How to Put in Clip-in Hair Extensions at Home: A Stylist’s Step-By-Step

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 6 min


Knowing how to attach hair extensions properly is really important – nobody wants their extensions to be visible! That’s a big no-no. We’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to put in clip-in hair extensions to help you nail this look!


If you want to know how to put in clip-in hair extensions, you’ve come to the right place! Our hair extension experts have laid out the best tips and tricks for putting in your clip-ins properly to avoid any embarrassment. 


So, let’s get started!

The Tools You'll Need to Put in Your Clip-in Extensions

There are a few things you'll need to make sure you nail your clip-in extensions style. 


This is a basic list to help you attach your clip-in hair extensions. You can add things such as styling tools if you need to style your hair before you add your extensions.


These items include:
 

Once you’ve gathered these items, you’re ready to get started!

Step 1: Prep & Detangle Your Hair Extensions

Before you worry about your own hair, you need to prepare your extensions. If they're properly stored and maintained, all they need is a little brush out to make sure they're free from tangles. 


The RiRi Deluxe Hair Extensions Brush is ideal for this! 


We’ve specially designed this brush to gently detangle your extensions without making them frizzy or causing any damage. The bristles are specifically designed to help you take care of your extensions to make them last longer. 

Step 2: Brush Out Your Natural Hair

Before you begin clipping in your extensions, you want to grab your RiRi hair brush and gently brush out your own hair too. 


If you try to clip in your extensions with knotted hair, the whole look can appear bunched up and messy. It can also cause damage to your natural hair if you have to remove tight knots at the end of the day. 


Start from your roots and work your way down to the ends. Getting rid of any tangles that may be in your hair will make the process of clipping in the extensions much easier.

Step 3: Section Out Your Natural Hair

Take your RiRi Deluxe Brush and make a horizontal part across your scalp from ear to ear, separating your hair into two sections. 


The idea is to create a half-up, half-down type hairstyle.


Grab your hairbands and secure the top section of your hair at the top of your head.


If you have thin hair, this is the time to do some gentle back-combing to give the extensions something to grip onto. Thicker hair is unlikely to need back-combing, but it can help to add volume.

Step 4: Position the Hair Extensions Weft

Now your hair is prepped, it’s time to put in your hair extensions! Grab the hair extensions weft and position it by the roots of your hair where you just separated off. 


Measure the weft against your head to ensure it will fit in that section of your hair. If you’re using multiple wefts, make sure you leave enough room across your scalp for all of the wefts. You can always leave some out if you have too much hair.


Top tip: Measuring the wefts against the head only really needs to be done when using a new set of hair extensions for the first time. Once you've worked out where they fit into your hair, you can just go for it.

Step 5: Secure the Hair Extension Clips & Snap in Place

Once you’ve got your hair extensions in the right position, it’s just a case of snapping the clips into place! Ensure you’re clipping the weft as close to the roots as possible to get a secure grip.


It can be easier to begin with the middle clip on a weft to help make sure it stays in a straight line, especially when working on the back of your head.


Once your hair extensions are clipped in and securely fastened, you can get styling!

Step 6: Final Touches

Once all of your wefts are fully secured in their sections, release any remaining hair that was tied up.


Check in the mirror and make sure all the weft clips are hidden, especially in the back of your head where your vision is limited.


Blend the extensions with your natural hair, either by running your fingers through your hair or brushing it out gently. We also recommend applying our Argan Oil Treatment through the ends of your hair and extensions. 


This’ll help to blend the hair together some more and also smooth down any frizz or flyaways.


Be careful to avoid the clips when doing so, as you don’t want to detach them from your roots! 

Step 7: Style Your Clip-in Hair Extensions

After your clip-in extensions are securely in place, it’s time to get styling. One of the best things about RiRi’s hair extensions is that they’re all pre-styled, so there’s absolutely no need for heat! 


You might want to style your natural hair so it blends better with the extension style, but other than that, you don’t need to apply any heat styling to your RiRi’s. This makes putting your clip-ins in much quicker and easier!

Human Hair Extensions

If you’re using high-quality human hair or synthetic extensions that are heat-friendly, you can style your hair however you want! But try to limit any heat styling tools to 180 degrees or less to extend the life of your extensions.

Synthetic Clip-in Hair Extensions

Unless specifically stated, you should avoid using heat to style your synthetic clip-in extensions. Because they're made from synthetic materials, they can be damaged by heated styling tools.


All RiRi hair extensions come pre-styled, so you shouldn't need to do too much to your clip-ins.

Refreshing Your Hair Extensions

If your curly extensions need a little re-curl, just take your Deluxe Hair Extensions Brush, comb in through a small section of the hair and wrap it around in a twisting motion. 


Release the hair from the brush, and the hair will return to its original curl!

For our straight and flick clip-ins, add a little Argan Oil throughout the strands to smooth them down and add a bit of shine.

Rounding Up Our Stylist’s Tips on How to Put in Clip-in Hair Extensions at Home


Just like anything else, practice makes perfect! Clip-in hair extensions are the easiest method of installing hair extensions, and it truly only takes a few minutes!


You might take a little extra time on your first go, but after that, you’ll become so used to the process that you won’t even need a mirror!


Just follow our step-by-step guide above on how to put in clip-in hair extensions, and you’ll be able to clip in your extensions super confidently.


If you want more hair extension tips and tricks, then be sure to head on over to our blog! We have tons of hair extension style inspo, tips on how to choose the best extensions for your hair, and the latest hair extension trends. 


And, of course, be sure to check out our range of the best clip-in hair extensions, including curly clip-in hair extensions and wavy clip-in hair extensions, and for some other great hair products and hair accessories!

FAQs

What's the Best Placement For Clip-in Hair Extensions?

When installing clip-in hair extensions, it's best to begin at the bottom of your head near the nape of your neck. Start with the narrowest pieces and work your way upwards for a seamless blend. Keep your volumising pieces for the crown area to achieve that extra boost of volume.

Can You Use Clip-in Extensions on Short Hair?

Of course! For shorter hair, our experts recommend using shorter hair extensions. The Classic 16" Curly RiRi Extensions are a great choice, and the curls help to blend your natural hair with the extensions. To put clip-in extensions into short hair, just follow the same steps as above! Just take extra care to clip the weft as close to the roots as possible and brush through to blend.

Do Clip-in Hair Extensions Work on Thin Hair?

Definitely! Clip-in hair extensions are an amazing solution for those with thin hair who want an instant transformation into gorgeous, voluminous locks. Simply follow our carefully crafted, easy-to-follow guide to achieve the glamorous, head-turning look you've always dreamed of effortlessly. You're in for a fabulous hair journey!

Can You Put in Clip-in Extensions Yourself?

Yes, you can! That’s why so many people choose to wear clip-ins over permanent hair extensions. You can put them in yourself at home without needing to take a trip to the salon. Just purchase your RiRi’s, follow our guide, and you’re good to go!

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

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