Putting Hair up When You Have Extensions
Hair extensions are a fantastic way to add length, volume, and versatility to your hairstyle. However, styling your hair into an updo while wearing extensions can be a bit of a challenge if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Proper techniques and a little patience can ensure that your extensions stay undetectable and secure. Here’s a detailed guide to help you put your hair up when you have extensions.
1. Understand the Type of Extensions You Have
The method for putting your hair up will depend heavily on the type of extensions you’re wearing. There are several types of extensions, including clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, and fusion extensions. Each of these requires a slightly different approach when styling your hair into an updo:
| Extension Type | Key Styling Considerations |
|---|---|
| Clip-ins | Easy to remove and reposition; avoid placing too high. |
| Tape-ins | Ensure the adhesive bonds are hidden under natural hair. |
| Sew-ins | Styling is easier, as they are firmly secured to your braids. |
| Fusion Extensions | Bonds need to stay hidden and protected from excessive tension. |
Knowing which type you’re working with will guide the placement of the extensions and the overall look of your updo.
2. Prepare Your Hair
Before putting your hair up, preparation is essential to ensure your updo looks polished and long-lasting. Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove tangles. Use a soft-bristle brush or a loop brush specifically designed for extensions to avoid damaging the bonds or wefts.
If you’re working with clip-ins, it’s best to wash and style them beforehand for a seamless blend with your natural hair. For tape-ins, sew-ins, or fusion extensions, ensure your hair is clean and dry to avoid additional strain on the adhesive or bonds.
3. Strategically Position Your Extensions
For an updo, the strategic placement of extensions is critical to ensure they remain hidden and secure. Here’s how to arrange extensions based on the type of updo you’re planning:
- Low Ponytail or Bun: Place the extensions lower on your head, avoiding the crown area. This ensures that the hair above can cover the wefts or bonds.
- High Ponytail or Bun: Position the extensions closer to the middle of your head, leaving enough natural hair around the perimeter to conceal the attachments.
- Braided Styles: For braids, focus on blending the extensions with your natural hair, and avoid placing them at the edges where they might become visible.
For clip-ins, remember to angle the extensions slightly upward to follow the direction of the updo. With tape-ins, ensure the adhesive bonds follow the natural flow of your hair, so they lay flat even when styled.
4. Use the Right Tools and Products
To achieve a flawless updo, using the correct tools and products is essential. Here are some recommended items to have on hand:
| Tool/Product | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Soft Bristle Brush | Gentle detangling and smooth styling. |
| Hair Ties | Secure ponytails or buns without pulling on extensions. |
| Bobby Pins | Helps secure sections while keeping bonds hidden. |
| Hairspray | Adds hold and tames flyaways for a polished finish. |
| Edge Brush | Smoothes edges for a neat hairline. |
SISHAIR products, such as their high-quality extension brushes and sulfate-free sprays, can be an excellent choice to maintain the integrity of your extensions while styling.
5. Start with a Base Style
Building a solid base for your updo is crucial, as it provides structure and ensures the hairstyle stays in place. For example, if you’re creating a bun, start by gathering your hair into a ponytail at the desired position and securing it with a hair tie. Use bobby pins to anchor any loose sections of your hair and to keep the extensions hidden.
For braided styles, divide your hair into sections and ensure that the extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair before you begin braiding. This step will make the final style appear more natural and cohesive.
6. Conceal the Extensions
The key to a successful updo with extensions is keeping them undetectable. Use your natural hair to cover the bonds or wefts. For high ponytails or buns, wrap a small section of hair around the base to disguise the hair tie and any visible extensions. Secure the wrapped section with a bobby pin underneath the updo.
If you’re using clip-in extensions, avoid placing them too close to the hairline or parting, as this could make them noticeable. Similarly, with tape-ins and other semi-permanent extensions, ensure the adhesive or bonds are fully covered by your natural hair.
7. Secure the Style
Once your updo is complete, use bobby pins to lock everything into place. Be gentle when inserting pins near the bonds to avoid adding unnecessary tension. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep everything sleek and to reduce flyaways.
If you’re wearing SISHAIR extensions, consider using their extension-safe hairspray to prevent product buildup that could damage the bonds over time. A lightweight hairspray will provide hold without making your hair stiff or sticky.
8. Protect Your Hair Throughout the Day
To ensure your updo lasts all day, avoid excessive touching or pulling. If you’re attending a formal event or planning to be active, carry extra bobby pins and a small hairspray for quick touch-ups. Remember not to tie your hair too tightly, as this could cause tension on the extension bonds and your natural hair.
9. Take Down Your Updo with Care
After wearing your updo, it’s essential to take it down gently to avoid damaging your extensions. Remove all bobby pins and hair ties carefully, and use your fingers or an extension-friendly brush to detangle your hair slowly. If you used hairspray, consider applying a detangling spray before brushing to reduce friction.
For clip-in extensions, always remove them before going to bed to prevent unnecessary stress on your natural hair. For semi-permanent extensions, ensure they are detangled and secured properly before sleeping.
Conclusion
Styling your hair into an updo with extensions can be a game-changer for special occasions or everyday looks. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a flawless style while keeping your extensions secure and undetectable. Whether you’re wearing clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, or fusion extensions, the key is to work with the extensions, not against them, and prioritize the health of both your natural hair and the extensions. With a little practice and care, creating stunning updos with extensions will become second nature!
