Curling Hair with  Extensions : What You Need to Know

Curling your hair extensions, regardless of whether they are made of synthetic or human hair, is possible. However, this article is going to explain the different methods to ensure you don’t damage or ruin your luscious locks, whilst giving your hair the utmost life and movement.

Do you have a straight one piece that needs a new look? Or maybe you’re curious to find out if you can curl your weft or tapes? That line of thinking, whatever your extension method, has led you to the article, and ultimately asking ‘Can you curl hair extensions?’.

And the answer is yes!

At Stranded, we know that a good hair day can make all the difference. And whilst we are praised for our wide range of styles in both synthetic and human hair extensions, we know that sometimes you want to switch up your look with what you already have.

Curling your hair extensions, regardless of whether they are made of synthetic or human hair, is possible. However, this article is going to explain the different methods to ensure you don’t damage or ruin your luscious locks, whilst giving your hair the utmost life and movement..

• Synthetic vs Human Hair: Which is best to curl?
• Best hair extensions to curl.
• Curling Human Hair Tape Extensions
• Curling Human Hair Clip-in Extensions
• Least recommended hair extensions to curl
• Top tips to curl hair extensions:
• How do I get my hair extensions to hold a curl?
• Can you curl extensions without heat?

Synthetic vs Human Hair: Which is best to curl?

Those in the hair industry, including us at Stranded, would argue that human hair is better to curl. Human hair, especially 100% Remy, shares almost all of the same properties as the natural hair on your head. As such, human hair behaves in the same way your own does, making both the curling process and the finished result far more natural.

However, human hair is susceptible to the same damage as the hair on our own head and will need to be treated as though it’s attached at the root. Be aware of heat and styling damage, so be gentle, keep the temperature low and ALWAYS use a heat protectant.

Synthetic hair extensions can also be curled, so don’t believe otherwise! However, curling synthetic hair requires a completely different process. This is because whilst synthetic hair can look natural, it is made of smart fibres that behave completely differently.

Curling synthetic hair extensions needs to be done at a lower temperature when using heated tools, or dipped in hot water and pinned. The cooling process will take a lot longer than human hair, and the curls do not drop the same way either.

Best hair extensions to curl

As we’ve already mentioned, most people in the hair industry would argue that human hair is the best hair extension material to curl. But what method of hair extension would be best?

Most types of professionally installed hair extensions, in human hair, would be the best for curls. Fitted hair extensions are connected to the hair and pose the least risk of coming loose during styling, as opposed to clip in extensions.

Curling Human Hair Tape Extensions

Personally, we would recommend tape extensions, as they are the least likely method to cause damage or breakage and are known to provide the least amount of tension on the hair or follicle. North Professional Hair is our most recommended tape brand, praised for their double-drawn, 100% Remy human hair. Find a stockist, here.

Curling Human Hair Clip-in Extensions

However, we understand that your lifestyle may not allow for professional hair extension fittings. Clip in extensions, where attached securely, are a great alternative and provide you with the option to wear extensions whenever you please. At Stranded, we stock human hair clip ins for those wanting a more natural and luxurious look. Shop the collection, here.

Least recommended hair extensions to curl

Though it is possible to curl all different types of extensions, including various methods and materials, we would recommend avoiding curling pre-style synthetic hair extensions.

Whilst most pre-styled synthetic hair extensions on the market are heat resistant, due to the way they are designed and manufactured, using heated tools on these products can disrupt the smart fibres and overall look.

Our Stranded pre-styled one pieces, such as the Straight One Piece, are heat resistant up to 180℃. However, we only recommend using heated tools to refresh or tweak the pre-styled look - rather than completely change it.

 If you know you want a curly style, with the option to wear it as you please, we would recommend purchasing a pre-styled extension. This will also save you time having to curl extension pieces you already have. Shop our Curly One Piece clip in here.

Top tips to curl hair extensions:

• Keep hot tools at a low temperature (180℃ highest for synthetic hair)
• Use heat protection spray on your natural hair and human hair extensions
• Avoid brushing through curls: use a wide-toothed comb or soft bristle brush
• Avoid excessive use of styling products such as mousse or hairspray

PRO TIP:While curling with a curler, hold the formed curl and let the extensions cool before letting the curl drop.

How do I get my hair extensions to hold a curl?

Human hair extensions act like your own hair and so many of these tips you may already use:

• Avoid curling the extensions soon after washing, as conditioner makes the hair silkier and, in turn, more slippery.
• Use hair mousse and/or hairspray, as the alcohol within the products will remove moisture, providing more grip and hold.
• Section the hair to ensure all pieces are evenly curled.
• Allow the curls to completely cool and set, before finishing with hairspray to secure.
• Avoid touching the hair once the look is completed, as this will loosen and disrupt the style.

To help synthetic extensions hold a curl better, use a curling iron or hot water and leave them to cool completely. Gently shake the curls or use a wide-toothed comb sparingly to help the curls drop, for a more natural look. Avoid using styling products.

Can you curl extensions without heat?

Yes! Heatless curls are a great alternative to heat styling both your human hair and synthetic hair extensions.

Heatless curls are the hottest (or should I say coolest) method to style your hair, at the moment! Maybe women are recognising the effect of heat damage on their hair, but don’t want to compromise their go-to curls.

 Hair care brand, Luna August, wrote a blog on how to create heatless curls using their heatless curler set, with three simple and easy steps:

• Dampen your natural hair and hair extensions with water and moisturising oil.
• Place the heatless curler on your head and twist your hair around, securing the two ends with a scrunchie.
• Leave overnight or until completely dry, and gently uncoil the hair from the curler. Finger-comb the hair to separate the curls.

What now?

You came to this article with a simple question, ‘Can you curl hair extensions?’. Since then, with the help of our in-house hair extension expertise, you have learned what the best extensions are to curl and how to do so safely, without compromising the condition of your hair.

But what should you do next?

We recommend checking out our human hair clip in collection, including our Seamless Five Piece and Luxury Four Piece, for the most convenient and natural-looking curls - when you decide you want them.

If you’ve decided that curling your own extensions might be too much hassle, why not check out our pre-styled curly collection? We stock our Curly One Pieceor Wand Wave One Piece, for body, movement and curls in an instant!

Found your perfect purchase already? Get expert colour matched to find your perfect Stranded shade, here.

Remember, we’re not just a brand! If you have any more questions, contact our dedicated customer service team at 0161 834 2173 for specialist advice.