Clip-in Life

Since I am currently rocking my twa aka teeny weeny afro, I am always looking for ways to switch my hairstyle up without having to commit long term. I have a problem with a very itchy scalp, so I try to avoid any style that doesn’t allow my scalp to breathe. I get so excited when I work with my natural hair and see the curls becoming more defined as I style it.

Since I enjoy styling my hair, clip-ins are an excellent alternative for some reasons. Below are a few reasons why I love clip-ins:

• Easily installed and removed
• Available in different widths to provide versatility in styling
• Easy to maintain and store
• Can be colored, so you don’t have to dye your hair
• Easy on your hair and are less damaging
• Add volume and height to your hairstyle

For these reasons, I rock clip-ins often. Many hairstyles can be created using clip-in extensions. In this article, I am going to share some excellent tips on how to make your clip-ins using extensions from Private Label Extensions and my top ten favorite styles you can create with them. You know we can’t start without some musical inspiration. Go ahead and press play on Ella Mai playlist and let's get Boo’d up with these clip-in styles.

Prepping your Hair for Any Style

The most important key to making sure your clip-ins look great is starting with clean hair. My thought is if you pay your hard earned money for great extensions you will need to take care of your hair to get the best look out of your clip-ins. Here’s how I suggest you prep your hair:

Supplies

• Organix Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
• Organix Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Conditioner
• Leave-in Conditioner
• Blow Dryer

Step #1

Shampoo and condition your hair

Step #2

Apply a leave-in conditioner to add moisture back into your hair

Step #3

Allow your hair to air-dry or blow dry your hair

How to Make your Clip-ins

You may wonder why you would want to make your own clip-ins instead of just installing your extensions. I think it’s preference for a lot of women. I think making your own is a great way to get more use out of thin wefts. You know how you may have purchased some thin wefts and you can’t get the fuller look you want with them unless you stack them close during the installation process. By doubling the wefts and making them into clip-ins, you get the styling flexibility you are desiring.

Supplies

• Nylon Sewing Thread
• Curved Sewing Needle
• Pre-opened Clips
• Malaysian Silky Straight Extensions

The Malaysian Silky Straight Extensions Bundles come in a series of lengths to help you create the perfect clip-ins. You can purchase bundles from 10/12/14 inches to 20/22/24 inches. Okay, let's get started!

Step 1

Pull your thread to the desired length

Step 2

Cut your thread

Step 3

Tie two knots at the end to secure the thread

Step 4

Cut off the excess thread

Step 5

Repeat this on two to three more needles depending on how many clip-ins you want

Step 6

Pull out your weft clips and open them if you haven’t already

Step 7

Unwrap your bundles

Step 8

Don’t cut your wefts just fold them over

Step 9

Take the two ends of the wefts and line them up

Step 10

Sew the ends together

Step 11

Create a knot by bringing the needle through the loop and tighten it

Step 12

Repeat step 11 again

Step 13

Start sewing the wefts together by taking the needle under the weft

Step 14

Create a loop and tighten the knot on top of the weft

Step 15

Continue doing this until you reach the folded end of the track

Step 16

Sew through the weft

Step 17

Wrap the thread around the needle

Step 18

Pull the needle through the loop

Step 19

Tie a knot twice

Step 20

Cut the excess thread

Install the clip-ins

Step 1

Measure the nape of the neck

Step 2

Cut your extensions from the top of the weft to prevent cutting the extensions

Step 3

Take your open clip and place the bar side of the clip on the weft

Step 4

Make sure your clip combs are face down and are facing you when opened

Step 5

Take the threaded needle through the hole of the clip

Step 6

Take the threaded needle through the weft

Step 7

Begin sewing the comb onto the weft

Step 8

Go through the comb teeth

Step 9

Pull the threaded needle under the weft

Step 10

Skip a row and repeat the step above

Step 11

Repeat steps 25 and 26 when you get to the end

Step 12

When you get to the end of the clip, take the needle and weave it through the hole

Step 13

Hold the knot down with your finger at the top of the weft

Step 14

Pull the thread to create a knot

Step 15

Cut off the excess thread Note: if your wefts are already cut just lay them on top of each other so you can sew them together You did it! You just made your clip-ins! Go ahead pat yourself on the back. Let's get cute.

1. Middle-part hairstyle

This style is sleek and smooth and reminds me of Aaliyah’s style. To add more diversity to your clip-ins, you can wand curl them to add volume and body to your style.

Supplies

Private Label Extensions Clip-ins Flat-iron It’s time to get your look together!

Step 1

Shampoo and condition your clip-ins

Step 2

Blow dry, or air dry your extensions

Step 3

I suggest flat-ironing your extensions before installing them

Step 4

Part your hair beginning in the back

Step 5

Use your three clip extension and attach the clip-on close to the scalp

Step 6

Slide the comb into the hair

Step 7

Close the clip

Step 8

Continue installing your extensions and blend with your natural hair

Step 9

Part your hair in the center 10. Clip in your extensions on each side of your part 11. Blend your hair with the clip-ins

2. Bohemian braid style

The bohemian braid style is a quick way to switch up the middle-part hairstyle.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Clip-ins
• Fabric covered elastic

Step 1

Braid the sides of your hair

Step 2

Connect them to the back with a fabric covered elastic band

3. Half-up half down

Your hair may be too short for you to pull off the half-up-half-down hairstyle. When you add clip-ins, you can rock this look effortlessly.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Clip-ins
• Fabric covered band
• Edge control
• Edge control brush

Step 1

Part your hair where you want you to want your ponytail to be

Step 2

Clip the ponytail up for now

Step 3

Install your clip-ins until you get to the part where your ponytail begins

Step 4

Leave some of your hair out to cover your track, so it isn’t visible

Step 5

Unclip your ponytail and part it in the back

Step 6

Attach your clip-in but have your extension clipped in, so it falls over your forehead

Step 7

Add additional clip-ins the same way until you get the fullness you want

Step 8

Take your elastic and pull up your ponytail

Step 9

Handle those edges by using your edge control and brush to tame them

4. Ponytail

The ponytail is a versatile style that is for work, out on the town, or when you are Netflix and chilling. I’m going to share with you three ways to rock your ponytail so you can get the most out of your clip-ins.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Clip-ins
• Fabric Covered Twistie
• Edge Control
• Edge Control Brush
• Bobby Pins
• Eco-style Gel

Let's say you want to wear your hair in a low ponytail. Creating it is easy by following the instructions for the middle-part hairstyle above. Complete the style by using the steps below. If a middle part isn't your thing, create put your part wherever you want and adjust your clip-ins. If you choose to not have a part, depending on the length of your hair, you may not need to install any clip-ins at all.

Step 1

Brush your hair smooth

Step 2

Use edge control to smooth your edges

Step 3

Pull your hair back or to one side (whichever you prefer)

Step 4

Secure it at the nape with a band

Step 5

You may want to use bobby pins or eco-style gel to tame any loose hair

To create a ponytail that is higher in the back, you will need to adjust your clip-ins. It will be worth it because this is one of my favorite styles.

Step 1

Part your hair in the back beginning at the top of your earlobe

Step 2

Clip your extension in upside down but make sure it’s not at the end of the nape because it will be harder to conceal the tracks

Step 3

The part about half a finger length higher and install your next clip-in upside down

Step 4

Continue this process until you have your ponytail as high as you want it

Step 5

For the rest of your sections, you will attach your clip-ins with the combs facing down.

Step 6

Once you are done and have the fullness, you desire to brush your hair to get it smooth

Step 7

Brush the front and sides back and brush the back portion up

Step 8

Secure your ponytail with a band

Step 9

Use bobby pins or eco-style gel to tame any loose hair To create a high ponytail that will be on the top of your head, you will follow the same instructions as above except there are a few modifications.

Step 1

Part your hair in the back beginning at the top of your earlobe

Step 2

Clip your extension in upside down but make sure it’s not at the end of the nape because it will be harder to conceal the tracks

Step 3

The part about half a finger length higher and install your next clip-in upside down

Step 4

Continue this process until you are at the crown of your head

Step 5

Secure your ponytail with a band

Step 6

Use bobby pins or eco-style gel to tame any loose hair

5. High Bun

I love a high bun especially when it’s messy. It makes you look like you just woke up looking flawless (hey Beyoncé). For this style, your supplies will be the same as for style #4, so let's get started.

Step 1

Clip your extensions in the center of your head

Step 2

Brush your natural hair up

Step 3

Secure your hair with a band

Step 4

Separate the ends of your extensions to beginning shaping your bun

Step 5

Grab a section and wrap it around the back of your ponytail Pin in place

Step 6

Grab the next section and wrap it around the front of the bun in the same direction as the first section

Step 7

Pin in place

Step 8

Shape your bun to your liking

Step 9

Use eco-style gel or edge control to tame loose hairs

6. Two braids

I automatically think this style is so perfect when you have an active lifestyle and go to the gym. You are installing your clip-ins so you can create a braid on each side. Check out how to accomplish this look below.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Clip-ins
• Edge Control
• Edge Control Brush
• Eco-style Gel

Ready to head to the gym but want to look cute while you work out? Let's get started!

Step 1

Part your hair in the center from front to back

Step 2

Clip up the left side

Step 3

Part the right side beginning in the back

Step 4

Attach your two clip extension

Step 5

Move up the section and part again

Step 6

Attach another two clip extension

Step 7

Repeat steps five and six again

Step 8

Apply some eco-style gel to your hairline

Step 9

Braid your hair straight back

Step 10

Remove the hair clip from the left side

Step 11

Repeat steps 3 through 9

7. Quick Weave

This quick weave is going to being installed on a braided foundation. I like this option because it allows you to protect your hair with the braids while allowing you to clip in extensions for a quick hairdo. You will want to re-create this one!

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Clip-ins
• Edge Control
• Edge Control Brush
• Eco-style Gel
• Rattail Comb
• Wide-toothed Comb
• Hair Oil
• Nylon Sewing Thread
• Small Rubber Band
• Curved Sewing Needles
• Duckbill Clips
• Weaving Net (optional)
• Flat Iron
• 1 Pack of Synthetic Braid Hair (optional)

Step 1

Section your hair where you want the center leave out to be

Step 2

Section your hair where you want your perimeter leave out to be

Step 3

Braid this hair to keep it separate from your foundation braids

Step 4

Braid your foundation braids going straight back

Step 5

Keep your braids small and neat to get a smooth foundation

Step 6

Add your weaving net if you desire

Step 7

Measure your clip-in

Step 8

Attach your clip-in to your braid

Step 9

Close the clip to secure the extension to the braid

Step 10

Gently tug on the clip-in to make sure it's secure

Step 11

Repeat these steps until you have attached all clip-ins

Step 12

Unbraid your leave out braids

Step 13

Flat iron the hair if you need to

Step 14

Blend the leave out with your extensions

Step 15

Use eco-style gel or edge control to tame loose hair The last three styles are going to be the right options for women with natural hair. The kinky texture is gorgeous and looks so good when styled using clip-ins.

8. Afro

The beautiful thing about the afro is it's all about interpretation. Whether you want tight curls or a loose curl your afro you can style it however you want.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Kinky Clip-ins
• Eco-style Gel
• Edge Control
• Edge Control Brush

Step 1

Part your leave out and braid it

Step 2

Braid the rest of your hair in a circular pattern or straight back

Step 3

Clip in your extensions creating the desired look

Step 4

I like my look a little round, so I trim my clip-ins to give me that shape

Step 5

Fluff your curls to give you the fullness you desire

Step 6

Add eco-style gel or edge control to smooth your edges

Step 7

Add accessories to your hair the style a special touch Note: this may seem a little obsessive but when I take them out, I lay them on top of each other and clip them together. This way, when I use them again, I install them in the same sequence to give me the same look.

9. Rosette Bun

Create this style as a nice twist on the ponytail. It offers a visual surprise to the regular bun.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Kinky Clip-ins
• Eco-style Gel
• Edge Control
• Edge Control Brush
• Water Bottle
• Bobby Pins

Step 1

Part your leave out and braid it

Step 2

Braid the rest of your hair in a circular pattern or straight back

Step 3

Clip in your extensions

Step 4

Pull your hair back into a ponytail

Step 5

Take a section of your ponytail

Step 6

Apply a small amount of water to it

Step 7

Double strand twist the section

Step 8

Repeat steps 5 through 7 until all of the hair is braided

Step 9

Take a top section and pin it loosely to the base of the ponytail

Step 10

Repeat it until all sections are pinned up

Step 11

Use edge control or eco-style gel to smooth your edges

10. Natural Updo

When I saw this style, I fell in love with it. I can see myself dressed up and ready for the holiday parties. Although the shrinkage is real with my natural hair, I can’t wait for my hair to get some more length so I can wear this hairstyle.

Supplies

• Private Label Extensions Kinky Clip-ins
• Eco-style Gel
• Edge Control
• Edge Control Brush
• Elastic Headband

Step 1

Part your leave out and braid it

Step 2

Braid your hair

Step 3

Clip in your extensions in the back upside down

Step 4

Clip in your extensions from the middle of your head to the crown facing the combs down

Step 5

Take your elastic headband and wrap it around your hair twice

Step 6

Pull your hair up in the back and keep it up by using the elastic

Step 7

Position the elastic right past her hairline in the front

Step 8

Pull the hair into the desired position

Step 9

Use edge control or eco-style gel to smooth your edges

Questions and Answers About your Clip-ins

• Should I sleep in my clip-ins? No, take them out at night. You may pull on an extension clip and damage your hair. Also, wearing them all the time will reduce the amount of time your clip-ins will be in tip-top shape.
• How do I store my clip-ins? Store them in a silk bag or the box they are packaged in
• Can I repair the clip on my extensions? It's coming off. Yes. Get a needle and colored thread that matches the weft. Sew the clip following the directions above on how to create your clip-ins.

Clip-in Extensions to The Rescue

As I always say I have an issue committing to a style for an extended period. That's the main reason clip-in extensions are my favorite. I can switch them up and add color without damaging my hair. Have you ever been invited to an event or needed to a style transformation for a date or a night on the town? Did you miss your hair appointment and, now, you've got to figure out how to style your hair? Clip-in extensions make it so easy to go from drab hair to fab hair. The most important thing to think about is the quality of the clip-in extensions. Private Label Extensions offers a variety of clip-in to meet your styling needs. The Russian blond clip-ins are great for custom coloring to add new colors to your hair. I can't wait to see your interpretation of my top ten styles using clip-ins. We want to see your hairstyles so please tag us on Instagram when you post your photos by using @privatelabelextensions and @latayedavis.