While hair extensions can completely transform your look, they can lead to disappointing results if they’re not applied or cared for properly. You may even damage your natural hair if you don’t apply them correctly. Many common hair extension mistakes, such as improper application or mismatched colours, can easily be avoided with the right knowledge and techniques. In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common hair extension mistakes and give you practical tips for flawless, long-lasting results every time.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Type of Extensions
Just like real hair, there are various different types of hair extensions. Choosing the right extensions can help them blend seamlessly with your natural hair, but choosing the wrong ones will stop you getting the look you want.
If you’re looking for temporary hair extensions that are easy to apply, clip-in extensions are a good choice. You can apply them yourself and remove them at the end of each day. If you want longer-lasting extensions and don’t mind more maintenance, tape-in hair extensions are a good option to consider. They are usually applied by a hair stylist, which means they will be blended and layered to match your natural hair. Tape-in extensions can last several weeks, which is perfect if you want long-lasting volume and length.
Here at SWAY, we have a large collection of different hair extensions. You can easily achieve your hair goals with our various hair extension lengths, colours and styles.
Mistake #2: Mismatched Colour
If your hair extensions don’t match your natural hair, it can create an obvious seam. Extensions that are too light, too dark, or have the wrong undertone can stand out, and look artificial and obviously unnatural.
When choosing your hair extensions, you should pay attention to your hair’s undertones and decide whether they are warm, cool, or neutral. You might also want to consider extensions with subtle highlights and lowlights to provide depth and help them blend better with multi-tonal natural hair.
We don’t recommend that you dye your hair extensions, so it’s important that you choose the right colour match. If you’re unsure about which colour hair extensions to use, you can use our colour match service. Simply send photos of your hair and the type of hair extensions you’re looking for and we will match you with one of our 49 stunning shades.
Mistake #3: Improper Installation
Not only will poorly applied hair extensions stand out against your natural hair, but they can also feel uncomfortable and potentially damage your hair. Most people apply clip-in hair extensions themselves, whereas tape-in extensions usually require professional help.
It’s important to section your hair properly so that you can apply your extensions evenly. Try not to leave visible gaps and follow the natural thickness and length of your real hair. If you apply too many extensions in one area, it can cause tension on your scalp and damage your natural hair. One of the most common hair extension mistakes is attaching the extensions directly to your hairline or parting. Doing this will make the attachment visible and could pull on your roots.
It's easy to make hair extension removal mistakes if you don’t know how to take them out. Rushing to pull the extensions out can cause you to damage your hair or injure your scalp. If you have tape-in extensions, you should seek the help of a hair stylist as they will know the proper techniques to remove extensions.
Mistake #4: Not Blending Extensions Properly
One of the most common hair extension mistakes is choosing hair extensions that are too long. While it can be tempting to choose ultra long 24 inch hair extensions, the extensions won’t blend well if your natural hair doesn’t reach past your shoulders. Ideally, your hair extensions should be between two to four inches longer than your natural hair.
To help your hair extensions blend, you should get a hair stylist to layer and cut your extensions. This will help your extensions match the natural flow of your hair and blend the two together.
Overloading thin hair with extensions will create a bulky appearance and put strain on your scalp. It’s better to find hair extensions that are suited to fine hair, such as flat tip bonds. Other types of hair extensions, such as nano bond hair extensions, are suitable for both thick and finer hair.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Proper Maintenance
To ensure your hair extensions last for as long as possible, it’s important that you take proper care of them. You might experience hair extension shedding issues or matting if you don’t wash and brush your extensions regularly.
It’s important that you regularly wash your hair extensions with the right products. You should also avoid overheating hair extensions by using haircare tools that are heated to less than 180 degrees. Our AIRE Collection of haircare tools are specifically designed to be used on extensions and can help keep your hair glossy and soft.
You can use our SWAY professional paddle or oval brush to prevent your hair from getting tangled. Remember to brush from the ends and don’t apply too much pressure.
Mistake #6: Using the Wrong Products
It’s not a good idea to use harsh chemicals on your hair extensions. You shouldn’t use alcohol-based products, sulphate-based products, purple or silver shampoo on your hair extensions. You should also avoid salt and chlorinated water as this can affect the quality of your hair.
To avoid hair extension shedding issues or damaging the quality of your hair, it’s best to use SWAY haircare products. We have a range of products, such as Hydrate Oil, Heat Protection Spray, and Hydrate Masks, which will help preserve your extensions.
Mistake #7: Using Low Quality Extensions
While it can be tempting to choose cheap hair extensions, you’ll be sacrificing quality. Cheap hair extensions will stand out as obviously fake and won’t last as long as higher-quality options. You’re more likely to get hair extension shedding issues, tangling, and matting.
SWAY hair extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair, the highest grade of real human hair. Our extensions will seamlessly blend with the texture, movement, and shine of your real hair. They can withstand daily styling, without losing their quality. You can use heat hair tools on our hair extensions, including curling irons and straighteners, as long as the heat is below 180 degrees. This will stop you from overheating your hair extensions.
The easiest way to avoid common hair extension mistakes is to follow the advice listed on the hair extension packaging. If a hair stylist is applying your extensions, they will also be able to advise on how to care for and maintain your hair extensions. Make sure to use SWAY hair care products and tools to care for your hair and avoid using harsh chemicals. You can also avoid hair extension removal mistakes by booking an appointment with a hair stylist, as they can use the proper techniques. If you want to remove them yourself, you should follow the instructions on the packaging.
