Whether you have purchased straight, wavy, or curly hair extensions, you’ll no doubt want to switch up your style from time to time. One easy way to add new life to your look is to curl your hair - but is it safe? Caring for your hair extensions properly is the best way to ensure that your extensions stay looking fresher, longer (and that your natural hair stays protected, too!).
So, can you curl human hair extensions without damage? Yes! To be fair, heat styling always has the risk of damaging your hair. However, you can decrease the damage and make sure your hair isn’t ruined by styling by following these useful tips.
How to safely curl hair extensions with heat
If you plan to use heat tools to curl your remy human hair, you’ll want to start by selecting the best tool for the job. Then, invest in a heat protectant that will create a barrier between the tool and your hair. Finally, use the right technique to get curls that last, so you don’t have to use heat again and again.
1. Use the right tool
Choose tools with certain functionality and materials to ensure the best results and keep your strands safe. Tourmaline heat tools help to evenly distribute heat to avoid “hot spots” that can fry certain parts of your hair, while leaving the rest uneven. Ceramic offers similar benefits, while staying stable even at higher temperatures.
Look for tools that put the power in your hands. Tools that allow you to turn the heat to the temperature you desire can help prevent overheating (remember, temperatures below 200 degrees are best).
2. Use a heat protectant
There are a variety of heat protection options on the market to help defend against high heat while adding extra benefits. Try a serum to boost moisture and leave strands silkier after use. A spray could be a simple option to use on dry hair before use. You can even start your heat style preparation right out of the shower by using a cream-based product on wet hair before blow drying.
3. Watch your technique
When you’re ready to start styling, be mindful of your technique to create curls that last. Hold each curl for at least 10 seconds after pulling from the iron to help each curl “set”. You can also clip up curls for 15 minutes or more. By letting your curls cool to set, they’ll be less likely to fall immediately. When possible, try to avoid hair sprays on your extensions, as they can leave behind residue.
Heatless curls for hair extensions
The best way to avoid heat damage altogether is to try heatless curling styles. From Pinterest to TikTok and beyond, there are endless methods to achieving beautiful curls without the use of heat.
1. The sock method
With this method, you can take 2-inch pieces of your hair, starting from the back, and wrap them around a long sock. You may use a one-strand method or two-strand method to twist the hair around a (clean!) sock. Use hair ties to secure the socks, and wear to bed. In the morning, release the hair from the socks to reveal bouncy, beautiful curls.
2. Pin curls
Go vintage and try the classic pin curl method. For this method, you can spritz the hair to dampen just a bit before curling around your finger. Pin the curl to your head, wrap in a bonnet, and let the curls set overnight.
3. Curl rods
You can find curl rods, sometimes called twist rods, at your local beauty supply. These flexible, bendable rods allow you to wrap your hair in 1 or 2 inch pieces around a rod of the size you choose. You can create smaller ringlets by choosing a smaller size rod, or create larger curls with rods up to 1 ½ inches.
Your human hair extensions can easily be curled to create beautiful new looks. With the right care, they can be reused and styled in many ways over time. Be sure to follow this guidance to keep hair protected with heat tools, or try heatless styles to avoid potentially damaging Effects.
For more information on how to care for your extensions, visit the Femme + Fierce Hair Guide.