So, you finally decided to bite the bullet and cut your hair into an adorable bob. You love it, but you miss your long locks every once in a while. Don’t worry, love; almost everyone goes through this.
But does that mean you have to wait endlessly for your long hair to grow back? Nah. You can purchase and wear hair extensions to enjoy long hair, whether you want permanent extensions installed or want to switch up your style with some clip-ins.
Regardless of which type of extension you choose, the goal is to make your extensions look as natural as possible. After all, nobody wants to walk around with “obvious” extensions; that’s a major fashion faux pas.
Put the fear of apparent extension fiascos behind you and learn how to make extensions look real in short hair below!
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How to Make Extensions Look Real in Short Hair – 6 Tips
Let me be honest: sometimes, when extensions are applied to short hair, it can be less than “cute.” We want to avoid any hairstyling blunders, am I right? You can ensure your hair looks fab by following these simple tips to add extensions to short hair successfully.
1. Wear More Extensions
One of the most significant misconceptions is that you should only wear a few extensions if you have short hair. That way, they’ll blend better.
But will they? No. Wearing fewer hair extensions with short hair can make the extensions more apparent – precisely what we’re trying to avoid!
That said, opt for more hair extensions. You should be hovering around the 175 to 200-gram range, although you can go higher if desired. I would not go under 175 grams, though. If you need to, buy a second set to bulk up.
2. Match the Extensions to Your Natural Hair Type
Do you have naturally fine hair? Then you should avoid hair extensions with overly thick or coarse strands – and vice versa. The goal is to match your natural hair type to the hair type of the hair extensions. These will blend seamlessly without looking texturally wonky.
3. Hide Small Hair at the Nape of the Neck
Short hairs at the nape of the neck are dead giveaways that you have short hair when wearing hair extensions. That said, you need to conceal them. Here’s how to do it in a few quick seconds.
- Grip the small section of hair around the nape of the neck.
- Section off your remaining hair into a ponytail or bun.
- Backcomb the short hairs at the nape of the neck.
- Twist them up and hold them in place with bobby pins.
You’re doing two things here. First, you’re concealing those pesky short hairs that will make your hair extensions stick out like a sore thumb. Secondly, you’re providing a “hefty” area for the hair extensions to grip onto, ensuring a secure application that won’t budge mid-day.
Here’s a great video that can help you:
4. Use Two Different Colors
Highlights, lowlights, balayage, ombre, etc., are all super trendy ways to style hair. They add an element of depth that showcases striking dimensions. Well, you want to do this with your hair extensions, too. Why? Once again, it all comes down to depth.
If your natural hair and extensions are all one color, they may become more noticeable. Adding different colors will help to conceal the extensions, creating a more “natural” appearance.
No, I don’t mean that you need to add purple, green, and silver to your mane. Instead, you should alternate between using a set of hair extensions that match your current shade with a slightly lighter set.
5. Style Your Hair with the Extensions
Basically, your hair extensions should not be treated like separate entities. They should be treated like your natural hair. So, if you wear your hair straight, straighten your extensions simultaneously as your natural hair. The same is true for waves, curls, and other favorite ‘dos.
Tip: Voluminous and bouncy hairstyles, such as curls and waves, will better disguise that you’re wearing hair extensions in short hair. So, I highly recommend busting out your curling iron or wand and making magic happen in the bathroom!
6. Go Higher Up With Placement
Honestly, you need to go as high up as possible when putting hair extensions in short hair. The further down they’re placed, the more you may end up with a notorious “mullet”.” Although this look might be making a comeback, it’s something you’re likely trying to avoid.
FAQs
Now you know how to successfully make extensions look real in short hair! Not too tricky, right? If you’re still curious about this topic, I’ve added a few FAQs to look at.
Can you use tape in extensions on short hair?
Sure! Tape-in hair extensions can work well in any hair length or type, including short hair. In fact, it may be easier to blend tape-in hair extensions into short locks because there’s less of a worry of big, clunky clips peeking through. Have them professionally installed for the best results!
Do extensions thicken after washing?
They do! That’s why it’s always recommended to give your extensions a good wash before placing them in your head. However, you don’t need to use shampoo, especially the first time. Water will work magic at thickening up those rather thin and stick-straight babies!
How many extensions do you need for short hair?
It depends on what type of extensions you’re using. A professional hairstylist will be able to inform you about how many hair extensions you need. If you’re going the clip-in route, you will want to have at least 175 grams, if not more. The more, the merrier!
Making Extensions Look Real in Short Hair is a Cinch!
Although it may have seemed complicated before, you’re now an extension-wearing guru who can make your extensions look lovely in shorter strands. The critical thing to remember is that you need to hide the short hairs at the nape of your neck and use enough extensions!
Do you wear extensions in your short hair? Do you have any tips to add for other viewers?
