Nov 29, 2024
Tips, tricks, and styling inspo for a seriously lifted look
Think Dolly-Parton-meets-Lizzo-level volume. The kind of hair that gives you main-character energy. While most of us aren’t born with it, the secret isn’t a style squad on speed dial; it’s hair extensions for volume. They’re your go-to for transforming fine strands into full, bouncy locks that look totally natural.
Of course, there’s a bit of a learning curve: finding the right type, mastering a few tricks, and knowing what works best for your hair type and texture. From clip-ins for instant volume to halos that sit comfortably and give that subtle lift, we’ve got all the tips you need to make extensions work like magic.
Extensions for volume: the different types
If adding volume is your main goal, knowing which type of extension to choose is important. Exploring easy clip-ins to long-lasting wefts, here’s how each option stacks up for a fuller look that lasts.
Clip-in extensions
Clip-ins are the ultimate quick fix for anyone wanting instant volume. These extensions attach under layers of your natural hair, filling in fine strands or boosting thickness with zero fuss. Ideal for occasional wear, clip-ins are flexible and let you add volume wherever you need it most.
Pros: Quick, easy to apply, and lets you choose specific areas to add volume.
Cons: Can feel heavy after extended wear and may need extra securing for all-day hold.
Tape-in extensions
Tape-ins are a smart choice for adding volume with a natural, lightweight feel. The thin adhesive strips sit flat against your scalp, adding fullness without bulk, making them ideal for low-to-mid ponytails and looser styles. They’re designed for multi-week wear, so you can get that volume fix with a little more commitment.
Pros: Lightweight, smooth look, great for low-maintenance volume.
Cons: Less flexible for high styles; requires re-taping every 6–8 weeks to keep them looking fresh.
Halo extensions
For no-commitment volume, halos are a favorite. Resting on a nearly invisible wire, they sit comfortably around your head to add fullness without clips, tape, or salon visits. Halos are a fantastic way to amp up your look without the hassle, perfect for events or any day you want that extra lift.
Pros: Comfortable, quick to apply and remove, ideal for adding volume to mid-height styles.
Cons: Not secure for high ponies or activities that need firm hold.
Weft/sew-in extensions
For those who want all-day, every-day volume, wefts or sew-ins are a top pick. Sewn directly into your hair by a stylist, they create volume that lasts, blending into any style for a full-bodied look. While they take longer to install, wefts are a great choice for long-term volume without daily upkeep.
Pros: Long-lasting, natural-looking volume, feels like your own hair.
Cons: Requires time to install and regular salon visits to maintain.
Each extension type offers its own take on volume, giving you options for every style and commitment level. Find the one that fits, and you’ll discover hair that feels like yours—only with extra oomph.
How to apply extensions for maximum volume
Creating voluminous, natural-looking hair with extensions is all about using the right techniques. Follow these steps to get the fullness and flow you’re after.
Layered application
1. Start with a small section of hair at the nape of your neck. Clip the rest of your hair up and out of the way.
2. Attach the first weft of extensions close to the scalp in this section, making sure it sits securely.
3. Release a new section of hair just above the first, letting it fall over the extension to blend naturally.
4. Continue moving upward in sections, applying each weft close to the scalp and layering towards the crown. Each new layer builds volume without looking bulky.
5. Use smaller wefts at the crown area for a smooth finish that feels light yet full, creating a naturally voluminous look.
Backcombing or teasing at the root
1. Separate a small section of hair where you plan to clip in the extensions.
2. Using a fine-tooth comb, gently backcomb or tease the roots of your natural hair to create a bit of texture. This added grip will help secure the extensions in place.
3. Clip in the extension close to the teased area, pressing gently to make sure it holds.
4. Gently smooth the top of the section to blend, leaving the volume at the root for a fuller effect without visible teasing.
Stacking extensions
1. Identify sections where you want extra thickness, usually around the crown or sides.2. Attach the first weft close to the scalp, ensuring it’s secure.
3. Place a second weft on top of the first, clipping it close to the scalp and stacking it right above the initial weft.
4. Release a section of your natural hair over the stacked wefts, allowing it to cover the extensions. This layering adds volume while keeping the look natural.
Strategic placement
1. Decide where your hair naturally needs more volume—often the crown, sides, or above the nape.
2. Rather than applying extensions evenly across your head, focus on these identified areas for a fuller effect in the specific spots where you need it.
3. In areas that need a subtle lift, apply smaller wefts for natural-looking volume.
4. Release your natural hair over the extensions and gently blend to create a cohesive look that flows naturally with the added volume exactly where it’s needed.
Hair extension styling tricks to turn up the volume
Let’s face it: with a few styling tricks, your extensions can go from basic to breathtaking. Here’s how to add volume to your hair, no salon appointment necessary.
Creating volume with curls
Big bouncy curls are the epitome of voluminous hair. To really get the most out of your extensions, wrap larger sections of the wefts (mixed with your natural hair) around a big-barrel curling iron, starting mid-length for root lift that looks real, not rigid. Gently finger-comb the curls for that bouncy, lived-in look, and add a bit of texture spray to hold it in place. The result? Full-on glamor that rivals a Hollywood star.
Heatless waves
Guess what? You can get all the volume you need—overnight. Start with damp hair, twist sections, and pin them into mini buns or braid around a silk scarf for heatless, frizz-free waves. By morning, you’ll have thick, beachy waves that look like you’ve spent hours at the salon—minus the heat damage.
Updos with oomph
For an updo with real wow-factor, extensions add that lush, lifted look that turns heads. Go for a high pony or a loose, messy bun, using the extensions for height and body. Before securing, tease the roots a little for some extra drama, then twist or pin the hair up, letting the volume work its magic. Top it off with a quick spray, and you’ve got an effortlessly chic look that holds all day.
How to blend extension for flawless volume
Getting your extensions to look like they grew out of your own scalp is an art (but it’s not that tricky). Nail that unified look where your extensions flow with your natural hair by following the below tips.
Color matching
When investing in your hair extensions for volume, make sure you get color-matched by a pro. A close match to your natural hair color ensures no one can tell where your hair ends and the extensions begin. If your hair has highlights or lowlights, look for extensions with similar tones or try custom dyeing for that extra-fine match. Extensions that mirror your color catch the light just right, creating a more polished effect.
Trimming for blended layers
One of the top tricks in the book: get those extensions cut to match your natural layers. If you wear layered cuts, take the extensions to a stylist for a quick trim, so the extensions follow your own shape and length. This helps extensions sit naturally and flow with the rest of your hair without any awkward lines.
Blending products for a textured finish
Volume also means texture. To lock in the blend, products like texturizing spray and dry shampoo add texture and grip that makes everything look (and feel) like it belongs together. Spritz dry shampoo at the roots of both your hair and the extensions to absorb any slip, while texturizing spray at the mid-lengths and ends adds just enough texture to mix everything perfectly.
Quick tips for maintaining volume with hair extensions
Follow these, and you’re set for volume that doesn’t quit:
1. Brush smart
Start brushing from the ends with a soft-bristle or loop brush. Keeps extensions smooth, no root-pulling drama.
2. Root boost
A dab of root-lifting powder at the crown gives instant height—perfect for midday touch-ups.
3. Light spray only
Use a flexible, lightweight hairspray to keep volume without the crunch. Heavy sprays? Not invited.
4. Mousse it up
Volumizing mousse on damp hair builds body for days, giving your extensions a thick base to blend with.
5. Regular touch-ups
If you’ve opted for sew-ins or tape-ins, a salon refresh every 6-8 weeks keeps the volume game strong.
6. Tease with texture
A quick texturizing spray at the ends adds that “I woke up like this” texture.