How to Cut Hair Extensions?

Cutting hair extensions is completely different than cutting natural hair.  I can not tell you how many hair extension cutting disasters I have fixed when extensions are not cut properly.  Hair extensions should not be cut with conventional cutting shears unless using them to cut in the very bottom (weight-line) of the extensions or using a "glide" technique.

Hair Extensions should be cut and blended by hairstylists that are highly skilled with cutting them.  Traditional cutting techniques do not work on hair extensions whether it be layering or blending.  This does not mean a professional stylist does not know what they are doing, but they may not be familiar with hair extensions.

Client With Fine Hair With Subtle Layers

What To Use

There are specific techniques when layering hair extensions, they should be blended with a razor (preferably with a guide) or a cutting shear slide technique.  This is to avoid blunt layers which will look very obvious and unrealistic.

Technique

Never lift the hair extensions and cut them into layers, instead create vertical sections and gently slide shears or a razor over the top of the extensions.  Blending extensions from natural hair into the extensions without too much pressure will lead to hacking into the extensions. I am mindful to not razor natural hair since this will lead to breakage.

This blending technique will ensure the ends of the extensions are still full and natural-looking.  One mistake can destroy very expensive extensions.  It is best to cut the extensions in stages instead of one cut,  I may have to go back and refine them a few times.  I often suggest that my clients leave the extensions a bit longer and return if they would like more hair cut because once they are cut there is no going back.

Blending

Some hairstylists prefer not to cut the extensions, I am a bit old school and I like the look of well-blended hair extensions.  Many clients will ask for heavy-looking extensions, I give them what they want as I am available if they want to customize in the future.

Thick Hair

Short, thick hair with blunt ends can be difficult to blend into hair extensions.  If the top layer of the hair is not blending well with the extensions, we will chip into the ends of the natural hair which decreases the blunt weight-line.  Steep/shorter layers blended from the thick ends will create natural-looking hair extensions.

Client With Thick Hair, Steep Layers with Veila Pull-Thru Hair Extensions

Communicate

Communicating with your stylist as to what style you prefer is the most important, and pictures definitely help.  Blending hair extensions into natural hair varies based on the length and texture of your hair.  Fine, long hair requires less blending.  I do not make it a habit to cut my clients' own hair unless they ask me.  If the ends of the hair are extremely damaged and difficult to blend with hair extensions, then it is a good idea to trim the natural hair.

Hair Extension Types Considerations

There is a variety of extensions on the market, tape-in extensions being a popular type from the likes of Bellami hair. You have different sizes and you can even color match your hair online. However, when it comes to maintenance and longevity/quality, we prefer to use human hair extensions, in particular 100% Remy human hair or Virgin hair. With this in mind, the application of extensions matters as well when it comes to adjusting tension, and for hair growth. Veila Hair extensions are high-quality Virgin hair with a Pull-thru method that uses a crochet hook and silicon microbeads making them easy to maintain and long-lasting.

Hair Extensions Styling

Getting your extensions to blend in, to be the right length is a critical component for an amazing result. However, if you want a natural curl or even curly hair length matters as the curl shortens the hair. With curls, we usually start with a full head of 24 inches in length and go from there. Flat iron styling is straightforward in comparison. Tape-in hair extensions and clip-in hair extensions are not as easy to adjust as Pull-thru, so when considering your natural hair journey and hair care, keep this in mind.

Never Cut Your Own Hair Extensions

If you are unhappy with the length or blend of your hair, please contact your stylist immediately and ask for an emergency visit.  It is simply not worth the risk of cutting them on your own, it can lead to disaster.

If you have cut your own hair extensions and have had success or disaster, please share your experience.  Sharing is caring!