Natural hair extensions tangling is probably one of the most frustrating things that can occur to you. If you have ever had to deal with it, you know that it can make your extensions feel like they are falling apart. If the hair is all knotted up, the knots can become tighter and tighter until it feels like you are going to tear your hair out trying to get the knots out. If this is you don’t throw in the towel yet because this blog post is going to cover the 3 top reasons why your hair extensions may be tangling and what to do to prevent it. 

 

Why do natural hair extensions get tangled?

The truth is even high-quality extensions are not immune to occasional tangling, especially natural hair extensions because of the tighter curls. It’s very similar to your natural hair which can tangle as a result of friction (curls rubbing against each other), lack of a care routine and no moisture. In our experience, there are 3 main reasons why your natural hair extensions may keep tangling.

1. Product selection

Certain products may be drying out your curly and afro hair extensions and usually, these products have alcohols and sulphates. You want to limit or avoid using products with these ingredients (i.e., gels, hairsprays, sulphate shampoos) as they can be very drying to the hair, especially with constant use. When washing your extensions, use a sulphate-free shampoo because this helps clean the hair without stripping it and leaving it too dry. However, not all alcohols are bad; some can be moisturising which makes it even more confusing! See our list of alcohols we recommend avoiding here.

Also using too much product, especially rich and heavy ones, can cause product build-up resulting in the hair becoming gummy and the strands sticking together to create tangles. Although it is important to moisturise your natural hair extensions, take care to not overdo it and keep an eye out for product build-up. If you notice product build-up, wash with a sulphate-free/clarifying shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioner.

2. The weather

Every naturalista knows how much the weather can wreak havoc on their hairstyle. This is also the case with natural hair extensions. If you are wearing your curly or afro hair extensions while on holiday and experiencing high humidity the hair can become frizzy and tangled. Similarly, rain can cause frizziness and puffiness by causing the cuticles to swell. If you think the weather might go to town on your hairdo, wear a protective hairstyle and bring your brolly.

3. Dryness 

Dry hair leads to tangling and knots so moisturising your hair extensions with water and/or a leave-in conditioner is important to keep the hair hydrated. You want to be doing this daily if you are wearing your extensions every day. Don’t feel like you need to drench the hair, just a light evenly coated spritz should suffice.

Heat styling will inevitably dry out your hair extensions, so you want to limit this where possible. If you do heat style, use a heat protectant to prevent heat damage. We always recommend air drying after washing the hair to reduce heat use and over manipulation of the curls. If you are in a rush, you can use an air diffuser or place your extensions above a radiator to speed up the drying process. 

 

How to stop afro and curly hair extensions from tangling and matting

Okay, now we’ve addressed why your hair extensions may be tangling, let’s go over what you can do to prevent it.

• Regularly detangle

We cannot underestimate how important it is to detangle your hair extensions. It’s one of the most important steps when it comes to maintaining curly and afro extensions. You want to detangle your extensions at least every 1 to 3 days. We prefer finger detangling on Curly & Wild extensions because it causes less disruption to the curl pattern and forces you to go slowly so you don’t pull out more hair than necessary. Remember to always detangle on moisturised or damp hair, never dry. If you have difficult tangles to work through use a wide-tooth comb with a fine point. Always detangle your hair extensions before washing them because putting tangled extensions in water will make the tangles worst.

• Use moisturising products

Using moisturising products (i.e., conditioners, deep-conditioners, moisture-based leave-ins) are essential because unlike your real hair, extensions don’t benefit from the natural sebum your scalp produces to condition your hair. Evenly distribute the products through your extensions and remember not to be heavy-handed with daily moisturisers. 

• Look don’t touch

Constantly playing with your natural hair extensions will undoubtedly create tangles and increase shedding. Extensions are a consumable product so the more you use and manipulate them the faster they will wear out. Although it’s tempting, avoid running your hands through your hair extensions. Just allow yourself and others to admire your beautiful hair from afar.

• Establish a daily and weekly care routine

Having a care regimen for your natural hair extensions will contribute towards preventing tangles as well as ensuring they last longer. This doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can adapt your routine depending on how often you wear your extensions. For instance, if you wear them daily make sure you keep them hydrated and detangle them at the end of the day. After seven days, give them a co-wash (i.e., conditioner wash) and apply a leave-in conditioner and a few drops of oil then allow them to air dry. Every 2 to 4 weeks, deep condition your extensions for added softness and moisture.

• Wear more protective hairstyles

Have you ever noticed when you wear your hair out by the end of the day it can be knotty and tangled? This is also the case with your natural hair extensions, so switch up your hairstyles now and again to incorporate protective styles to reduce friction caused by the curls rubbing against each other throughout the day. 

• Avoid wearing them for certain activities

We don’t recommend sleeping or swimming in your hair extensions and if you are having issues with tangling, it’s best to avoid wearing them at the gym. Chlorine from the pool, moving around on your pillow while sleeping and sweat can lead to your extensions drying out, tangling and matting. Therefore, remove your extensions before doing these activities.

• Store them properly

When you remove your extensions at the end of the day it’s good practice to store them sensibly because this will help reduce tangling and matting. Store them on top of each other neatly and keep them in a safe place or use a satin storage bag.

 

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How to fix matted natural hair extensions?

Hair extensions can become matted after tangled hair has not been dealt with. Matting can be particularly difficult to resolve depending on how long it has been left to occur, which is why following the steps above is crucial if you want to avoid this from happening. If your hair extensions have matted it doesn’t mean they can’t be saved, but you may have to dedicate time to removing the knots and tangles.

If you are dealing with matted extensions try saturating the hair in a creamy moisturising conditioner for a few hours. Then get a wide-tooth comb with a fine point and detangle the hair section by section starting from the bottom up. You don’t want to rush this process and damage the hair extensions so take your time. Put on your favourite Netflix show or podcast and detangle those knots away. If there are parts of your hair extensions that are extremely matted, you may need to cut away some knots. Using products that help with detangling afro and curly hair will also help with the process. If you notice that the hair is getting dry while doing this add more water and conditioner. 

Hopefully, this helps to clear up the mystery of why your hair extensions are tangling and has given a good starting point to solving your tangling and matting issues from this day forward. 

If you have any more questions please get in touch with us, we are always happy to help.

 

Interested in our collection of natural hair extensions and accessories?

BROWSE EXTENSIONS AND ACCESSORIES

When it comes to styling natural hair, finding styles that save time is like finding the holy grail; rare and precious. If you have curly, coily or kinky hair then a drawstring ponytail will be the best secret weapon to add to your natural hair tool kit. 

Our Curly & Wild ponytails are made with 100% virgin hair and have been steamed processed to match 3b to 4c hair textures. They can be dyed and styled like your natural hair and are so easy to install you can be ready in minutes! 

What is a Curly & Wild drawstring ponytail?

Our drawstring ponytail is a hairpiece with a lace stretch cap, two combs; one at the bottom and one at the top, and a drawstring. This makes up a ready-made ponytail that can be used on the go adding length, volume and curl definition to your regular ponytail. 

How to install a drawstring ponytail

One of the best things about a drawstring ponytail are that it is so simple to install. 

1: You put your natural hair into a bun.

2: Take the top comb on the lace cap and slide it in above the top of your bun, then take the bottom comb and slide it in underneath the bottom of your bun. 

3: While holding the ponytail in place, take the drawstring and pull using the toggles to secure it in place. 

4: Once in place, you take the remaining string and wrap it around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin or tuck it into the stretch cap.

Watch how to install our ponytails here.

How to style a drawstring ponytail

Our ponytails are 100% virgin human hair that can be curled, braided and twisted like your natural hair. You can switch up the position of your ponytail to your heart’s desire. Want a high ponytail, low ponytail, side ponytail or bun the choice is up to you.

How to dye a drawstring ponytail

Dyeing the hair is pretty simple. All you need is your dye of choice and an application brush. You can always take it to a hairstylist to dye your ponytail if you are unsure. 

How to wash a drawstring ponytail

Washing your drawstring ponytail is similar to washing your natural hair clip-in extensions, however, it doesn't need to be washed as frequently. We recommend washing your ponytail once you notice product build-up and if it starts to look dull and dry. Always finger detangle your ponytail before washing and use a sulphate-free shampoo or conditioner wash. Follow up with a deep conditioner and then let your ponytail air dry after applying a leave-in conditioner.

What length should I choose?

Deciding on what length to choose is a personal preference. It also depends on the type of look you want to achieve. If you want to create a bun and puff, then consider the 12 inch. If you want to have a long single braid or an Ariana Grande ponytail, then choose the 24 inch. All our curly textures are measured based on their straight length so that’s something to bear in mind when choosing your length.

How long should my hair be to use a ponytail? 

Your hair should be long enough to put comfortably into a bun so, a minimum of 4-6 inches long.

What texture should I choose?

At Curly & Wild, there are 4 different textures; Wild Afro, Wild Coily, Wild Curly and Wild Kink. Wild Afro is the closest match to natural afro hair similar to 4b-4c hair. Wild Coily is similar to 4a hair and Wild Curly has a looser curl pattern similar to 3b-3c hair. Wild Kink is similar to texlaxed or natural blown-out hair. 

If you are unsure which texture to choose you can take our texture quiz to help you decide.

How to make a drawstring ponytail look natural?

Making your ponytail look natural is key to achieving a flawless and seamless look. So here are our top tips for a natural-looking ponytail.

1. Choose a texture that is closest to your curl pattern.
2. Make sure your ponytail is moisturised. If your natural hair is moisturised but your ponytail is dry (or vice versa) it will create a contrast between your natural hair and ponytail.
3. Dyeing your ponytail is optional, however, depending on your natural hair colour the ponytail might be a bit too dark or too light. If this is the case, you can easily dye the hair, so it matches your natural hair colour.  

Let’s face it, life is hectic, and we haven’t got time to spend hours getting ready in the morning. That’s why we love natural hairstyles that don’t take a lot of time, which is why we think every natural should have a drawstring ponytail. Got a session at the gym, a wedding or a last-minute zoom meeting, your ponytail has got you covered. It’s an on-the-go protective style that makes your natural hair routine easier and faster and can be worn for any occasion. What’s not to love?! Still not convinced check out these reasons why you need to incorporate a drawstring ponytail into your natural hair routine, read more.

Browse drawstring ponytails

I'm sure you've seen natural hair extensions a lot of times and wondered what they are, where to buy them and how to apply them at home. With the growth of the natural hair movement, it's no surprise that the use of these extensions has increased too. 

Natural hair extensions are great because they’re created to blend seamlessly with your real hair so no one can tell you are wearing extensions. Whether you want a big voluminous fro’, fluffy natural blow out or bouncy washing go, you can achieve all these looks.

There are many factors like your own curl pattern, thickness, length and lifestyle that play an important role in choosing the right natural hair extensions for you. This post is all about natural hair extensions and will give you a rundown on the different types out there and commonly asked questions, so you can make the best choice to suit your needs.

What are natural hair extensions?

Natural hair extensions are extensions that have been designed for natural hair. Curly & Wild natural hair extensions are 100% virgin human hair that has been steam processed to replicate curly, coily and afro-textured hair. 

 

What’s the difference between human and synthetic hair extensions?

Human hair extensions are made from real human hair. The hair is collected from a donor and is treated and processed to create a specific texture and/or colour. Human hair extensions can range in price depending on the quality. In most cases, with human hair extensions, you get what you pay for, so if you want long-lasting extensions, it’s worth paying for high-quality extensions. 

Synthetic hair extensions have no human hair and are made from synthetic fibres, usually plastic. They can be manufactured to match human hair; however, they do not last as long, usually less than six months. If you have a smaller budget, synthetic hair extensions could be a good choice, although be mindful that you will have to replace them more often.

 

What types of natural hair extensions can you get?

There is a range of different natural hair extensions available, however, for the sake of time, we will cover the most popular types that are commonly worn in the natural hair community.

Weave/sew-ins

Weaves/sew-ins are installed by sewing them into your real hair, usually cornrows. They can be worn for weeks or months, which can make them a convenient choice if you are looking for a long-term and low maintenance protective style. The downside is that they can be expensive as they require a professional to install. 

Clip-in extensions

Natural hair clip-ins are essentially removable hair extensions. Their application is similar to weave as they are installed directly into your hair, however, this is done using clips making them quick and easy to install on your own. If you are new to clip-ins there can be a learning curve so they may not be suitable if you are looking for an easy low maintenance protective style.

If you are unsure whether weaves or clip-ins are for you, check out this blog post to weigh up the pros and cons of both extensions. 

Hairpiece (i.e., ponytails, buns, fringe/bangs, etc)

A hairpiece is a unit you attach to your hair to create an on the go hairstyle. Hairpieces can come in the form of ponytails, bangs or buns that are installed into the hair. To find out more about our drawstring ponytails go here.

Wig/lace front 

A wig is a full hair unit made out of real or synthetic hair to cover your entire head. There is a range of different wigs so they can be a fantastic way to switch up your look while allowing your natural hair to be protected. They can also be worn for medical reasons such as alopecia or hair loss.

Lace front wigs have an invisible hairline, so it looks like the hair is growing from your scalp giving you a natural look. The hairs are placed individually into the lace front one by one to mimic hair growing out of the scalp. This is a labour-intensive process that comes with a higher price tag. The lace front is delicate so it’s important to be careful when wearing this unit. 

Microlinks 

Microlinks are growing in popularity in the natural hair community and are being used as an alternative to weaves and wigs. They are hair extensions that are attached to silicone or metal beads which are clamped around small sections of your natural hair to secure them in place. There are two main types of microlinks; I-tips and wefts.

Because of how they are installed they look and feel very natural and give the wearer a lot of versatility. The downside to microlinks is that installation can be pricey, and they generally last for 2 to 3 months when they are looked after properly. If you are looking for a low maintenance style, then microlinks are probably not for you. 

Braiding hair 

Braiding hair is a long-time favourite in the black hair community. There is a range of different braiding hair available on the market in a variety of textures and colours. Popular styles include faux locs, crochet braids, box braids and Marley twists. Braiding hair has been used as a protective style for decades and can be worn in a multitude of ways.

How long do natural hair extensions last?

The longevity of natural hair extensions depends on two things: whether they are human hair or synthetic hair and how well you care for them. Human hair extensions have a longer lifespan and tend to last 6 to 12 months when looked after properly. Synthetic hair extensions generally last a few months, normally no longer than 6 months.

Will natural hair extensions blend with my hair?

Yes, natural hair extensions will blend with your natural hair as they have been designed to blend with textured hair. There are certain tips and techniques to help with blending your extensions. Check out this video to see our favourite blending methods.

Can I style natural hair extensions?

What’s great about natural hair extensions is that they can be styled, dyed and cut just like your natural hair so you can twist, braid and Bantu knot to your heart's content. It’s best to use a limited amount of heat because like your real hair your natural hair extensions can suffer from heat damage. Just make sure if you are using heat to use a heat protectant.

Can I wash natural hair extensions?

Of course! You can wash natural hair extensions just like your natural hair. It’s always a good idea to use a sulphate-free shampoo to prevent them from drying out and to follow up with a deep conditioner. How often you wash your hair extensions will depend on the number of times you wear them. If they start to look dull and show signs of product build-up it’s time to wash them. You can also wash them with a moisture-rich conditioner in-between shampoo washes. It’s important to bear in mind that the more you manipulate your hair extensions it shortens their longevity so do not over wash them.

Can I dye natural hair extensions?

If the hair extensions are human hair, they can be dyed. Curly & Wild natural hair extensions can be dyed up to #27 or Strawberry Honey Blonde, lighter colours may cause the curls to drop. We always recommend doing a test dye using our texture sample or on a small section of the extensions to ensure you are happy with the results. You can dye your extensions at home however we recommend getting them dyed by a professional colourist for a professional finish. For tips on how to dye your extensions at home, watch this video. 

How to care for natural hair extensions?

When wearing natural hair extensions, you also have to consider the maintenance process that goes with them as they need to be cared for just like your natural hair. Hair extensions are a consumable product so they will eventually need replacing so keeping them clean, detangled and moisturised will make them last longer. You can find more detailed extension hair care advice here and here.

How often can I wear natural hair extensions?

You can wear natural hair extensions as often as you want. With daily wear, you must moisturise and detangle them to ensure you minimise tangling. There are some circumstances where we don’t recommend you wear your natural hair extensions for instance when swimming or sleeping.

What length of natural hair extensions should I get?

Deciding on what length to get will depend on what look you want to achieve. Curly & Wild hair extensions range from 12 to 24 inches depending on the extensions. If you are new to wearing natural hair extensions, try a shorter length while you get used to styling them. If you want to do a range of styles, a longer length would be better, so you have more hair to work with.

How long does my natural hair have to be to wear natural hair extensions?

We recommend that your hair is at least 4 inches long to wear our natural hair clip-in extensions and drawstring ponytails.

Do natural hair extensions look natural?

Yes, they do. When it comes to making your hair extensions look natural and seamless choose a texture that is closest to your curl pattern and find blending techniques that work for you. Choosing a length based on the length of your real hair can also make your extensions look natural. For more tips on how to make your extensions look natural head over to this blog post.

What products can you use on natural hair extensions?

Any products that you use on your natural hair can be used on your natural hair extensions. What is more important, however, is knowing which ingredients to avoid or minimise usage. Sulphates and alcohols can dry out the hair extensions and lead to tangling and eventually matting, so limiting the use of these products is essential.

That’s not to say these products should be avoided at all costs, however, you want to be mindful of the combination of ingredients and the order in which they appear in a product. The first 5 ingredients usually make up the bulk of any hair product. Therefore, if 3 out of the first 5 ingredients are alcohols this is likely to contribute to your hair extensions tangling. You would be surprised how many hidden alcohols are in hair products. Even glycerin is a derivative of alcohol!

Here is a list of ingredients you may want to avoid:

• Sodium laureth sulfate
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Ammonium lauryl sulfate
• Ethanol
• Alcohol denat
• Propanol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• SD alcohol

Also, limit conditioners that are protein-based because too much protein can make your hair extensions stiff. The same rules will apply to your leave-in conditioner or daily moisturiser. 

Here is a list of products we find that work well with Curly & Wild natural hair extensions:

• Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean – Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo
• TRESemmé Moisture-rich Conditioner
• Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream 
• Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler

Remember finding products comes down to trial and error. We will keep updating this list as we discover more products.

What accessories can you use with natural hair extensions?

Hair accessories are a great way to add personality and flair to your hairstyles. You can use any accessories with your natural hair extensions so don’t be afraid to jazz up your hairstyle with a colourful hairband, a satin scrunchie and hair clips. 

Should I wear natural hair extensions?

Yes! Natural hair extensions are a fun way to add volume and length while protecting your natural hair. They are comfortable and convenient and a great compliment to any natural hair routine.

Hopefully, this post has set you on the right path to finding the perfect extensions for you and your lifestyle. We take pride in everything we do here at Curly & Wild so we want to ensure you have all you need to be confident when choosing your natural hair extensions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and we would be happy to help.

Interested in our collection of natural hair extensions?

Discover hair extensions

When you have natural hair extensions there are a few in-expensive tools and products which can be vital in aiding you during your natural hair clip-in journey.

Check out our short but sweet blog post, where we fill you in on our top 5 must-have tools and products for rocking your clip-ins.

 

1. Leave-in Conditioner

We all know that one girl with perfect hair, not a strand out of place, regardless of the weather or humidity.

Spoiler alert: Behind that perfect hair-do is a lot of leave-in conditioner. We already know that natural hair requires great hydration to look it’s best and our natural hair clip-ins are no different.

Leave-in conditioners will help to mitigate any shedding of your clip-ins, help to tame flyaway hairs and fend off tangling all whilst keeping your clip-ins moisturised and bouncy! The good news is whatever conditioner you use for your natural hair will likely be suitable for our clip-ins too, so there’s no need for you to fork out extra cash on several different leave-in conditioners.

 

2. Headscarves and Hair Wraps

Incredibly versatile the headscarf can be used day or night to help keep your locks looking fresh. Not only can headscarves and hair wraps be used to protect your hairstyle and prevent tangling when you sleep but they’re also great for styling in the day. They can help diversify your style, add a splash of colour or disguise clips in the wefts if necessary.

*We advise slippery, smooth material such as silk for your headscarf and wraps as this will help to reduce friction and damage, and will be the safest choice for your tresses. 

 

3. Spray Bottle

Easily overlooked, the spray bottle is perfect for those finger detangling sessions. You can buy spray bottles cheaply online or simply reuse one you have lying around the house already!

To detangle your clip-ins:

• Fill your spray bottle with water.
• Pour in a few teaspoons of your favourite conditioner or oil.
• Shake the spray bottle to mix well and spritz hair as required.
• Rake your fingers through and gently work through any tough knots.

 

4. Satin Hair Extension Storage Bag

To preserve your clip-ins and keep them in tip-top shape for longer you’ll want to invest in a secure place to store them.

A satin hair extension bag is the perfect accessory to store and protect your clip-ins after usage. The bag can also double as a perfect travel companion helping you keep your extensions pristine even on the longest, most arduous journeys.

It also helps to:

• Reduces knots and tangles
• Preserves the quality of your extensions
• Are perfect for travelling

 

5. Natural Oil

Natural oils form an important part of many women’s hair care regimens and usage needn’t stop when it comes to caring for your clip-ins.

Oils keep our hair healthy and fabulous looking and this doubles for our clip-ins too. Natural oils are great for adding shine and lustre to your clip-ins and as mentioned before can be used to help with detangling hair due to their amazing lubrication.

 

Hopefully, armed with our top product picks caring for your clip-ins will be easy as pie, no matter where you are in your natural hair journey. If you have any tips or great products that have been working for you and your clip-ins be sure to let us know in the comments below and help spread the word!

Five tips for newbie clip-in extension users to help them overcome common frustrations they may have with their natural hair clip-in extensions.

Read more

Choosing the best way to add length or thickness to your hair can be a difficult decision. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what extensions will have the best colour, length, texture and overall best fit for you.

If you have been wearing weaves for a while but have been curious about trying clip-ins, so we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you determine the best fit for you and your locks.

 

What Is a Weave?

Weaves are either artificial or natural hair extensions that are fastened onto your own hair, usually through sewing or glueing. Typically, the wearer’s real hair is prepped underneath, cornrowed, with the weave then attached. Believe it or not, the earliest appearance of the use of weaves dates back to around 3400 BC in ancient Egypt, where people began the practice of dying human and sheep wool, which they attached to their heads using beeswax and resin. Cleopatra was one of the most prominent figures of the ancient world, who was renowned world-wide for her famous peacock blue weave!

Today, weaves are one of the most popular types of hair extensions for black women and those with kinky, coily hair.  Due to weaves being securely fastened to the head, they can last over several weeks or months without being removed, making it an appealing option for women looking for long-term wear.

 

 

What Are Clip-Ins?

Clip-in hair extensions can create a similar look to weaves after application but are much quicker and easier to install, they require no long-term bonding, adhesive or sewing, and are fastened to your natural hair with clips. They come in one or multiple pieces, often called wefts, which vary in width. They can be installed and removed in literally a matter of seconds and are often considered the most affordable way to add volume and length to your hair, due to their economical cost and ability to be easily reused.

Although clip-in extensions mimicking straight hair textures have been popular since the 1950s, clip-in extensions for kinky, coily hair are still relatively new in comparison and have gained recognition more recently since their rise in popularity in the last two decades.

 

Pros of Weaves as a Protective Style

 

1. Add Length and Volume

Wearing a weave is a fast way of discretely adding more length or volume to your hair. Whether your hair is natural or relaxed, you can find a sew-in weave that suits you. They can be glued in or sewn-in, with the latter usually lasting longer.

Weaves can help to add volume where you need it or length where you want it. If you’re recovering from any thinning or breakage, with a weave you can transform your style from short to long, or thin to thick almost immediately, without having to wait for your hair to grow out.

 

2. They Are Very Low Maintenance

Once installed weaves are relatively low maintenance, you can wash them along with your natural hair, and they generally don’t require any intensive upkeep. You can put your weave through the same hair regime as your normal hair, which, depending on the quality and type of hair used, can keep your weave looking fresh and pristine for several weeks.

 

3. Protective Style

Another great benefit of sew-in weaves is that they have the ability to help grow your hair out. It’s not uncommon for people to have difficultly growing their hair, especially when we’re putting our hair through frequent styling with heat tools, chemicals or abrasive styles. Weaves allow you the opportunity to give your hair a break from styling damage, whilst your natural hair grows beneath.

4. Gives You Styling Options

Weaves can give you a diverse set of styling options, without the worry of potentially harming your natural hair. You’re much more easily able to curl, straighten or colour your hair without the worry of damaging your real hair.

 

Cons of Weave as a Protective Style

 

1. Can be expensive

It’s no secret that the cost of getting your hair done can add up. Depending on if you’re getting a half sew-in or a full one, you may need 3-5 packs of hair. It’s not unusual for premium Remy human hair for weaves to average £80-£100 per pack, and again, this doesn’t even include the cost of paying a professional to install your weave for you,l which can easily tack on another £200!

 

2. Less Access to Your Hair and Scalp

The application of a sew-in often requires a large portion of your natural hair being cornrowed off. This can make it more difficult to access your hair and scalp for washing and treatment, which can potentially cause further dryness and breakage if you’re not careful.

 

3. Long Term Use Can Cause Damage to Your Hair

With repeated and long term wear weave can also begin to thin and damage the hair, often the tension and pulling from the cornrows on what are often sensitive areas (nape and edges) can lead to alopecia and breakage.

 

4. Requires Professional Install

We’ve all had an unexpected bill come through and delayed a hair appointment a few weeks longer than we should do. If you’re not extremely hair savvy you’ll often need to rely on a professional to do your installs, this can be pricey and when left too long can lead to an itchy scalp and dandruff, as well as increase the likelihood for alopecia and breakage.

 

Pros of Natural Hair Curly and Afro Clip-ins

 

1. Quick and Easy to Install

Clip-ins are unrivalled when it comes to speed and ease of application, they require no specialist technique and can be installed and removed in a matter of minutes. This means that after the cost of the clip-ins there is no additional cost for installation or removal.

 

2. Doesn’t Cause Damage to Your Hair

Clip-ins don’t cause nearly as much tension on your hair as weaving does. The clips are lightweight and can be positioned strategically to ensure minimal tugging with sensitive areas of the hair.

 

3. Allows Flexibility and Freedom With Your Styling Options

Due to the minimal effort and time required to install and remove clip-ins you have far more flexibility and freedom to experiment with your styling options. Whether you want to have an up-do one week or straight style down another, this can be achieved with a simple rearranging of clips.

Whereas with weaves you tend to be more restricted in terms of styling,  changing your parting or have your hair in an updo can be difficult to achieve with a weave due to the rigidity of wefts being sewed onto your cornrows. Indeed, you might have to change your entire cornrow pattern underneath to merely change your part, as opposed to clip-ins where this can be done within a few snaps.

 

4. Easy to Look After Your Own Hair

Clip-ins give you the freedom to access your own hair as much as you like. You can style your clip-ins similarly to how you would style your weave, but with the added benefit of being able to access your own hair as much as you like. It’s a great protective style that offers you the ability to still treat and care for your natural hair as you regularly would.

 

5. More Affordable

There’s no doubt who the winner is when it comes to affordability, even without the service cost of weave installation, clip-ins often come in cheaper per gram of hair. Clip-ins tend to last much longer in terms of reusability than weaves. Since removing weave to ensure it can be reused again can be quite a finicky process.

 

6. Great for Special Occasions or Events

If you’re someone who has a hard time with commitment when it comes to styles, clip-ins will be your best friend! If you’re only looking for length or volume for a special occasion or event clip-ins are your best bet. They’re low commitment, and you have no obligation to keep them in for a prolonged period of time.

 

Cons of Natural Hair Curly and Afro Clip-ins

 

1. There Can Be a Learning Curve

If you’re used to wearing full-head weaves or not having your natural hair out, it can be a learning curve getting used to wearing clip-ins. They require more handling of your real hair in order to blend them, than you otherwise would need with a full sew-in or wig, for example.

 

2. Your Hair Has to Be Long Enough to Apply Them

You’ll need to have at least 2-3 inches of hair in order to cover the clips, for women who have recently undergone a big chop this might rule clip-ins out for you until your hair has grown out a bit more.

 

3. Not Suitable for Thin and Damaged Hair

Clip-ins and all hair extensions that need to be applied directly against the hair or scalp should be avoided if you have very dry or damaged hair, any further tugging, tension or intense styling on such hair can further exacerbate the problem and focus should be on returning the hair to a healthy state before any extension applications are done.

 

4. Have to Be Removed at the End of the Day

Clip-ins will have to be taken out at the end of the day before bed to prevent tugging or snagging on your hair follicles. Although falling asleep once or twice with your clip-ins still in isn’t the end of the world, we still recommend removing them so as to discourage any potential damage to your hair.

 

Now that you have the pros and cons of each, how do you decide which ones to choose?

 

Well, it depends on your lifestyle, hair goals, motivations and price point. For instance, if you want a one-off styling option for a special occasion like a wedding or if you want a long term protective style with more flexibility and that allows quick access to your hair so as to achieve hair goals then clip-ins are your best bet.

 If you are busy and don’t have time to look after your natural hair and are looking for the most low maintenance protective style, then weaves might be your go-to choice.

 

Whichever protective style you choose, it’s important to cultivate a solid hair care routine as looking after your real hair while in these styles is essential for keeping your hair strong and healthy.

 

Interested in trying our clip-in extensions? Browse below to see our collection.

BROWSE CLIP-IN EXTENSIONS

It should come as no surprise that at Curly & Wild we ❤ natural clip-in extensions. There are dozens of reasons why we think clip-ins are great, but we also understand they are an investment. Therefore, it’s important to decide whether they are suitable for you before you make your first purchase.

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of 7 questions to consider before adventuring into the world of afro and curly clip-in extensions. After going through these questions we hope you will we be closer to deciding whether clip-ins are right for you.

Now to the questions!

1. Is your hair long enough?

Before getting clip-ins, your hair should be at least 2-3 inches long for the clips to comfortably slip into your hair and to have enough hair to blend with the clip-ins.

If you are looking for extra advice on how to blend clip-ins with your natural hair, you should check out our video on blending clip-in extensions.

2. Are you happy to look after them?

If you wish, you can wear clip-ins all day every day, but you should allow time to look after them. Clip-ins can usually last up to 12 months (and beyond) but only when they are kept in good condition. We always say to treat clip-in extensions like your real hair.

We have a video with tips on how to look after your clip-ins to make sure you get more bang for your buck, pound, euro or (insert your currency here 💱) 😁

3. Are clip-ins suitable for your lifestyle?

Clip-ins are great when your life is busy because you can clip them in and go, but if you have a physically active lifestyle, where you do sports or go to the gym, you should have a good maintenance routine to care for your extensions after each training session.

In most cases, it’s easier to take them out and clip them back in after you are done with your workout because this will ensure they last longer. 

4. Which clip-in texture is best for your hair?

It’s good to have an idea of your hair’s curl pattern because it will help you decide which texture to choose. If you are unsure, on our blog we have a guide to finding your curl pattern and a multiple choice quiz that matches your answers to one of our clip-in textures.

5. Do you want clip-ins for length, volume or both?

Our clip-ins come in 4 lengths - 14”, 16”, 18”, and 20”. What length you should choose depend will on the look or style you want to achieve. If you have short to shoulder length hair you may consider getting the 14” or 16” to create a natural look with volume. If you have longer hair or want more volume and length then the 18” or 20” might be the best length.

To imagine how different lengths might look on you, watch how Melissa styles her set of 16” Wild Afro clip-in extensions.

6. Do you want to dye the clip-ins?

All our extensions come in natural black/brown (1B) but you may want to dye it jet black or even brown. This is simple to do following the instructions provided with any hair dye you purchase.

We recommend you dye the smallest weft first to make sure you like the colour and are comfortable with the process.This is especially important if you want to dye the hair a light colour (i.e. blonde) because you need to assess how well the colour takes to the clip-ins.The colouring process may loosen the curl pattern so doing a test dye allows you to see if you like the results. Curly & Wild clip-ins include a free texture sample that you can dye for this purpose.

If you don’t want to dye the set yourself you can get it dyed at your hairdresser as another option.

7. Do you want to straighten the clip-ins?

Our clip-ins are 100% virgin human hair so you can straighten them. However, when you apply heat to curly and afro clip-ins this can alter the curl pattern.

If you want a straight texture you should check out our Wild Kink clip-in extensions. The texture is similar to relaxed and natural hair that has been blown out straight.

 

That's it for our 7 questions. We hope they help you decide whether natural clip-in extensions are right for you.

There are many reasons why we think clip-ins are thebomb.com but for the sake of time, you can read our top 10 reasons here 😁

Hair extensions whether it is clips-in, weaves, micro-links, fusion or tape-ins can be a great way to add volume, colour and length to your hair. Depending on the hair extensions you use they will require different care requirements to ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible. Extensions are either made up of real human hair or synthetic fibres that are manufactured out of plastic to imitate human hair. What you decide to buy will depend on the look you want to achieve, your budget, your lifestyle and the time you want to invest in maintenance.

This blog post will give you eight tips we have found that help to prolong the longevity of 100% human hair extensions. Most high-quality human hair extensions can have a lifespan of up to a year but this depends on how well you care for them. By following these tips you will get more life out of your hair extensions and more bang for your buck, pound or euro. These are tips we recommend to our customers that purchase our range of curly and textured clip-in extensions. They have worked for them and we hope they will work for you.

1. Choose your hair tools wisely

Be gentle when manipulating your hair extensions and stick to a limited set of tools like a soft bristle brush, cushioned brush, wide tooth comb or even your fingers. Avoid using brushes and combs with fine close spaced teeth as this will only increase the likelihood of the hair getting caught and matted. Combing or brushing vigorously through your extensions will only increase shedding and tangling. Treat your hair extensions like it is your real hair. A good rule of thumb is if it is not good for your real hair it is probably not good for your hair extensions.

1. Detangle your hair extensions

It is always good practice to detangle your extensions at the end of the day, as they are more likely to tangle throughout the day. We always recommend finger detangling with our clip-in extensions because it reduces over manipulation, which is important with curly or textured hair. Whatever your preferred method, whether it be your fingers, a comb or a brush, do not be tempted to rush. All hair extensions will shed and tangle to a certain extent but you can minimise this by having a consistent detangling routine.

3. Moisturise your hair extensions

It is good practice to moisturise your hair extensions to keep them hydrated and looking healthy. Hair extensions do not benefit from the natural sebum that your hair produces to keep your hair moisturise; therefore, you have to add it by using products. Depending on the type of extensions you have (e.g. clip-ins, weave, tape-in, etc.) it will determine how often you will need to moisturise it. If you wear clip-ins you may only have to moisturise them with every use whereas if you have a weave you may want to moisturise the hair more often.

You can moisturise your hair extensions by using a daily moisturiser or leave in conditioner. You can also use a spray bottle mixed with water and a bit of conditioner to add moisture. If you choose you can apply oil (e.g. olive, jojoba, coconut) to seal in the moisture and add shine. It is not necessary to use a lot of product when moisturising your extensions, so play around with the quantities and see what works for you.

4. Shampooing and co-washing

Depending on how often you use products on your hair extensions and how long you wear them for eventually you will have to deal with product build-up and dirt. If this happens you can wash your hair extensions to keep them clean. When you are washing your hair extensions it is better to use sulphate-free shampoos as sulphate shampoos can cause them to dry out. However, if you have a lot of product build-up sulphate shampoos can be more effective at cleaning the extensions. Whatever you choose will ultimately depend on the state of the hair. You can also co-wash (i.e. conditioner washing) your hair extensions as conditioners are better at keeping hair moisturised but also have gentle cleaning agents.

Customers that buy our clip-in extensions commonly ask how often they should wash their extensions. We always say it depends on how often you wear them and the number of hair products you use. If the hair is starting to look very dull and has a residue of product and/or dirt, it is a sign it may need a wash. It is a good idea to assess the hair after each wash to see how it has held up. With curly or textured hair extensions the curl pattern can lessen or alter after every wash that is why we suggest it is better to wash the hair less than to risk over washing it. The less you wash the hair the longer it will last. Remember when you are washing your hair extensions to be gentle and to not ruffle or pile the hair on top of each other as it will only create more tangles.

5. Deep conditioning

After washing your hair extensions you should always follow up with a deep conditioner to help moisturise and soften the hair. It is good practice to leave the deep conditioner on with a plastic cap for 30 minutes before rinsing it out. If you have removable hair extensions like clips-in or tape-ins you may decide to deep condition the hair for a few hours or even overnight. After you have rinsed out the conditioner and removed any excess water it is best to let the hair air dry rather than using a blow dryer.

6. Minimise the use of products

This might sound contradictory to tip number three but you do not want to use too many products on a regular basis. Sticking to a few hair staples is better than using a concoction of 15 products and overloading the hair. This will only lead to over manipulation, product build-up and more frequent washes, which is a recipe for reducing the lifespan of your hair extensions and not getting your money’s worth. You may also want to avoid or reduce the use of products with alcohol such as gels, hairsprays and mousses. If you want to use these products use them minimally or opt for more natural products like aloe vera gel.  

7. Reduce the use of heat styling tools

Depending on the type and texture of your hair extensions it may be fine to curl and straighten the hair with heat styling tools. However, if you choose to do so use a heat protectant and use these tools sparingly as excessive heat will dry out and damage the hair. Remember hair extensions are not your real hair so if they are damaged it is irreparable! We suggest avoiding the use of heat on curly and textured extensions because it can change the curl pattern. If you want to curl your hair consider using heat-free techniques such as braid-outs, twist-outs, rollers, bantu knots, flexible rods, etc., to obtain your desired look.

8. Protective styling

Like with your real hair protective styling is a great way to prevent your hair extensions from knots and tangles because they are protected from rubbing against your clothes. High buns, braids and ponytails are good examples of protective styles. Protective styling is also a good practice for when you are doing moderate to intense exercise to keep the hair from getting matted and tangled, especially while you sweat.

As a final point, it is easy to forget that human hair extensions need to be treated as if it is your hair. The same as with your real hair, less is more with hair extensions; avoid over-manipulating, washing and styling to keep it in better condition. By following the tips and tricks explained above you should be able to extend the lifespan of your hair extensions and enjoy them for much longer.

If you have any tips that worked for you please share them below, we’d love to hear from you!