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Adding extensions to short hair can be a great way to switch up your style, but it’s important to know the right ways to blend them seamlessly for a more natural look.
Although installing them on very short hair can be a little trickier than doing it on longer locks, making it happen is not impossible!
Extensions in very short hair can provide extra length and volume, which allows you to recreate any hairstyle you desire.
With a few different ways to hide your extensions in short hair, you can achieve the effect you want without anyone noticing.
Don’t know where to start? We’re here to teach you how!
In this guide, you can find everything you need to know about how to hide extensions in very short hair and tips to do it correctly.
Before anything else, let’s go over what hair extensions are and their different types.
What Are Hair Extensions?
Also known as “hair weaves,” hair extensions are pieces of hair strands that are installed to your own natural hair to make it look longer and/or fuller.
They are usually made from real or synthetic hair (more about them in a few!) that could be taped in, woven, glued, or clipped onto your natural locks.
Hair extensions come in a variety of shapes and sizes too so they can easily be tailored to match your natural hair type.
Since they are a popular choice for hairstyling, many people use hair extensions as an easy way to create their desired look without having to wait months or even years for their own natural hair to grow out.
There are two kinds of materials used to create hair extensions. Both of them come in different textures, colors, styles, and lengths that can help you achieve any hairstyle you like.
Here’s how you can differentiate the two:
| Synthetic Hair Strands | Human Hair Strands |
|---|---|
| Made from nylon, acrylic, or polyester | Made from virgin or processed human hair |
| More expensive alternatives are silkier and smoother | Heavier in weight |
| Can be washed and colored using paints, inks, and fabric dye. | Ultra-soft and silky |
| Lighter in weight | More ideal for those with thick hair |
| More ideal for those with thin hair | Can be washed, conditioned, and colored |
| Can be safely heated and styled depending on the quality | Can be safely heated using hair tools |
| More resistant to humidity and rain | Provides styling freedom |
| More affordable | Prone to ruined style when exposed to rain or too much heat |
| Expensive |
Ways to Hide Hair Extensions on Very Short Hair
Want an instant hair fix using hair extensions but not sure if it’s possible on your very short hair? There are a few ways to do that.
The most common concern when hiding extensions with really short hair is that it looks awfully unnatural when attached poorly.
With careful, meticulous methods, you can install extensions in very short hairstyles without making it obvious that hair is not all yours!
Many people commit mistakes even at the stage of choosing their hair extensions. They could have avoided them if they had known these easy-to-remember tips and tricks!
Choose a Suitable Color
If you don’t want anyone noticing that you’re wearing hair extensions, you should pick a shade that’s similar to your hair color.
Hair extensions are usually attached to the crown of your head, so you need to choose a shade that’s similar to the bottom portion of your natural locks for them to look like your own.
Put on Heavier Extensions
Are you short-haired and struggling with thin hair? We recommend putting on a heavier set of hair extensions for a well-blended look.
A common misconception when learning about how to hide extensions in thin hair? Going for a lighter set instead of a heavier one.
You will be needing more pieces of hair extensions in order to thoroughly blend hair extensions with your shorter strands.
If you have short hair, we recommend selecting extensions that weigh at least 100 grams. However, if you’re aiming for a thicker and fuller look, go all out with 150 to 200 grams.
Trim Extensions for a Well-Blended Look
If you want to know how to blend extensions into short hair seamlessly, you can choose to trim your hair extensions before installing them on your short hair.
While it is possible, it is undeniably harder to hide short natural hair if much of the length of your extensions does not match your natural hair length.
If you want to skip your hairstylist’s help on this, you may cut them yourself, but make sure to keep these in mind:
- Make sure your hair is dry before trimming.
- Detangle any hair knots using a wide-toothed comb.
- Use scissors that are meant for cutting hair.
- Properly place the extensions on your head to check the correct length.
- Trim the extension in layers to retain some of its length. Make sure the layers you make look natural on your real hair.
- No need to cut your real hair just for it to blend with your hair extensions!
Straighten or Curl the Extensions
Another trick on how to hide extensions in very short hair is to style them together.
To do this, take small portions of extensions and blend them with your natural hair strands. Then curl or straighten them together depending on your liking to make them look natural.
Select Short Curly Hair Extensions
Buying short curly hair extensions will definitely save a lot of styling time because you would no longer need to trim your extensions.
Short curly hair extensions will give you the fuller look you desire while staying hidden in your very short hair. If you find unattractive layers underneath your extensions, simply hide them using hairpins.
The Funmi Hair Loose Short Curly Weave Human Hair Extensions are perfect examples of short curly hair extensions that give you full and thick hair.
You can also straighten, curl, dye, and bleach the extensions’ strands as you please.
Make a Pretty Braid
A different technique on how to hide weave tracks with short hair is to make a lovely braid.
This method is generally safer on your scalp as it creates a natural cover on your hairline as well as the bonds of your extensions.
Also, it helps to let you move freely without the need to check all the time if the extensions are still in place.
Do these tips to effectively hide them:
- Trim the extensions around both of your ears.
- Take small portions of your natural hair and extensions and twist or braid them together.
- You can also pin the braid properly to your head if it helps.
French-Braid the Lower Sections of Your Hair
Another method that you can do to seamlessly hide most of your very short hair in extensions is to braid the bulk of your lowermost section of hair at the back of your head.
Try doing this by following these steps:
- Section your hair near the top and clip it on.
- For the remaining hair, horizontally part your hair above your ears.
- Do a tight horizontal French braid for about two to three inches with this new section above your ears. Then do a normal braid for the remaining length and tie it with a small clear elastic, leaving it dangling.
- Do the same for the row beneath this. Now you have two braids starting above one ear.
- On the other side of your head, above your other ear, repeat steps 3 and 4.
- For the remaining hair at the back, do a French braid in a zigzag or S-shape and tie the end with an elastic.
- Once all of your hair underneath has been braided up, pull back the dangling braids (from the rows above your ears in steps 3 to 5) and hook them into the zigzag French braid at the back of your head using bobby pins.
- After that, you may start attaching your clip-in extensions.
- Unclip the top section of your hair (from step 1).
- Keep horizontally sectioning this remaining hair and layer each thin section with clip-in extensions.
- Finish by spritzing hairspray on your hairbrush and brushing the natural hair and hair extensions together to blend them both.
If you want a video tutorial on that, check this one out:
Point-Cut the Ends of Your Natural Hair
Point-cutting your very short hair with the help of a professional is one of the easiest ways to seamlessly blend extensions with your natural hair.
By positioning your scissors vertically rather than horizontally, the cuts create texture and blend layers together.
Compared to straight, blunt cuts, point cuts allow easier hiding of extensions especially if you have thick and heavy hair.
Tie Your Underneath Hair Into a Low Ponytail
Want to know another easy trick? You may also hide your extensions in very short hair by tying your short hair underneath into a low ponytail.
It’s easy and simple! Just follow these steps:
- Part the top half of your hair up and secure it with a larger hair clip.
- To do a low ponytail, pull your remaining hair underneath and tie it with a small elastic. Make sure it is tied closely against your neck.
- If you have thin hair, you may leave it as is then attach your extensions.
- However, if you have thick hair, fold your pony up, and flatten and fasten them onto your head using bobby pins. Then install your hair extensions.
A Half-Up Hairdo Can Do the Trick!
Don’t want your pesky, little short hairs to come out through the sides of your neck while wearing extensions? The simple half-up hairstyle can help you hide them very well.
Don’t know how to do that? We’ll teach you how! Follow these easy steps:
- Separate the upper part of your hair starting from behind your ear all the way around to the other side. Then clip them so they don’t hang down.
- Take a hair spray and spray it on your hair’s lower section.
- Take one side of the lower section and twist it into itself until it reaches the other side. You can also do a French braid if your hair is a bit longer.
- When you get to the end, take a bobby pin to secure it. For the excess tips, twist them back and hide them inside the twisted hair by inserting another pin. When all of the hairs are tucked in, use your hair spray for added hold.
- Then take your clip-in extensions and install them either above or below the twisted hair, depending on your preference.
- Attach the other wefts of extensions on your natural hair just like how you normally do it.
- When your extensions are all clipped in, do a half-up hairstyle by taking the remaining short hairs at the front and pull them back and clip them with bobby pins or your preferred accessorized clips.
The Best Hair Extensions for Very Short Hair
Hair extensions provide more versatility when it comes to styling your hair, allowing you to create new looks that you wouldn’t be able to achieve with natural hair alone, even more so with very short hair.
Apart from knowing how to hide them seamlessly in your very short hair, it’s also equally important to know which type of extensions and application method best fit your needs.
Read on to select the best!
Clip-In Extensions
If you’re more of the low-commitment type, clip-in extensions could be your best bet. This type of extension has sewn-in clips that enable easier installation and removal from natural hair.
Friendly tip, your hair should be at least four inches long to make the clip-in extensions stay in place and look natural.
Before buying clip-in extensions, you should first consider the following:
Pros
- Can transform your hair game in only 15 minutes
- Can be done by yourself at home.
- Application doesn’t require heat or glue
- Reusable several times
- Doesn’t cause breakage or damage to hair
- More affordable than other types
Cons
- Not recommended for those with thin hair
- Should be removed before going to bed
The S-noilite Clip in Hair Extensions are top-rated human hair extensions that easily blend with your own hair. It is very durable and stays in good condition for six to nine months with proper care.
Tape-In Extensions
The tape-in application technique is one of the quickest and simplest methods of adding hair extensions to one’s own real hair.
The type has weft strands that come pre-taped in sections and uses inch-wide pieces of tape for installation on natural hair. Compared to clip-ins, these have fewer strands on each bundle.
Also, your hair should be at least two inches long to provide a good base for the extensions.
Keep these details in mind before installing your tape-in extensions on your very short hair:
Pros
- Doesn’t damage natural hair
- Can be easily styled using hair tools and other styling products
- One of the most secure installation methods for extensions
- Ideal for those with thin hair
Cons
- Installation process is at 45 minutes to an hour by a hairstylist
- Not reusable
- Using oil-based products may cause slippage
Tip Extensions
More inclined to semi-permanent hair extensions? You should try having tip extensions!
This type of extension uses the strand-by-strand method which enables a discreet and well-blended style. There are two kinds of tip extensions that you can pick depending on your preference.
Just like tape-in extensions, your hair should be at least two inches long to effectively insert the tips on the base of your very short hair.
1. K-Tip
Wondering how to hide extensions when putting hair up? Try wearing K-tips. Also known as keratin tip extensions, these use a heating tool to adhere keratin bonds to the roots of natural hair.
Here are some of the things that you need to consider before having K-tip extensions:
Pros
- Allows hairstyle versatility
- Low maintenance
- Could last up to four to six months
- Proven to be hypoallergenic
- Very secure method of extensions application
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Installation and removal require professional help
- May cause hair damage if not installed correctly
- Not reusable
2. I-Tip
Another method to avoid bad extensions on short hair? Try this installation style of hair extensions called I-tip. Unlike K-tips, these don’t require heat but are attached using a micro link bead or cylinder.
How are these attached? A small part of natural hair is pulled through the tiny bead or near the hair roots. Then, an extension strand is inserted in the bead and closed together using a special pair of pliers.
Interested in installing I-tip extensions on your short hair? Take note of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Works well with very fine hair
- Ideal for any hair type
- Reusable
- Doesn’t require heat and chemicals for installation
- Feels lightweight
- Easily customized and styled
- Very secure method of hiding extensions
Cons
- Installing is time-consuming
- Installation and removal may require help from a professional
- Needs move-up maintenance every four to eight weeks depending on hair growth
Halo Hair Extensions
Going for one of the easier methods to hide your short hair in extensions without the fear of damaging them? Try Halo Hair Extensions.
This type of extension is made with a single weft of hair that is installed to a clear nylon wire shaped like a “halo.” When worn, it does sit on your head like a halo.
To hide the nylon wire and the weft, you need to pull some of your hair from underneath the halo and over it to cover the wire.
Sounds like a good hair extension option to you? Read on to know what to expect from this type of hair extension:
Pros:
- Damage-free extensions
- Durable
- Feels weightless when worn
- Ideal for those with thinning hair
- Gives even volume from the sides all the way to the back
- Can be styled, dyed, and washed
- Reusable
Cons:
- Hairstyle options are limited
- Curling or straightening of extensions should be done off your head
- May not fit securely if it doesn’t match your head measurements
- Must be removed before going to bed
- Must be taken off before swimming
- Might fall off when doing extreme activities or if you’re hanging upside down
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make My Extensions Look Real In Short Hair?
When it comes to making extensions look real in short hair, there are a few tricks you can use.
First, don’t go too long with your extensions; choose ones that are the same length as your natural hair or just slightly longer.
Second, make sure they match your existing hair color and texture.
And third, you may opt to style them with a curling iron and/or flat iron so that they blend together with your natural hair.
Other useful tips can be found in the sections above!
If done carefully, these simple tricks can help you achieve a beautiful and realistic-looking head full of long hair in no time
What’s the Shortest Your Hair Can Be for Extensions?
When it comes to extensions, the shortest your hair can be depends on the type of extensions you are considering.
If you are looking for traditional clip-in extensions, your hair should be at least four inches long to stay in place and look natural.
But if you want tape-in or micro bead extensions, your hair must be at least two inches long to provide a good base for the wefts.
The shorter your hair is, the harder it is for the stylist to fit individual strands of synthetic or real hair into and secure them with clips or adhesive tapes.
Additionally, it’s more challenging to create a full look when working with shorter lengths as there isn’t much length and volume to work with.
To get the best results from any type of extensions, it’s important to follow your hairstylist’s advice about what length is ideal for achieving the best results.
Can Hair Extensions Cause Scalp Allergies or Any Scalp Issues?
Yes, hair extensions can cause scalp allergies or other issues like dermatitis if they are not installed correctly.
Even if the extensions are made of quality and durable materials, they can still adversely affect the scalp.
This is because the tension put on the scalp during installation and while wearing the extensions for a long time pulls at one’s natural hair, causing friction that can irritate the scalp.
Any kind of glue used for installing hair extensions could potentially cause allergies or an allergic reaction as well.
It’s also a good idea to consult a professional stylist before opting for any particular type of extensions; this will help you determine if any of them will be likely to cause any sort of issue with your scalp.
Hiding Your Hair Extensions In Very Short Hair Is Possible!
Committing mistakes when learning how to hide extensions in very short hair is normal, but it can be avoided.
Following our helpful tips to blend your extensions better with your natural hair is a good stepping stone toward achieving any look you desire even with your very short hair.
With a little practice and patience, you will soon learn how to work with hair extensions with your short hair and find the perfect combination for your look.
We can’t wait to see you rock that head-turning short hairstyle!
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