How to blend hair extensions – The expert way!

Decide on the extension system you want

This will depend on lots of different factors including your budget, your lifestyle and your desired result. Strand by strand systems such as bonds and micro links are very durable and last a long time in the hair, they’re suitable for almost all hair types but can take a long time to apply and tend to be on the more expensive side of the cost spectrum. Wefted panels such as tapes, clip in and sewn-in tend to be more budget-friendly, take less time to apply but are less durable.

Opt for high-quality human hair extensions

If there is one thing that we think is an absolute must when it comes to hair extensions, it’s the quality of the hair. We think that human hair extensions like Seamless 1 and HairTalk are of the highest quality on the market!  The cuticle remains intact and each strand is carefully kept in its original direction. Synthetic hair and some other lower-quality human hair brands may be cheaper but the same care is not taken during the sourcing process making it less durable, prone to tangling and difficult to blend well with real hair.

Colour matching

We’re not talking about the difference between blonde and brown, but the subtle distinctions between different hues of blonde, brown or red that can look glaringly inconsistent when placed next to each other in a head of hair. A professional hairdresser will have a keen eye for colour and be able to expertly decide which extensions will match and impeccably blend with your hair colour.

Texture matching

Just like with natural hair, hair extensions come in many different textures. Pairing a naturally curly hair texture with a sleek and straight extension is going to look blindingly obvious and vica versa. Daily styling to try and match the textures would take too long and the results would be hit and miss. It’s better to buy the hair extensions that are closest in texture to your own hair so that if you need to, you can just wash and go whilst still enjoying a perfect hair extension blend.

Correct length

When choosing extensions to enhance your hair length it can be tempting to go for the longest length possible. As a general rule for the best blend, extensions should only be used to double your natural hair length at the most. So if you have hair that is 10 inches long, we can make it up to 20 inches long with extensions and still maintain a beautifully harmonious blended look.

Correct amount

 The number of extensions that you need will of course depend on your desired final look. You may only need a few if you’re looking to ‘fill-in’ or add volume to your hair. It’s when you’re looking to add length that the amount of hair that is applied is important. Too few extensions and your hair will look gappy, too many extensions and your hair will look oddly heavy and bulky – both creating blending problems and an unnatural look.

Clever placement

Poor extension placement can result in blending problems. If extensions are placed too close to your hairline and parting they’ll be easily spotted. A great hairdresser will be able to determine your individual ‘extension safe zone’ for placement ensuring your extensions stay blended and aren’t peeping out for everybody to see! Extension pieces can be quickly and easily moved around by your hairdresser if you realise its location is not ideal after styling your hair at home.

Cutting

 New extensions don’t generally come with any layering or shaping when they are fresh out of the packet. Once they are fitted into your hair it’s important to let your hairdresser cut your extensions to blend with your haircut. This can involve creating layering and removing some length/weight through the front and interior of your new hair. Extension cutting can be done in stages and over a couple of salon visits, taking a little bit off at a time depending on where you feel it’s needed when styling at home.

Style like a pro

A great set of hair extensions that have been matched and fitted by a professional are going to look blended and amazing styled in multiple ways. However, there are some styles that’ll showcase your new extensions best as well as other styles to avoid where possible. Styling your hair with a wave and movement is the optimum styling option for hair with extensions – The flowy movement makes you feel extra glamorous whilst creating a perfect seamless blend. Try to limit scraping your hair back into high or tight ponytails/buns as even the most expertly placed extensions are likely to show!

Proper Care

Your hairdresser won’t let you leave the salon without giving you your personalised home-care advice for blending and maintaining your extensions. We want your new hair to last you as long as possible and to look fabulous the whole time! If there is something you’re not sure about or need to clarify then please ask and we’d be more than happy to help. For more information on the basics of extension care read our article ‘The ultimate guide to maintaining your hair extensions’ for some handy extension dos and don’ts!