How to Put Extensions in Short Hair (2024)

Short hair has historically been popular among women because it looks cute and is always on-trend. While we love our short hairstyles, we also miss our long and luscious hair at times. And most of us can’t wait for our hair to grow so we can rock our favorite long hairstyles. We all want a quick fix. But is there a way to add length to your short hair without waiting for your hair to grow? Yes — hair extensions are the solution!

Hair extensions allow you to add length and volume to your short hair instantly. The best part is that clip-in extensions and hair extensions make your hair longer temporarily while allowing your natural hair to grow.

But you might ask: How long does your hair have to be for extensions? Well, your hair will need to be at least three inches long to apply hair extensions. And to install clip-in extensions, your hair has to be at least four inches long.

If you’re new to hair extensions, you may find it tricky to put those wefts in your short hair. Read on to learn how to put extensions in short hair.

How to Put in Clip-in Extensions in Short Hair

Clip-in extensions are easy to apply. You can install them to your hair like a pro with a bit of practice.

To install clip-in extensions in short hair, you’ll need a good quality clip-in extensions set, a soft brush, a mirror, and a hair clip or pin to hold your hair up.

Then follow the steps given below to put those extensions in your hair:

1. Brush your own hair and the extensions to remove any tangles and knots.

2. Pull your hair at the back, leaving a tiny portion at the nape of your neck.

3. Backcomb the hair segment steadily and use the hair clip or pin to hold it up.

4. Pinning the hair up will create a section where you have to apply your first piece of weft. You have to work your way up from the nape of your neck.

5. Now, take the first weft and clip it onto your hair. Make sure to close the middle clip first, followed by the remaining ones. Complete the first row by applying the wefts side by side.

6. Next, take one layer of your hair out and apply your second row of extensions (an inch above the first extension layer).

Pro tip: If you’re installing two wefts of different shades, install the darker one at the base and the lighter one on top of it. This will create cohesive layers, making your hair look natural.

7. Repeat step number 6 to install the next row of extensions. Ideally, this will be an inch above your ears.

8. Place the next layer of wefts the same way you applied the previous rows. This layer should line up with almost the center of your forehead.

9. And finally, apply a four-clip piece at the back to cover all the other wefts installed in your hair.

10. Brush your hair, style it to your liking, and you’re ready to rock your long, luscious locks.

How to Put Tape-in Extensions in Short Hair

Installing tape-in wefts is tricky. For this reason, we recommend you to visit a salon for professional installation. If you’re new to tape extensions and want to DIY the installation process at home, you may end up damaging your natural hair as well as the extensions.

Here are some common steps that most stylists follow to put in tape extensions in short hair:

1. Just like the clip extensions, you have to start from the bottom of your head. Pull your hair up while leaving a little bit of hair behind to create your first section.

2. Now, stick the first piece of weft one centimeter from the root of your hair. Then press your finger over the tape to secure it in place.

3. Next, stick the second extension piece directly over the first one, with a few hair strands sandwiched between the two tapes.

Repeat the above steps to install the tape-in wefts side by side in the first row, keeping a distance of one centimeter between each weft.

Next, install the remaining rows of extensions the same way you installed the first one. Make sure to keep a distance of one inch between each row while working your way up.

After applying all of the extensions, use a loop brush to brush your hair and style it as you want. Again, only attempt at-home installation if you have professional experience as a stylist. Otherwise, schedule a visit to your salon for the best results.

No matter which variety you choose, ZALA has extensions to help your short hair reach new lengths. Choose from our extensive range of lengths, colors, and styles here.

How to Put Extensions in Short Hair (2024)

FAQs

How to Put Extensions in Short Hair? ›

Quick Guide: Putting Extensions in Short Hair

How to put extensions in really short hair? ›

Yes! You can put hair extensions in very short hair as long as there is enough hair to grip onto. The best way to do this is to use the layering method, which involves taking small sections of your hair and layering the wefts on top. This will give you a natural look and also help to protect your scalp from any damage.

How short can hair be to get extensions? ›

For extensions, how long your natural hair needs to be depends on the type of extensions you are looking for. Micro rings and clip-ins are the hair extensions we recommend at The Hair Alchemist for short hair. Micro rings require at least 3-4 inches of hair, whereas clip ins require at least 14 inches.

How do you hide extensions in very short hair? ›

For very short hair, start placing extensions slightly lower on the head to ensure enough natural hair on top to cover the bonds. Smaller wefts or bonds are easier to hide in short hair. For clip-ins, you might use smaller clips and for tape-ins, consider cutting the tape to make it narrower.

Will extensions blend with short hair? ›

If your hair is short and thick, you will most likely need a thick set of hair extensions in order for them to blend in more naturally, especially if you have a blunt haircut. That thickness of the set will ensure that the transition between the ends of your hair and the extensions is smooth and seamless.

What extensions are best for very short hair? ›

Clip-in hair extensions for short hair:

They're extremely easy to use and are quick to clip in and out, making them the perfect choice for those who feel they want to wear extensions but would also like the flexibility of being able to remove them as and when they choose.

Can you add hair extensions to a pixie cut? ›

With the magic of hair extensions, you can have long, luscious locks even with short hair. Most of the tutorials online will tell you that hair extensions are only for long or mid length hair. That is not true at all. If applied correctly, you can extend your pixie cut through the use of hair extensions.

What hair is too short for extensions? ›

The length of your hair determines how long you should wait before getting the extensions. As mentioned in this article, your hair needs to be about 14″/35cm for stick-on extensions, 8″/20cm for tape-in and wefted extensions, and one inch for fusion or track weft.

How long does it take to grow 4 inches of hair? ›

On average our hair only grows about half an inch per month, with variations of a quarter inch to half inch in either direction. If you are wondering how long it takes for hair to grow, here's how much you should expect to see in these time frames: 4 months of hair growth: 2-4 inches. 9 months of hair growth: 4-6 ...

How to turn a pixie cut into a bob? ›

To achieve a bob (even a micro one), you need to let the hair on top and at the front of your head grow out, so that each section of your hair is the same length. Since hair at the back of the head tends to grow more quickly, regular salon visits will also ensure that you never veer into mullet territory.

What are the less noticeable hair extensions? ›

- Tape Hair Extensions have a flat bond offers a natural look that is easily blended in even the thinnest of hairs so they are sure to be discreet. - A great choice for thick locks and everyday styling, they are also a perfect choice for fine hair, as each flat weft can be easily concealed by the natural hair.

What extensions are easiest to hide? ›

2 – Different types hide differently. I have natural beaded rows right now and they are 2 rows of big wefts that go all the way from one side of my head to the other in a row. These for me are the easiest to hide. Tape in extensions and I-Tip are lots of smaller wefts/pieces so they take a little bit more work to hide.

What are the best extensions for fine hair? ›

The best hair extensions for fine hair are either micro rings or miniature micro rings. This comes from their shared reputation for seamlessly blending with hair and their minimal bulkiness – making them a practical choice.

How to put extensions in short hair? ›

Quick Guide: Putting Extensions in Short Hair

Secure the top half of your hair out of the way with a hair tie and gently tease the hair where you want to put in the extensions. Undo the clips on the extensions, decide exactly where and how you'd like to place them, then snap the clips shut to install the extensions.

How many hair extensions do I need for short hair? ›

If you would class yourself as having very short hair, you will need at least a full head of hair extensions. This will be the case if you have thin or fine hair, as well as average and thick hair. This is because there is a need for more hair extensions so that it can blend in with short hair.

Can you put extensions on short hair for volume? ›

With the right hair extensions and proper application, you can achieve voluminous, even with a shorter haircut. The key is to choose high-quality extensions, apply them correctly, and blend them seamlessly with your natural hair.

What is the easiest hair extensions to put in? ›

Clip-ins are the easiest type of hair extension to apply and remove. They are made of synthetic fibres that are glued onto a band with clips. These types of hair extensions are great for everyday wear since they can be removed and replaced easily.

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