If you are a new clip-in hair extension wearer, or you are thinking of investing in some, you may be wondering if they are comfortable to wear? Well, this is one of the most common questions new extensions wearers have! I’ve done some digging and I am going to answer it for you!
Clip-in hair extensions are comfortable if installed correctly. If they’re too heavy, you have a sensitive scalp, or they’re fitted too tightly then you may experience pain. Opt for seamless clip-ins if you have thin/fine hair. There can be an adjustment period where your head gets used to the extra weight and this may cause some discomfort.
Keep reading to learn how to make sure your clip-in hair extensions are as comfortable as possible.
5 Tips to Ensure Your Clip-in Hair Extensions Are Comfortable!
An ideal way to reduce discomfort caused by clip-in extensions is to wear fewer wefts until your scalp gets used to the additional weight. You can progressively add more wefts as you adjust. Also, you can install the expansions further away from roots to prevent and tension headaches.
01. Phase the extensions in
Hair extensions, when first fitted and installed, can take a while to feel normal and settle in. This adjustment period is your head and scalp adjusting to the feeling of having more hair weight and tension placed on the scalp. Your scalp can begin to feel sensitive and tender from the added pressure and this can lead to tension headaches.
Although this is a totally normal feeling that most extension wearers have to suffer through, and usually subsides after a week or so, you can actually avoid it or at least lessen the discomfort.
You can do this by phasing in the hair extensions over a few days to prevent any shock to your scalp and allow your scalp to gradually get used to the extra weight. Do this by wearing only a few of the extensions on the first day (i.e one layer) and over the course of the next few days add more wefts. By the time you are wearing all of the extensions, your scalp should be more prepared for the extra weight!
02. Get the right weight
One of the main sources of discomfort comes from choosing the incorrect extension weight for your hair! This can also lead to tension headaches and your scalp will probably not be able to adjust to the weight over time if it is too heavy!
If your hair is naturally fine or lighter than the extensions, heavy hair extensions can actually damage your natural hair! Heavy hair extensions can also tug at and weigh down your natural hair and eventually lead to hair loss or traction alopecia!
When selecting hair extensions, you need to make sure that they are the right weight for your hair type. It is advisable that you ask for assistance from your hairstylist as they will be able to help you to select the right weight. If you have already purchased extensions that are too heavy, perhaps contact your stylist to see if they can be adjusted or wear fewer wefts.
If you would like to learn more about this, take a look at our article Are Hair Extensions Heavy?
03. Place them correctly
Another way to make sure your clip-in hair extensions do not cause you any discomfort is to ensure you are installing them correctly and at the right place on the hair.
If you place them too far up, near the roots this could cause pain and irritate the scalp. Clip-in extensions, when placed too far up, will not lie flat against the head and will sit at an angle. This could cause the clips to rub at your scalp and the friction could irritate the surrounding skin leading to abrasions and itchiness.
When installing your extensions make sure you place them low enough on the hair that they can lie flat, but not too low that they are visible or will slip out.
04. Take your time when installing them
Another tip to ensure maximum comfort when wearing clip-in hair extensions is to take your time when installing them. When they are installed in a hurry or without much care, it is incredibly easy for strands of your natural hair to get caught in the clips.
A few trapped hairs in the clips of the extensions can cause a lot of discomfort, believe it or not! The hairs will pull at your scalp making it feel tight and could irritate the hair follicles leading to itchy bumps or sores on the scalp.
When installing your extensions use a fine-tooth comb to comb through the section of hair you are working with before installing the extensions. This will ensure that no strands are entangled near the roots where the clips will be placed. If you have accidentally trapped a few hairs in the clips, simply remove the clips and reinstall the extensions, do not tug at them!
Do not install extensions on very tangled or matted hair as this could increase the risk of trapped hair. If your hair is very tangled, remove the tangles before application by spraying a detangling lotion on the hair and combing through gently with a wide-tooth comb.
05. Do not secure them too tight
Another tip is to make sure you do not install your extensions too tightly. Tight extensions can pull on your scalp and irritate the skin. They can also start to feel extremely heavy and result in tension headaches! You should try to attach your extensions so that they are secure enough but not causing your scalp to feel tight or stretched.
A good way to tell if your extensions are too tight is to raise your eyebrows a few times, if this is difficult to do or you feel as though this movement is being restricted by the extensions then you should loosen them!
What EXACTLY are Clip-in Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are wefts of hair that come with attachment clips already attached on a strip at the top of the hair. These strips of pressure-sensitive clips snap onto sections of your natural hair near the root. That said, these are the most temporary type of hair extensions as they can be removed and installed whenever you wish.
To install them, you need to do is section your natural hair in layers and line up the extension with your hair before snapping the clips down. You would then cover the extensions with a layer of your natural hair before repeating the process on the next layer of hair.
Clip-in hair extensions are one of the easiest and low maintenance types of hair extensions as they can be installed and removed without professional help! Semi-permanent hair extension options such as tape-ins, sew-ins, or glue-ins can be more damaging to the hair as the attachment methods are a lot harsher than clips.
Clip-ins are temporary and can be removed and reinstalled in a matter of minutes and whenever you like! This makes clip-in extensions the perfect option if you want to add volume or length to your natural hair but you aren’t ready to commit to more permanent options.
If you would like to learn more about the different types of extensions and what you need to know as a first-time wearer, check out this awesome full buyer’s guide.
Final Thoughts
Clip-in extensions should be comfortable and not cause you any pain, however improper application could result in some discomfort from time to time. The tips above should help you to wear clip-in extensions without any discomfort!
Take your time and work with care when installing them to avoid unnecessary pain later on. If you are still experiencing some discomfort, then perhaps seek advice from a hair-care professional.
Related Questions
Can I sleep with clip-in hair extensions in?
You can sleep with your clip-in extensions in, however, it is not advisable. The clips, when pressed forcefully against your head while you sleep can scratch and irritate the scalp leading to abrasions that could easily become infected over time.
You should remove your extensions before bed to avoid friction and any tension being placed on your natural hair by the clips as this could lead to hair loss and breakage. The extensions can also become tangled and damaged from the friction against your sheets and pillows and this could cause the quality of the hair to deteriorate.
Extensions are an investment, so you should remove them before bed to ensure that they last you longer!