Don't you just love curls? Whether it's for a special event or just a different look from your everyday style, curls are always fun to experiment with. So, what’s a curling lover to do when they want to rock extensions?
Fear not! Curling your extensions is so easy with the right tools, techniques, and a little insider knowledge that you’ll forget they’re even there. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to curling with extensions from start to finish, no matter how you like your extensions curled!
Preparing Your Extensions for Curling
Start With Clean & Dry Hair
Clean hair is the key to having beautiful curls. Always make sure your natural hair and extensions are clean and dry before using SWAY's AIRE Multi-Styler.
Don't risk damaging your extensions by curling them when they are wet. Moisture can stress the bonds or tapes, leading your extensions to slip or weaken. It can also leave you with curls that fall flat far too quickly.
For the best results, always wash with our SWAY Hydrate System. Our Hydrate System has been designed to clean your extensions, while nourishing them and keeping them free from heavy ingredients. This system gently cleans your hair without stripping its moisture, leaving your extensions silky smooth and ready for styling.
Apply Heat Protection
With your extensions washed and dried, the next step on your must-do list is heat protection. Extensions or no extensions, hair is still susceptible to dryness or damage if subjected to high temperatures without a protective layer.
A good heat protection spray is lightweight and will form a barrier over your strands to not only keep them from drying out, but also maintain your curls for longer. It's your magic elixir for frizz-free curls that still feel soft and moisturised!
Brush Through Gently
Before you start curling, make sure your hair is 100% straight and smooth. Brush through your extensions with a paddle brush, starting at the ends and working your way up. This will cause less stress on your bonds and keep breakage to a minimum.
Straight and smooth hair will curl a lot easier, but it will also lead to a more professional-looking result. Knots or bunched-up sections of hair can result in curls that don't lay correctly or bunch up. Take the extra time to brush through your hair and you'll see your curls come out more bouncy and glamorous!
Using the Right Tools When Curling Hair With Extensions
Aire Multi-Styler
The Aire Multi-Styler is a versatile tool that can be used to curl your extensions in a variety of ways, giving you different results depending on the attachment or technique you use. Whether you're going for soft, loose beachy waves or more defined, long-lasting curls, this all-in-one tool has you covered.
Use the wand-style attachment to create relaxed, tousled waves with a natural finish - perfect for daytime styling, low-maintenance looks, or a quick touch-up before heading out in the evening.
For more polished, professional curls with extra definition and hold, switch to the clamp-style attachment. This is ideal for formal events, nights out, or any time you want curls that last all night with a sleek, styled appearance.
Temperature
We would also recommend checking the temperature settings on your curling tool. You want to be able to adjust it to a safe and moderate temperature for your extensions.
Using high heat that is too high for your hair and extensions can also damage the hair and decrease its lifespan. A temperature setting of 180°C is best for styling your hair extensions - which makes the Aire Multi-Styler the perfect tool.
Step-by-Step Guide on Curling Hair With Extensions
Section Your Hair
First, divide your hair into small and manageable sections using sectioning clips. This will make sure there's even heat distribution and will help your curls look natural. Clip away the top layers and start curling from the bottom.
Wrap & Hold
Take a one-inch section of your hair, wrap it around the barrel, and hold for a few seconds. Always curl away from your face for a natural look. Be careful not to place heat directly on your bonds or tapes to keep them in place
Release & Cool
Release the curl gently and allow it to cool in your hand for a moment before letting it fall. This will set the shape and help your curls last longer.
Continue Layer by Layer
Work your way up through the layers of your hair until all of your extensions are curled. Finish with the top layers for an effortless blend with your natural hair.
Styling Tips for Long-Lasting Curls
Use Lightweight Products
The best products to use to keep curls intact are lightweight sprays like The Hair Hero. A quick pump of The Hair Hero will help keep those curls set in place.
When styling, try to avoid products with a heavy consistency like thick serums or strong hold gels or sprays that are high in silicones. These will weigh down your hair and make your curls drop much quicker. Lightweight styling products will not only help keep your curls in place, but they will also make curls look and feel softer, have more movement, and almost feel like your natural hair.
Vary Curl Direction
A salon-fresh finish trick is to vary curl direction when you're styling your extensions. Curling every section the same way can sometimes result in a hairstyle that looks a little too tight.
Alternating the direction in which you curl some sections away from your face and others towards it can create natural volume and texture that looks effortless. Alternating the direction of the curl also helps keep curls from sticking together too tightly. This will result in soft and separated waves that create the illusion of more thickness.
Curl Pieces Around the Face Away from the Face
For a glamorous face-framing style, curl the front pieces around your face away from your face. It will open up your features and result in a hairstyle that looks flattering from every angle.
Curling is Easy With SWAY Hair Styling Tools!
Curling your hair with extensions doesn’t have to feel intimidating; it’s one of the easiest ways to unlock a whole new level of styling possibilities. With the right technique, you can create everything from soft, everyday waves to glamorous, bouncy curls that last all night! Extensions not only give you extra length and volume to play with, but they also help your curls look fuller, more defined, and professional!
To make styling even simpler, SWAY offers a collection of professional hair tools designed to work perfectly with our extensions. Using the AIRE Multi-Styler, you can create salon-worthy curls from the comfort of your own home!
Curling Hair With Extensions: FAQs
1. Can I curl my extensions every day?
Yes, but it’s best to limit heat styling to a few times per week. Overusing heat can shorten the lifespan of your extensions. On days off, try heatless curling methods.
2. Do curls last longer with extensions than natural hair?
High-quality extensions like SWAY tend to hold curls better because they are thick and free from natural oils that weigh hair down. With the right prep, your curls can last all day!
3. Will curling damage my extensions?
Not if you use heat protection and the correct temperature settings. Always keep your styling tools on low heat (no higher than 180 degrees) and avoid applying heat directly to bonds or tapes.
4. Can I use rollers or heatless methods instead?
Velcro rollers, flexi rods, or overnight braids are fantastic alternatives to hot tools and will help preserve the condition of your extensions.
