Hair clips: advantages, disadvantages and tips for choosing
Beautiful, lush strands are the dream of almost any woman. Unfortunately, nature is not so favorable to everyone. Very often, despite all the tricks of modern cosmetology, hair remains sparse and grows slowly. Of course, there is always a way out: get a short haircut, wear hats, wigs. As for the popular build-up, this cardinal method is not cheap and, besides, not everyone is ready to dare to do it. Overhead strands can be considered the golden mean in solving this problem.
What it is?
Tresses are individual strands of curtains made of synthetic or natural hair intended for extension. They look like a regular fringe of tightly braided hair, fastened at the base with a strip of fabric. The tress-fastening procedure is called econocking. The effect is long-term, but requires correction, in addition, the extension itself takes a very long time, since the additional strands are literally sewn to the roots of their hair.
There are also strands on special tapes that are impregnated with special glue. This method allows you to create natural curls, but it can also injure your hair.
Any overhead strands, or hair on hairpins, perfectly replace the extension procedure, while also immediately changing the look. You can attach them in different ways and on different zones: occipital, side, bangs. Hair can be matched both tone-on-tone and with a difference from the main color to give the effect of coloring. They are applied in a very simple way - they are attached to small crabs-hairpins or clips.
Separately, we can highlight ponytail - the easiest way to attach additional strands to your tail using a comb or hair clip, giving it volume. False bangs are an easy way to instantly change your hairstyle without cutting off your hair. Then your hair will grow back for a long time, and the bangs can quickly get bored. Such an overlay element is always made only of high quality materials, as it is very visible.
Regardless of the material, the application devices can be of different widths, lengths and densities. The width varies from 2 to 23 cm, the length is from 40 to 70 cm. The density determines the weight of the strands, it must be chosen based on the state of its natural data. False hair is available in different color palettes - both natural and radical decorative shades. In addition, they differ in structure - straight or wavy.
The obvious advantage of this type of procedure is ease of use, the ability to use it only when necessary, without asking for help from the masters. Such manipulations do not injure your hair. The minimum length of its strands should be at least 10 cm.
Views
According to the type of material, the strands are divided into artificial and natural. The former are significantly cheaper, but the latter do not differ at all from natural ones, especially if they are correctly selected in color. However, modern technologies make it possible to produce artificial onlays, which are also very difficult to distinguish from natural ones by touch. They perfectly withstand heat treatment, but it is better to refrain from staining. The mounts themselves look like small metal clips, often with silicone spacers, which provide a more secure hold.
Natural
They are extremely lively and very soft to the touch, and look great when loose. They are identical in weight to native hair.
There are three types of such strands:
- slavic - the most expensive of all, they are beautifully painted and washed, they do not get tangled, they hold on for a long time, and if properly looked after, they look no worse than natural ones;
- asian - the most inexpensive of all, but extremely rigid in structure, so they are not suitable for everyone (produced in China, Vietnam, Korea);
- European - produced in Germany, Austria, dense, treated with silicone, brittle and rather thin.
Stylists recommend not to use inappropriate linings, otherwise disharmony cannot be avoided.
The most resistant to temperature processing Slavic strands. They can be safely dried with a hairdryer, laid with an iron, and curled with tongs.
Artificial
They are made of vinyl and nylon, that is, they are 100% synthetic. Provide tremendous opportunities for creativity, creating luxurious hairstyles, weaves, corrugation. Their biggest advantage is their affordable price. In addition, their structure is strong, they are very thick, which allows any hairstyle to last for a long time, although you will spend more time creating it. Not even the highest quality nylon material is dyed.
Advantages and disadvantages
What strands to wear is an individual choice, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of overlays on clips-hairpins are the simplicity of the procedure, you can take them off at any time, put them on only if necessary: for a celebration, party, wedding. In addition, in comparison with building-up, manipulation does not harm natural curls, does not require the participation of expensive masters.
Any types of onlays perfectly increase the volume, length, and add splendor. And you can also note the possibility of quickly getting rid of the decoration, if the need arises. The variety of possible hairstyles is simply amazing.
The main advantage of natural strands is naturalness; with high-quality selection and fastening, it is almost impossible to distinguish them from your own. Other advantages:
- they are worn for a long time, with proper care, the period can be up to two years;
- you can cut, paint, highlight, that is, it will not be difficult to change the image;
- resistant to the washing process;
- very light, not felt on the head;
- safe to use.
They have only one drawback - they are 2-3 times more expensive than artificial ones.
Pros of artificial linings:
- budget price, it is possible to purchase different options and often change the image;
- easily removable;
- dry very quickly, amenable to correction;
- just take care of them, wash;
- look as natural as possible thanks to the latest technologies;
- extensive color range of decorative strands;
- do not harm natural hair.
Minuses:
- can cause a feeling of heaviness on the head;
- are inconvenient to wear, often get confused, require special combs;
- can drop out;
- if washed often, they lose color;
- the service life is rather short - up to 4–5 months, but with proper care this period can be longer;
- limited number of hairstyles compared to natural.
Reviews
Basically, those who performed the procedure using Slavic and European natural hair leave very good reviews. The only thing that those using overhead strands warn about is that you should not buy cheap products from dubious sellers, for example, in the markets. Most of the negative reviews are associated precisely with low-quality products, which very quickly went out of order and were purchased on the Internet or on the market with hands.
Selection recommendations
In order for the strands to please for a long time with their original appearance, it is necessary to follow some rules when choosing. If you wear both curls and straight hairstyles, invest in two sets, one of which is already wavy strands. A complete standard kit, as a rule, includes 8 bundles:
- for temples - 2 pcs.;
- rear - 3 pcs. wide size;
- lateral - 3 pcs. medium size.
However, the number of strands can vary depending on weight and other nuances.
Each strand is equipped with a hair clip, clip or other fastener that keeps them on the partings. They are covered with their hair, thereby mixing the strands, making the transitions invisible.
Precisely because each strand has its own purpose, it is necessary to use the entire set for special occasions, and for a normal everyday hairstyle, lateral and temporal are enough.
When choosing a device, pay attention to the material from which the clips or hairpins are made. For example, metal is very slippery if its strands are straight. In this case, it is better if the mount is equipped with silicone pads, which ensure high-quality fixation. If you have already purchased exactly the smooth type of weft, try combing your hair near the very roots, or simply sprinkle it lightly with fixing varnish. You can also tangle the clip with natural hair before snapping it in.
First of all, you need to determine what final length you want. At the same time, you should not risk buying very long strands if your hair is short. In general, if you plan to use hair extensions for short hair, and their natural length is less than 8-10 cm, it is better to refrain from purchasing strands for now.
Length calculation for an average height of 170 cm is indicated in the following proportions.
- Decoration in the form of curls up to the shoulder line will require a choice of length in the region of 40 cm.
- To cover the chest with hair, you will need 50-centimeter strands.
- For the hair to reach the waist, you need an addition length of 60–70 cm.
If necessary, vary your individual growth characteristics in one direction or another.
In addition to length, consider how much volume you want to achieve. If you have a set in front of you, the weight of which is 60 grams, it will not increase the volume, but only add length. If your hair is not very thick, it is recommended to purchase a set of up to 120 grams, for very thick hair - up to 180 grams.The thicker the hair, the more weight of the set is needed, otherwise the false strands will look liquid in comparison with natural ones. Consider the ratio of weight to length - the longer the strand, the more it weighs, so 120 grams will not be enough for long hair.
Be sure to consider a color that depends on the original tips and not the roots. After all, it is the natural ends that merge with the unnatural. If the shades are completely merged, the transition will not be noticeable. Professional online stores have a shade selection service. It is enough to send a photo of your hair to a consultant to get competent recommendations. If the purchase takes place in a regular supermarket, this problem is leveled.
The next step is to choose the number of strands. An indicator such as weight and your desires are important here. For example, a set of four strands is easier and faster to use, but a set of eight strands is better and more naturally distributed between your hair.
Choose only goods from trusted manufacturers or buy from professional online stores and large supermarkets. The certified product will be more durable in use. As for the selection of overhead strands for your hair, you need to be aware of the latest fashion trends and proceed from personal taste. In recent seasons, ombre strands are extremely popular.
It looks non-trivial, bright, in addition, smooth color transitions are the trend of recent seasons. To create such a hit, you don't have to dye your hair - you just need to choose the right curls by color. Shading overflow within the same color and a more contrasting gradient combination can be embodied using overhead strands.
Another spectacular move is to use a colored version of the overlays. This method is especially good for young people, as it is bright and non-standard. Multi-colored hairstyles are the perfect way to draw attention to yourself, and it's very easy to do, for example, just pick up colored overlays. Such combinations will be inappropriate in a strict office dress code, but at a party, vacation or club, you will be irresistible.
To embody this extravaganza of variegation, it is enough to pick up a set of multi-colored strands, which are placed on two or one hairpins. They are attached in a chaotic manner all over the head.
Black hair on clips can just be slightly darkened or bluish black. In any case, this is an effective way to dilute the hair, to mask small flaws. These shades look especially good both in an elegantly gathered ponytail and in a loose-lush version. The main thing is that the original color is not very different.
For fans of curls and luxurious curly hairstyles, thermal hair is the ideal solution. These bobby pins and clips create unique volume while keeping your natural hair looking perfect. This type of strand is heat-resistant, elastic, perfectly holding its shape.
An important nuance when choosing is the cost of false hair. Natural curls are more expensive, but there are practically no cheap models among artificial high-quality options. Purchase the goods yourself, without entrusting it to intermediaries. The price of natural sets varies depending on the length and weight from 4 to 10 thousand rubles.
The cost of artificial sets ranges from 800 to 3 thousand rubles. Here you need to focus on financial opportunities, but buying kits cheaper than the low price border is not recommended, most likely, such a product will disappoint you.
Experts recommend to prefer synthetics in everyday styling, and if you have a luxurious solemn exit, then use natural material.
How to fix it?
In order for the hairstyle with overlays to keep its shape, it is necessary to correctly attach the device. There are rules for how to do everything without mistakes.
- Before fixing unnatural strands, you should raise your hair in the right place and secure it so that it does not interfere. Please note - the parting should be done as evenly as possible. The fastening mechanisms will subsequently hide under their curls.
- After that, one strand is separated under its hair fixed upwards and is neatly combed.
- And only now you can attach the artificial curl to the roots with the help of a retainer.
- It is not necessary to fix everything with fixing varnish, but it is recommended to spray the roots first.
The rest of the strands from the kit are distributed in a similar way. The choice of their placement depends on the future hairstyle and your goals.
Also consider the following points when performing the procedure:
- when placing overhead strands one above the other, make an indent of more than 3 cm;
- for beautiful loose curls, the overlays are placed on the back of the head and next to the crown;
- wide pads are attached on the back of the head, narrower on the crown;
- a pair of colored curls placed at the temples will perfectly refresh the hairstyle;
- if you plan to weave, place the overlays in the direction of the future braid.
How to take care of it properly?
Hair extensions and hair extensions also need regular maintenance, just like natural hair. They must be washed and, if desired, can be dyed or curled. Artificial linings are also capable of getting dirty, and if they are not stored correctly, not put into packaging immediately after use, the contamination process will occur much faster.
The cleansing of the pads must be ongoing, otherwise their use may adversely affect the health of the scalp. Lack of proper hygiene leads to dandruff, irritation and seborrhea. But you need to take care of the linings competently.
For artificial strands, conventional shampoos and hair washes are prohibited, as they contain a lot of chemicals. Curls of synthetic origin are cleaned with a wet rag, and can be previously washed in a weak solution of ordinary soap. Be sure to rinse in clean water. Brush your hair gently and only dry.
Care for natural curls also includes gentle brushing, then they are washed with shampoo designed for dry hair. Apply the shampoo towards the ends along the entire length, do not curl or rub them.
You should not rinse them too often, no more than twice a month with daily use is enough.
Staining procedure
As for artificial strands, ordinary hair dyes are not suitable for them, in addition, theoretically only very high-quality linings made using the latest technology can be dyed. Dyeing synthetic strands is a procedure so complex, requiring knowledge of chemistry and expensive means, that it is better to refuse it at home. If you have changed your hair color, purchase the matching shade as it will be cheaper and easier.
Natural linings can be painted in two ways: tonic and permanent dyes. It is not necessary to choose products that you have already used to rule out an allergic reaction. It is quite possible to buy tonic and paint from an inexpensive mass market.
After toning, the shade will last for a long time and will withstand about 5 washing procedures. Then they can be painted in the same or a different tone. The procedure is simple: we comb the pad and moisten it with water at a comfortable temperature. Be sure to wear gloves, then distribute a small amount of tonic evenly over the strands, gently massaging. Keep the time indicated in the instructions, then rinse and leave to dry on the unfolded towel.
The paint is the most resistant to the effects of washing procedures, so you should not frivolously choose a shade. Ideally, do a test stain on a separate strand.
Too persistent paints are not recommended by experts, because there is no gray hair, and the linings are rarely washed. A good option is a semi-permanent type of paints. The procedure requires a foil on which the pads will fit. At the beginning, the strands are combed, getting rid of tangled places. The mixture is prepared according to the instructions, and gloves are worn for this.
Using a brush, spread the coloring mass along the entire length, not sparing it, otherwise unpainted islands will remain. Spread the colored strands on foil, cover with cling film and keep for as long as recommended for this type of paint. Rinse off with warm water, leave on a towel until the strands are dry.
There are procedures that the strands are periodically subjected to - curling and straightening with an iron. Let's make a reservation right away that they can be carried out only for those curls on which there is a mark - "thermal hair". If not, the strands will simply melt. For curling use: curling irons and curlers of any type. Rolled curlers can be dipped in hot water or heated for the procedure.
Examples of hairstyles
Overlays allow you to shape a variety of hairstyles for straight, curly and wavy hair, create different types of braids and tails. They are fixed with varnish. Loose and not too long curls, as well as a ponytail and braids, are perfect for everyday use. A huge number of wedding and other festive options are created with the help of babette overlays, shells, in the Greek style, asymmetric tails, luxurious cascades of curls.
Tails
All tail options look as natural as possible. This is a timeless trend that never goes out of style. You can create laconic ponytails, with turns from strands, buns, a non-trivial low tail in Greek in the center or on the side. These are completely versatile hairstyles that will perfectly fit both evening and daily looks.
Stylists recommend trying the following trendy options:
- located low, high, with one or two nodules, inverted type, with braids, like a fish;
- a smooth or twisted high ponytail with the use of a fleece;
- accented bangs (if any).
Short hair and hair extensions
It is necessary to have the required minimum length, the haircut can be any: square, asymmetry. Smooth hair will look organic on even types of haircuts, wavy - on any. Overhead strands with grunge-style haircuts, elongated with a bob-bob, look great.
Braids
Popular today:
- smooth types of weaves - they are good for daily outings;
- large braids on the sides;
- voluminous options for evening hairstyles and weddings;
- softly falling braids of curls;
- woven around the head.
The following video will clearly demonstrate how easily and securely hair clips are attached.