Selecting the right color for clip-in natural additions is essential to achieve a natural, blended look. When the tone is well-matched, your style can transform effortlessly, making the extensions indistinguishable from your own hair. However, achieving this requires attention to detail, as small differences in tone or shade can become noticeable.
1. Understanding Undertones
One of the first things to consider is the undertones of your natural color. While your overall shade may appear as blonde, brunette, or black, your undertones could either be warm, cool, or neutral. These subtleties play a significant role in how well new strands will blend.
To determine your undertone, examine your locks in natural light. Warm undertones tend to show hints of gold, red, or orange, while cool undertones appear ashy or silvery. Choosing additions that match the undertones will make them look seamless. Warm-toned individuals, for instance, might want to choose honey or caramel shades, while cool-toned people could opt for ash or platinum tones.
2. Match the Ends, Not the Roots
When choosing clip in natural hair extensions, it’s crucial to focus on matching the mid-lengths and ends of your locks. Roots often carry more depth and darkness, and focusing on this area can result in a mismatched look. Instead, pay attention to the shade of your hair from the mid-length to the tips. This is where the extensions will sit and blend, so getting this color right is key to a flawless appearance.
3. Considering Highlights or Color Gradients
For those with highlights or balayage, finding a single-color match can be tricky. Instead of choosing one uniform tone, look for multidimensional clip-ins that feature multiple hues. This allows them to blend better with highlighted or color-treated hair, maintaining a natural, sun-kissed appearance.
Extensions with highlights or lowlights are particularly useful in replicating complex color gradients, giving your style depth and texture without obvious transitions.
4. Lighting is Important
Lighting affects how your hair looks, and this is especially important when choosing your new additions. A color that looks perfect under bright sunlight may not look the same under artificial lighting. When selecting your shade, consider how your hair looks in different environments. It can be helpful to view photos of similar shades in both natural and artificial light to make sure they will match in any situation.
If buying online, ask for color samples or review customer photos taken in various lighting conditions. This will give you a more accurate idea of how the clip-ins will look once they’re attached.
5. Seasonal Changes in Hair Color
The sun, humidity, and even the cold can affect the natural shade of your locks throughout the year. If you’re planning on wearing your additions year-round, keep in mind that your color might shift between summer and winter. In warmer months, exposure to the sun might naturally lighten your tone, whereas during colder months, it might deepen.
To accommodate these shifts, you may want to have two different sets—one for summer and one for winter—or select a tone that sits in between, giving you flexibility all year long.
6. Customization for a Perfect Match
If you’re struggling to find the exact shade, customization is always an option. High-quality natural clip-ins made from human strands can be dyed or toned to achieve a closer match to your natural color. This is particularly useful for people with unique shades or transitioning colors.
Customizing your clip-ins ensures the perfect match and allows you to feel confident that they will blend seamlessly with your own locks. Always choose human hair for this option, as synthetic materials cannot be dyed without damage.
7. Length and Texture Are Equally Important
In addition to the color, it’s essential to ensure that the length and texture of your clip-ins match your own style. A set that is too straight or curly compared to your natural texture can stand out. Make sure the texture is similar to your own—whether it’s wavy, curly, or straight—to create a smooth transition between your natural locks and the extensions.
Also, choosing the right length is vital. If your hair is medium length, excessively long extensions can look unnatural. Opt for a length that complements your overall style.
8. Trusted Retailers and Quality Products
When choosing your clip-ins, buying from a trusted retailer is essential. High-quality products made from natural materials will not only blend better but will also last longer and can be customized to meet your needs. One example of a reputable retailer is Atelier Extensions, known for their range of shades and textures.
Opting for high-quality clip-ins ensures you get the most natural look and feel while also offering more flexibility for styling and coloring.
9. Maintaining Your Extensions
Once you’ve selected the perfect shade, it’s important to take care of your new additions to maintain their color and shine. Exposure to heat, sunlight, or harsh styling products can fade or damage your extensions, making them look less natural over time. Be sure to use heat protectants, avoid excessive heat styling, and follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to keep your clip-ins looking their best.
With proper care, your clip-ins will continue to blend seamlessly with your natural locks, providing the volume or length you desire for a long time.
Choosing the right shade for your clip-in natural extensions requires careful consideration of factors such as undertones, texture, and lighting. By focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, considering seasonal changes, and possibly customizing your clip-ins, you can achieve a natural, seamless look.
Ensure you’re purchasing from reputable brands to get high-quality products that last and provide the flexibility you need. With the right care, your clip-ins will enhance your style, providing the perfect finishing touch.
