To part your hair for hair extensions, you typically create multiple sections, with a crucial focus on leaving a perimeter section of your natural hair around your hairline and part to effectively conceal the extensions.
The Foundation of Natural-Looking Extensions: Proper Sectioning
Effective hair parting is paramount for a seamless and natural hair extension application. It ensures that the extensions blend flawlessly with your natural hair and remain undetectable. The process involves strategically dividing your hair to create secure attachment points while preserving enough of your own hair to cover the installed extensions.
Key Principles for Parting
When preparing your hair for extensions, especially during the installation phase, a consistent and clear sectioning strategy is vital. Based on common practices and insights, such as those indicating section counts like "Side. One and two and then here's your third," hair is often divided into logical, manageable segments. This typically involves:
- Horizontal Partings: Most extension methods, particularly those involving wefts or individual bonds, utilize horizontal partings across the scalp, starting from the nape of the neck and working upwards. These partings should be clean and straight to ensure even distribution and secure attachment.
- Side Sections: The "Side" reference likely points to ensuring the sides of the head are also clearly sectioned and prepared for extensions, or for ensuring the side hair is included in the perimeter.
- Multiple Levels/Sections: The mention of "one and two and then here's your third" indicates that the hair is divided into several distinct horizontal or semi-horizontal sections from the bottom upwards, creating different levels for extension placement. This layering approach helps create fullness and blend.
The Critical Perimeter Section
One of the most important aspects of parting for hair extensions is the perimeter section. As highlighted, "Now when you're going to start installing. You always want to keep a perimeter section of the hair extension."
- What it is: The perimeter section refers to a layer of your natural hair, typically about an inch or more thick, that is left un-extended all around the hairline (including the nape, temples, and forehead) and along your natural part line.
- Why it's essential: This reserved hair acts as a protective and concealing layer. After the extensions are installed underneath, your natural hair from the perimeter section falls over them, ensuring they are completely hidden when you wear your hair up, down, or styled in various ways. Without this, the bonds or wefts of the extensions could be visible.
Practical Tips for Sectioning Your Hair
To achieve the best results when parting your hair for extensions:
- Use a Tail Comb: A fine-tooth tail comb is indispensable for creating crisp, clean partings.
- Work on Clean, Dry Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and completely dry before you begin sectioning, as this makes it easier to manage and part accurately.
- Secure Sections: Use clips or hair ties to securely hold each section of hair in place once parted, preventing it from mixing with other sections.
- Consider Your Natural Hairline and Part: Always respect your natural hairline and the way your hair typically falls. The perimeter section should follow these lines to ensure maximum discretion.
- Consult a Professional: While these guidelines explain the concept, installing hair extensions requires precision and skill. For the best and safest application, it's always recommended to have hair extensions installed by a certified professional.
