How to Put in Clip-In Hair Extensions at Home: Video Tutorials & Steps

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 8 min

Knowing how to properly attach hair extensions is essential – 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 nail your look.


Our hair extension experts have laid out the best tips and tricks for properly applying your clip-ins to avoid embarrassment.


It's okay; it happens to us all, but we want to avoid it, right?


For a quick run-through, follow this TikTok tutorial as demonstrated by our lovely Mia Sully

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 Read on for a step-by-step breakdown and tutorials on installing different types of clip-in extensions! 

How to Put in Hair Extensions for Beginners

So, before we get into it, we thought we'd mention that this is a tutorial for regular clip-in extensions  . We’ll take you through half-heads and ponytails a little later, but here’s our step-by-step on securing your clip-in wefts.

Step 1: Prep & Detangle Your Hair Extensions

Hopefully, you've been keeping your clip-ins on a hanger and inside a bag to protect them, which is great for keeping them fresh and sleek.


Remove them from the bag and give them a bit of a brush if you think they need it. But (and this is a big but), watch the video below to see how you should brush your extensions properly. 

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Step 2: Prep Your Natural Hair

You've also got to prep your natural hair before applying the extensions. Give your natural hair a quick (and gentle) brush through.


If you want to straighten, add waves, or curl your hair, do this now. You need to style your hair before applying your extensions because they do not like heat at all.


So, if you have curly extensions, get your curling wand out, and if you have straight extensions, make sure you have your natural hair nice and sleek.

Step 3: Section Out Your Natural Hair

The next part is sectioning out your hair, and for this, you'll deffo need a mirror and some clips.


The video below shows you how it's done (beautifully demonstrated by our gal Niamh ), but for a written explanation, section out the top part of your hair – not quite half, about a quarter – and clip that to the top of your head.


You should be good to go here, but if you have  thin hair  , we recommend doing some backcombing on the bottom section to add volume for the clips to grip onto.

Step 4: Position the Weft & Secure

Position the weft close to the roots of your hair , and measure it against the location to make sure it fits in that section of your hair. If you're using multiple wefts, make sure you leave enough room for them.


 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.


All you need to do now is snap the clips into place! Make sure they're as close to the root 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 5: Final Touches

Now that all your wefts are in place, you can release the hair that's been patiently waiting at the top of your head.


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. Just beware of the clips, you don't want to pull them out!


After your clip-in extensions are securely in place, it’s time to get styling.

See? How easy was that! Gorgeous locks in a matter of minutes without needing a hairdresser. Temporary extensions truly are the future.

How to Put in Different Hair Extensions

We also offer a few other types of clip-ins, and here's how you're gonna get them installed, too.


And don't worry, girls, it's not difficult. Trust us. There are just a few different methods to be aware of. 

Multiple Weft Extensions Method

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Ladies follow the same rules and the clip-ins above , and you can't go wrong. But one thing- no heat!


Synthetics don't like heat; say it with us –synthetics don't like heat!


You should also remember from the steps above that you need to leave enough room for the multiple wefts

Half-Head Hair Piece Method

Repeat all the same steps. The only difference is that these bad boys have an under-clip, so you just have to make sure that's in place, as well as the clips at the top.


Watch this video from one of our girls to make it clearer.

Wrap-Around Ponytail Extensions Method

We also have a huge range of ponytails , and clipping them to your natural hair is a dream .


Simply put your natural hair in an updo. Ideally, a high pony is best because it’ll give the clip something to grip onto. All you have to do is clip the claw clip that’s inside the ponytail to your natural one


Watch the tutorial below and see how easy it is!  

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Drawstring Ponytail Extensions Method

Drawstring ponytails are super easy to put in – all you need to do is slide the pony over your natural hair, and pull the toggle ! Here’s how it’s done…

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Claw Clip Ponytail Extensions Method

Repeat all the same steps. The only difference is that these bad boys have an under-clip, so you just have to make sure that's in place, as well as the clips at the top.


Watch this video from one of our girls to make it clearer.

@ririhairextensions_uk

🚨Available to shop 6th November 🚨

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Rounding Up: Applying Clip-In Hair Extensions at Home is a Breeze!

Just like anything else, practice makes perfect! Clip-in hair extensions are the easiest method to install hair extensions , and it 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!


Follow our step-by-step guide above for applying 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 over to our blog! We have tons of extension style inspo and hair tips on how to choose the best extensions for your hair, and the latest hair extension trends.


And, of course, check out our range of the best Clip-In Hair Extensions , and some other great Hair Care products!

FAQs

What Order Do You Put Clip-In Hair Extensions?

If you're applying more than one weft, you should start with the widest one and place it close to the bottom of your head. Then, work upwards with the narrower wefts. This will create some serious volume and help the extensions look as natural as possible.

How Do I Get Clip-In Extensions to Stay in Thin Hair?

If you're struggling to keep clip-ins in your fine hair, backcomb a bit of your section. This will give a rougher surface for the clips to grip to. If that doesn't work, consider a different type of extension, like tape-in hair extensions.

How Do I Make Hair Extensions Look Natural with Short Hair?

That's easy! You just need to choose a length that isn't too long so it doesn't look obvious you're wearing extensions. For a more detailed guide, check out our blog post on hiding extensions in short hair .


You also need to check you have enough hair for hair extension. We recommend 3-4 inches.

Do Clip-In Hair Extensions Look Fake?

Definitely not RiRi's! As long as you correctly apply them and don't choose a length too long for your natural hair, they will look natural and realistic.


Our synthetic hair extensions and Remy human hair extensions are also super high-quality, so you don't need to worry about your hair looking fake.

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!

Find Nancy on TikTok!