Your guide to invisible extensions in any style
From glossy ponies to tousled buns, updos are the hairstyle equivalent of “I’ve my sh*t together.” But if you wear hair extensions, they can turn into a tactical challenge—one rogue weft, a sneaky bump, or that moment you catch your profile and spot the base peeking through.
Clip-ins, halos, tape-ins—it doesn’t matter what kind of extensions you’re working with. Once your hair’s up, everything’s a little more exposed. And while bobby pins are great, they’re not miracle workers.
The good news? You don’t have to stick to leaving your hair down or sacrificing volume for discretion. With a bit of planning (and the right strategy), you can pull off a seamless updo, whether you’re heading to a wedding or just tying your hair back on a Tuesday.
Below, we’re walking you through everything: how to prep, where to place your extensions, what styles work best, and how to blend it all so naturally that even you’ll forget they’re there.
Know what extensions you’re dealing with
Updos can be unforgiving. The wrong extension type—or the right one in the wrong place—can quickly turn your sleek pony into a game of hide-and-seek. That’s why knowing how each type moves, sits, and styles is essential.
– Clip-ins are a quick fix for volume and length, but they’re not the most discreet option in tighter styles. They can shift under tension, especially in high ponytails or sculpted buns. Placement and layering make all the difference here.
– Tape-ins lie flatter against the scalp and work well for smoother looks—think mid-height ponytails or low chignons. But their semi-permanent nature means you can’t just reposition them to suit each style. Flexibility is limited.
– Halo hair extensions, often thought of as down-hair only, can actually be styled into ponytails and updos with the right tricks. The weight is distributed evenly, making them ideal for finer hair or anyone looking for a softer lift. A well-placed halo hair extensions ponytail can look just as polished as any other.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about how to hide hair extensions in hair, the key is matching the method to your texture, weight, and updo ambitions, not just picking what’s popular.
… and know what works for your hair type
No two heads of hair are the same, and the best way to hide extensions in an updo depends on what you’re working with.
– If you have thin or fine hair: Heavier wefts can weigh things down or slip out entirely. Opt for lightweight halo extensions or finer clip-ins that distribute evenly without creating obvious bumps. Secure them with extra grip at the root (a little dry shampoo goes a long way), and focus on styles that create fullness—like messy buns or soft, teased ponytails.
– If you have thick hair: You’ve got natural volume on your side, which makes blending easier—but placement matters. Layer wefts underneath your natural bulk, keeping them flat and spaced to avoid bulk near the base of the updo. You may need fewer extensions than you think.
– If you have curly, kinky, or coily hair: It’s all about textural harmony. Choose extensions that match your curl pattern, and use braid-outs or twist-outs if needed to unify the look. Braided updos and crown styles are especially good for disguising extension bases.
How to prep your hair for an invisible updo
A polished updo starts long before the first pin goes in. Prepping your hair properly is the difference between “seamless” and “slightly suspicious.”
1. Start by brushing out both your natural hair and extensions to remove tangles and blend the textures. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, a little dry shampoo or texturising spray at the roots will help add grip, especially if you’re working with clip-ins or halos.
2. Next comes placement. Think about the style you're aiming for: high pony? Keep extensions low and angled upward. Low bun? Clip them closer to the nape. You're building the foundation for lift and structure, so every weft needs to sit where it won’t show or pull.
3. Shade matching also matters more than you might expect. The closer the tone and texture are to your natural hair, the less you’ll have to work to disguise anything later.
4. Avoid scalp gaps by using a tail comb to gently adjust any visible tracks, and tilt your head forward while clipping to prevent tension at the roots.
A little prep goes a long way once your hair’s up!
How to hide hair extensions in these 3 popular updos
The high sleek ponytail
Source: Pinterest
A hair extensions ponytail that holds its shape and keeps its secret.
Step 1: Section and flip your wefts
Start by sectioning off the bottom third of your hair. Clip your extensions in upside down so they curve naturally into the ponytail instead of resisting the lift.
Step 2: Layer upwards with intention
Continue layering wefts toward the crown, leaving at least an inch of space around your parting and hairline. This gives you enough natural hair to cover the clips and avoids bulking near the top.
Step 3: Gather and smooth
Brush everything up into a tight ponytail. Keep tension even and go slow—this is where clips can shift if they’re not secure. Once the ponytail is in place, use a fine-tooth comb and hairspray to smooth the surface.
Step 4: Conceal the base
Take a small piece of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. Pin underneath to hide the join and give it a salon finish.
The textured messy bun
Source: Pinterest
This is one of the easiest styles for learning how to hide hair extensions. All that messy volume? It’s working for you.
Step 1: Clip wefts lower than usual
Avoid placing extensions too close to your crown. Instead, clip them in around the middle or lower half of your head, depending on how high the bun will sit. This gives you volume without the risk of clips showing.
Step 2: Add texture first
Tease the crown and add dry shampoo or texture spray to both your natural hair and the extensions. This bulks everything up, making it easier to hide wefts in the final shape.
Step 3: Pull your hair up loosely
Gather your hair into a ponytail and gently tug out sections to create a lived-in look. Don’t worry about flyaways—they work in your favor here.
Step 4: Twist and pin
Loosely twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun. Use large bobby pins to anchor it in place, and tuck any loose weft edges under the volume. You can also braid the ponytail before wrapping for a more textured finish.
The braided updo or crown braid
Source: Pinterest
Braids are your secret weapon for blending. They add texture, movement, and natural coverage—particularly useful when wearing halo extensions.
Step 1: Choose your braid
A crown braid (wrapped around the head) or a low braided bun are both strong contenders. Pick one that suits your hair length and the occasion.
Step 2: Position your halo strategically
Place your halo extension so it sits securely below your natural parting, with the wire hidden under a top section of hair. Make sure the base feels snug—you don’t want it slipping mid-style.
Step 3: Add texture for grip
Use a light-hold styling spray to give the hair grip. Braids can make fine hair look sparse if there’s no texture to hold them together.
Step 4: Start braiding
Incorporate hair from the extensions into the braid as you go. Whether you’re wrapping around the head or braiding into a low bun, aim to blend strands naturally—avoid harsh partings or tension near the halo wire.
Step 5: Pin and pull
Once the braid is in place, gently pancake it (pull it apart) to widen the shape and cover any gaps. Pin discreetly to secure.
How to secure your style (so it actually stays put)
The last thing you want is to spend 30 minutes blending your extensions, only to have a weft slip or a braid loosen halfway through your day. Whether you're heading to a wedding or just running errands, here’s how to make your updo last.
– Use bobby pins like an anchor, not a decoration. Always insert pins in an X-shape for better grip, and tuck them directly into the structure of your bun or braid, not just the surface.
– Choose the right hair ties. Avoid super-tight elastics, which can pull on extensions and natural roots alike. Instead, opt for spiral ties or snag-free bands with extra width.
– Set it, then forget it (almost). A flexible-hold hairspray helps maintain shape without turning your updo into a helmet. For styles with halo extensions or looser volume, a lightweight finishing spray or dry texture mist is often enough.
– Stash a few tools in your bag. A mini comb, an extra pin or two, and a travel-size spray can go a long way in emergencies, especially on long days or humid nights.
Unwind without the tangle
Taking down an updo at the end of the day shouldn’t feel like surgery. Whether you’ve used clips, halos, or braids, a little care goes a long way in preserving both your hair and your extensions.
1. Start by gently removing all pins and elastics—don’t rush. If your hair was heavily sprayed, mist a light detangler or oil on the outer layer to reduce friction. Undo your style from the bottom up, especially with braids, to avoid unnecessary tugging.
2. If you wore a halo, lift it out slowly and separate it from your natural hair before brushing. With clip-ins, press on the base of the clip before pulling to avoid snapping your strands.
3. Use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to detangle everything, and if you spot any knots, work through them with your fingers first. A quick treatment or deep conditioning mask can help reset your hair and prep it for the next round of styling.
Finish strong (and seamless)
If you’re after thick, realistic hair extensions that blend like a dream and stay put through every twist, tuck, and pin, check out The Lauren Ashtyn Collection. Their halo and clip-in options are made for styling—not just wearing solo—and they’re ideal for updos that need a little more without showing more.
