How To Put in Hair Tinsel at Home in 3 Easy Ways

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Ready to add a touch of magic and shimmer to your locks? 

If so, you’re in the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we will teach you exactly how to put in hair tinsel at home, step by step. 

The back of a woman's hair wearing a gray shirt with long wavy hair and tansel.
Image courtesy of @beautybymia00

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or are simply wanting to experiment with a fun new look, installing hair tinsel is a fantastic way to elevate your style and showcase your creative personality!

From the different methods of attachments to tips on how to care for hair tinsels to ensure their longevity, we’ve got you covered!

So if you’re ready to embark on this magical journey and discover the secrets that hair tinsels can offer, read on until the end and get ready to shine like never before!

What Is a Hair Tinsel?

Imagine a magical shimmer dancing through your hair, catching the light with every movement.

That’s the essence of hair tinsel!

Hair tinsel, colloquially known as “fairy hair,” is a hair accessory that consists of thin, shimmering strands made from lightweight materials, such as synthetic or metallic threads. 

These strands are designed to catch the light and create a mesmerizing effect, turning your hair into a dazzling statement piece.

With a wide range of colors and textures available, hair tinsel offers endless possibilities for customization. 

Whether it be a subtle and delicate look or a bold and eye-catching style, you can choose a variety of tinsel shades, including metallics, pastels, or even vibrant rainbow colors.

The best part?

Installing hair tinsel is temporary and can be easily removed, allowing you to switch up your style whenever the mood strikes.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need for Hair Tinsel Installation

Before we teach you how to put in hair tinsel step by step, you will need to prepare specific tools and materials for each installation method. 

Here is a breakdown of the materials needed for each method.

Slip Knot

  • Hair tinsel strands
  • Detangling brush
  • Rat tail comb
  • Sectioning clips
  • Hair spray or gel
  • Scissors

Micro Beads/Rings

  • Hair tinsel strands
  • Micro rings (silicone-lined beads)
  • Loop tool
  • Micro bead/ring pliers
  • Detangling brush
  • Rat tail comb
  • Sectioning clips
  • Hair spray or gel
  • Scissors

Clip-Ins

  • Hair tinsel strands attached to clip-in extensions
  • Detangling brush
  • Rat tail comb
  • Sectioning clips
  • Hair spray or gel
  • Scissors (if necessary for trimming)

Preparing Your Hair for Tinsel Installation

How do you put hair tinsel in your hair smoothly and securely?

You need to follow these guidelines to ensure comfortable wear!

1. Clean and Dry Hair

Start with freshly washed and dried hair. Avoid applying tinsel to oily or greasy hair as it may affect the adhesion or installation process. 

Make sure to abide by this as this is one of the vital steps if you want to know how to put tinsel in your hair smoothly.

2. Detangle

Gently comb through your hair to remove any knots or tangles using a detangling brush such as the ones from Crave Naturals

This will make it easier to install the tinsel. This will also help make it easier to separate the hair into sections and ensure a smooth application of the tinsel.

3. Section the Hair

Use a rat tail comb to divide your hair into small, manageable sections and secure it using sectioning clips. 

This will help you work on one section at a time, making it easier to install the tinsel strands evenly throughout your hair.

4. Apply Hair Spray or Gel

How to put in hair tinsel so it stays? Make sure to apply a small amount of hair spray or gel to the section of hair where you plan to install the tinsel. 

This will help create a bit of texture and grip, making it easier for tinsel to adhere to the hair strands.

5. Choose Placement

One important step on how to put tinsel in hair is to decide where you want to place it. Plan your placement before starting the installation process.

You can opt for a scattered, random placement or a more structured pattern. 

Different Methods How To Put Hair Tinsel in Your Own Hair

Wanting to learn how to put hair tinsel on yourself is super easy! In fact, as mentioned, there are three popular application methods available!

In this section, we’re giving you a beginner-friendly installation guide on how to get tinsel in your hair using slip knots, micro beads, and clip-ins. Read on to master them!

Slip Knot Hair Tinsel Application

Curious about how to put in hair tinsel without tools? The slip knot method is the way!

It’s a very simple application method that can last around two to three days.

Follow this easy step-by-step installation guide.

  1. Prepare your hair.

    Start by ensuring your hair is clean, dry, and tangle-free. Comb your hair to remove any knots or snags.
  1. Cut tinsel strands.

    Cut the hair tinsel strands to your desired length. A recommended length is around 14 to 18 inches to allow for flexibility during the installation process.
  1. Create a slip knot.

    Take one tinsel strand and form a loop by crossing one end over the other, creating a shape similar to a pretzel.

    Take the loose ends of the tinsel and pass them through the loop you just formed. Insert them from the back of the loop toward the front.

    Then gently pull both loose ends of the tinsel, while holding the loop, to tighten the knot.
  1. Attach the tinsel.

    Place the slip knot loop over the selected hair close to the roots if desired.

    Hold the loop in one hand while grabbing the loose ends of the tinsel with the other hand.
  1. Secure the tinsel.

    Wrap the loose ends of the tinsel around the hair section and pull them through the slip knot loop.

    Gently tighten the knot to secure the tinsel against the hair.
  1. Adjust and repeat.

    Adjust the tinsel strand so that it lies flat against the hair. If desired, trim the ends to match your hair length.

    Repeat the process with additional tinsel strands, spacing them out evenly or clustering them as desired.

Micro Beads Hair Tinsel Application

Excited to discover how to put in hair tinsel with beads using the micro bead method?

Enhance your hairstyle with a touch of shimmer that lasts for up to two months and learn the simple steps to achieve a stunning tinsel look with the help of beads!

  1. Select a hair section.

    After ensuring your hair is clean and dry, choose a small section of hair where you want to place the tinsel.

    Use sectioning clips to keep the rest of your hair out of the way.
  1. Thread the bead through the loop tool.

    Take a microbead and slide it through the loop tool. Place it near the handle end, so it doesn’t slip off.
  1. Insert the hair and tinsel into the loop.

    Choose a small section of hair where you want to attach the tinsel.

    Hold the section with one hand and use the other hand to insert the loop tool through the hair, close to the roots. 

    Bring the tinsel strand through the loop of the tool as well. Ensure both the hair and tinsel are inside the loop.
  1. Slide the bead upward to thread your hair and the tinsel together.

    Hold the hair section with one hand and use the other hand to gently pull the loop tool, sliding the bead upward toward the roots to thread both the hair and the tinsel.

    Maintain a comfortable tension as you move the bead, ensuring it is secure against the hair.
  1. Clamp the bead.

    How to put in hair tinsel with a clamp? Easy-peasy!

    Using a pair of micro bead pliers, just carefully squeeze the micro bead flat and ensure it is securely clamped to hold the tinsel and hair in place.
  1. Repeat and adjust.

    Repeat steps 1 to 5 with additional tinsel strands, spacing them out or clustering them as preferred.

    Adjust the position of the tinsel strands and beads to create your desired look throughout different sections of your hair.

Clip-In Hair Tinsel Application

Learn how to put in hair tinsel with tools like clip-ins! 

Follow these simple steps to achieve a fairy-like tinsel look with the help of the clip-in application method, making it convenient and effortless for anyone wanting to add magic to their tresses short term.

  1. Prepare your ready-made clip-in hair tinsels.

    Ensure your ready-made clip-in hair tinsels are ready for use. These tinsels typically come with small clips attached to them.
  1. Section your hair.

    Divide your hair into small sections where you want to place the tinsels.

    Use sectioning clips to keep the rest of your hair away.
  1. Open the hair clip.

    Open the clip attached to the ready-made hair tinsel by pressing on the sides of the clip. This will expose the teeth or prongs of the clip.
  1. Position the tinsel.

    Place the ready-made clip-in hair tinsel near the root of the selected hair selection. Position the teeth or prongs of the clip against your natural hair.
  1. Close the clip to secure the tinsel.

    Press down on the clip’s sides to close it, securing the ready-made tinsel to your natural hair.

    Ensure the clip securely holds onto the natural hair but not too tightly to avoid discomfort.
  1. Repeat and adjust.

    Repeat steps 3 to 5 with additional ready-made hair tinsels, spacing them out or clustering them as desired.

    Adjust the position of the tinsels to create your desired look.

Hair Tinsel Maintenance and Longevity Tips

We already know how to put in hair tinsel through the easy steps we shared! Now, it’s time to learn how to take proper care of them.

Make sure to follow these steps to maintain the longevity of your hair tinsel and keep it looking fabulous especially if you’re wearing it for months!

Avoid Excess Heat

Limit the use of heat styling tools like flat and curling irons on hair with tinsel. Excessive heat can melt or damage the tinsel strands, causing them to lose their sparkle.

Gentle Handling

Be gentle when brushing or styling your hair to prevent tinsel strands from getting tangled or pulled out. 

Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for hair extensions to detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Best to use sulfate-free hair products as those with sulfate and alcohol can strip the tinsel strands of their shine and color.

Opting for gentle hair products can maintain the vibrancy of your tinsel.

Sleep With Care

Before going to bed, tie your hair loosely in a braid or use a satin or silk pillowcase. This helps reduce friction and prevents tinsel strands from getting tangled during sleep.

Regular Maintenance

Check your tinsel strands periodically to ensure they are securely attached.

If you notice any loose strands, gently reposition or reattach them using the respective method you used during installation.

Avoid Excessive Washing

One of the ways to care for tinseled hair is to limit the frequency of washing your hair to prevent the tinsel from becoming dull or dislodged. 

When you do wash your hair, use mild shampoo and conditioner, and avoid rubbing the tinsel vigorously.

A woman wearing black top with blue hair and tansels in a salon.
Image courtesy of @hairbylaceyshea

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take To Put in Hair Tinsel?

The time it takes to put in hair tinsels can vary depending on the installation method and the number of tinsel strands you want to apply.

On average, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to put in hair tinsel, considering the preparation, sectioning, and attaching process.

However, it may take longer for beginners who are unfamiliar with it. The more experienced you become, the faster and more efficient the process will be.

Remember that time can also be influenced by factors such as hair texture, length, and the desired tinsel placement.

What Is the Easiest Way To Put in Tinsel Hair?

The easiest way to put in hair tinsels is without beads and other complex techniques! If you ask us, our answer would be the clip-in method.

This method only involves attaching ready-made tinsel strands with small clips directly onto your hair, requiring no additional tools and difficult procedures.

This method is beginner-friendly and allows for easy removal and adjustment.

Is It Easy To Take Hair Tinsel Out?

Yes, it is generally easy to remove hair tinsel. The removal process depends on the method used for installation.

If you have clip-in tinsel, you can easily unclip the strands from your hair. 

For other methods like slip knots or micro beads, gently undo the knots or open the beads to release the tinsel from your hair.

It’s important to be gentle and patient to avoid tangling or damaging your hair. Overall, taking out hair tinsel is a straightforward process that can be done easily at home.

Rock a Hairstyle That Sparkles With Glamor!

Adding hair tinsels is a delightful way to bring a touch of magic and sparkle to your hairstyle.

With various methods like slip knots, micro beads, and clip-ins, you have the freedom to experiment with how to put in hair tinsels creatively.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hair enthusiast, the step-by-step guides provided here will make it easy for you to achieve stunning results.

So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and let your hair shine with the fairy magic of tinsels!

It’s time to sparkle and radiate confidence with every strand!

Looking for Other Ways To Amp Up Your Hairstyle?

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Authors

  • Janille Gultiano

    Jan, a distinguished freelance makeup artist, also boasts a BA in Mass Communication, laying the foundation for her diverse talents. For over four years, she's carved a niche as a captivating content writer, with her articles resonating in various spheres. Beyond writing, her expertise extends to crafting robust Public Relations and Corporate Communications strategies. Each endeavor reflects Jan's unique blend of creativity and precision

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  • Jessica Hoelscher

    With thirteen years in cosmetology, Jessica Hoelscher is a seasoned stylist recognized for her modern techniques. A graduate of Paul Mitchell the School in St. Louis, her expertise has been showcased on Fox Two News and in People Magazine. Self-employed at Salon Lofts, her work has graced TV screens, styling for renowned events and Ole Miss cheerleaders.

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