Do’s and Don’ts of Hair Extensions: Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’ve never had hair extensions before, you’re bound to make a few mistakes (especially if you’re attempting to apply them yourself).
While mistakes aren’t always easy to avoid, I’m So Pretty is here to prevent a hair disaster. No one wants to end up with misaligned hair extensions or cause damage to their natural hair during the process.
So, stick with us for eight do’s and don'ts of hair extensions to help you avoid a hair catastrophe that you can’t recover from (it happens to the best of us).
1. Choose Quality Extensions
Would you pick up a bin bag and think, “I can work with this?” We’re guessing the answer is no (unless you’re a wizard with fashion design).
The point is, you can’t start with terrible quality material and expect the end result to look good. 100% real human hair is the best option for hair extensions, as it looks and acts exactly like your own.
High-quality extensions should feel soft to the touch, have no unusual chemical odours, and blend naturally with your own locks. Don’t skimp on quality, girls! It’ll cost you more to go cheap rather than invest in long-lasting extensions.
2. Mind the Placement
The way your hair extensions look and feel is just one important factor in creating a beautiful finish; the placement plays a big part in how naturally they blend in.
Extensions that are placed too far forward can make the bonds or clips look obvious. This can also cause discomfort, tugging at the scalp and leaving you with a headache.
To avoid this, we highly suggest stepping away from the extensions and placing them in the hands of a professional (trust us, you’re doing the right thing). A stylist will be able to blend them with your hair density, layer them appropriately, and distribute them evenly to avoid excessive weight.
3. Match Colours Wisely
Unless you want to look like you’ve just stepped out of the 2000’s film ‘Freaky Friday’ with the bacon highlights, then we urge you to get a colour match!
Extensions that blend well with your natural hair tone will be impossible to spot, leaving you with a natural hair makeover. When shopping for extensions, choose the colour based on the shade of your hair’s ends, using natural lighting to assess your own hair.
The extensions should also match the undertones of your hair:
- Cool tones: Ashy or silvery shades.
- Warm tones: Golden or honey hues.
- Neutral tones: Balanced shades without distinct warm or cool elements.
4. Avoid Overloading Extensions
We get it. We’re always told that ‘bigger is better’, so you probably think that applies to hair extensions.
While we can understand your reasoning, adding more hair extensions to achieve bigger hair will just leave you looking a bit poofy. Too much tension on your scalp may also cause thinning hair, discomfort, and headaches.
If your hair is already thin, opt for clip-in or tape-in extensions, as these are more lightweight and gentle on your roots. It’s also vital that you choose the right amount of hair extensions:
- Thin/Fine Hair: 100-120 grams for clip-ins to avoid overloading delicate strands.
- Medium Hair: 120-160 grams to add volume and length without strain.
- Thick Hair: 160-220 grams to blend seamlessly.
5. Gentle Brushing
It’s time that you stop treating your hair like a stress toy and be more gentle with your brushing habits.
Extensions are more delicate than natural hair, so rough brushing can lead to shedding or weakening of the strands. Instead, use a soft-bristle brush to slowly separate tangles for a smooth and glossy finish.
When brushing wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb, as this helps avoid breakage when the strands are weaker. You can also hold the extensions at the roots when brushing to prevent tugging.
6. Pick the Right Type for Your Lifestyle
If you’ve never worn hair extensions before, then you may not be aware that different types of extensions are better suited for different lifestyles. You need to find a solution that works with your daily routine and suits your hair’s needs.
Clip-ins and tape-ins are perfect for a low-maintenance, temporary transformation. Clip-ins can be applied at home and removed daily, while tape-ins last up to 6 to 8 weeks and are ideal for thinner hair.
However, tape-ins aren’t recommended if you swim or exercise frequently, as this can weaken the adhesive. If you’re looking for a more discreet and versatile option, nano-tip extensions are suitable for all hair types and allow for natural styling.
For those with thicker hair and active lifestyles, weft extensions are your best bet; they add length and volume and can be sewn or clipped in.
7. Know When to Replace Them
You may want to cling to your hair extensions for dear life, even if they’re long past their prime, to avoid paying for new ones.
While it can be heartbreaking to throw them away, holding onto them will only make your hair look frizzy, unnatural, and thin, causing your hair to tangle and break. You will know it’s time to say goodbye when you notice the following:
- Frizz and split ends
- Noticeable shedding
- Worn-out tapes, loose bonds, or damaged clips
- Tangling and matting
- Shorter than natural hair growth
- Fading or discolouration
Achieve Effortless Glamour With I’m So Pretty
2025 is the year of investing in yourself. Now’s the time to stop staring longingly at the hair of celebrities or Instagram models on social media.
Achieving your own luxurious hair transformation is easier than you think with I’m So Pretty 100% real human hair extensions.
With a variety of stunning colours and application methods to choose from, you’ll be ready to walk down your own red carpet in no time.