl switch directions throughout the hair and curl away from the face.
- Repeat all over until the hair is fully curled to your liking. For a looser, wavy finish run a wide toothed wave comb through your hair once its completely cool to soften the curls and finish with moisture spray for added shine.
Tips for Curling Hair Extensions
Wether your curling clip ins or permanent hair extensions its best to reduce the temperature to 180 degrees when using heated tools, this is plenty enough heat to mould the hair and ensure it lasts. Human hair extensions have been removed from their natural source of nutrients, so they are more fragile than your own hair meaning they need abit more protection from damage. Reducing the heat not only protects your extensions but also your own hair!
Its always best to curl clip in extensions along with your own hair for the most natural finish. Clip them in before you style and pick sections that have both your natural hair and extensions when you begin to curl, this produces a cohesive wave and merges the hair together as one.
Store your clip-in hair extensions safely in our hair extension hanger and carrier after using to prevent them getting messy or tangled, this way you can simply clip them back in ready styled on the next use! See here for more tips storing hair extensions and how to travel with them safely.
If your unsure on hair extensions and want to know more, take our handy hair quiz to find your perfect match. Whether your looking for added length or just a boost of thickness, all of our hair extensions are made from 100% Remy, human hair meaning they can be styled, washed, dyed and cut just like your own hair and we have options to suit any hair concern.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Curling with Straighteners
Practice makes perfect when it comes to curling your hair with straighteners, especially if your used to using a curling wand or tong but it really is easy once you get the hang of it. Interestingly, hair extension wearers prefer using a hair straightener to curl their hair over traditional tongs as the hold is stronger and its faster. Heres some common mistakes to avoid…
- Keep the temperature at 180 degrees and no higher. This will protect your own hair as well as your hair extensions and is well enough heat to produce a lasting curl.
- Keep the heat away from hair extension bonds at the root. This is especially important for anyone wearing professional extensions such as Nano Rings, Tape Ins or Weaves. Holding heat for too long on the bonds can loosen them and cause slipping or damage so start from the below the bonds when styling.
- Take your time. Don’t attempt to curl huge sections of hair as it simply wont hold and you will need to repeat the curl, take smaller sections for a more even finish.
- Let your hair cool down. If your opting for looser waves, let your hair cool down and set completely before brushing the curls out to prevent loosing the definition of the curl.
- Make sure your hair and extensions are clean and dry. Adding heat to hair that’s not clean, built up with product or wet can cause damage to your straighteners and result in a stiff and greasy finish.
- Always use heat protection spray. Don’t skip it! The added layer of protection will reduce the negative impact of heat to your hair and extensions leading to healthier hair that holds styling and colour.
If using a hair straightener to curl your hair extensions still isn’t for you, check out our recent blog on ‘How to use a hair waver’ which teaches you how to get mermaid waves with a hair waver, the latest trend in the hair styling industry.
Conclusion: Hair Extensions from Cliphair
Can you curl hair with straighteners? Absolutely, and now you know how! The benefits of using straighteners to curl hair instead of tongs is the flexibility, speed and holding power. Straighteners allow you to produce all different types of curls such as beach waves, Hollywood waves, loose curls, tight curls, the list goes on so it’s no surprise this method is a favourite amongst hair extension wearers. If your interested in experimenting with different styles but lack the volume or length to achieve them, explore our range of temporary and semi-permanent hair extensions to achieve the hair you deserve.
Our hair extensions collection features one piece and multi-piece clip ins, pre bonded extensions, weaves, ponytail hair extensions and much more, all made from high quality human hair that can be curled, straightened and styled just like your own hair. You can find all the haircare and accessories you need to care for your extensions right here along with tonnes of helpful advice and information, visit Cliphair extensions today and don’t miss out!
