As a general rule, Capri recommends always keeping clip-ins at least one inch away from your hairline. "The hairs here are the thinnest and most fragile, so you don't want to put any extra tension on them," she explains. "Keeping the extensions away from the hairline will also prevent any telltale pieces from peeking out." Also important: Avoid placing hair extensions in straight lines. "Follow the curvature of you head, picturing a 'U' shape. When putting them in on the sides, tilt them on a slight angle," suggests Rubell. This helps the pieces fall and blend better with the rest of your hair, ultimately making for a much more natural and seamless effect. After all, you want the final style to be the thing that people notice, not the extensions themselves, Rubell adds.
Image via BeautyWorksOnline
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Put Extensions in Like a Pro
No matter where you're placing them, the M.O. should be the same. Take a section of hair that's the same width as the clip-in piece, then sprinkle a bit of texturizing powder near the root and backcomb gently. "The powder gives the hair grit and grip, so that the tease will hold better and the clips won't slip out," says Capri, who recommends Unite Expanda Dust Volumizing Powder, $15.
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Create a Massive Pony
Channel your inner Arianna Grande with a pumped up pony that's nothing like your go-to gym style.
Capri recommends gathering all of your natural hair into a large ponytail --
except for an inch-wide section closest to your hairline -- and securing with a rubber band. Next, add clip-in extensions all around the sides of the ponytail. Take the smaller hairline section and add it to the first ponytail, so that it covers up the clip-ins on the sides, and secure with another elastic. Whether you leave the pony straight or add some curls or waves, it's sure to make a statement.
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Work Them Into a Big Braid
Whether you want to create a traditional three-strand or a fancy fishtail, clip-ins are the easiest way to add thickness, volume, and length to the plait of your preference. Rubell suggests using several longer tracks and placing them in the center of your head (in that U shape we mentioned earlier), directly in between the crown and the nape of your neck. Placing them in this spot is the best way to get the most length and fullness, she adds. Then braid away, and get ready for loads of compliments.
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Use Extensions to Boost a Half-Up Top Knot
The good ol' half-up top knot works just as well for a formal affair as it does a day at the beach, but if your hair is on the thinner side, it can easily look limp and fall flat. Enter, you guessed it, hair extensions. Take a section of hair stretching from ear to ear; this will be the 'half-up' part. Add several clip-ins to this piece, attaching them at the crown, for extra thickness and volume, says Rubell. Using a fine-toothed comb, backcomb the pieces of natural hair in between the extensions to blend everything together, then twist into a loose knot and secure with bobby pins. Pro tip: Use pins that are the same color as your hair so that they're not noticeable.
