How to Wear Extensions with Short Hair

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: November 17, 2020 References

Short hair is beautiful, fun, and sexy, but you may crave a change in style sometimes. Extensions are great to temporarily gain some length, make your hair appear thicker, or experiment with different colors. There are several types of extensions you can choose from, but clip in extensions are ideal. This is because they blend in easier with short hair and can be done at home. To wear extensions, choose the right ones for you, apply them, and then style them to your liking.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Hair Extensions

1
Choose a fairly short length. Shorter extensions usually look more natural, especially if your hair is very short. Aim for extensions that are between 16 and 18 inches (40 to 45 cm). You can look for even shorter extensions if your hair is shorter than chin length.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can cut the extensions on your own or have them cut by a stylist if they are longer than you’d like.
2
Make sure the extensions are thick enough. This is especially important if you have a blunt haircut. Thin extensions may not blend in if the ends of your hair don’t thin out. Thicker extensions will make the transition look smooth and natural.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Compare the extensions to the thickness of your own hair to make sure they are thick enough.
Advertisement
3
Use less wefts. Wefts are basically the individual clip in sections. You can use several wefts if you are looking for extra volume and length, but one or two wefts should be enough. One 100g (3.5 oz) weft is ideal. This will make styling easier and the possibility of the clips showing less likely.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Match the extensions to your hair color. It’s very important to match the extensions to your hair color, or the illusion of longer hair the extensions create won’t be successful. The best way to find extensions that match is to go to a beauty supply store to purchase the extensions rather than purchasing them online. This will give you a chance to put the extensions up against your own hair, check them out in a mirror, and ask for advice.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If you’ve worn extensions before and know the brand and color you like, you can order them online.
- If you’re using human hair extensions, you can color the hair to match your current hair color. You can also dye your hair to match your extensions.
- Look for an ombre set of extensions if your ends are a different color than the rest of your hair.
5
Decide between human and synthetic hair. You can buy either type of hair and look great. Human hair, however, is probably the way to go if you have the option. It is more expensive, but it will usually look more convincing than synthetic hair. This is because you can use heat to style human hair and you can dye it as if it were your own hair.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying Extensions

1
Begin with clean hair. Wash and condition your hair right before you plan to apply the extensions. Oily hair won’t hold the clip in extensions as well as clean hair. This may not be a problem if you have naturally dry hair.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Secure the top half of your hair. Pull up the top half of your hair. It may not be possible to hold it with a hair tie if it is very short, but you can use clips to secure your hair if that’s the case. You will apply the clip in extensions to the divide between your top and bottom half of hair.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Tease your hair at the place you plan to apply the extension. You can use a backcombing brush or comb to do this. Use the brush or comb to gently tease the hair where you plan to clip in the extensions. This will create a shelf, which makes it easier for the extensions to stay securely clipped in.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You can apply the extensions to any part of your head as long as your natural hair covers them.
- You will usually secure the extensions on the back of your head if you’re using one weft, but you may also use extensions on the sides of your head if you use multiple wefts.
- Spray hairspray on the “shelf” for added grip.
4
Clip in the extensions. Grab your extensions and undo the clips. Hold the clips up to the shelf that you created. Make sure that you are satisfied with where they are being clipped in before snapping the clips shut. Look in the mirror once the extensions are clipped in to make sure they smoothly fit in with your natural hair.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You can undo and redo the extensions until you are happy with the placement.
5
Go to a salon for more permanent extensions. If you want longer lasting professional extensions, head to your local salon and discuss your options with a hairdresser. You can get extensions micro-linked, sewn, taped, or fused.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Tape-in extensions are taped to your roots, and take 40 minutes to an hour to complete. They last about four to eight weeks.
- When applying sew-in extensions, your hairdresser will cornrow your hair and weave the extensions into the braid. This method works best on thicker hair, and lasts about six to eight weeks.
- The fusion (or glue-in) and micro-link methods are very damaging, so they’re best for really healthy hair. It takes about three hours to apply extensions using these methods, and the extensions last up to four months.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Styling Extensions

1
Trim the extensions if necessary. You may find that the extensions are too blunt at the ends to look natural. Trim the ends of the extensions to solve this problem. Vertically hold a pair of scissors made for hair cutting to the ends of extensions. For a natural look, keep the scissors in that vertical position as you cut.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- It’s also an option to take the extensions to someone who knows how to cut hair if you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own. They can trim the extensions while they’re in your hair to blend them in perfectly.
2
Curl or straighten your hair. The texture of the extensions will most likely look at least slightly different than your hair. Blend in the extensions by curling or straightening your hair while wearing the extensions. It does not matter if you decide to use a curling iron or flat iron. Either method will help the extensions look natural.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Use a shine serum. This is an especially good option you have straight, synthetic extensions. Synthetic hair extensions are usually shinier than human hair. Use a shine serum to make your hair as shiny as the extensions. Simply spray it all over your hair and style as usual.^{[12]
X
Research source}
4
Try a thickening spray. You can use this for real or synthetic hair if you want a tousled and wavy look. Thickening spray is a great option for synthetic hair extensions since you usually can’t use heat styling tools. Spray the hair all over your hair and use your fingers to scrunch your hair, including the extensions, into waves.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you take care of hair extensions?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

This depends on the type. Generally, you'll need to wash very gently focusing on the scalp, use specially designed combs to detangle very gently, and keep extensions hydrated with a rich conditioner.
Question

How long do hair extensions last in your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Hair extensions should be removed every 6-8 weeks. It's best to let your hair rest for at least a week or two before getting a fresh set.
Question

Do hair extensions damage your real hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Extensions put extra weight on your hair and can cause damage if not properly cared for. If your hair is healthy and you care for them correctly, you can have extensions without causing damage.