If you’re cutting the top with scissors, use a spray bottle to dampen the hair just on the top.

For example, if you’re cutting the hair at the back of your neck, you’d place the guard at the bottom of your hair. To start cutting, move the clippers up about 2 in (5. 1 cm) into your hair, pulling them slightly away from your head as you do so.

Most clipper guards use the same standard sizes and lengths, so this should apply no matter what brand you’re using. Feel free to play around with the lengths. You might even want to scissor-cut the top if you want it to be really long. However, a simple clipper cut is the easiest to get right. [4] X Research source

Don’t worry about getting the hair around the neck and ears just perfect. You’ll clean that up at the end. If you’re cutting your own hair, use 2 mirrors so you can see what you’re doing. It’s easiest to use your bathroom mirror and a handheld mirror. Also, rest your free hand on the back of your head to keep you from accidentally cutting too high. [6] X Research source

A size 1 guard cuts the hair to 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm). This makes it perfect for creating that fresh-from-the-barber look. For the closest cut without shaving, don’t use a guard. Make sure to look at the sideburns from the front to ensure they’re the same length.

These extensions will cost more, but they typically last longer, can be heat-styled, and will look much more realistic. If you’re buying your extensions online, many companies will help you match your extensions using a photograph. Take a picture of your hair in natural light, without any filters and send it to the company. However, keep in mind that this still won’t be as accurate as visiting a salon in person. Since the ends of your hair are the most visible, you should match the extensions to this color, rather than your roots.

It’s important that you get your parts very straight when you’re applying hair extensions. Otherwise, they can look messy.

Parting the hair before you spray the roots will allow you to apply the product exactly where you want to attach the extensions. You can also use a comb to tease the roots a little. [12] X Research source Do this for subsequent sections, as well.

This is similar to the method stylists use to apply sew-in extensions, although those use cornrow braids instead of horizontal parts. If you’d like, you can secure the ends with a small hair elastic, but since you’ll be pinning the braid, this isn’t necessary. If your hair is very short, or you want very long extensions, you can even braid or pin back all of your hair to hide it beneath the sections. Just work in small sections, pin the braids securely, and be sure each braid is completely covered by the wefts.

No matter how you apply the extensions, be sure to stop about 2 finger-widths away from either side of your hairline the extensions will blend naturally when you wear your hair up.

In most cases, a single layer of extensions will be sufficient.

Make sure to create a clean line for each new part.

If you’re using more than one color of hair extensions, alternate them in a random pattern for the most natural look.

These wefts should reach from about 2 finger-widths away from your hairline back to your crown.

Curls or waves will help the extensions blend with your hair more naturally than if you wear your hair straight, especially if you have very thick hair or a blunt haircut. If you prefer to wear your hair straight, it’s best to have your extensions sewn in, which will help them blend better. If you used synthetic hair extensions, make sure it’s okay to heat style them before you do this! Check the package to find out if your extensions can withstand heat and, if so, how much heat. In most cases, synthetic hair extensions can withstand heat up to 325 °F (163 °C). Spray your hair with a heat protectant before you curl it to protect it from damage.