DIY Hair Extensions: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Own

Dreaming of longer, fuller hair without the salon price tag? You’re not alone! Hair extensions can be a game-changer, instantly adding volume and length to your locks. While professional extensions are fantastic, they can be expensive and require upkeep. The good news is, you can create your own stunning hair extensions at home with a bit of patience and the right materials. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods for crafting beautiful, customized hair extensions, helping you achieve your dream hair without breaking the bank.

Understanding the Basics Before You Start

Before diving into the DIY process, let’s cover some essential groundwork:

Types of Hair Extensions

• Clip-in Extensions: These are the most popular DIY option. They’re temporary, easy to apply and remove, and cause minimal damage. They consist of wefts of hair attached to small clips.
• Tape-in Extensions: These are semi-permanent and require more precision. They involve attaching hair wefts to your natural hair using double-sided tape.
• Sew-in Wefts (Braided): A more long-term option, these extensions are attached by braiding your natural hair and sewing the wefts onto the braids. This requires more technical skill.
• Fusion (Keratin Bond) Extensions: This is the most permanent method, involving individual strands of hair bonded to your natural hair using keratin glue. This method is generally not recommended for DIY projects due to the potential for damage and the need for specialized tools.
• Halo Extensions: These are a newer type of temporary extension that sits on your head like a headband, with hair falling over your natural hair. This is generally the easiest of all the options but will not work with all types of hair and styles

For the purpose of this article, we will focus primarily on clip-in and tape-in extensions, as they are the most accessible and DIY-friendly. We will also touch upon creating halo extensions.

Choosing the Right Hair

• Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair: Human hair offers the most natural look and feel, can be styled with heat tools, and generally lasts longer. Synthetic hair is more affordable but can appear less natural and may not withstand heat styling. For the best DIY experience, human hair is recommended for most applications, however, for testing, synthetic is much more economical and good for practice.
• Hair Texture and Color: Choose hair extensions that match your natural hair texture (straight, wavy, curly, coily) and color as closely as possible. Consider the root shade as well and buy accordingly.
• Hair Length and Weight: The length of extensions depends on your desired look. Also, keep in mind that the weight of the extensions impacts how well they blend with your own hair. Start with a lower weight and work up to make sure it is not overwhelming.
• Where to Buy Hair: Reputable online retailers, beauty supply stores, and wig shops are good sources for purchasing quality hair extensions. Always check reviews and ensure you are purchasing from a known entity.

Essential Supplies

The specific tools you’ll need will vary depending on the method you choose, but here are some general supplies:

• Hair Wefts: This is the bulk hair, available in various lengths, textures and colours.
• Clips (for clip-in extensions): Small metal clips with silicone grips. These are available at most beauty supply stores.
• Tape (for tape-in extensions): Double-sided tape specifically designed for hair extensions.
• Needle and Thread: For sewing wefts onto clips or fabric. Make sure it is appropriate for sewing on cloth.
• Scissors: Sharp hair-cutting shears for trimming and shaping.
• Comb and Brush: For sectioning hair and blending extensions.
• Measuring Tape: For accurate sizing of wefts and spacing of clips.
• Flat Iron: For smoothing wefts and your natural hair.
• Hair Clips: For securing your hair out of the way during the application process.
• Optional Supplies: Alcohol, adhesive remover, and other tools might be useful to have available, but are often not required.

Method 1: Creating Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in extensions are the easiest and most popular option for beginners. Here’s how to create your own:

1. Measure Your Head

   Before you begin, measure the width of the area of your head where the extensions will be placed and decide how many wefts you’ll need and how long they should be. If you plan to add hair in a single layer, for example, measure from the ear, around the back of your head to the other ear. Alternatively, if you wish to do it in layers, measure in segments of an inch or two to determine the best length and width of wefts. This measurement will determine the size and amount of wefts you’ll need.

2. Prepare the Hair Wefts

   Once you have decided on the sizes, cut the hair wefts to the desired length using sharp scissors. If the wefts you purchased are double wefted, you can leave them as is or if they are single, double them yourself to give the appearance of volume. To do this, lay one single weft down and spread out as flat as possible. Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or appropriate adhesive to the top (or bottom) and then carefully lay another single weft on top. Hold them in place with a weight or with clips until fully dry. Trim the raw edges as needed. The hair should all be facing in the same direction. This is especially important as improperly installed wefts may tangle and will become unusable.

3. Attach the Clips

   Lay out the weft on a flat surface with the hair facing down. Take the hair clips and evenly distribute them along the weft. Ideally you’d want to place them close to the edge of the weft but not directly on the edge, as this will prevent the weft from easily attaching to the hair. Sew the clips onto the weft using a needle and thread. Make sure the clips are securely attached and facing the correct direction so they can properly grip your hair. If you would prefer, you can also use fabric glue or similar to attach clips, but sewing is usually the best option in terms of security.

4. Repeat

   Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each weft you want to create. You may want to create several smaller wefts and a few large wefts, depending on the style you are looking to achieve.

5. Test the Extensions

   Once dry, try clipping in the extensions to see if they are comfortable and secure. If they slip, you may need to re-sew the clips more securely. You may also need to reduce the width of a weft or trim some of the hair, but do so sparingly at first. Ideally, they should stay in your hair without causing pressure or pain, and allow the hair to blend seamlessly.

6. Customize as Needed

   Once you are satisfied with your extensions, trim and shape them to your desired style. If you are looking to create waves, use heat styling tools and style as desired. Remember, if you are using human hair extensions you should always use heat protection spray before applying heat, as with your own natural hair.

Method 2: Creating Tape-in Hair Extensions

Tape-in extensions are a semi-permanent option that can last for several weeks with proper care. Here’s how to create them:

1. Prepare the Hair Wefts

   Like with clip-ins, cut the wefts to the desired length for the tape-ins and double up if required. Ensure they are clean and dry.

2. Apply the Tape

   Apply double-sided hair extension tape to the top edge of the weft. Ensure that the entire top is covered with the tape, and there are no sections missing. Leave about an eighth of an inch of space on both sides to avoid overlapping with your natural hair. Press firmly to make sure it is securely attached. The tape will usually come with a plastic backing that you should keep in place until it is time to install the extensions.

3. Repeat the Process

   Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all wefts. You may want a range of lengths depending on how you will use the wefts.

4. Application (This Part is not DIY)

   It is very important that you know that the installation of tape-in extensions is not something you should do yourself unless you have experience. It is extremely difficult to install and align the tape-in extensions by yourself, and you will almost certainly misalign them or not be able to see the back of your head properly. For this reason, it is best to have the tape-in extensions installed by a friend or licensed professional. However, once installed, the tape-in extensions can be maintained yourself.

5. Maintenance of Tape-Ins

   To maintain your tape-in extensions, it is important to use shampoo that is designed to not loosen the tape. Regular shampoo, conditioners, and heat should be minimized on the tape section of your extensions. After several weeks, when the tape begins to loosen, you will need to remove the tape and possibly reinstall it closer to the scalp.

Method 3: Creating Halo Hair Extensions

Halo extensions are a fast and temporary way to add volume and length, and are a simpler option. Here’s how to make them:

1. Measure Your Head

   Measure the circumference of your head around where you want the halo to sit (usually just above the hairline). It is important that the band is not too tight or loose. Add two to three inches to the measurement for overlap or adjustability.

2. Prepare the Wefts

   Choose a weft length and width that best suites your needs. If you want more volume you can add multiple thin wefts together or buy thick wefts to apply to your halo. Set the wefts aside until ready to apply to the headband.

3. Choose Your Band

   You can use a very thin, clear elastic, a wig cap, or similar thin material. This will be the base of your halo and needs to be secure without being too visible. Choose a colour that best matches your hair root and will blend with your scalp. Be very careful to choose a material that will not pull or damage your hair.

4. Attach the Wefts

   Sew the wefts onto the band with strong, non-stretching thread, being careful to keep the hair all in one direction. The wefts should all be facing down towards the hair line and spaced so that when you apply the halo band, the hair covers your natural hair appropriately. If you are using a clear elastic, you will sew the wefts directly on the band in one row around the head. If using a wig cap, it is best to do this in two or more rows and carefully trim the excess fabric to prevent it from showing.

5. Customize

   Once the wefts are secured, you can trim and shape as needed. When applying the halo, position it about an inch behind the hairline to make sure it sits correctly and blends with your natural hair. Depending on your hair type you may need to cover the base with your natural hair.

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
• Take Your Time: Rushing the process can lead to mistakes. Allocate enough time to complete each step carefully.
• Use Quality Materials: Investing in good-quality hair extensions and supplies will make a significant difference in the final result.
• Cleanliness is Key: Keep your workspace clean and your tools well-maintained. Dirty materials may lead to infection of your scalp and hair.
• Proper Storage: Store your DIY extensions properly when not in use to prevent tangling and damage. A wig stand or a storage box can be used for best results.
• Be Realistic: DIY extensions will never be exactly the same quality as professional extensions, and that’s okay. Aim for good, not perfect!
• Watch Tutorials: Watching videos online may provide additional support and guidance. It is highly recommended to watch multiple videos to gain a full understanding of the process.

Caring for Your DIY Hair Extensions

Proper care will extend the lifespan of your homemade extensions. Here are some key tips:

• Gentle Washing: Wash your extensions with a mild shampoo and conditioner, preferably designed for extensions or color-treated hair. Always brush through gently when wet using a wide tooth comb.
• Avoid Excessive Heat: While human hair extensions can be styled with heat, excessive heat can dry out the hair and cause it to break.
• Use Heat Protectant: Always apply heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools.
• Detangle Regularly: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your extensions gently, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store your extensions in a clean, dry place, preferably on a wig stand or in a storage box.
• Avoid Friction: Be mindful of friction from clothing or bedding, which can lead to tangling. Consider sleeping with a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase.

Conclusion

Making your own hair extensions can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to achieve your dream hairstyle. By following this comprehensive guide and practicing patience, you can create beautiful, custom hair extensions that perfectly match your needs and style. Remember to research thoroughly, invest in quality materials, and take good care of your extensions to ensure they last. Happy styling!