Once you’ve had your hair extensions fitted, you’ll most likely want to enhance your new locks with a head-turning hairstyle, and curled hair is always a favourite go-to hairstyle. Whether you’re new to hair extensions or a long-term hair extensions user, curling your hair with extensions is a little different to curling your natural hair. In this post we’ll teach you everything there is to know about curling your hair with extensions to help you achieve long-lasting, voluminous curls.
Curling Hair with Extensions: What to Start From
There’s a few easy but essential things you’ll need to do before curling your hair extensions. Before you start to curl your hair, it’s important to prep the hair with the correct products to ensure that you don’t damage your hair and hair extensions and so that the curls last. If you’re washing your hair before curling it, make sure that your hair is completely dry and tangle-free before curling.
Apply a Heat Protectant
If you’re applying heat to your hair, make sure to always apply a Heat Protection Spray first in order to minimise any damage to your hair extensions and natural hair. Some heat protection sprays like the 10-in-1 Miracle Spray feature additional benefits like detangling, eliminating frizz and restoring shine.
Types of Hair Extensions for Curling
Real human hair extensions can be curled and styled with heated styling tools, unlike synthetic hair extensions. All Beauty Works Professional Extensions and Clip-in Extensions can be curled as they are made from 100% Remy human hair.
Selecting the Right Curling Tools
Different curling tools can be used to create different hairstyles when curling hair extensions. A round curling wand like the Professional Styler can be used to create classic, bouncy curls, whereas the ‘oblong’ shaped flat-iron wave bars can be used to create relaxed, s shaped waves. The general rule with curling wands is that the smaller the barrel the tighter the curl. Other hair styling tools like Straighteners and Rollers can be used to create curls.
How to Curl Hair Extensions?
Now that you know how to prep your hair & select your curler it’s time to curl your hair extensions!
Section Your Hair
Section the top section of your hair up and secure it with a Sectioning Clip so that you can start with the bottom layer of hair. Depending on how thick your hair is, you may want to curl your hair in a few layers. It’s important to work with manageable layers to ensure the heat is being evenly distributed on your hair.
Curl Your Hair
Now that your hair is sectioned you can begin curling! We’d recommend setting the heat on your curler to around 180 degrees. Remember, hair extensions are more delicate than natural hair, so lower heat settings are recommended.
Take about 1-2 inch of hair at a time, and curl the hair around the wand, with the wand facing away from your face. Hold the hair around the wand for 10 seconds.
Set the curl
Allow the curl to release into your hand and hold it gently while it cools, then after a few seconds, slowly release the hair and allow it to fall into the curl. Repeat this process on each layer of hair.
Pin the Curl
For super long-lasting results, you can pin each curl with a clip as you go to allow the curl to fully cool and set. This step isn’t necessary but it helps to add volume and longevity to your curls.
Brush your hair
Once your hair is fully curled and cooled, use our Boar Bristle Brush to gently brush out the curls.
How to Take Care of Curled Extensions
Caring for your hair extensions after you’ve curled them will ensure that you maintain glossy, full-volume curls. You can spritz the curls with a Hairspray to add extra hold and volume or use a lightweight styling product like our Argan Serum to define your curls and reduce any frizz.
Styling Ideas and Inspiration
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to style curled hair with extensions, discover our favourite curled hairstyles, including half-up hair looks, bouncy face-framing curls, curled up-do’s and cool girl curls.
Bouncy Face-framing Curls
Romantic updo
Relaxed Ponytail
Half-up Half-down
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
By following the guide above, you should be able to curl your hair extensions like a pro, but let’s clear up a few common mistakes. The most common mistake is taking too large of a hair section to curl around the wand, the hair won’t distribute evenly and your hair won’t hold the curl. Another mistake which can lead to uneven curls is leaving an uneven or different space when curling your hair around the wand, for example, if you wrap the hair 3 times around the wand on one section of hair, do the same on other sections of hair that are the same length.
After reading this post you'll be an expert in curling hair extensions! For more tips and tutorials, check out our Instagram and Tiktok.
