HAIR FOR IT
The six-step hair expert’s guide to hiding extensions – so you don’t suffer hair mares like the Love Island All Stars
Including why you should opt for the 'stacking' method
ALTHOUGH for many beauty buffs hair extensions give a major confidence boost, it's also essential to know how to style them properly.
Recently eagle-eyed Love Island viewers begged show producers to step in after Grace Jackson's blonde tresses were driving them ''nuts''.
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Love Island All Stars fans have now become so irked with the condition and quality of the 26-year-old's hair extensions, they are calling for external help.
One X - formerly known as Twitter - used bluntly wrote: "Grace’s extensions look absolutely ridiculous when she’s got her hair tied back."
A second mused: "Grace and Harriett’s extensions, Lord have mercy!!!!" as a third continued: "Grace needs to chill with her pony’s her extensions look shocking."
One then remarked: "Grace needs to stop the slick back hairstyles, her extensions are driving me nuts."
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Another pointed out: "Grace's tape extensions are AWFUL."
Someone else complained: "The real question is whyyyyyy is Grace having her hair in slick back with those horrendous tapes."
Their complaints centred on the fact the model's hair extensions could clearly be seen pulled away from her scalp when she sported a chic up-do.
Slick ponytails are a popular and versatile hairstyle - but how to make sure you don't suffer the same hair mares as the Love Island singletons?
Most read in Fabulous
According to Hair Expert Nicole Petty of , there are some simple tricks to keep your ponytail looking smooth and natural and your extensions undetectable.
Scroll down to find out the six must-do steps to avoid those annoying wefts poking through...
NHS GP reveals how she boosted her hair growth
Think about placement
Extensions should work with your natural hair, so where you apply them or clip them in will affect how they’ll look in a ponytail.
For a high ponytail, should be clipped a third of an inch down from the root to help extensions lie flat against your head and prevent bumps in the ponytail.
and should be placed one inch below the crown of your head to keep them invisible and should be focused in the middle and lower parts of your head so your natural hair covers them.
“As a general rule, avoid placing any extensions higher than eye level, so you have plenty of hair on top to cover them,'' instructed Nicole.
Opt for the ‘stacking’ method
The hair guru told Fabulous: ''Instead of spacing out clip-in extensions, stack two to three wefts on top of each other in a single section to give you plenty of volume without overloading your head with too many clips.
''This will make it easier to keep them hidden in a ponytail.''
Backcomb the hair above the wefts
Throughout the day, your hair can part and potentially expose the wefts in your ponytail, but backcombing your hair above the wefts will help to keep them covered.
Gently tease a small section above the extension to make the root thicker. When pulled back into a ponytail this should be enough to cover the weft.
Backcombing your locks before you apply clip-in extensions can also make it easier for them to grab onto hair and remain secure.
Wrap the base of the ponytail
Ponytails can look sleeker with a wrapped base to conceal the hair tie and any extension wefts.
Take a small section of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around the hair tie and secure it with a bobby pin.
Everything you need to know about hair loss
Marie Nieuwoudt, a Group Education Manager at told Fabulous everything you need to know regarding hair loss.
What are the common causes of hair loss?
Marie explained: "There are so many reasons why someone may face hair loss.
"The number one reason is usually hormonal changes or underlying health conditions (like thyroid conditions), and stress of
course also plays a big part in changes to your hair health.
"But another very common day-to-day cause is excessive damage to your hair created by mistakes in your styling routines – and this a
big one to be aware of for people who are regularly applying heat to their hair!
"It’s important to know the right temperature for your hair type when using styling tools, as this is essential in reducing unintentional heat damage.
"I also see a lot of people facing hair loss resulting from hereditary conditions, which are passed down from generation to generation."
What are the best hairstyles people should try to reduce their hair loss?
According to Marie: "Less is more when it comes to hair loss! It’s important to be gentle with your hair, so a low-maintenance style that limits pulling on your scalp will be your best option.
"Putting your hair up in a tight ponytail or adding hair clips can cause stress points at the roots.
"Instead, try leaving your hair down, or out.
"You’re not limited in your options, but it pays to be intentional with your hair styling. Using tools which limit damage to your hair is vital.
"Discussing your concerns with a hairdresser or hair loss specialist is also a great way to find styles that suit your specific needs, whilst still making sure you look and feel your best."
How long does it take for hair loss to stop?
If you're itching to know when your hair will grow back, Marie confirmed: "Hair loss is a personal journey – and it’s different for everyone, so it’s very difficult to put exact timings on this process.
"Every head of hair is unique, and so too is your hair loss experience.
"As always, you can speak to a professional hairdresser or trichologist about your specific concerns and hair changes, and they’ll be able to help you manage those expectations.
"I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to be kind to your hair. Most people treat their hair quite roughly, and this is something you definitely want to avoid when dealing with hair loss in particular.
"Make sure you’re choosing products and styling routines that you know are good for your hair, rather than causing additional damage."
Style with texture
Adding waves and curls to your hair can give a ponytail more volume but also help disguise any extensions as it’s harder to see where your natural hair ends and extensions begin.
Use a ponytail extension
Instead of applying standard extensions, a can make it much easier to create a smooth ponytail without worrying about wefts showing.
Detangle your hair before pulling it back into a ponytail, which will look sleeker with locks that are several days post-wash day. Smooth down any flyaways with some gel or hairspray.
Tease the base of the ponytail by gently backcombing, then pop open the clips of the extension piece.
Place the fastenings carefully into the top of your hair tie before snapping them closed.
Take the strand of hair with the velcro fastening and spritz a touch of hairspray over it to tame any flyaways and add some extra holding power.
Wrap this strand around the base of your ponytail and fasten over the weft to secure it.
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Then, slide some bobby pins in around and the clips for extra security.
Finish by brushing through your hair to blend your extension seamlessly into your natural locks.
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