5 Things to Know About Clip In Hair Extensions
Can you believe this year is already almost over! I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have SERIOUSLY lived in 2021 --- through the pandemic that never seems to end, a long-waited dream destination wedding, and a move with my husband to a new country and a new life. This year has been scary, crazy, hard, and exciting, and I for one am ready to celebrate the wins, reflect on the lessons and ring in 2022 in style!
This will be my first New Year’s partying in a new country, and I can’t wait to kick it off in Beirut. We have plans that I’m crazy excited about, so if you don’t follow me on Instagram, make sure you do so you don’t miss the fun! But for now, I am working on the last-minute details of my look, and the major piece of that puzzle is the hair!
I have mostly been wearing wigs, weaves, and braids since I moved to Lebanon, but I wanted to mix it up and try something new. I have experimented off and on with clip in hair extensions but always had trouble finding a good texture match and blending them in. But when Perfect Locks approached me, I decided to give them a try, and I have to say I’m hooked! Perfect Locks is a premium hair company specializing in top quality hair extensions of all types – wigs, weft bundles for weaves, and clip in or tape in extensions. All their products begin with premium quality 100% Authentic Virgin Indian Remy Hair that is ethically sourced and goes through a rigorous process from assembly to coloring. They sent me a package of their Relaxed Straight Lace Clip in Extensions for review and I had so much fun playing with them.
Here are 5 things I learned about styling clip in hair extensions that you need to know!
5 Things to Know About Clip In Hair Extensions!
Make sure you find the perfect match for your hair.
Clip ins look way more natural than lace front wigs or closure weaves, but only if they blend with your hair! Since you clip the pieces in between layers of your natural hair, if they don’t match color and texture, it’s not going to work! Perfect Locks has a lot of different color and texture options to choose from, and they can also help you texture match your hair if you send them a picture. I chose Relaxed Straight since it seemed the closest match to what my natural hair looked like when it was blown out and flat ironed. Even though all the colors and textures look beautiful, don’t be tempted! If it doesn’t match your natural hair, they will not blend. If you want to experiment with different colors and textures, stick to wigs or full head weaves so you won’t have to worry about blending color and texture.
You can customize your clip ins to get your dream look.
Clip ins are versatile, and part of the styling process should be making them work for you! You can play with the placement of each clip in for a different look, have them cut for a length you love or to create layers, or even get them customize the color. You can do that yourself or take them to a salon and have them professionally colored or highlighted. The possibilities are endless.
If DIY styling isn’t your thing, you can have a pro install them
I have played with clip ins before and found them so challenging to work with! Granted that set was not a great texture match for me so it just looked crazy. But clip in extensions have to be installed and also styled, flat ironed, or curled to get the final look. Even if you find your perfect match, you may want to get some help with installation and styling, especially if you aren’t big on DIY styling. Last time I was at a hair salon I saw a woman getting beautifully custom colored clip in extensions and they were installed flawlessly! I think for when I’m wearing them for a special occasion, like New Year’s Eve, I’ll enlist a pro, just to make sure everything looks perfectly naturally.
You can use as much or as little as you want
You might be tempted to use every single clip in that comes in your set, but you don’t have to! My Perfect Locks set included 7 pieces so you can customize the installation for the best placement. It gives you the option to add them all over for lots of volume, or just a little bit for some extra length. If you overdo it you will risk losing the smooth, natural look so be sure to keep that in mind.
Clip ins can also work for updos
Did you know that you can use clip ins for updos and other styles? In addition to adding pieces for length, you can clip them in to add volume or height to your updos. The trick is to clip them in upside down against the roots, so the hair is facing up instead of down. Then just continue pulling your hair up into the style you want! Clip ins are known for being versatile so have fun with them!
Have you tried clip in extensions? Be sure to check out Perfect Locks and stay tuned for my New Year’s Eve look! And thanks again to the Perfect Locks team for gifting me my set of clip in hair extensions!
3 Fun & Easy Ways to Have Perfect Holiday Hair!
This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ILookGoody
Are you getting ready for the holidays? I’m slowly catching the holiday spirit and trying to find ways to keep the positive vibes going! But my décor is almost done and my shopping is in progress, so I’m turning my attention to my outfit and hairstyles. I partnered with Goody to create some timeless hairstyles using some of their essential products!
Goody products are just what you need to unleash your style with confidence. They innovate function and fashion, making it easy to quickly create a look that is uniquely you. Plus no matter what your hair type, they’ve got something for you. Goody is an innovative and inclusive brand - all hair types and textures are welcome here!
3 Fun & Easy Ways to Have Perfect Holiday Hair!
Statement Styling with Bobby Pins
Statement bobby pin looks have been a major runway trend the past few seasons. I was inspired by some of the amazing high fashion hairstyles, and Goody makes it easy to get the runway look. I used the Goody® SlideProof Bobby Pins for this look. They are perfect for securing updos, flyaways, and layers, and you can stack them for creative styling. Plus they have a SlideProof grip to keep styles in place and a comfort tip for pain-free wear. Get creative with how you stack them – make a fun pattern or trade the simple black ones for something metallic or in color.
Textured Waves and Layered Headbands
This style is super chic and classic, and a breeze to put together. I curled my hair with a small curling iron and mussed the curls just to get some texture. Spritz on some hair spray to help keep hold the style all day. Then I added a few of the Goody® SlideProof™ Thin Silicone Headwraps. These thin black head bands are soft, stretchy, and durable enough to endure high impact sports and workouts, but they look super cute on a dressy style as well. They feature SlideProof silicone spikes to lock your hair in place, while still offering a gentle hold that won't tug your hair.
Dreamy Half Updo
A half up half down hairstyle is the perfect, unfussy way to elevate your look. If a full updo isn’t your thing, try gathering just the upper half of your hair and securing it with a clip. I kept it low key, using one of the Goody® SlideProof Claw Clips . These classic claw clips are great for everything from a super sleek twist or the effortless, just threw my hair up look I’m going for. And they have a SlideProof grip for all-day stay!
Getting Ready for Spring: 3 Must Try Hair Styles with SheaMoisture!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FindYourShea #CollectiveBias
I’m so ready to freshen up my look for Spring! Winter will hopefully be over in a few short weeks, but I’m relishing the opportunity to escape for a bit and enjoy some fun in the sun. I’ve been hanging out in LA a bit, enjoying the sunshine and getting inspired for when the good weather finally hits NYC.
I don’t know about you, but my hair has really taken a beating this winter. It gets super dry and frizzy, and extra breakage prone! I’ve been saving my strands with a combination of protective styling and products that bring the moisture. One of my go to brands is SheaMoisture. I love that the products have natural, yet effective ingredients, smell incredible, and they have a variety of product lines depending on your hair’s needs. Plus they avoid using harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, paraffin, formaldehyde, and petroleum. I like to balance taking care of and protecting my hair with having fun with it, so wanted to share a few fun low-maintenance looks that I’m loving for the season!
Interested in trying out the SheaMoisture hair products? Hover over the photo to click through and shop!
Messy Pigtails
This youthful style is chic again! Braids have a carefree, bohemian vibe this look is perfect for channeling that spirit. It’s also great for when your straight or stretched hair is a few days old and starting to frizz. Just be sure to keep them a little loose and messy, not too neat and perfect. And add a little headband or scarf to jazz it up
Beach Babe Waves
No other style is more iconic for summer! It has an easy breezy vibe and holds up well to wind and humidity. Just braid dry straight hair in medium sized sections, let them set overnight, then unbraid and fluff in the morning.
Sleek Bun
Sometimes it’s just too hot to deal with hair, so slick it back for a chic easy look. A middle part is most flattering for the shape of my face, but you can also play with a side part or even pulling it all straight back. Finish the look with a few hair clips or a pair of statement earrings!
After wash day is complete, you are ready to style!
Check out SheaMoisture products at your local Walmart. They’ve got everything you need to hydrate & replenish dry, damaged hair whether your hair texture is curly, coily, or kinky. Plus you just can’t beat the super affordable price. Let me know what you think and any of your favorite Spring hairstyles I should try!
New Year New Look: My New Healthy Hair Routine for 2019
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HaircareWithIntegrity #CollectiveBias
How is the first week of 2019 treating you? Hopefully you are recovered from plenty of time spent ringing in the New Year, and are ready to start the new year with a bang! This time of year is great for reflecting on all the changes the previous year, diving into your goals, and trying something new. I’m not particularly one for New Years Resolutions, but I did set one that I’m going to try to keep – take better care of my hair! It may sound shallow compared to people that are setting career, fitness and other big life goals. But self-care is important, and it goes for both the inside and out. I have to admit that I was not the best to my hair in 2018!
I experimented with color and a chemical treatment, and did way more straightening than I used to. By the end of the year my strands were, dry, frizzy, full of breakage and desperately needing some TLC. I decided that I’m going to dedicate the first half of 2019 to restoring the health and strength of my hair. Part of that journey means lots of protective styling to give my hair the break it needs. Protective styling breaks are essential for naturally kinky textures since our hair tends to be drier, more coarse and prone to damage from frequent manipulation. So you will see me wearing lots more protective styles like braids and wigs, which still allow for flexibility and fun with your hair, but they keep your natural hair safe from damage causing elements. I also found some new star products that so far have been a hero for my hair!
Hover over the image below to start shopping the products!
Biotera Natural Origin Collection features seven color-safe products that gently restore beauty and radiance, delivering the honest-to-goodness healthy hair you need to achieve salon perfection. The products feature up to 97% naturally derived ingredients, offering a high quality alternative to some premium products for a fraction of the cost.
I’ve been using the NURTURE Conditioner and Masque, which is perfect for dry hair. It’s enriched with nourishing Coconut Oil and Honey and smells just delicious! I alternate the NURTURE line with the RESTORE strengthening line, which repairs damaged hair. It’s enriched with nutrient-rich Goji Berry and Chia Extract, and all their products are free from silicones, sulfates, parabens and dyes. They also use biodegradable formulas and 100% recyclable packaging, so you can care for your hair and the Earth at the same time. Here’s a quick tutorial on my new healthy hair routine and how I’m saving my strands without compromising my style!
Sunday’s are wash day so I start by gently detangling my hair using the Biotera Nuture Conditioner. I separate my curls into small sections and using just a little bit of my homemade spritz (aloe vera juice & rosewater) and a lot of the conditioner, I gently finger detangle each section. I do not use a comb or any styling tools, just my fingers and a lot of patience. Then I pop on a plastic cap and let that sit for a bit, mostly just to give my arms a break! Then shampoo and follow with a deep conditioning mask. I alternate between the Nuture and Restore Masques to balance moisturization and strengthening. As far as styling, I’m keeping that super simple! My hair hangs out in braids or twists and during the week I play with fun hair accessories, headwraps, or wigs so I always look cute and stylish. The routine is easy, simple, and keeping my hair healthy.
Let me know what your 2019 resolutions are, for beauty, hair, health or whatever!
How to Be Your Own #HairGoals with Prose Customized Hair Care
Let's be real - we are all on the quest to have the best hair possible. However you define your best hair is up to you - whether that be short and straight, long and bouncy or kinky curly. Great hair starts with health and I've been through HUNDREDS of products looking for the ones that would keep my curls hydrated, shiny and strong enough to resist breakage and maintain length.
My products arrived a week or 2 later with a detailed guide to the ingredients chosen and why they would be good for my hair. Some of the key ingredients were argan and jojoba oils for moisture, hyaluronic acid and collagen to repair and restore, and oat lipids and sunflower seed extract for color protection. My instructions are to shampoo and condition 2x a week, use the mask once a week, and 2x a month leave the mask on overnight for some ultimate hair rehab.
I noticed a difference right away and my hair has been getting even better with continued use. I mean take a look at these curls!
The shampoo cleansed without leaving my hair feeling stripped, and the conditioner and mask are rich, creamy and super hydrating. In short, it works wonders for my hair because it's made for my hair.