How to Braid Hair With Extensions: Fishtail, Dutch Braids & More
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Time to read 8 min
For those in-between hair wash days or when you want to get your hair out your face, braids have long been our saving grace—and braiding with extensions can help give you extra length and volume for beautifully full braids.
And yes, you absolutely can braid with extensions in. You just need to take a bit of extra care and playing around so that the wefts aren’t obviously visible.
If you’re on the hunt for inspo and tips on how to braid your hair with extensions, you’re in the right place. Scroll on for our plethora of plaits!
As always, girls, we're here to help. You'll have gorgeous braids in no time, especially with our selection of best-selling extensions below! Take them to the checkout and receive 10% off*!
How to Do Different Braids With Hair Extensions
If you don't already know, let us just put you on to the millions (not quite, but there's a lot) of braids you can create with your beautiful set of extensions.
If you thought there was just one generic braid, lady, you thought wrong.
So, below are a couple of our fave braid hairstyles and how to achieve them.
Classic Plaits With Extensions
If it’s just the classic 3-piece plait that you want to achieve, this one is super simple to do with any type of hair extensions .
How to Braid Hair Extensions
Achieving a seamless and natural look with braided hair extensions can be a challenge, especially if you're new to wearing extensions.
Step 1) Split your hair down the middle to create your part (if you’re doing double plaits), or collect your hair low at the back of your head.
Step 2) Split your sectioned hair into three equal strands. Take the furthest left piece and cross it over the middle strand , so that the left strand now becomes the middle strand.
Step 3) Take the furthest right strand of hair and cross this one over the new middle strand, so that this piece now becomes the middle strand.
Step 4) Repeat this process until you reach the end of your hair, and secure with a clear elastic band.
Step 5) Pull some face framing pieces out and do a double-check that your wefts aren’t visible. If they are, play around with different sections of your hair to hide them.
We’re not sure we’d recommend doing a double plait with a one-piece weft , though, as when you split your hair down the middle to create a part, the weft will most likely be visible.
A single three-strand plait at the back is doable with a single-weft, though. A single plait also looks stunning when done on a clip-in pony.
Shop these extensions for beautiful 3-strand plaits…
Creating Fishtail Braids with Extensions
Fishtail braids are elegant and ethereal , especially in long flowing hair. Hence why this is such a great style for extensions because they fully enhance the look. Here's how it's done.
Creating Fishtail Braids with Extensions
Fishtail braids are elegant and ethereal, especially in long flowing hair. That's why using extensions is a great way to enhance the look. Follow these steps:
Step 1) Divide your natural hair into two equal sections (unless you have a clip-in pony). Try to split your hair so you can't see your wefts. We want to keep it seamless.
Step 2) Bring your hair to the front, and starting just below your ear, cross a small strand from the outer edge of either side over to the opposite side.
Step 3) Repeat this process, gradually incorporating more hair. Once you've run out of hair, tie the bottom of each section with a hair band. Repeat with the other side.
Step 4) If you need to, use hairspray and bobby pins to keep your braid secure and keep the tapes from making an appearance.
Our favourite extensions for fishtail braids…
Dutch Braids With Extensions
Dutch braids are similar to French braids, but the hair is braided underneath, so the braid stands out on top rather than underneath. Does that make sense? If not, hopefully, you've all seen a Dutch braid before.
This style is perfectfor keeping your hair healthy on holiday, going to the gym, or even for important events like weddings.
However, if you're working with a clip-in ponytail , this one isn't for you . Instead, try regular plait hair extensions. You'll look bomb no matter what.
So how is it done? Let's find out.
Step 1) Start by creating a part down the middle of your head and dividing it into two equal sections. Again, when splitting, try to do it in a way that hides your tapes.
Step 2) To make a Dutch braid, start with the hair at the front of your head, and cross the strands under instead of over each other.
Step 3) Keep adding hair in as you move further down the back of your head until you create the braid.
Step 4) Secure the ends with a hair band and repeat on the other side. You should now have beaut Dutch braid extensions.
Hair extensions we love for dutch braids…
Bubble Braids With Hair Extensions
One of the most popular types of braid right now is the bubble ponytail braid . It's simple to do but creates a fun, modern hairstyle perfect for festivals and summertime.
This is also agreat style for both tape-in extensions and a ponytail clip-in. See? So versatile.
Here are the steps:
Step 1) Put your hair into a ponytail (or just clip it in), making sure it's super sleek and uniform . This can either be a high or low ponytail, just choose whatever hides your tapes the best.
Step 2) Start backcombing your pony in sections starting at the top. This will exaggerate the size of your bubbles, which is what we want.
Step 3) Now that you've injected some volume from the backcombing, begin forming ball shapes at the top of your ponytail. When you're happy with the size and shape, pinch the bottom and tie a small plastic hairband around the base of the ball.
Step 4) Continue doing this all the way down your ponytail until you reach the end. Now that your braid is complete, hit it with some hairspray, and you should be good to go.
Extensions to bag for bubble braids…
Tips on Braiding With Hair Extensions
Braiding your extensions is the best style for both a lazy day or a big night out with the girls , so we need to make sure you get your new staple hairstyle just right.
Below are some of our top tips to ensure you're getting the most out of your braids:
Brush your hair and extensions to remove any tangles before starting. If you don't, you could end up in a knotty mess.
If you're using a clip-in ponytail, make sure they're secure but don't attach it too tightly.
Keep your braid tight (not uncomfortably so) so it doesn't slip and expose your wefts.
Sleeping in your braids can actually improve the lifespan of your extensions because they won't get tangled during the night.
Finally, practice always makes perfect . If your first few attempts are a bit, shall we say, not good? That's totally fine and to be expected; just keep trying until you get it.
Will Braiding My Hair Damage My Extensions?
Braiding with extensions is totally safe ; there are just a few things to note before going in blind:
Don’t pull the extensions too tight. You don’t want to stress out your scalp or hair.
Make sure the wefts are tucked in nicely to keep them hidden and avoid unnecessary friction.
- Give your extensions a breather between braided styles to help maintain their shape.
If you consider these points and maintain gentleness , you'll have 10/10 braids without worrying about damaging your RiRis. Result.
Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your Style With Braid Extensions
Extensions are an excellent way to add volume, improve style, and create seamless (& gorgeous!) braids.
Braiding hair extensions not only looks amazing but also offers benefits like protecting your hair from damage while sleeping and securing the tapes when you just want an easy hairstyle.
Be sure to experiment with our recommended braids using your hair extensions and find out which one is your fave. Don’t stop there, either. There are loads of braid types you can try out for size.
If you're looking for any more inspo on styles or extensions themselves, head to our blog! And, if you’re looking for exclusive deals, follow us on TikTok and pay serious attention to our lives!
Shop your braiding essentials below and see what beautiful styles you can create.
*Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter.
Article last updated: 10/02/2025
FAQs
What Type of RiRi Hair Extensions Can I Use to Create Braids?
Whether you have temporary or permanent hair extensions, you can create a braided hairstyle with both.
Here at RiRi, we recommend our tape-in hair extensions (especially if you like having two braids on either side of your hair) and our ponytail extensions . Both options will create a stunning hairstyle.
Can You Braid Hair With Extensions in?
Yes! Braiding your hair with extensions will help you achieve a longer, thicker, and elevated look.
Make sure you don't pull your braids too tight, as this can cause your extensions to dislodge and cause pain and tension.
Do Clip-in Hair Extensions Work for Braids?
Multi-weft clip-in extensions are easier to braid with, as you can hide the weft more easily than single-weft. You may be able to do a single braid at the back of your head, but just take extra care to keep the ends of the weft by your temples hidden.
Clip-in ponytails work really well for braids, though. You can clip in the pony piece as usual and braid however you want.
How Do I Braid My Extensions So They Stay In Place All Day?
Use quality hairspray or gel to keep your braided hair extension in place throughout the day. Secure it with a strong hair elastic or band to prevent it from falling out.
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!
