Transforming Your Look with Highlighted Clip-In Hair Extensions

Highlighting is a popular way to add dimension and vibrancy to your hair. However, traditional highlighting, highlighting with bleach and foil can damage hair over time. An alternative method is using hair extensions to create faux highlights instantly and non-permanently. 

Clip-in and tape-in hair extensions makes adding highlights with extensions easy without any chemical processing. The extensions can be placed strategically to mimic foil or even balayage highlights. This technique provides all the benefits of highlighted hair without compromising your natural hair's health.

Some key advantages of using extensions over traditional highlights include:

1. No bleach or dye chemicals contacting your hair
2. Ability to change up the colors and placement 
3. Less long-term commitment to a look
4. Option to reuse the extensions
5. No need for repeat visits to the salon
6. Less expense over time

The end result is beautiful, natural-looking highlights in the shade and placement you want. Hair extensions lift your look instantly while avoiding damage from repeated bleaching and coloring.

Choosing the Right Hair Extensions

When selecting extensions to create faux highlights, you have two main options - clip-in or tape-in extensions.

Clip-ins are applied by clipping wefts of hair into sections of your natural hair. This allows for easy application and removal. Tape-in extensions use special double-sided tapes to bond wefts to your natural strands. This creates  a very seamless, natural look. However, tape-ins require professional help for application and removal.

For color, select extensions that are within one or two shades of your natural hair color. If you want bold, dramatic highlights, go for extensions several shades lighter. For a more subtle look to add some dimension, pick extensions just a touch lighter than your strands. 

Prepping Your Hair 

Before applying your highlight hair extensions, it's important to  properly prep your natural hair. This will help the extensions blend seamlessly for a natural looking highlight effect.  

First, wash and thoroughly dry your natural hair. Thoroughly brush through your hair to detangle any knots and tangles. Work through sections slowly and gently. Use a wide-tooth comb if encountering any stubborn knots.  

Applying the Hair Extensions

Follow the specific application method for how to make highlights with hair extensions with your chosen hair extension type, whether clip-in or tape-in. This is crucial for getting the look right.

For clip-ins, part your hair cleanly where you want to insert the weft. Open the clip, slide it onto the part near the roots, then gently clamp down to secure. Make sure the clip is close to the scalp without pulling on your natural hair. For tape-ins, prep the tape strip first by removing the protective film. Then, part your hair where you want the weft placed. Press the adhesive side of the tape onto your roots, then press the extension weft onto the other side of the tape. We highly recommend going to a professional stylist if you choose to go the tape-in route.  

Take your time applying the highlight extensions evenly throughout the sections you want brightened up. Distribute strands in a way that looks natural - avoid clumpy placement. It helps to hold up a mirror behind you to view the back sections. Check that the highlighted pieces blend in seamlessly. The goal is for the highlights to look like they naturally grew from your head!

Blending with Natural Hair 

After you've applied the highlighted hair extensions where you like them, it's time to blend them into your natural hair for a seamless, natural look. 

First, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently comb them together with the highlighted wefts. Avoid combing too aggressively or you may tug out the extensions. 

Check the blend from all angles. Look for any spots that need more blending or sections that look too bulky. For a truly seamless highlight effect with extensions, patience and attention to blending is key.

Styling Highlighted Hair

Once you've finished applying your highlight extensions, it's time for the fun part - styling your new hair! One of the best aspects of nautral hair extensions is the versatility they allow in styling. Here are some tips for creating waves and curls to your highlighted hair:

If you want to add some bounce and volume with waves or curls, start by sectioning your hair. Use a curling iron or wand to wrap 1-2 inch sections of hair around the barrel. Alternate the curl direction to achieve a more natural look. Once cool, gently run fingers through the curls to break them up. Finish with a lightweight hairspray to set it all together.

The versatility of clip-ins is they let you switch up your look from day to night. Have fun experimenting with different ways on how to create highlights with clip-in extensions to give your highlighted hair different vibes!

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your highlighted hair extensions properly is key to making them last and look their best. Here are some tips: 

- Brush the extensions gently using a wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush. Avoid excessive brushing or pulling to prevent tangling and shedding. 

- Always remove clip-in extensions before sleeping and before showering/bathing. Leaving them in can lead to matting, tangling, and hair damage. Carefully detach the wefts and store properly after each use.  

- Avoid exposing the extensions to chlorine, salt water, and direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can fade the color. Rinse the extensions with fresh water after swimming.

Proper maintenance will help your highlight hair extensions last longer! Gently brushing, minimizing heat styling, and removing before sleeping and showering are key.

 Learn How To Wash Clip-In Hair Extensions:

Final Thoughts

Can you use hair extensions as highlights? Using clip-in hair extensions is an excellent way to get gorgeous, natural-looking clip-in highlights without any damage to your natural hair. The key benefits include:

• No chemicals or bleaching required- You avoid all the drying, irritation, and potential damage from traditional highlighting methods. Transform your look in an with instant highlights with hair extensions

• Change up your style easily- Since the extensions are removable, you can go from a subtle highlighted look to a bold, dramatic one whenever you want. It's the perfect temporary solution.

• Affordable and low commitment- Good quality clip-in extensions like those from Atelier Extensions are an affordable option compared to salon highlights. And you're not stuck with a permanent look.

• Quick and easy to apply - It only takes a few minutes to clip in the extensions with highlights. You can do it yourself. No need to spend hours sitting at the salon.

So if you've been craving some highlights but don't want the damage of traditional coloring methods, highlighting hair with extensions is the perfect solution. You'll get beautiful, luminous highlights without compromising the health and integrity of your natural hair.