How to Style Beaded Row Extensions
With your new extensions, every day can be a great hair day. But if you’re struggling with how to style all that new hair–we totally get it. With new hairstyles trending every week and cute tutorials popping up when you’re scrolling, it can be overwhelming. Whether you want voluminous ’90s blowouts, soft beach waves, or sleek, straight hair, we’ll guide you through styling your extensions while keeping them healthy and beautiful. One of the best parts about extensions? They hold styles incredibly well, so you can enjoy your hard work for days.
Essential Styling Tips
Before diving into specific hairstyles, here are some practical tips to help you manage all that gorgeous new hair. Yes, blow-drying will take a little longer now (think of it like a bonus arm workout), but with the right prep, you’ll be styling like a pro. For more detailed tips on how to take care of your extensions, check out our complete guide.
Choose the Right Tools
Your styling journey starts with the proper tools. Use a loop brush or extension-specific brush to avoid unnecessary pulling on the beads. Start brushing at the ends and work your way up. And always make sure your hair is tangle-free before you begin styling.
While quality styling tools might seem pricey upfront, they’re worth every penny for better results and keeping your extensions in top shape.
Protect Your Investment
Heat styling is perfectly fine with extensions, but just like with your natural hair, a heat protectant is necessary to shield your locks. Always use a high-quality heat protectant before styling with hot tools. Keep the heat away from your attachment points and opt for lower temperature settings with your hot tools, ideally no hotter than 350°. Remember, your extensions are made from human hair and need the same TLC as your natural hair.
Prep Hair for Success
Great hair starts the night before. Sleep with your extensions in a loose braid or low ponytail using a silk scrunchie. A silk or high-thread-count pillowcase will also reduce friction and prevent tangling, making your morning styling routine that much easier. Also, never go to bed with wet hair; this can leave you with a tangled bird’s nest and an arm workout in the morning, not to mention it can also damage your real hair and extensions.
Styles for hair Extensions
Beach Waves
Effortless waves are always in style, and extensions make this look even better. Your extensions will help your waves last longer, and the extra volume creates that perfect, lived-in texture we all crave.
- Start with completely dry hair
- Apply heat protectant throughout
- Divide hair into small sections
- Wrap each section around a curling iron, alternating directions
- Let curls cool completely
- Run your fingers through to break up the waves
- Set with flexible-hold hairspray
sleek Straight
Get out your flat iron because pin-straight hair is making a comeback. Here’s how to make sure your extensions blend perfectly when you are going for Y2K Avril Lavigne:
- Start with completely dry hair
- Make sure your hair is tangle-free using your extension brush
- Apply heat protectant throughout, making sure you cover your extensions and your natural hair
- Work in small sections, starting close to the roots but avoiding attachment points
- For extra polish, finish with a small amount of hair oil on your ends
- Use a fine-toothed comb to gently smooth any flyaways
Half Up
Half-up styles work for everything from casual coffee runs to bridal dos for wedding days. With extensions, you get extra volume at the crown and beautiful length in the loose sections. The key is placement–you’ll need to gather your hair above your extension rows for the most natural look.
- Part hair horizontally above your extension rows
- Gather the top section, keeping it loose for a softer look
- Secure with an elastic that matches your hair color and cover with a clip or bow
- Gently pull pieces around your face loose for softness
Utah Curls
Utah curls are making the rounds on social media, and as a Utah salon, we’re loving this! This signature look features bouncy curls with straight ends–a perfect blend of polished and effortless. The key to nailing this look is using a curling iron with a clamp, not a wand.
- Divide hair horizontally
- Take 1-inch sections of hair
- Clamp your curling iron near the roots
- Wrap hair around the barrel
- As you reach the ends, pull straight through the clamp instead of curling
- Let each curls cool before running your fingers through them
- Set with flexible-hold hairspray
Low Loose Bun
There’s just something romantic about a low bun with strands falling around your face. This style is so versatile it looks amazing for everyday wear yet elevated enough for a formal event. It’s also one of the best low-stress options for extensions, as it puts minimal tension on your beaded rows. Here’s how to achieve this romantic look:
- Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, keeping it loose for the effortless feel
- When it comes to the actual bun, there are a few options; you can twist your hair like a rope until it swirls like a cinnamon roll or loop your hair through a ponytail without pulling it all the way through
- Secure with bobby pins
- Gently pull some face-framing pieces to give it a carefree vibe
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style while keeping movement
- Pro tip: If your bun feels too “perfect,” gently tug at various sections to create the undone look. The beauty of this style is in its imperfections!
And if you wondering if these styles can work for short hair, the answer is yes, with the right extensions! Learn more about extensions for short hair.
High Pony
Nothing says confidence like a voluminous high ponytail. While this style can be stunning with premium hair extensions, it requires some extra care and technique to achieve the perfect blend. Since your beaded row extensions are installed with the wefts facing downward, a high ponytail is tricker than it used to be before you had extensions. Here are some tips to creating the sophisticated high pony:
- Section your hair horizontally just above your extension rows
- Gather the top section first, creating a half-up ponytail
- Carefully gather the bottom section, being mindful of your extension rows
- Combine both sections into one ponytail at your crown
- Pro Tip: Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie.
Top Knot
The messy top knot is perfect for those casual days when you want to look effortlessly put together. With extensions, you’ll have the extra volume to make this style look full and fabulous.
- Follow steps 1-4 of the high ponytail
- Twist the ponytail around its base
- Secure with bobby pins
- Gently pull pieces loose for an undone look
- Set with a light hold hairspray
Slick Back
Shiny, slicked-back looks are in, and they’re perfect for days you wish you had time to wash your hair. Slick-backed looks can be tricky with extensions because attachment points need to be hidden. Portfolio’s hybrid method ensures the beads and wefts stay concealed. Here’s how to achieve a sleek, polished look:
- Apply a smoothing serum evenly throughout
- Using a boar bristle brush, lightly slick back your hair into a pony, being careful not to pull on the attachment points
- Secure your hair in a ponytail or bun, keeping the tension gentle to avoid stress on the extensions
- Finish with a medium hold hairspray
The Secret to Good Hair Days
Extensions don’t just add length and volume—they elevate every style, even if you have thin hair. That high ponytail you love? It’s now fuller and more dramatic. Beach waves or Utah curls? They’ve got extra bounce and can hold for days. Even a simple braid transforms into a luxurious, head-turning look with extensions.
Get Your Dream Hair
At Portfolio Hair Salon, we’re all about making hair dreams come true. Our expert stylists create natural-looking, comfortable extensions that make every day a good hair day. With beaded row extensions, every style you try will be fuller, longer, and more glamorous. Book a consultation today, and let’s make your hair goals a reality.
Book Today
Ready for a hair transformation? Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our certified professionals. We’ll discuss your needs, match colors, and plan your unique hair extension journey.
- Classic Hair Cut
- Highlights
- Extensions
- Root Care
- Coloring
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Stansbury Park, UT 84074
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Coloring: Enhance your hair with our all-over coloring. Choose from Demi-permanent or permanent tints to add shine, depth, and full grey coverage.
Money Piece
Brighten your look with a ‘Money Piece’ highlight, adding a pop of color around your face for a trendy, modern style.
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Our low-maintenance ‘Lived in Color’ blends highlights and roots for a graceful grow-out and a natural blonde look.
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Transform your style with extensions ranging from 14”-22”. Customizable for volume, length, and color to perfectly match your hair.
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