How to Layer Your Human Hair Extensions

Human hair extensions are an excellent way to get a long, luxurious hairstyle in an instant. However, sometimes that long, luxurious hair is just a little bit too long – as in one length all over. While unbelievable length can be great for a diva moment or red-carpet gathering, a blunt-cut curtain of hair can be drab, hot, heavy, and bothersome, not to mention unrealistic-looking. But never fear! Here’s how to cut your own hair extensions into layers if you can’t get a stylist to do it.

Install Your Extensions

First things first, get your extensions installed on your head; don’t rely on a wig head to replicate the shape, size, or needs of your scalp. Style the extensions the way you want them to fall in the final look, parting the hair where you want the final part to be and so on. All this will help ensure your coif is perfect when you are done. The techniques described here will work just as well for net weaves, sew-in and clip-in extensions, and fusion hair.

Section Your Hair

Next, pull your new extensions into four ponytails: two side by side at the front of the head like a little girl’s pigtails, and two at the back, stacked one on top of the other. For extra-thick or –long extensions, divide the back portion into three stacked ponytails.

Leave the bottom-back ponytail as is and only cut the other three to four sections of your hair; this way, you can realize the full length that you bought on at least one point on your head.

To cut a few inches off the top-back ponytails, slide your scrunchy or elastic band down to just above the length you wish to cut, then use a pair of super-sharp hair scissors to take off the unwanted ends. The amount you need to cut will vary, but try not to take off more than 3 to 4 inches at this point – too drastic a chop will just make your hair look blocky instead of layered.

Create the Fringe

Next tackle the front part, creating a gradual fringe around the face using a razor comb (pictured). For each front ponytail, comb the hair with a damp wide-toothed comb, then slide the razor comb down the length of the hair, starting at about eye level and working toward the tips for most women. Use quick, sharp strokes to thin out the hair and create a tapered look that suits your face. If you like, clip out a section of bangs with your scissors.

And that’s it! To keep track of layered clip-on or sewn-in extensions, simply number the tracks or clips with a paper tag or marker, starting with “1” for the back pieces and going up toward the front. Then you’ll know which order to use when re-installing, and you’ll have an easy, breezy, realistic look waiting on you!