E! illustration/Bellami
What’s the secret to the long, luscious hair that all our favorite K-Pop idols have? Hair extensions. If you’ve been online admiring celebrity hair looks for long enough, this might not be a secret at all. It’s not enough to simply have extensions on your hair, though. It requires a little more work than that.
That’s why we went straight to an expert. Celebrity Hair Stylist Malcolm Marquez knows all about hair extensions—whether it’s from his experience working on K-Pop idol clients or the variety of styling done for editorial photoshoots.
He told us everything we needed to know to get a blended, effortless look with extensions, right at home!
Use Seamless or Invisible Weft Hair Extensions
Marquez recommended using seamless or invisible weft extensions because they’re the best option that lay flat against the scalp and your locks, making them extremely user-friendly.
The most important thing to keep in mind? “Color and texture match, for sure,” he told E!. “Even if the extensions aren’t originally your exact texture, it’s important to use similar, if not the same, tools and techniques on your hair and the extensions.”
“When choosing color, if you’re between two colors, go lighter,” he said. “Darkening something may require less effort typically than lighting something pre-colored. When in doubt, talk to your hairdresser too.”
Full Shine Weft Hair Extensions
Marquez specifically recommended the Silk Seam Clip-In extensions from Bellami, which are made with 100% Remy human hair and promise a natural look and feel with the ease of clip-ons. Plus, it’s available in a variety of shades and textures.
Bellami Silk Seam Clip-In
Marquez specifically recommended the Silk Seam Clip-In extensions from Bellami, which are made with 100% Remy human hair and promise a natural look and feel with the ease of clip-ons. Plus, it’s available in a variety of shades and textures.
Luxy 16″ Seamless Natural Clip-Ins
Luxy’s seamless clip-ins come with 10 wefts (or pieces), made with 100% real Remy human hair, that can easily be clipped on and blended into your natural locks.
Bombay Hair Traditional Weft Bundle
These bundled weft extensions are traditional sew-ins, instead of clip-ons, that are made with cuticle remy human hair. Plus, it’s available in a variety of shades and lengths.
It’s All About The Styling
Want to get K-Pop-approved hair? The key is in preserving the look! “I definitely have to keep in mind how much dancing they’ll be doing when installing [the extensions],” Marquez said. “I’m also working with multiple girls at once, so it’s important I have some range in their looks while also keeping them somewhat unified.”
It’s not enough to simply install your extensions and get out the door. It requires a little more work to get that coveted blended look. “It’s helpful to secure extensions with a little backcomb and hairspray,” Marquez told E!. “Go more effortless with the styling. Something you can flip around and will just get even better as it moves.”
For viral celeb looks Marquez has worked on, he secures each piece with a back-combing technique at the root, curls hair with a 1.5″ barrel, uses a flexible-hold hairspray, and finishes with a shine spray to give the hair a glossy look.
GranNaturals Boar & Nylon Bristle Styling Brush
Featuring combo bristles made from boar and nylon, this styling brush works as a detangler, for smoothing edges, and as a volumizing teaser brush.
Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray
Amika’s touchable hairspray promises a flexible hold for your blowout, fights frizz, and boosts shine. Plus, it won’t leave your strands crunchy!
Conair Double Ceramic 1 ½-Inch Long Barrel Curling Iron
This affordable curling iron has a 1.5″ barrel that Marquez utilizes for his looks. It also features double ceramic for even heat distribution and 30 heat settings that go up to 375°F.
Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray
Made by celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, this blowdry spray is formulated with HS3 complex, Plysilicone-29, and TCM mushroom extract to protect your hair from up to 450°F, add shine, strengthen, detangle, and hydrate locks.
Looking for more expert recommendations? Shop the tips & tricks to finding the right shade of red lipstick, according to a celebrity makeup artist!
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