7 Exciting Things to Do With Your Old Hair Extensions
Are you the owner of a drawer full of old hair extensions? Us too. We get it - these locks of hair were once your pride and joy. Hey - they gifted you with months of lavish locks – how could you just throw them away? Plus, you spent your hard-earned cash on them! So we totally understand – you simply don’t want to part with them.
But when they don’t quite cut it as actual hair extensions anymore, but they’re still too fine to part with – what exactly can you do with them?
Turns out, there are TONS of exciting ways to revive and make the most out of your old hair extensions.
Here’s how to get your money’s worth:
Fashion Them into a Hair Accessory
- Those tired extensions ain’t suitable for glamming up your mane anymore, but fashion them into a hair accessory and hey presto! Said extensions are revived and ready to partay.
1: Clip-In Braids
Want instant definition and texture to your hair? Who doesn’t! But how?
Readymade braids.
And they’re super simple to make. Grab your old clip-in hair extensions and braid them. Clip into your hair whenever you want romantic bohemian vibes. Looks like you spent ages crafting and braiding your hair - in reality, you whipped them out of a drawer and attached them in just a few seconds. Result!
This technique works with ALL hair colors, but if you have some old balayage or ombre clip-ins laying around then you’re in luck. These sun-kissed colors create an effortless beachy-boho vibe.
2. Messy Hair Bun
We know you’re green-eyed over your mate with the artfully messed-up, bouncy bun. How? Because we’ve been there too. But take our advice and stop drooling - start recreating. It’s a surprisingly easy hairstyle to replicate!
Take a hair doughnut and wrap your old hair extensions around the doughnut to create a thick, volumised bun. Either glue or pin the ends onto the underside of the doughnut to secure in place. Place it over a ponytail, then wrap your tresses over the top for added thickness. Backcomb your hair and pull out random strands for a sexy, undone look. Your bun mate will be livid.
3: Braided Hairband
We all know one – that smug girl who seems to float wistfully around your neighbourhood with a billowing maxi dress and effortlessly braided crown… how does she do it? Well, she doesn’t. Who has time to braid their crown every day anyway? We’re telling you – it’s a braided hairband.
Good news – you can easily make your own braided crown with used hair extensions. Simply plait the old hair and secure at each end with an Invisibobble. Use Kirby clips to secure the ends underneath your hair at the nape of your neck. Add a few more clips around the crown to keep the braid secure and voila – you’re now THAT girl.
4: Hair Wrapped Bobble
Concealing your bobble with a strand of hair wrapped around it elevates your ponytail from basic to swanky in no time.
But what if your do is more er, rat’s tail than ponytail?
You’ll most likely struggle to loan the extra locks needed to skilfully hide your hair tie. Not to worry, an old extension will do the trick nicely.
Slot a small hair extension (such as one of our Nano Ring Hair Extensions) under the bobble – don’t worry you won’t see this bit – and proceed to wrap the extension all around the bobble for a seamless and sophisticated finish. Secure the ends underneath your ponytail with a clip. No extra natural hair needed!
5: Use to Create Volume
Feeling a little retro? A beehive is in order. But wait… you’re simply not blessed with the kind of bountiful mane required to create a beehive of Bardot proportions – what’s a girl to do?
Create a ‘hair rat’.
Er…. say what!
Don’t worry. We don’t mean create an actual rat out of hair.
Phew! No, a hair rat has been utilised by ladies since the 19th century and it’s since become an industry secret used by anyone requiring a little help in the volumised bonce department. It’s basically a ball of hair placed under the locks on your crown to create impressive height. Here’s how to make one:
• Backcomb your hair extensions and scrunch them into a ball
• Place them into a hair net - your hair rat is now complete!
• Section your locks at the top of the crown and secure your hair rat into place with clips or hairpins
• Comb your own hair over the top and style into a trendy beehive – Brigitte Bardot eat your heart out!
• Store somewhere no one will ever set eyes on it.
6: Make a Clip-in Fringe
This is the perfect afterlife for any of our old weft extensions. Simply clip the weft into the front of your hair, where a fringe would be, and snip into your desired fringe shape.
Not confident with the scissors? Take it to a hairdresser!
For a small fee, a professional would be happy to chop it for you. Tada! You now have a non-permanent fringe, forever. No trims, no awkward growing out stage, no regrets. Clip in when you fancy beautiful bangs – whip out when you don’t! Easy peasy.
7: Create Clip-In Highlights
Want to experiment with funky colors but don’t want to commit?
Clip-in highlights are the way forward. There’s no need to buy new extensions – any of our old blonde extensions will do. Dye them quirky hues such as pastel pink or mint green, then clip into your hair for INSTANT hipster highlights. Amazing for festival season or parties.
Need some color inspiration? Check out our Funky Colors section for cool color ideas!
Tip: Look After Your Extensions to Prolong Their Use
So there are loads of cool things you can do with your old hair extensions after their alleged use by date. But if they’re a complete ratty mess - you might just have to bite the bullet and throw them away.
To ensure your hair extensions survive a second wind as a funky hair accessory then you must LOOK AFTER THEM.
That means treating them with shampoo, conditioner and haircare products made especially for hair extensions. Our 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner, Heat Protection Spray and Satin Touch Detangling Hair Brush are all wonder products that ensure your hair extensions can enjoy extra lives as luxury hair accoutrements. Check them out here.
Have you given your old hair extensions a second wind? What did you make out of them?!
So, now that you know what to do with your old hair extensions, why not have a browse through our hair extension collection here at Cliphair to revamp your hair. Our goal is to provide confidence boosting, affordable, gorgeous hair extensions for all, no matter the hair type or concern. We have a wide range of lengths and over 50 shades to choose from including our new balayage shades! We have also got all the accessories and haircare products you need to apply and maintain them here. Whatever your after you will find it in our selection, and what’s more if you need any help choosing the right ones for you feel free to ask an expert and use our FREE Color Match and Advice service by clicking the button below!
Stay tuned for next week's blog
Everyone’s Wearing These Top Summer Hair Accessories
