How your hair extensions are fitted depends entirely on the type. Clip-ins you put in yourself at home in about ten minutes, with no stylist needed. Every other method, tape-in, weft, nano bond and k-tip, is fitted by a trained stylist in a salon, and takes anywhere from 45 minutes to around three hours depending on how much hair you are having and how it attaches. None of them glue anything to your scalp. Each one anchors to small sections of your own hair, sits comfortably, and is designed to be removed and refitted or taken out cleanly later. Here is exactly how each method is applied, how long it takes, how long it lasts and how to choose between them.
In this guide
- How are clip-in extensions fitted?
- How are tape-in extensions fitted?
- How are weft and sew-in extensions fitted?
- How are nano bond extensions fitted?
- How are k-tip extensions fitted?
- How long does fitting take?
- How are extensions removed?
- Which method is right for you?
- FAQs
How are clip-in extensions fitted?
Clip-ins are the only type you fit yourself, and they take minutes. Each weft has small pressure clips sewn along the top. You section your hair into horizontal rows from the nape up, backcomb lightly at the root for grip, then press the clips shut onto your own hair. They come out just as easily at the end of the day. No stylist, no heat, no commitment.
Because they clip on and off, they are the gentlest option and the easiest way to try extensions before committing to a fitted set.
Best for at-home length and volume
16" Clip-In Hair Extensions
A full head of 100% Remy human hair you can fit yourself in minutes, with no salon appointment needed.
From £234 Shop clip-ins →
How are tape-in extensions fitted?
Tape-ins are fitted by a stylist and are one of the quickest professional methods. Each extension is a thin weft with a strip of medical-grade tape along the top. The stylist takes a fine section of your hair, places one tape tab underneath and a second on top, so a thin layer of your own hair is sandwiched between two tabs. Pressed together, they hold firmly and sit almost flat to the head.
A full head takes around 45 minutes to an hour. There is no heat and no glue on the scalp. Tape-ins are popular because they are fast to fit, lie flat under fine hair, and can be peeled off, re-taped and reused at your maintenance appointment. You can explore the range in our tape-in collection.
How are weft and sew-in extensions fitted?
A weft is a long curtain of hair. There are two main ways a stylist fits one.
- Sewn onto a beaded row. The stylist threads a row of tiny beads onto sections of your own hair to make a secure foundation, then stitches the weft along that row with a needle and thread. No heat, no glue.
- Braided sew-in (weave). Your natural hair is cornrowed, and the weft is sewn directly onto the braid.
Our flat wefts are designed to sit especially close to the head, so the row is comfortable and invisible under your own hair. A full head usually takes one to two hours. Wefts give the most hair for your money, which is why they are a favourite for thick, full looks. See the flat weft collection for the options.
Maximum thickness and value
Best for full, thick results
18" Deluxe Weft
A generous weft of 100% Remy human hair, fitted by your stylist for the fullest, most seamless finish.
From £262 Shop wefts →
How are nano bond extensions fitted?
Nano bonds, also called nano rings, are fitted strand by strand for the most natural, undetectable result. The stylist threads a tiny section of your own hair through a very small metal ring, adds the nano-tipped extension strand into the same ring, then clamps the ring closed with pliers so it grips both together. There is no heat and no glue at all, just a tiny bead holding a small bundle of hair.
Because each bond is so small, a full head is made up of many individual strands, so fitting takes around two to three hours. The payoff is that the bonds are almost invisible, move naturally and are very kind to your own hair. Browse the shades in our nano bond collection.
Nano bonds are fitted strand by strand with a tiny ring and no heat, which is what makes them so discreet.
See the full nano bond range →
How are k-tip extensions fitted?
K-tips, also known as keratin or bonded extensions, use a small tip of keratin at the top of each strand. The stylist takes a fine section of your hair, positions the tip against the root and uses a warm connector tool to soften the keratin so it moulds around your hair and sets as it cools. Each bond is small and flexible, and the finish is smooth and secure.
Like nano bonds, k-tips are fitted strand by strand, so allow a couple of hours. They give a long-lasting, seamless result and are a salon favourite. Our k-tip collection has the full choice.
How long does fitting take?
A quick side-by-side of the main methods:
| Method | Fitted by | Time | How it attaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clip-in | Yourself, at home | About 10 minutes | Pressure clips |
| Tape-in | Stylist | 45 to 60 minutes | Tape tabs |
| Weft / sew-in | Stylist | 1 to 2 hours | Sewn to a beaded row or braid |
| Nano bond | Stylist | 2 to 3 hours | Tiny clamped rings |
| K-tip | Stylist | 2 to 3 hours | Keratin bonds |
How are extensions removed?
Every method is designed to come out cleanly.
- Clip-ins: you simply open the clips and slide them out. Do this every night.
- Tape-ins: the stylist applies a gentle remover solution that releases the tape, then re-tapes and refits the same hair.
- Wefts: the beads are opened or the stitching is cut, and the weft lifts off.
- Nano bonds: the rings are gently squeezed open with pliers and the strands slide out.
- K-tips: a bond remover softens the keratin so each strand releases.
Fitted methods are moved up or refitted every few weeks as your natural hair grows, which keeps them sitting neatly and protects your own hair.
Which fitting method is right for you?
It comes down to how much time, commitment and maintenance you want.
- Want flexibility and no salon trip? Clip-ins. In and out in minutes, whenever you like.
- Fine hair and want it flat and fast? Tape-ins.
- Want maximum thickness for your money? Wefts.
- Want the most natural, movable, long-term finish? Nano bonds or k-tips.
Whichever you choose, the quality of the hair matters as much as the method. All WAVE extensions are 100% Remy human hair, which is why they blend, last and behave like your own. If your natural texture is curly or coily, match it with our curly hair extensions so the two sit together without heat. Not sure on shade? Our colour match service gets you the right blend before you buy.
Whichever method you choose, a good fit and quality Remy hair give a finish that looks completely natural.
Frequently asked questions
Does fitting hair extensions hurt or damage your hair?
Fitted properly, no. None of the professional methods glue anything to your scalp; they anchor to small sections of your own hair and should feel secure but comfortable. The main causes of damage are extensions that are too heavy for your hair or left in too long without maintenance. Here is the full picture on whether extensions damage your hair.
How long do fitted hair extensions last?
Fitted methods stay in for around six to eight weeks before they need moving up, and the hair itself can last many months to over a year with good care. Clip-ins are worn day to day rather than fitted long-term. We compare each type in our guide to how long extensions last.
Can I fit hair extensions myself?
Only clip-ins. Tape, weft, nano bond and k-tip methods all need a trained stylist and the right tools to fit safely and evenly, so they are best left to a professional.
How much does it cost to have extensions fitted?
The hair is one cost and the salon fitting is another, and fitting fees vary by method and length. Our UK cost guide breaks down what to expect for both.
How often do fitted extensions need maintenance?
Roughly every six to eight weeks. As your own hair grows, the bonds or rows move away from the root, so your stylist moves them back up. This keeps them comfortable and discreet and protects your natural hair.
Can I wash, sleep and swim with fitted extensions?
Yes, with care. Fitted extensions stay in through washing and sleeping, though gentle handling and a sulphate-free routine make them last far longer. Clip-ins should be taken out before bed and before swimming.
Ready to choose? Explore every method in one place at our clip-in, tape-in, nano bond and weft collections, all 100% Remy human hair. Are you a stylist or salon? Our trade accounts give you the same quality at wholesale, plus the professional fitting tools for every method.
