A Simple Guide to Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-In hair extensions are an important part of any stylist’s product arsenal (and any beauty enthusiast’s wardrobe). They’re comfortable, convenient, easy to style and care for, and increasingly popular among the fashionable crowd. But there’s a whole lot more to them than meets the eye. Here, we provide you with a snapshot guide to everything you need to know about Donna Bella Clip-Ins.

Who are they for?
Clip-Ins are for everyone, but they’re especially great for commitment-phobes, change-lovers, thin-haired ladies, and clients who are considering a professional method but want to try extensions out, first.

What are they like?
Donna Bella Clip-Ins are made from 100% Human hair, though we do offer a Heat-Friendly Synthetic option, too. They’re dyed to perfection, so you should experience little-to-no color fading. And each package comes with 113 grams of hair in the form of 8 extension pieces:

  • one 9” weft
  • one 7” weft
  • two 6” wefts
  • and four 1.5” wefts.

What varieties are available?
Donna Bella Clip-Ins come in either 100% Human or Heat-Friendly Synthetic, as well as a range of lengths and colors. You can even choose to purchase a full package or individual strands. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available, depending on the type.

Full-Head Set
100% Human                                            Heat-Friendly Synthetic
16” Straight                                                                      16” Straight
20” Straight

Colors 1, 1B, 2, 4, 4/33, 6, 6/10, 6/24, 8, 10, 10/12, 10/613, 24,
27, 27/613, 30/33, 613

Single Clip
100% Human                                            Heat-Friendly Synthetic
16” Straight                                                                      18” Straight

Colors 1, 1B, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24 (16”), 27, 60, 613, Blue, Burgundy,
Dark Fuchsia, Green, Orange (18”), Pink, Purple, Red

What tools do I need?
We recommend that you complement your DB Clip-Ins with:

You’ll also want to invest in a good hanger or container for storing the extensions. Our sister brand offers one here.

How long does it take to install them?
Depending on how many wefts or clips you’re installing, installation time will take anywhere from 5-15 minutes.

How do I install them?
Like this:

  1. Clean, brush, and dry hair before installing, or apply a dry shampoo or texturizing spray to reduce oil and increase grip. Clip-In hair extensions are designed to stay in place without backcombing the roots before installation, but some women with finer hair may find that this step helps their extensions stay in more securely. For extra grip, twist hair before attaching the clip.
  2. Part your hair in a T-shape, then take your first section at the low occipital.
  3. Make a horizontal part 2 inches above the nape of your neck. Lift the hair above the part and secure with clips.
  4. Position one of the six-inch pieces below the part with the clips facing in. Snap the center clip into place, followed by the two outer clips.
  5. Make another horizontal part one inch above the first row. Lift the hair above the part and secure the hair with clips.
  6. Position the second six-inch piece below the part. Snap the center clips, then snap the two outer clips into place.
  7. Make another horizontal part one inch above the second row and secure hair above the part.
  8. Position the nine-inch piece below the part. Snap the center clips into place, followed by the two outer clips.
  9. Make another horizontal part one inch above the third row and secure hair above the part. Be careful to avoid any splits in the hair.
  10. Position the seven-inch piece below the part. Snap the center clips into place, followed by the two outer clips.
  11. Move to the side, parting the hair right next to the top extension in the back.
  12. Place one of the 1 ½” wefts just slightly overlapping the top extension in back.
  13. Take a diagonal back section, starting a little bit behind the hairline (so that there’s enough hair to cover the extensions).
  14. Place another 1 ½” weft along the part line.
  15. Repeat on the opposite side.
  16. Blend and shape the extensions, or simply brush them into place.

 

How do I remove them?
To remove, simply unclip each weft by placing even pressure in the center of the clip while pulling upward from the sides. This should take no more than 2 minutes total.

How do I care for them?
Like this:

Brushing

  • Use the Extension Brush to brush over the attachments of any hair extension method in a way that does not snag or pull the hair. It distributes the oil from your scalp to the rest of the hair and keeps the extensions tangle-free.
  • Brush 2-3 times per day and before washing or wetting hair.
  • To brush, hold the weft at the roots with one hand to support the bonds. With the other hand, brush gently, starting at the ends and working up toward the scalp. Always go in a downward direction to preserve the hair’s natural direction.

Coloring

  • Use the Color Ring to select the perfect match for your client’s hair.
  • Because the hair is 100% human you may color the hair to a level of your choice.
  • Do a strand test.
  • Use only demi or semi- permanent color.
  • Deposit, don’t lift.
  • Stay within 2 shades of original color.
  • Color extensions when they are not installed in the hair (to prevent color from getting close to the bonds).
  • Remember that extensions will process darker, duller, and faster than your own hair. You may need to color them more than once for a lasting effect.
  • Do not swim with your extensions on. Swimming in salty or chlorinated water with your hair extensions on could cause drying and color change due to mineral buildup.
  • Be careful not to get any self-tanner on the hair extensions.

Styling

  • Use sulfate-free products, only.
  • Use salon-quality products for optimal results.
  • Extensions can be washed, curled, blow-dried, straightened, and processed.
  • Use a heat protectant, low heat settings, and avoid heat styling and chemicals whenever possible.
  • Keep all heat and product away from the bonds. Condition only from the midshaft down.
  • Don’t relax or perm the hair--especially the blond hair.

Storing

  • Don’t sleep in the extensions.
  • Brush the hair before storing.
  • Store them in the original packaging, or in a bag or box to keep them from getting tangled or dirty.
  • Consider braiding them before storing.
  • Only store the hair once it is fully dry.

Washing

  • Extensions take longer to dry than ordinary hair.
  • Remove before you wash them.
  • Wash 2-3 times per week, or every 3-4 times you use them.
  • Use Dry Spray Shampoo to absorb excess oil between washes and keep hair looking and feeling clean.
  • Sulfate-free products, only.
  • Use salon-quality products for optimal results.


How long will the Clip-Ins last?
With modest use and optimal care, your Clip-Ins should last up to a year (and maybe even longer).

Ready to add these lovelies to your life? Click here to start browsing. And, if you have any remaining questions, please leave them in the comments below!