Your fix-it guide for hair extensions gone wrong

Here’s a fun and light-hearted troubleshooting guide for when your hair extensions go wrong! Whether you're dealing with tangling, slippage, or those pesky visible clips, don’t worry—you're not alone. Extensions add great volume, length, and style, but they can sometimes present a few challenges. Fortunately, with the right tips and tricks, you can easily solve these problems and keep your extensions looking flawless. So, if your hair's not behaving the way you want, read on for some fun, simple solutions to get things back on track!

1. Tangling Trouble

Why It Happens: Extensions can get tangled when they’re exposed to humidity, or you haven’t been gentle enough when brushing.

What To Do:

• Detangle with Care: Begin at the ends and gently work your way up, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to prevent tugging or damage.
• Add Conditioner: For extra slip, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangler spray to help ease the process
• Be Proactive: Regularly brush your extensions to keep them knot-free. After washing, let them air dry on a flat surface to avoid tangling.

Pro Tip: Treat your extensions like your own hair—don't yank at them or they’ll rebel!

2. Slippage Scenario

Why It Happens: If your clip-in extensions aren’t securely fastened or if they’re too heavy for your natural hair, they can slip out.

What To Do:

• Reposition the Clips: Ensure you're clipping close to the roots and securing them tightly. You can even crisscross them for added hold.
• Backcomb for Grip: Lightly backcomb your natural hair at the roots before clipping in your extensions. This provides extra hold for the clips.
• Try a Hairspray: Lightly spritz hairspray on your natural hair before clipping in extensions for added grip.

Pro Tip: If slippage happens on a windy day or at an event, carry a small travel-sized hairspray for quick fixes!

3. Visible Clips or Tracks

Why It Happens: Sometimes clips or tape-ins show through, especially if your extensions are too thick or your hair is too fine.

What To Do:

• Tease Your Roots: Gently tease the area where you're clipping in the extensions to give the clips something to grip onto.
• Blend the Layers: When adding clip-ins, make sure to leave a small layer of your natural hair on top to cover the clips.
• Use a Wide Section of Hair: Avoid using too thick or thin of sections when clipping in, as it can make the clips more visible.

Pro Tip: If all else fails, a cute hair accessory (like a headband or clip) can hide the area until you can get home and fix it!

4. Extensions Looking Too “Fake”

Why It Happens: Your extensions don’t blend well with your natural hair due to colour mismatch or texture differences.

What To Do:

• Blend the Colour: If your extensions are a bit off in colour, you can use a semi-permanent dye to match them more closely to your natural shade.
• Curl or Style to Match: Create waves or curls to match the texture of your natural hair. Extensions will blend better if they share the same styling!
• Trim the Extensions: Sometimes, the length or shape of your extensions might not suit your natural hair’s cut. Trim them slightly to get a more natural-looking blend.

Pro Tip: If you're unsure about matching colours, consult a stylist. They can often help customise your extensions to your exact shade.

5. Extension Frizz

Why It Happens: Extensions can get frizzy from heat styling, humidity, or wear and tear.

What To Do:

• Use Smoothing Products: Apply a serum or oil to smooth down frizz. Just be careful not to weigh down the extensions!
• Avoid Over-Styling: Excessive use of heat tools can damage your hair extensions. If you need to use them, always apply a heat protection spray or thermal protectant product.
• Storage is Key: When you’re not wearing them, store your extensions properly in a protective case to keep them from getting frizzy or tangled.

Pro Tip: If frizz happens mid-day, a quick spritz of leave-in conditioner and a gentle finger comb can help smooth things out.

6. Clipping In Too Many Extensions

Why It Happens: You might want super voluminous hair, but overloading with too many clips can make your extensions heavy and uncomfortable.

What To Do:

• Use Fewer Clips: Go for fewer, thinner layers of extensions to avoid the "helmet head" effect.
• Check for Comfort: If your head feels heavy or tight, remove one or two clips to give your scalp some breathing room.

Pro Tip: You can always layer clip-ins gradually for a more natural, built-up look. Go for quality over quantity!

7. The Shedding Situation

Why It Happens: Just like natural hair, extensions shed over time—especially if they’ve been washed or worn a lot.

What To Do:

• Be Gentle When Washing: Avoid over-washing or rough drying your extensions. Always wash with cool water and condition regularly.
• Trim Excessive Shedding: If you notice a lot of shedding, trim the ends of your extensions to prevent further tangling or split ends.

Pro Tip: Keep your extensions clean but don’t overdo it. They can last way longer if you treat them gently.

Hair extensions can be tricky at times, but with a little care and attention, they can be your best friend! They provide numerous options for transforming your look, whether you're aiming for extra volume, length, or a dramatic new style. Remember, the key to keeping your extensions in top shape is regular maintenance, gentle handling, and the right products. With the right approach, your extensions can last for months, giving you fabulous hair every time. So, embrace the occasional hiccup, follow these tips, and let your extensions work their magic!