One of the most popular (if not THE most popular) types of hair extensions is clip-in extensions. They give the freedom to choose when you want to wear them and can be installed and removed in just a few minutes. For those still hesitant as to whether they want more permanent extensions or not, clip-ins are a great stepping stone.
Before you rush to stores to buy them, here are some things to check!
1. Know the grams per clip-in set
Hair needs a small enough measurement increment to measure, which is why we use grams. It is important to know how many grams of hair are there in each clip-in set (see the product’s description) so you make sure you’ll get secure and usable clip-ins. This is because you may be shown a set with 7-10 pieces but they may be lightweight and not have enough hair (i.e. only have 100grams of hair – not enough for the full head to add length). Other sets have many one-inch (or one clip) strips. You don’t want them because they slip way too easily (you need, at last, two clips on each strip).
So, decide on the length and thickness you want to achieve and also consider the length of your natural hair. Know that the shorter and thicker your natural hair is and the longer you want it to be, the more grams you will need.
Now, as to how many grams are best for you, it depends on the length you want your clip-ins to have. If, for example, you are eyeballing 20” long extensions and your hair is shoulder length, then you will need less grams for a full head (about 150-18 grams) than if you were flirting with 24” long extensions. For only 16” long extensions, around 100-130 grams will probably be enough. More grams means more money to pay. For a mermaid length, you will need 220-250 grams, at least.
2. Decide on the length of your clip-in hair extensions.
Longer clip-ins means heavier to wear. So, it’s important not to go too long, especially if you are a first-timer or it may feel too much for you. Chances are you will probably not like your extensions and not wear them at all. That aside, if you add too much length too fast, you will strain your neck muscles and feel the weight on the scalp. Ideally, you should wear 20” long extensions because they are not overwhelming in length or weight and have some flattering length. Give yourself some time to get used to them first before you try more length.
To give you an idea, 16” long extensions will go down to the bra line (approximately) to the back and just above your chest area to the front. This is the length for the bottom row of clip-ins. Now, 20” long extensions will reach just below the bra line and just below your chest area while longer clips-ins, say 24” long” will go as far down as the back pocket of your jeans to the back and the waistband of your jeans to the front.
3. Only go for Remy Human Hair
Virgin hair or Remy hair extensions are the only way to go with hair extensions. Don’t even bother with anything less than virgin Remy hair extension because you will go down a nasty road that will disappoint you.
Remy means you get hair with all the cuticles intact. Non-Remy hair has its outer cuticles removed through acidic treatment and them treated with silicone to that it appear smooth. Well, this is until the first wash, when you will end up with a nest of tangles that if you try to comb, you will understand why it is a Mission Impossible. Anything not Remy may be cheap, but it’s just not worth it and won’t last for sure.
But, before you buy Remy hair, do your homework because many call hair Remy but supply you with only half the cuticles intact while the other half has had its outer layers stripped. Read reviews and use your gut feeling. We recommend Indian hair extensions (or Indian Remy hair) because they give a luscious, long-lasting result with proper care and match almost all types of hair.
Final Tips:
There are differences in the clip-ins themselves you should also know about. For example, there are the toupee clips or snap-clips that have a silicone lining on the cross-bar and there are clips with tines shaped like a U and not like a fork that hold much better!
