Hair extensions are a fantastic way to add length and volume to your hair. However, to achieve a flawless, natural finish, you need to know the correct application techniques, maintenance and professional advice.
Blending your hair extensions seamlessly with your natural hair will help make sure they are undetectable with a seamless finish. Whether you're a seasoned extension user or trying them for the first time, using the correct hair extension methods can instantly elevate your hair game. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and hair hacks to help you achieve a seamless, natural look with SWAY hair extensions.
Why Blending Hair Extensions Matters
Blending hair extensions to your natural hair will help them to look natural, without any obvious seams between the extensions and your natural hair. The aim of hair extensions is to be creative with colour, add volume and length to your natural hair, without revealing that you’re wearing extensions. If you have an obvious seam or disconnected colour match, it will be clear to other people that you’ve got hair extensions in.
When you blend hair extensions correctly, they will seamlessly blend against your real hair. You can style your hair in any way you want, from ponytails to loose beach waves and chic Dutch plaits. Some hair extensions, such as Seamless tape ins, are semi-permanent and can be washed and styled as you would your natural hair for 6/8 weeks
It can be challenging to blend hair extensions if your natural hair is particularly short and you are applying long hair extensions. Some people struggle to hide the application of hair extensions if not applied by a SWAY Salon Professional Partner. If you or your hair stylist place clip-in or tape in hair extensions too close to your hairline or parting, they’re more likely to be partially visible. You need to apply hair extensions slightly away from the parting to help them blend with your natural hair. The benefit of the Seamless Tape In and Tape Weft methods mimic the hair growth so the tape tabs will naturally blend into your hairline with a flawless finish and be ritually undetectable
Failure to colour match correctly is also a clear indicator that you have hair extensions. Here at SWAY, we have over 49 colours for you to choose from to ensure you find the perfect match. We even offer a bespoke colour match service to help you find the right hair extensions and shade to match your hair.
Choosing the Right Hair Extensions for Seamless Blending
It doesn’t matter how skilled you are at blending hair extensions, if the texture of the extensions doesn’t match the texture of your real hair it can be a challenge. It’s important to style your hair extensions with your natural hair to help create a seamless blend. You can use our haircare products, including SWAY heat protection spray, the SWAY 10-in-1 Hair Hero and SWAY hydrate oil to help style and maintain your hair extensions.
It’s important to try and find hair extensions that match your natural hair tones to help them blend seamlessly. For example, not having the right number of extensions or shade will make the extensions look disconnected
Here at SWAY, we have a variety of different types of extensions to suit different hair types. Flat tips are ideal for all hair types, especially fine hair, while tiny tips are a fantastic option if you have normal to thick hair. The silicone-tipped nano bond hair extensions are super lightweight and suitable for all hair types.
All our hair extensions methods, such as Tape, Weft and bonded extensions are great for creating the perfect colour blends. Our colour portfolio helps create a more seamless appearance and colour blends, as hair naturally has different undertones. It’s essential that you find the perfect colour match for your hair extensions, as this makes it easier to blend hair extensions with your natural hair. You can also opt for rooted or balayage hair extensions, which is a technique where the hair colour gradually transitions to a lighter or darker shade.
Step-by-Step Guide to Blending Hair Extensions
It’s easier than you think to blend hair extensions for a voluminous, seamless look. The most important thing is to pick the right method and thickness of extensions for your hair type. Do you want 14 inch hair extensions to create volume or is your hair naturally thick enough that you need 20 or 22 inch hair extensions for length?
Below is a quick step-by-step guide to help you with blending hair extensions you’re your natural hair:
1. Prepare your hair –wash your natural hair with the SWAY shampoo and conditioner. Clean hair is easier to work with and style. Once sectioned, you may want to tease your roots with a comb if you have thin hair as this can help secure the extensions if you are using Clip In hair extensions
2. Position the extensions correctly –hair extensions should always be applied from the nape of the neck and working your way up. Don’t place the hair extensions directly on the hairline or parting; instead, you should along a small space away from the hairline. Once you’ve applied the extensions, cover it with your natural hair before dividing your next section. You should adjust the placement of the extensions based on your natural hair’s thickness and length.
3. Blend with layers – whenblending hair extensions with natural hair you need to cut or layer your extensions to mimic the flow of your real hair. For most people, this means a trip to our salon partners so that a professional can make the necessary adjustments. If you are applying 2 or more packets for thickness, you may want to thin the hair extensions to prevent them from looking too blunt. If you have thin hair, layering your hair extensions can add instant thickness, volume and movement.
4. Style your hair –styling your hair, such as adding waves, curls or straightening it, can help with blending hair extensions. Styled hair can help mask the subtle difference between natural hair and extensions. You can use the SWAY AIRE hair tool collection to style your SWAY hair extensions, soft reminder heat shouldn’t exceed 180 degrees.
5. Finishing touches –Complete the look with our SWAY Hair Oil and a finishing spray to create your desired style. When brushing your hair, you should use the SWAY Professional Paddle, Vent or Oval brush. Remember to brush your hair gently to minimise tension and start from the bottom.
Blending hair extensions with natural hair is easy if you consider your natural hair texture, length and colour. Hair extensions are meant to enhance your real hair, find hair extensions that match your natural hair colour so that there isn’t a clear colour difference. Layering and cutting the hair extensions will also help them blend seamlessly and match the natural flow of your hair.