Slippery extensions can be frustrating, especially when they shift, slide, or refuse to stay in place. This guide breaks down why extensions slip, how to prep your natural hair correctly, and the best techniques and products to secure them. With the right steps, you can keep your extensions stable, comfortable, and natural looking all day
Ever put in super straight hair extensions, tried clip-ins on hair you just conditioned, or tried to make a ponytail with hair smoother than yours? Then you get it: extensions slipping all over the place.
Extensions can slip down your hair, come loose after a few hours, or just not feel secure. It happens a lot, especially with super sleek hair like straight or wavy virgin hair.
But hey, you can keep your extensions on tight without hurting your real hair. Here’s a simple guide from stylists to help keep those slippery extensions where they should be.
Why Extensions Slip in the First Place?
Let's talk about why this happens. Usually, extensions Slip because:
Yournatural hair is too smooth, oily, or has too much conditioner in it.
The extensions are smoother than your own hair.
The wrong method was used to put them in.
Clips, beads, tape, or thread weren’t put in right.
Sweat or heat made things loosen up.
You used too much stuff near your roots.
Once you get why, you can stop the slipping without pulling too tight or hurting your hair.
How To Keep Your Extensions from Slipping?
Keep it Tight and Right!
If you have time in hand, air dry your hair, or you can blow-dry it. Blow-dry your hair on a cool setting with a diffuser. Dry your hair about 75% dry.
Moisturize your hair with hair cream, and then create jumbo block braids or twists. Depending on your hair thickness, the drying process can take longer. Allow your hair to air-dry overnight or use a hooded dryer to completely dry before moving to the next step.
Extensions stick best when your hair at the scalp is:
Clean
Dry
No oils, edge control, or heavy leave-in conditioners
If your roots are too moist, nothing will grip right.
What to do:
Before putting extensions in, wash your hair and don't condition the roots. Just condition the middle and ends.
For sew-ins or microlinks, blow-dry your roots a little so they're smooth but not slippery.
2. Use the Right Products
If your hair is naturally smooth or thin, a light product can help your roots grip better. Stylists recommend:
Volumizing mousse
Texturizing spray
Dry shampoo
Spray a little at the roots and blow-dry it in. It makes the hair a bit rough, which helps extensions hold on without slipping.
Pro Tip:
If you’re clipping extensions into really smooth hair, dry shampoo is great. Spray it on your scalp and wait 30 seconds before clipping.
3. Choose the Right Installation Method for Your Hair Texture
Know Your Type
Some ways work better on smooth or thin hair than others. Here’s a quick guide:
For Fine or Slippery Hair
Best: Sew-ins, tape-ins, microlinks with silicone beads
Avoid: Clip-ins with thin combs, badly made ponytail wraps
For Thick, Silky Hair
Best: Microlinks, sew-ins, clip-ins with strong clips
If your natural hair is very smooth, the stylist might use a tighter bead or braid to hold things extra tight.
4. Add an Anchor Braid (Game Changer!)
A small braid gives extensions something to grab onto, mostly when putting in:
Ponytails
Clip-ins
Partial sew-ins
The braid doesn't have to be big. Even a thin, tight braid can stop slipping right away. If you’re using a ponytail extension, a braid at the bottom helps the Velcro or wrap stay put all day.
5. Avoid Oils or Heavy Products Near the Scalp
Oil is the biggest problem for extensions that stay in place.
Avoid using:
Hair oil
Thick moisturizers
Edge waxes
Heavy conditioners
Grease
Where to use them:
Just on the middle and ends, never at the roots.
If the extensions slips after a few days, it's usually due to product buildup on the scalp.
6. Clip-Ins Should Be Safe
Clip-in extensions can slip if the clips are too smooth or the hair section is too big or too small. Here’s how to install them right:
Take thin sections
Tease the roots a bit (just a few strokes)
Add a little dry shampoo for grip
Put the clip near the scalp
Snap clips into hair that’s firmly in place, not loose strands
If you’re using clip-ins, dry shampoo and teasing give the perfect hold even on smooth pressed natural hair.
7. Tighten Microlinks at the Right Time
Microlinks (Keratin Tip) can slip when:
Your bead doesn’t have silicone in it
Your natural hair is very smooth
They weren't clamped tight enough
You are due for a tightening
If you have Keratin tip extensions, tighten them every 4–6 weeks to help keep them in place without pulling on your hair. Never try to tighten things yourself as it can break your hair. Always seek a professional help.
8. Consider Your Extension Texture
Learn about your texture well
Sometimes the extension hair is just too smooth for your natural hair to hold.
For example:
If your natural hair has a lot of texture or is blown out, straight hair bundlesmight feel too smooth compared to wavy, which has a bit more texture.
Match the hair to what you want to do with it:
If you wear silk press go for Pure Straight
If you want natural volume go for SEA wavy or curly textures
If you use clip-ins pick a texture with a little grip, not that’s super sleek
Choosing the right hair will stop slipping fast.
9. Wrap, Tie, or Secure Before Bed
Rubbing can also make extensions slip that is caused by constant rubbing.
A satin scarf or bonnet at bed time helps:
Keep roots flat
Keep microlinks from moving
Keep clip-ins from getting loose
Keep ponytails safe and sound
Redcues tangles
If you wear longer or smoother textured hair, wrapping keeps everything smooth and in place.
10. Don’t Skip Professional Installation
No video can do what a stylist can, especially if your natural hair is soft, smooth, or just relaxed.
A pro will:
Pick the right way to put them in
Put beads or tracks in the right spot
Hold tracks where your hair holds best
Match your hair
Adjust tension, so the extensions stay in place
This stops slipping and protects your natural hair.
Slippery extensions can be annoying, but if you get it right, use the right way to isntall them and pick the right hair, they can stay perfect all day, through work, workouts, and real life.
And remember: good extensions make a big difference.
Good extensions stay put, look great, and hold their place without much work.
Once you get your roots ready, stay away from heavy products near your scalp, and use them properly when putting them in, you’ll have great extensions every time. Indique Hair’s range of premium extensions stay secure, blend perfectly and hold their place with minimal effort. So next time you want to keep your extensions from slipping away choose Indique Hair and you will see the difference.
