Styling Clip-In Hair Extensions!

The very first video I ever uploaded to YouTube was my "How to Style Clip In Hair Extensions" tutorial and is by far my most viewed video. Since that was over 2 years ago and the way I style my hair has changed a bit, I decided to do an updated version of this video and show how I currently put in and style my hair extensions. Above I've posted the video and below is a written step-by-step guide with pictures. 

Before and After

First I spray my roots with my favorite dry shampoo by Batiste. Not only can this product be used to remove excess oil between washes but it's great to add body to your hair. I apply it before teasing when I want to ensure that my extensions stay put. Read more about this product on my previous Hair Favorites blog post.

Make sure to brush the dry shampoo out of your hair completely so you aren't left with any of that gray powder. I like to make sure my hair is tangle free so my extensions don't get ratty throughout the day.

Next, using a parting comb like this one, I part my hair in half about an inch or two over my ears. This is wear my widest extension (4 clips) is going to go. I tie my top half of hair in a pony tail or clip.

I take the remaining hair on the bottom half and divide it layer by layer into three equal parts and pin to the top of my head with bobby pins. I find that when I take the extra time to separate my hair neatly it makes clipping in my extensions a much easier and quicker process.

This is what I'm left with after pinning up my hair.

After teasing my hair in the sections where I'll place the clips, I clip in my first 2-clip extension. (Many people use both the two clip extension on the sides of their head but it depends on what fits best with your head size. Play around with the extensions or take them to a hairstylist to figure our what works best for you.)

Layer by layer I take down my hair and clip in the extensions after teasing near the roots.

If there are any pieces of my natural hair that aren't blending properly, I use my GHD flat iron to curl them away from my face, with the curls of the extensions.

I use the parting comb again to section out layers of hair on the sides of my face.

I make sure to curl my natural hair away from my face when it comes to the top half of my head since this hair is shown more.

I tease my natural hair when necessary to hide the extension clips.

After applying the side clips I use my Remington Curling Wand to curl random sections that need more polishing.

Once all the clips are secured, I release the rest of my natural hair and wand it.

I finish off with a little of my favorite hairspray by L'oreal. Make sure you are focusing the hairspray on your natural hair. Avoid putting too product on your extensions in general or else you will be forced to wash them more often, shortening their lifespan. 

All done!

Hair Favorites

Here's part two of my favorite things! This time I'll share my current favorite hair products.

What- It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is the one product I use every time I do my hair, no matter what style I'm going for. $12

Why- This creamy spray is a great base for a blow dry. It immediately detangles wet hair and it doesn't weigh it down. I love how soft my hair feels when it dries, plus it's a heat protectant.

How- I spray this throughout my hair when I'm fresh out of the shower. I concentrate the sprays about mid-way through my hair to the ends. I always make sure to apply it before combing through my hair as it protects the hair from damage when combing.

What- Batiste Dry Shampoo is one of the best things to ever happen to my hair.

Why- It does exactly what it's supposed to, removes oil in your hair between washes. I love this brand in particular because it never leaves that weird powder residue and it smells amazing.  (I like the scent shown here, paisley. But, the others are nice too!) Even if your hair doesn't get greasy, it's an awesome product to create more volume at your roots.

How- I spray this right at the root of my hair wherever I see it getting a little too oily. I let it sit for about 20 seconds and then brush through. This product enables me to go 5-6 days without washing my hair. 

What- Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious line. $20-30-ish

Why- This line is great for enhancing curls in a natural looking way. The Calming Creme is my favorite, it eliminates frizz while defining your curls but doesn't leave your hair crunchy or wet-looking like it often looks with other curl enhancing products. The smell alone would keep me buying these products, it's amazing! 

How- If I'm planning on wearing my hair curly, I first use the smoothing shampoo and conditioner in the shower. Then I scrunch my hair with a microfiber towel to remove the excess water. (More on microfiber towels later.) I apply about a quarter sized amount of the calming creme into my towel-dried hair. Next you can either blow dry with a diffuser or let it air dry. After it's dry I spray the revitalizing mist throughout my hair. The mist is also great to use throughout the day if your curls need a little pick me up.

What- My favorite hairspray of all time is definitely L'Oreal Elnett Satin. $12.99

Why- This hairspray has great staying power, but, like the packaging says it "disappears with the stroke of a brush." A lot of hairsprays leave a flakey residue if you try to brush them out but this one leaves your hair soft and shiny if you choose to change your style. 

How- Shake and spray! I often use this for taming fly aways, I spray it on a teasing brush and smooth down my hair. 

What- Using a microfiber towel could make a world of difference for your hair. Some are made specifically for hair, but the ones from the automotive section at Target do the same thing and cost half the price.

Why- If you have a frizzy hair issue, removing excess moisture from your hair with a microfiber towel instead of your regular bath towel could be your answer. It also shortens the time I spend blowdrying my hair, and therefore there is less heat damage done.

How- After I wash my hair I pat dry with the microfiber towel. For curly hair I scrunch up, keeping the natural curls in their place. Make sure you pat and not rub your hair!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Here's my makeup favorites at the moment...

What- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour full coverage has been my go-to foundation for almost 2 years now. It is without a doubt my most used product. $38

Why- It doesn't feel heavy on your skin but creates a completely flawless complexion, I don't even need to use a concealer anymore. In my experience it stays gorgeous for way longer than 12 hours. I don't really have anything bad to say about it. 

How- I use my fingers to dab about a pea size amount of this product to my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Then I blend using Tarte's airbrush finish foundation brush (which is also awesome!!) 

What- I use Rimmel Stay Matte Powder over my foundation when I need my make-up to last an extra long time. Around $4.

Why- It's great if your skin tends to get oily or shiny, or in the summer time. Keeps your skin shine free all day long.

How- I like to keep my make-up a little dewy so most times I will only use this powder over certain areas like my forehead and nose. I use it in transparent and apply it with a big fluffy face brush for all over coverage and use a flat foundation brush if I want it concentrated in problem spots. 

What- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo is by far the best product I've found to enhance brows. $23

Why- Each shade comes with two different tones that can be blended to create the perfect color for each person. It blends really nicely and is build-able so you can create a really natural or dramatic look. 

How- You'll need a brow brush and comb to use this product. I comb through my brows, and use my brow brush to follow the natural lines on top and bottom of my brows, then fill them in and comb through again when finished. 

What- Tarte's Cheek Stain in Tipsy has become my favorite for blush lately. $30

Why- The Tarte cheek stains have a very blend-able and smooth consistency that leave a pretty dewy finish. This shade is a glowy, natural looking coral. 

How- I often use it under a powder blush or alone for a more natural look. I dab it on my cheeks with a blush brush and will sometimes dab a little on my lips for a natural looking lip color. 

What- The L'Oreal Infallible Gel Laquer Liner  is a beautiful product for both everyday use and special occasions. $10

Why- It might seem tricky at first, but once you get the technique down you'll be able to apply this in no time. You can create both subtle or dramatic looks. I'm never, ever afraid of this smudging or fading throughout the day.

How- The brush that comes with this is awesome for a precise application. Just make sure to rinse or wipe your brush after each use, believe me it'll save you a lot of frustration. I make sure to wipe the sides of my brush against the pot after dipping it in the product to create a flat shape. For an everyday look I draw the line just slightly past my lash line, keeping it as close to my lashes as possible.

Comfy and Cute College Outfit Ideas

After a few too many all-nighters spent doing papers and studying the thought of wearing anything with a zipper, buttons or anything that can't double as sleepwear to an 8 am class sounds pretty unappealing. But just because you are dressing for comfort doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. So, in celebration of a new semester here's a few cozy, cute outfit ideas I've put together that are great for school.

All items from Free People.

Clothes and sunglasses are Wildfox. Shoes are Keds.

Clothes and bag from VS Pink. Shoes are Converse.

All items from Brandy Melville.