5 Common Mistakes People Make With Hair Extensions

Avoid these common mistakes when choosing hair extensions to ensure a seamless and natural addition of length and volume. With our years of expertise, we’ve identified the key pitfalls that can be easily avoided—saving you both time and money. Follow our advice to achieve a look that’s not only undetectable but also comfortable, so your new hair extensions turn out just as you hoped for.

• 1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Hair Extensions
• 2. Improper Application
• 3. Skipping the Color Match
• 4. Neglecting Proper Maintenance
• 5. Wearing Extensions 24/7

Hair extensions can transform your look, adding length, volume, and thickness to your natural hair. However, using them correctly is essential to get the best results. Misusing or mishandling extensions can lead to damage, discomfort, and disappointment. Here are the five most common mistakes people make with hair extensions and how to avoid them to keep your locks looking fabulous and healthy.

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Hair Extensions

One of the most common mistakes people make is not selecting the right type of hair extensions for their hair and lifestyle. Extensions come in various forms—clip-ins, tape-ins, wefts, fusion, and more—each with its pros and cons depending on your hair type, styling habits, and how long you intend to wear them. Opting for the wrong kind can lead to discomfort, breakage, or unnatural-looking results.

How to avoid it:
Start by assessing your hair’s condition. For fine or thinning hair, lightweight options like specially designed clip-ins or tape-ins may be better suited, while fusion or wefts could work better for thicker hair. Understanding the type of extensions best for your hair can prevent unnecessary stress on your scalp or strands.

At Stranded Hair Extensions, we offer guides that help you choose the best extensions based on your hair texture, volume, and personal preferences. Our collection of premium clip-ins, includes a range of different weights and styles, so you can make an informed choice before committing to your most suitable clip-in extension.

The Seamless Set is a five-piece extension set which was specifically designed for thin and fine hair types, we’d highly recommend exploring this option if you have thin or fine hair.

The lightweight set is available in a selection of our most popular shades with a 14” and an 18” length option, and made with a seamless track which is undetectable underneath fine or thin hair.

2. Improper Application

Poorly applied extensions not only look unnatural but can also cause scalp irritation, hair loss, or headaches. Whether you're applying clip-ins at home or visiting a stylist for more permanent methods, getting the placement right is crucial.

Clip-ins should sit close to the scalp without tugging on your roots, while methods like tape-ins or fusion extensions need to be applied evenly and securely. A hasty or incorrect application could lead to uneven hair, visible bonds, or breakage.

How to avoid it:
If you're applying clip-ins at home, take the time to section your hair properly and ensure the clips are securely fastened. For semi-permanent extensions, make sure to visit a professional who is well-experienced in hair extension application techniques.

At Stranded Hair Extensions, we offer comprehensive application tutorials for all our clip-ins, so you can get a flawless look every time. If you're new to extensions or just need a refresher, these step-by-step videos are a must-watch.

3. Skipping the Color Match

One of the biggest telltale signs of poorly chosen hair extensions is a mismatch in colour. Even the highest-quality extensions won’t blend well if they don’t match your natural hair colour. This can create a stark, unnatural contrast, especially in different lighting conditions, making your extensions obvious rather than seamlessly blended.

How to avoid it:
Take advantage of colour-matching services to ensure that your extensions match your hair tone. Stranded Hair Extensions offers a free colour-matching service, helping you find the perfect shade from our wide range of colours. You can even order samples to compare at home and see how they look in natural light. Getting the right colour is one of the most important steps to making your extensions look natural and flawless.

4. Neglecting Proper Maintenance

Once you’ve invested in high-quality hair extensions, it’s essential to maintain them to extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh. Neglecting proper care routines like washing, brushing, and storing your extensions can lead to matting, tangling, and even damage to your natural hair.

Human hair extensions, like those offered by Stranded Hair Extensions, can be washed and styled, but they still need to be treated with care. Overwashing, using harsh products, or failing to brush them regularly can cause unnecessary wear and tear.

How to avoid it:
Follow a consistent maintenance routine to keep your extensions in top shape. Read this maintenance guide that covers all aspects of care, including how to wash, dry, and store your extensions properly. Using the right products is also key—choose sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for extensions to keep them soft and smooth.

When storing clip-in extensions, always use a protective case to avoid tangles and dust. Also, it's crucial to invest in a specially designed hair extension brush which detangles and smooths your extensions effortlessly. These simple steps can make a big difference in preserving the quality and appearance of your hair extensions.

5. Wearing Extensions 24/7

Many people fall in love with their new length and volume so much that they forget their hair and scalp need a break. Wearing clip-ins or other removable extensions for long periods without giving your scalp time to rest can lead to traction alopecia (hair loss from constant pulling) and discomfort. Even semi-permanent extensions need regular removal and repositioning to maintain healthy hair.

How to avoid it:
It's important to remove clip-ins before sleeping to prevent unnecessary strain on your scalp and to give your natural hair a chance to breathe. For semi-permanent extensions, follow your stylist’s advice for upkeep, and schedule regular maintenance appointments to check for any tension or damage.

At Stranded Hair Extensions, we believe in healthy hair care practices, which is why we encourage giving your hair regular breaks from extensions. We also offer Hairline Fillers, which are a great, less intrusive option if you're looking to boost volume around your temples or hairline without committing to a full set of hair extensions.

Wrapping Up

Hair extensions are a fantastic way to elevate your look, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you get the most out of your investment. From choosing the right type of extensions and ensuring a perfect colour match to maintaining them properly and giving your scalp time to rest, these small steps will ensure your extensions look flawless and stay healthy.

At Stranded Hair Extensions, we provide not only a wide range of high-quality extensions but also the support and guidance you need to use them correctly. Whether you’re a first-time extension wearer or a seasoned pro, our guides and services are designed to make your extension journey smooth and successful.

If you're ready to explore our collection, or if you need help with colour matching reach out to us at hello@hairextensions.co.uk. We’re here to help you achieve the hair of your dreams while keeping your natural hair healthy.