Clip-in extensions are quickly becoming the method of choice for women who want the look that weave can give, without shelling out the dough. Clip-ins are easy to wear and most of all convenient, no long hours at the salon, just clip in and go. It gives you the versatility to change your look whenever you want, going from short to long, thin to full in just 5 minutes. They are also easy to make! Keep reading to find out how to create your own clip-in hair extensions.
Here's what you're gonna need:
- hair of your choice
- weave/wig clips
- scissors
- a comb or brush
- weaving thread
- a needle
- a clip/ hair pin
Step 1:
Measure the tracks of weave that you are going to put in. Part your hair to where you want the extension to go and secure the hair that would be covering the extension with the clip. Take the weft of hair and measure it against the part that you just created. Cut the hair to the measurement and put aside.
Step 2:
Assemble your needle and thread and be sure to double the thread and secure it at the end with a knot.
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| That's how big the eye needs to be |
Step 3:
NOTE: Because I wanted body/fullness not length I doubled my extensions. So I cut 2 identical tracks and sewed them together onto the weave clips. If you don't want as much body then just use one.
OPEN all your clips from now. This step is really important because you don't want to make the mistake of sewing your clips onto the weft closed, then go to put them in and can't.
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| This is how the clip looks open |
Laying your open clip on the weft, put your needle through the hole at the end, from behind the weft. That way the knot ends up on the other side of the weft, not on the side that goes on your scalp. Repeat this process once or twice.
Step 4: Closing the stitch
Pull the needle through the hole once more as normal. Before pulling it completely make a loop with the length of thread and pull the needle through the loop, all the way down to the clip. This makes a knot so that the thread won't unravel.
Step 5:
That's it! Repeat the whole process on both sides of each clip. If none of these steps make sense to you then check out my instructional video below:
(Music: Kalimba by Mr. Scruff)
Important tips:
-Start placing your clips at the ends of the track. For the longer tracks you may need to use 3 clips or more. Once you've sewn the clips at the ends then measure the exact center of the track and sew the 3rd. Regardless of the number of clips you use, just ensure that they are evenly spaced.
-Also I realised that I needed to apply tension to the track when sewing the clips so that the spaces in between each clip didn't bunch up. If you find that the weft tends to get loose just pull on the end of it to make it taut.
- When wearing clip-in extensions you have to be careful when combing your hair. If your hand or a comb pulls the clips or draws them down then they can tear your hair out from the root. So be very careful when combing your hair.
- Some persons sleep in their clip-ins however I wouldn't recommend it because it could contribute to breakage or the clips tearing out your hair
Resources and HOW MUCH ITS GONNA COST YA:
On average a pack of remi can cost you anywhere around 6000 JMD. I don't remember how much I paid for mine because I've had it for a long time and didn't use it. I think I paid somewhere between 4,000 and 5000 JMD.
I bought 2 different sizes of clips, not on purpose lol, but because I found the bigger ones at a subsequent store. The smaller clips cost $95 plus tax per pack ( 2 in each pack); I got them at Discount Beauty Supply in King's Plaza. The larger clips I got for $65 per pack ( 2 in each pack) from Fundamentals in Premier Plaza ( right on the corner by the lady who sells the underwear from her van... i know you know her, don't play like you don't).
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| Fundamentals clip on the left, Discount Beauty clip on the right |
I made 2 extensions for myself and 2 for my sister and used a total of 10 clips. I got the weaving thread from Fundamentals as well for like $50. I got the smaller spool of thread because I didn't plan on making many extensions. There is however a larger spool of weaving thread.
You can use a weaving needle to make the extensions however based on Youtube videos I watched, that kind of needle can't fit through the small holes on the clips. So I used a normal sewing needle with a large eye, the thread is much thicker than normal thread so make sure the eye of your needle is large.
Before and After:
Here's a before and after look at the clip-ins. I'm loving the look! What do you think?
BEFORE
AFTER
