1. Introduction
Thick hair extensions are a game-changer for anyone looking to add that extra volume, length, and fullness to their hair. Whether you have naturally fine hair or simply want to amp up your current look, thick extensions offer a way to transform your locks into a luscious, voluminous mane. Unlike standard extensions, which may focus solely on length, thick hair extensions are designed to provide a more substantial, fuller appearance, giving your hair a rich, bouncy texture that can elevate any style.
These extensions are typically made from high-quality synthetic or human hair, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your natural hair while providing the volume and thickness that many people desire. From thick, voluminous curls to sleek, sophisticated styles, thick hair extensions open the door to countless styling possibilities. They are perfect for achieving that “wow” factor—whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to enhance your everyday look.
In this article, we’ll explore the best hairstyles that complement thick hair extensions. Whether you’re looking for an elegant updo, beachy waves, or a sleek, polished look, we’ve got you covered with some fun, trendy, and practical styling ideas that will make your thick hair extensions stand out beautifully.
3. Hairstyle #1: Voluminous Waves
Creating voluminous waves with thick extensions is a simple yet stunning way to elevate your hairstyle. Soft, bouncy waves add volume, texture, and a touch of glamour to your look, making it perfect for both casual outings and special events. Here’s how you can achieve this gorgeous, voluminous look with thick hair extensions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Hair and Extensions
Start by washing your natural hair and extensions (if they’re new) to remove any styling products or build-up. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to add softness and prevent frizz. For your natural hair, apply a heat protectant to avoid damage when styling.
2. Dry Your Hair and Extensions
Blow-dry both your natural hair and the extensions using a round brush for added volume. If you’re using clip-in extensions, clip them into your natural hair before drying to ensure they blend seamlessly.
3. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections. You can start with the bottom layer, clip the upper layers out of the way, and begin curling the hair underneath. This makes it easier to work with each layer for a full, voluminous look.
4. Curling the Hair
For soft, voluminous waves, use a curling iron with a medium-sized barrel (1 to 1.5 inches). Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, holding each curl for about 5-10 seconds. Make sure to curl away from your face for a natural, flattering look. For the extensions, use the same curling technique, ensuring that the curls are uniform in size to match your natural hair.
5. Blend the Extensions
As you curl your natural hair and the extensions, make sure to blend them carefully. Ensure that the ends of your natural hair are curled around the barrel to seamlessly integrate with the extensions. The key is to curl the natural hair and extensions together in sections, so they flow smoothly without any obvious separation.
6. Finishing Touches
Once your entire head is curled, gently run your fingers through the waves to loosen them up, creating a more natural, relaxed look. Apply a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to add body and texture to the waves, making them look fuller and more voluminous.
Variations: Loose vs. Tight Waves
Loose Waves: For a more laid-back, beachy vibe, curl your hair loosely with the iron, leaving the ends of each section out for a more undone look. Lightly finger-comb your curls and finish with a texture spray to create a soft, tousled effect.
Tight Waves: For more defined waves, curl your sections tightly, allowing the curls to set for a few seconds longer. After cooling, run a brush through the curls or finger-comb them gently to create soft, structured waves that still have plenty of volume.
Voluminous waves with thick extensions are the ultimate style for anyone looking to add fullness and texture to their hair. Whether you go for loose or tight waves, this versatile look works for any occasion and is sure to make heads turn.
4. Hairstyle #2: Full and Bouncy Blowout
A professional blowout is a timeless and glamorous hairstyle that gives you voluminous, shiny hair with bouncy, soft waves. When paired with thick hair extensions, it creates a look of effortless fullness and body that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s a guide on how to achieve the perfect blowout with thick extensions, ensuring your hair looks voluminous without being weighed down.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Full and Bouncy Blowout
1. Prepare Your Hair and Extensions
Start by washing your natural hair and extensions with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Thick extensions can be prone to tangling and dryness, so use a nourishing treatment to keep them soft and manageable. After washing, apply a heat protectant to both your natural hair and extensions to shield them from heat damage during styling.
2. Dry Your Hair and Extensions
Towel-dry your hair and extensions gently to remove excess moisture. For your natural hair, use a blow dryer on medium heat to dry it about 70% of the way before starting the blowout. For your extensions, lay them out on a clean, flat surface and blow-dry them separately or clip them in while you dry your natural hair.
3. Apply Volumizing Mousse
For a professional blowout that’s full of volume, apply a volumizing mousse or root lifter to your damp hair and extensions. This will create lift at the roots and prevent your hair from falling flat. Focus the product on the roots for extra volume, and distribute it evenly through the lengths of your hair to give the entire look fullness.
4. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections—start with the bottom layer, clipping the upper sections out of the way. Sectioning helps ensure even drying and smooth, voluminous results.
5. Blow Dry with a Round Brush
Using a round brush and blow dryer, start drying each section of hair. Begin at the roots, pulling the brush down through the hair while aiming the blow dryer downward. This will help to smooth the hair and eliminate frizz while creating volume. For extra lift, focus the dryer at the roots, and as you reach the ends, slightly curl the hair around the brush to give it shape.
Pro Tip: When blow-drying the extensions, be sure to direct the heat away from the clip-in areas to prevent them from becoming too flat or weighed down.
6. Add Curls to the Ends for Extra Bounce
Once you’ve finished the blowout, curl the ends of your hair for that added bounce. Use a curling iron with a medium barrel (1 to 1.5 inches) to curl the ends under or outward for more movement. This step adds even more volume and polish to your blowout, giving it a professional finish.
7. Finishing Touches
After curling the ends, gently brush through your hair with a wide-tooth comb to soften the curls and create a more natural wave. For added shine, use a light serum or shine spray to smooth the hair and add a glossy finish.
To make sure your blowout stays bouncy all day, finish with a flexible-hold hairspray that will maintain the volume without making the hair too stiff.
A full and bouncy blowout is a versatile hairstyle that gives you that glamorous, polished look whether you're going for a day at the office or a night out. With the added volume and fullness from thick extensions, your blowout will last longer and look even more stunning. Whether you keep it sleek or add curls to the ends, a blowout will give your hair that perfect bounce and body. Follow these steps, and you'll be ready to rock a full, bouncy blowout worthy of any red carpet!
5. Hairstyle #3: High Ponytail with Volume
A high ponytail with added volume is a timeless and chic hairstyle that never goes out of style. When paired with thick hair extensions, it not only elevates your look but also gives your ponytail the fullness and body it deserves. Here’s how to create a voluminous high ponytail with thick extensions for a sleek, polished finish.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Creating a Voluminous High Ponytail
1. Prepare Your Hair and Extensions
Begin with clean, dry hair and your chosen extensions (clip-ins or tape-ins work best for this style). Shampoo and condition your hair to ensure it’s smooth and manageable. For your extensions, make sure they’re combed through and tangle-free.
2. Create a Base Layer
Start by parting your hair where you’d like the ponytail to sit. The higher the ponytail, the more volume you’ll create. For extra fullness, you can add hair padding or tease the roots before pulling your hair into a ponytail.
3. Clip-In Extensions for Volume
Section your hair into layers, starting from the bottom. Clip the extensions into place, starting at the nape of your neck and working your way up. Ensure the extensions are securely attached, blending seamlessly with your natural hair. When placing the extensions, leave some of your natural hair at the top to cover the wefts for a seamless finish.
4. Gather Hair into a Ponytail
Once your extensions are in place, gather all of your hair into a high ponytail. Use a fine-toothed comb to smooth out any bumps and create a sleek look. Make sure to secure the ponytail tightly with a strong elastic band.
5. Hide the Wefts
To hide the extensions' wefts and make the ponytail appear flawless, take a small section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it around the base. Secure the section with a bobby pin, making sure it covers the wefts and creates a polished finish.
6. Add Extra Volume
For added volume, gently tug on the sides of the ponytail to loosen the hair and create a fuller, more voluminous look. You can also tease the ponytail lightly to give it more body and texture.
7. Smooth and Secure
To smooth down any flyaways, use a light-hold hairspray or a smoothing serum. For a sleek finish, take a comb or your fingers and smooth down the top portion of the ponytail. Secure it in place with bobby pins, if necessary.
A high ponytail with volume is the perfect way to showcase thick hair extensions while keeping your look sleek and sophisticated. With these steps, you can achieve a voluminous, polished ponytail that lasts all day, ensuring you turn heads wherever you go.
6. Hairstyle #4: Elegant Braided Updo
An elegant braided updo is the perfect hairstyle for any formal event or evening out. When paired with thick hair extensions, it creates a stunning, voluminous look that adds both texture and sophistication. This guide will take you through the steps to create a beautiful braided updo with extensions, while offering tips on how to secure the braid for long-lasting results.
Step-by-Step Guide for Creating an Elegant Braided Updo
1. Prepare Your Hair and Extensions
Begin by washing and conditioning your hair to ensure it’s clean and smooth. If you’re using extensions, choose clip-ins, tape-ins, or sew-ins that match the texture and color of your natural hair. Brush both your hair and extensions thoroughly to remove any tangles. Once your hair is prepped, you can either style your hair straight or with loose curls—whichever you prefer.
2. Section Your Hair
Start by dividing your hair into several sections. For this style, you’ll want to create a section on top for the braid and leave some hair free at the bottom for volume and texture. Clip up the top section of your hair to keep it separate while you work with the bottom section.
3. Incorporating Extensions into the Braids
Add your extensions where needed to enhance the volume and fullness. If you’re using clip-ins, clip them into the bottom layers first, making sure they blend seamlessly with your natural hair. You can also apply tape-ins or sew-ins, depending on your preference. Make sure to secure the extensions low enough so that they stay hidden as you braid.
4. Braiding Techniques:
Choose Your Style There are several braiding techniques you can choose from for an elegant updo:
· French Braid: A classic option that starts at the crown and weaves in sections of hair as you go, creating a gradual, smooth look.
· Dutch Braid: This technique creates a more pronounced braid by crossing the sections underneath, giving the braid more texture and volume.
· Fishtail Braid: A more intricate look with a textured finish, the fishtail braid works well for a unique, bohemian-inspired updo.
Select the technique that works best for the look you want. For added fullness and a more voluminous braid, choose a Dutch braid or fishtail braid to showcase the added extensions.
5. Create the Braid
Once your extensions are in place, start braiding your hair in the chosen style. For a French or Dutch braid, begin at the top of your head and work your way down. For a fishtail braid, separate your hair into two sections and start alternating small strands from each side. As you braid, make sure to add sections of the extensions into the braid to maintain thickness throughout.
6. Twist and Pin the Braid into an Updo
After finishing your braid, carefully twist it around itself and secure it at the base of your neck. You can create a sleek, twisted bun or pin the braid into a loose, romantic updo. Use bobby pins to secure the braid in place, making sure the pins are well hidden for a clean, polished look.
7. Finishing Touches
After securing the braid in place, use a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in position. If you want a looser, more relaxed look, gently tug on the braid to make it slightly larger and more textured. For extra volume, tease the base of the braid or crown before securing it.
Creating an elegant braided updo with thick hair extensions is a perfect way to add volume, texture, and sophistication to your look. Whether you opt for a French braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail braid, adding extensions will enhance the fullness and make your braid stand out. With the right techniques and products, you’ll achieve a stunning updo that lasts all day and turns heads wherever you go.
7. Hairstyle #5: Sleek, Straight Locks
Sleek, straight locks are a timeless and polished hairstyle that suits any occasion, whether it’s for a casual day out or a formal event. When paired with thick hair extensions, this style becomes even more stunning by adding extra volume, length, and shine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect sleek, straight hair look with thick extensions.
Step-by-Step Process to Achieve Sleek, Straight Hair
1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Begin with freshly washed hair to ensure a smooth base. Shampoo and condition your hair with a smoothing or moisturizing formula to help reduce frizz and add moisture. After washing, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently pat your hair dry—avoid rough towel-drying to prevent frizz.
2. Apply Heat Protectant
Before styling with heat tools, apply a generous amount of heat protectant spray or serum. This step is crucial to shield both your natural hair and extensions from the high temperatures of flat irons or straighteners. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, as these areas are more vulnerable to heat damage.
3. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into sections to make the straightening process easier and more efficient. Start by parting your hair down the middle or to one side, depending on your preference. Clip up the top layers and begin straightening the bottom sections first. This way, you’ll avoid missing any strands and ensure an even finish.
4. Straighten with a Flat Iron
Use a high-quality flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates, as these materials provide even heat distribution and help minimize frizz. Take a small section of hair at a time, and slowly glide the flat iron from the roots to the ends. Be sure to go over each section only once or twice to avoid heat damage.
Flat Iron Tip: For a flawless, sleek finish, make sure your flat iron is set to the right temperature. For fine or thin hair, set the temperature to around 300°F (150°C), while thicker or coarser hair might require a higher setting around 350°F (175°C).
5. Incorporating Extensions
To blend your extensions seamlessly with your natural hair, straighten the extensions just as you would your natural hair. Start by attaching clip-in extensions at the roots (or using tape-in or sew-in extensions) before you begin straightening. Be sure to work in small sections to ensure that both your natural hair and the extensions are equally straightened.
Blending Tip: To ensure your extensions blend perfectly with your natural hair, make sure the extensions are the same color and texture as your natural strands. The goal is to make the extensions virtually undetectable, so the overall look remains sleek and seamless.
6. Polish with a Finishing Product
After you’ve straightened your hair, apply a lightweight shine serum or smoothing cream. These products help to add shine and keep hair looking fresh throughout the day. Apply sparingly to avoid weighing your hair down, and focus on the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
Sleek, straight locks are an elegant and polished hairstyle that can be easily enhanced with thick hair extensions. By following the right steps—from applying heat protectant to carefully straightening your hair—you can achieve a flawless, smooth finish that blends perfectly with your extensions. With the right products and techniques, you’ll be able to maintain that sleek, frizz-free look all day long, turning heads with every step you take.
8. Hairstyle #6: Messy, Textured Bun
A messy, textured bun is the perfect blend of casual and chic. It’s an effortless style that works for everything from a busy day at work to a night out. When paired with thick hair extensions, this bun becomes voluminous, full of texture, and surprisingly elegant. Here's how to create the ultimate messy, textured bun that looks effortless, yet polished.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Messy, Textured Bun
1. Start with Textured Hair
Begin by adding some texture to your hair. If you don’t have natural waves, use a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse. Apply the product generously throughout your hair, scrunching it with your hands to encourage waves. This will create the base for your messy look and give your extensions something to hold onto.
Tip: If you're using thick hair extensions, make sure they are already clipped or sewn in before applying texturizing products, as it helps blend them with your natural hair more seamlessly.
2. Gather Your Hair into a Ponytail
Once your hair has texture, gather it into a loose ponytail at the crown of your head. This ponytail will be the foundation of your bun, so you can experiment with its placement to determine how high or low you want the bun. For more volume, aim for a higher ponytail.
3. Create the Bun
Twist the ponytail loosely around the base and secure it with bobby pins or a hair tie. The key here is to leave the bun looking undone, so don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth. Allow some strands to fall loosely for a more relaxed look.
Tip: For added volume, you can gently pull the edges of the bun outward to create more fullness. Be careful not to pull too hard to avoid making it too tight or heavy.
4. Pull Loose Strands
Gently pull out some strands from the sides and front to create a soft, wispy effect. This will add to the messiness and give it a more natural feel. For added texture, you can use a curling iron to curl a few random pieces.
5. Finish the Look
Once your bun is secured and tousled, use a lightweight hairspray to hold the texture without making it crunchy. A flexible hold hairspray will help keep the shape intact while still maintaining movement.
9. Conclusion
Thick hair extensions are a game-changer for anyone looking to add volume, texture, and length to their hair. With the ability to create endless styling possibilities—whether it's voluminous waves, sleek straight locks, or an elegant braided updo—thick extensions give you the flexibility to transform your look every day. They not only add fullness but also allow for more versatile hairstyles, making them perfect for every occasion.
We hope these five hairstyle ideas inspire you to experiment with your thick hair extensions and discover your next signature look. Whether you're creating a high ponytail, bouncy blowout, or chic textured bun, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to elevate your hairstyle? Visit Fabulive for high-quality thick hair extensions that will help you achieve the perfect, voluminous look. Let Fabulive help you transform your hair and express your unique style with confidence.