Often, we purchase hair extensions for one purpose with a particular style in mind. I would even take a leap and say usually it is for weaves – full, partial, glue or sew in. But there are so many more things you can do with extensions. Especially if it is of a good quality and holds up to multiple uses through many wears.
- Weave – this is the obvious choice! But even with weaves the options are abundant. You can do the traditional full sew in, with either a tiny bit of hair left out or none at all. But you can also do a partial sew in or what I like to call “skip tracks” where you braid your hair in a few cornrows horizontally across your head and space them an inch or more apart with your hair left loose in between. The extensions are then sewn onto the cornrowed hair only. This gives a much more natural finish and can be used to add fullness, length or both. Also the partial sew in normally only requires one pack (or bundle) of hair to complete the look.
- Quick Weave – many ladies have gotten away from this, but I remember when it was the go-to thing to do in the 90s. Mold (or wrap) your hair down with setting lotion, place a stocking cap or wrap strips on top of your hair to protect it and then glue the tracks onto the barrier to create a faux-sew in look. Quick and easy. To remove use an oil to loosen the glue and gently peel back the tracks.
- Ponytails – Yes, you probably used to wrap the wefted hair a ba-zillion times around your bunned hair and use a thousand hair pins one of which would inevitably poke you, right? But you really don’t have to do all of that, you can just wrap it a few times and anchor with a large bobby pin at the beginning and a few at the end. Play with the height and positioning of the ponytail or use your real hair in the front create the very popular but classic pompadour ponytail look.
- Buns – ever wanted to have that HUGE elegant bun you’ve seen Mary J. Blige rock oh-so-well? Well, throw a few tracks around your ponytail, some kanakelon synthetic hair around to serve as “stuffing” and wrap the extensions around the synthetic hair the same way you would a donut bun. Viola! Instant glamour that can be dressed up or down.
- Clip ins – Sew a few wig combs onto the wefts and create some do-it-yourself clip ins for instant glamour!
- Wigs – Full cap, half, or u-part, you decide! There are all kinds of bases for your wigs and depending on the style you want you can cut it to fit your needs!
- Fishtail braid – wrap your extensions around your ponytail and create your fishtail braid, elegant and fun.
Don’t forget while you are rocking these fabulous styles to care for and maintain your real hair beneath. Wash and condition regularly and keep it moisturized with a spritz of conditioner, water, and glycerin. Have fun!
