Styling and curling extensions: how to do it safely
Because Zascha Hair extensions are made from 100% human hair, you can treat them almost like your own hair. You can wash, dye them darker, style and curl the extensions.
However, human hair extensions require different care than hair that grows from the scalp. Extensions no longer receive natural nourishment or sebum. Therefore, it is important to use heat consciously and take good care of the hair.
After washing, the extensions may develop a slight natural wave. By carefully styling the hair on dry hair, the hair becomes beautifully smooth again and the cuticles are smoothed out as if by magic. In this blog, we explain step by step how you can style and curl clip-in extensions.
In this blog
What do you need to style extensions?
You can style extensions most easily when the hair pieces hang freely and you have both hands free. Also make sure that the extension hair is completely dry and carefully combed through before you start.
Storage Hanger
Hang multiple hair pieces neatly during styling or curling. This allows you to work faster and keeps the extensions neatly together.
Styling Unit
Secure one hair piece firmly in the Styling Unit to style or curl each section in a controlled manner.
Heat protectant
Use a heat protectant that is suitable for dry hair. Do not apply too much product, so that the extensions remain airy. Not sure if you have the right one? Use our Era Tua Heatprotector!
The basic essentials
Use an extension brush or soft brush, a comb, hair clips and a good curling iron or styling iron.
Do you want to store the extensions neatly and protected after styling? Then use a Velvet Storage Bag.
Styling clip-in extensions
Do you want smooth and straight hair? Always work on completely dry extension hair and divide the hair pieces into small sections. This way, you do not have to pass the styling iron over the same area as often.
1. Set the styling iron to a maximum of 220 °C. Preferably start at a lower temperature and increase it only when necessary.
2. Work exclusively on dry hair. Apply a suitable heat protectant beforehand.
3. Divide the hair into sections of approximately 3 to 5 cm. Carefully comb through each section.
4. Place the styling iron a few centimeters below the roots. Do not touch the clips or the attachment edge with the hot iron.
5. Move the iron slowly and smoothly downwards. Do not linger in one place for an extended period.
6. Repeat this until all hair pieces are smooth. Then let the extensions cool down completely.
7. Put the extensions in and blend them with your own hair. You can then optionally style your own hair and the extensions together.
Tip: let a fine comb run in front of the styling iron while styling. This distributes the hair evenly and creates a smooth result. Keep a sufficient distance between the comb and the hot plates when the comb is made of plastic.
Do not take sections that are too thick. The heat will not reach all the hair evenly, making the result less smooth and requiring you to go over the same section more often.
Prefer not to use a Steampod on extensions. This device works with moisture and steam. Extension hair may react differently to this than your own hair.
Curling clip-in extensions
There are several ways to curl extensions. You can curl the hair pieces beforehand with a Styling Unit, but for the most natural transition, we recommend styling the extensions together with your own hair.
1. Put the extensions in as you want to wear them. Check that all hair pieces are well hidden.
2. Divide the hair into manageable sections. Include both your own hair and extension hair in each section.
3. Curl the sections alternately away from and towards the face. This creates a playful beach wave effect.
4. Let each curl cool down completely. Touch the hair as little as possible while it is cooling.
5. Carefully brush out the curls. Only do this when the hair is completely cold.
Do you want to see different ways to curl extensions? In our Instagram Reel, we show multiple techniques and curl results.
View the curling techniques on InstagramWhich curling iron do you use for extensions?
The diameter of the curling iron largely determines how large or small the curls will be. Keep in mind that every iron and every hair color may react slightly differently.
Note: the thicker the section, the faster the curl usually falls out. Smaller sections are heated more evenly and often hold their shape longer.
How to create a curl that lasts longer
For extra control, you can curl the hair pieces beforehand using a Styling Unit. This holds the hair piece firmly while you style each section individually.
1.Take a small section. The smaller the section, the more definition and firmness the curl usually gets.
2.Wrap the hair neatly around the curling iron. Make sure the hairs are not doubled over each other.
3. Hold the section for approximately 5 to 10 seconds. The required time varies depending on the curling iron and temperature.
4. Catch the warm curl in your hand. Let it cool down there or temporarily secure it with a clip.
5. Only brush out the curls when they are completely cold. This way, the pattern is preserved longer.
Do you want a softer look? Carefully run your fingers through the curls. For a real glam wave, you can gently brush out the hair with a wide or soft brush.
Curling extensions loose from the hand
Do you have more experience with curling extensions? Then you can also carefully hold a loose hair piece with one hand while curling it with the other.
This technique works quickly, but requires extra control. Make sure the hot curling iron never comes into contact with your hands, the clips or the attachment edge of the extensions.
For beginners, it is safer and easier to use a Storage Hanger or Styling Unit.
Common mistakes when curling and styling extensions
Curls that quickly fall out or extensions that feel dry after styling are often caused by the technique used. Therefore, avoid the following mistakes:
- Styling on damp hair: the hair must always be completely dry before using a hot iron.
- Taking sections that are too thick: the heat is not distributed evenly.
- Brushing out the curls immediately: let each curl cool down completely first.
- Going over the same section again and again: this can unnecessarily dry out the hair.
- Holding the iron against the clips or roots: this can damage the attachment.
- Using too much styling product: this can make extensions look heavy, sticky or get greasy faster.
- Working without heat protection: especially with regular use of heat, protection is important.
Can you curl extensions with an Airwrap?
We do not recommend using an Airwrap for our extensions. The air is often not warm enough to form the extension hair into a curl for an extended period. In addition, the strong air circulation can cause loose hairs to get tangled and tangle faster.
For a longer-lasting result, it is better to use a traditional curling iron and let the curls cool down completely before brushing them out.
Care after styling or curling
Extensions do not receive natural nourishment from the scalp. Due to frequent use of heat, the ends can therefore become drier over time.
Do you regularly use a styling iron or curling iron? Then we recommend the Era Tua Embraced Blossom Repairing Structure for extra care. This line helps keep the hair nourished and supple and can help postpone the drying out of the ends for as long as possible.
- Always use heat protection before styling the hair.
- Work at the lowest effective temperature.
- Let the extensions cool down completely after styling.
- Brush carefully from the ends upwards.
- Store the extensions smooth and dry in a Storage Bag or on a Storage Hanger.
Frequently asked questions about styling and curling extensions
Can you style and curl human hair extensions?
Yes. Zascha Hair extensions are made from 100% human hair and can therefore be styled with a curling iron or styling iron. Always use heat protection and work exclusively on completely dry hair.
How hot can a styling iron be for extensions?
Use a maximum of 220 °C, but preferably start at a lower temperature. Choose the lowest temperature with which you achieve the desired result.
Why do curls in extensions quickly fall out?
This can be due to sections that are too thick, insufficient heat or because the curls are brushed out before they have completely cooled down. Smaller sections and letting them cool down slowly usually result in more firmness.
Can you curl extensions before putting them in?
Yes. You can curl the hair pieces beforehand with a Storage Hanger or Styling Unit. For the most natural transition, you can then curl a few sections of extension hair and your own hair together.
Do you need to style extensions after washing?
After washing, the human hair may develop a slight natural wave. By carefully styling the extensions on completely dry hair, the hairs become smooth again and the hair pieces often fall together more beautifully.
Can you use heat on extensions every day?
You can, but daily use of a lot of heat can dry out the hair faster. Try to maintain a styled look for several days and take good care of the lengths and ends.
Ready to style?
Whether you choose smooth hair, loose beach waves or a full glam wave: with the right technique you can give your human hair extensions a different look again and again.
Work slowly, use small sections and let the hair cool down properly. This way, you create a more beautiful result and keep your extensions well cared for for as long as possible.
On to your next hair look. Let’s go! ✨
