Curly and Wild natural hair extensions allow you to switch up your hairstyle at a moment’s notice while wearing extensions in your natural hair texture. As we house a range of textures for afro and curly hair, we’ve had loads of people asking about the options available for them as understandably it can be tricky when you buy hair extensions online. That’s why we’ve created this guide to walk you through the different textures so you can make the best decision about which one is ideal for you and your unique hair type.
Know your curl pattern
When it comes to choosing the right natural hair extensions, a good starting point is knowing your curl pattern and where it fits within the hair typing chart. Although the typing chart is not perfect, it’s a useful way to get a general idea of your natural curl pattern. If you are unsure of what your curl pattern is, you can check out this blog post to help you figure it out.
Understanding our natural hair extension textures
Once you have a general idea of your curl pattern, you’re in a better position to find which Curly & Wild texture will match your hair type.
Wild Afro
If your hair is in the Type 4 category try the Wild Afro. This texture can blend with 4c and 4b hair so it’s perfect if you want to add body to your afro. The curl pattern is tightly coiled, but it can be loosened by brushing it out. It has a beautiful cottony appearance that is characteristic of afro hair and a low sheen to blend seamlessly with your Type 4 hair. This texture is our best-seller which has been featured in TV productions such as The Witcher. If you are interested, you can check out our Wild Afro extensions here.
If you consider your hair to be Type 3 you will want to check out our Wild Curly. This texture is for you if you have 3b and 3c hair. The curl pattern is our loosest texture with a defined S-shape, silkier feel and more sheen. These extensions allow you to enhance your natural curls with ease. It’s another best-seller which certainly doesn’t disappoint, so if you want to see more, you can check out our Wild Curly extensions here.
We love this texture because it has a unique curl pattern that is specifically designed for hair types that are in-between Wild Afro and Wild Curly. Its curl is tight but springy like a corkscrew so it’s perfect for 4a and 3c hair. It’s silkier and looser than the Wild Afro but tighter and has less sheen than the Wild Curly. This gorgeous texture can also blend with 4b and 4c hair using the right blending techniques. What’s also great is that it can be mixed with the Wild Curly if your hair has a mixture of 3c and 4a curls. Want to find out more, take a peek here.
Say hello to our straightest texture, Wild Kink. This texture is similar to natural hair that has been relaxed, straightened or blown out. It’s defined by the silkier and kinky texture towards the top and a natural blown-out texture towards the bottom. If you are relaxed or have Type 4 or 3 hair you can wear this texture when your hair is blown out or straightened. To view this texture, you can find it here.
What if I am still not sure which texture to choose?
We provide a texture sample that gives you a 14 inch weft in the texture you’re considering so you can see what the curl pattern looks like.
In addition, we have a dedicated quiz which asks you a set of questions to help you choose your texture, which you can access below.
You can also email us at info@curlyandwild.co.uk, send us a picture of your hair using our online chat widget on our website or DM us on Instagram.
What if I want natural hair extensions in a different texture to my natural hair?
That’s no problem. Many like to experiment with different textures from their own, it’s just a matter of preference. If you are going to choose a different texture, to achieve a natural look you may want to try out one of these blending techniques.
We hope this guide has provided useful information to help you decide which Curly & Wild texture is best for you. If you have any more questions, get in touch! We would be more than happy to help.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Choose a texture that is closest to your curl pattern.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
If you are looking for minimum effort + maximum style, look no further than a Curly & Wild drawstring ponytail. These beauties are crafted to give your ponytail the length and thickness you’ve always desired and are so versatile you can go from casual to chic in minutes. This is why we think a ponytail is a must-have for your natural hair tool kit. We’ll take you through three reasons why every naturalista should have one of these ponies.
Benefits of a drawstring ponytail
1. Quick and easy to use
Doing your hair doesn’t have to be the one thing on your to-do list that takes you hours. One of the best things about a drawstring ponytail is that it’s so quick and easy to use.
First, you put your hair into a bun. Then you install the ponytail around the bun using two small combs and secure it using the drawstring.
Simple. And all of this takes no longer than a minute. Now you can be ready for work, a zoom meeting, a school run or a night out in no time at all.
2. Endless styling options
You might think that ponytails offer limited options when it comes to hairstyle possibilities, but you would be wrong. With a long and voluminous ponytail, you can now create hairstyles that you couldn’t do with shorter or thinner hair. Now you can have a juicy bun, high ponytail, low ponytail, braided ponytail, twisted ponytail; the list is endless. You can also spice up your ponytail with a scrunchie or a headband.
Don’t take our word for it. Check out our video to see the different hairstyles you can create with one ponytail.
3. A low maintenance protective style
Out of all the natural hair extensions, the drawstring ponytail is the easiest to maintain. It doesn’t have to be washed as much as natural hair clip-ins because it needs less styling.
If you are new to the world of natural hair extensions or whether you are someone who loves wearing your natural hair but is too busy, the drawstring ponytail is the way to go.
Most would assume there are very few reasons to love a drawstring ponytail. However, what seems like a humble ponytail is the ultimate timesaving, versatile hairstyle that is easy to care for. What’s not to love? If you are a busy naturalista who wants to look great without spending hours, so you can say “I woke up like this”, then this protective hairstyle could be what you are looking for.
Interested in our collection of afro and curly ponytails?
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