Plus Hair Curling Do’s & Dont's
Fact is, curling hair at home can be really easy. But it’s also equally easy to mess up the operation.
For example, you can burn the nape of your neck if you are careless. Or cause serious damage to your hair if you hold it around the barrel a few seconds too long (yikes!)
That's why, we have curated for you a few tips on how to use a curling iron without hurting your hair or your fingers. We hope our experiences (and mistakes) will make your hair-styling process 100X easier!
Let’s begin with the basics.
How to use a curling iron 101 – the Do’s ✅
Step 1: Select the right tool
Though there's nothing wrong with using a flat iron to curl your hair, investing in a good curling iron or curling wand is always easier. It goes a long way to ensure you have smooth, even curls and waves every time. If you want smaller curls, a clamped curling iron should do. But if you dream of having those large bouncy curls or soft waves (like JLo for example), a curling wand is the one for you!
While picking the right curling wand or curling iron, one thing you should keep in mind is the size of the barrel. Different barrel sizes create different curl styles.
As a rule of thumb, the larger the barrel size, the larger the curls you’ll get. So if you want bouncy beachy waves or loose soft curls, go with a curling wand with a big barrel size. And if tightly coiled curls are more your thing, choose a barrel size less than 1”. For waves and larger curls, opt for a curling wand or curling iron with a barrel width of an inch or more.
In our opinion, the INSERT NAME HERE XL Oval Curling Wand does the job perfectly with its oval barrel of 1.5” for Hollywood-style volume & body.
Shop INSERT XL CURLS HERE for longer, looser salon style Hollywood curls
Step 2: Prep your hair
Now that you have a curling iron or curling wand that works best for you, it’s time to get your hair ready for action. Start with completely dry hair. The heat and high temperature can damage your hair cuticles if it’s damp or wet. In fact, we’d recommend you fully air-dry your hair if possible to reduce the amount of time under high heat.
Because we don’t want to cause an ounce of damage to our precious locks in the process of curling, a heat protectant is a must-have. Follow this up with a moisturizing heat protectant. Because as much as we love curls, we don’t want to damage our precious real hair!
Step 3: Adjust the temperature of your curling iron
If you're a newbie to curling, it's best to start with the lowest heat setting on your tool. Many hair experts recommend that you keep the temperature of your curling wand below 400 degrees (with higher temperatures, the chances of hair damage and breakage are also higher).
If you notice your hair isn't curling well at the lowest temp, you can raise and adjust the temperature incrementally about 10 degrees at a time until you feel comfortable with the amount of temperature to create your desired look.
For babes with fine hair (hi), a lower heat setting usually works great. Thicker hair may require a higher temp though. Keep in mind: your oval wand heats up in less than one minute.
Step 4: Section out your hair
Sectioning and parting your hair is another important step that's often overlooked. Based on the look you want to achieve, sectioning can make a huge difference. Want voluminous curls? Section your hair horizontally before curling and curl starting from the root. Want long wavy hair? Section hair vertically.
Divide your hair into three or more layers stacked horizontally side by side, depending upon the thickness of your hair.
Clamp a few lobster clips on the topmost layers to get them out of your way as you work through the bottom section. Make sure to evenly curl every section of your hair. The more curls you create evenly, the more voluminous the end result will look!
Step 5: Start Curling
Next, start curling your hair by holding the curling iron or curling wand correctly. If you're using a curling wand like this one, hold it vertically with the narrow end pointed down. For a curling iron, you can hold it in different directions, depending on the desired look.
Curling direction matters too. For even, uniform curls, curl in just one direction. But for a more tousled look, try alternating the direction of each curl.
Tightly hold each section of hair wrapped around the curling wand for not more than five to seven seconds. Then let the curl lay in your palm for about three seconds to let the coil cool before moving on to the next section. Keep repeating until you're done.
Step 6: Ready, set, go!
Once your curls have cooled down, grab a wide tooth comb and gently comb through your curls for a less defined/voluminous look. If you want a look that's more about the body than curl, try a brush.
Finally, it's time to spritz on some hair spray or shine spray. It's a quick hairlift that will keep your hair fresh and your curls in place throughout the day (and night.)
And now… we’re gonna answer some of your most common questions on curling.
How to use curling iron/curling wand to get waves?
If you want loose beachy waves or soft big curls, then skip the curling iron and go for a curling wand instead.
Here's what the process looks like:
- Use a hairbrush to brush your hair thoroughly. Free up the knots and tangles.
- Start with the front section of your hair. Curl it away from your face. For a messier beach wave look, work in smaller sections.
- As you work through, leave an inch uncurled at the bottom to get that loose beachy wave vibe.
- As you work on the strands at the back, make sure to curl them towards your face. This will add more depth and volume.
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Finally, run your fingers down the length of your hair and set it with hairspray.
- Better yet, save the hassle and try a hair waver!
Voila, your beachy waves are ready!
Can I use a curling iron on my already-curly hair?
Yes! Who said you can’t use a curling iron if you’re already blessed with luscious curls?
If you’re a naturally curly-haired babe, it’s seriously fun to accentuate your curls and play around with different curly hairstyles.
Want to know exactly how to style your curls using a curling iron or curling wand? We've got you covered, babe!
- As always, be sure to apply a heat protectant to your strands before going in with hot tools. Safety first!
- Once completely dry, wrap small sections of your hair around the curling wand from the roots to the tips. Hold for 3-4 seconds while keeping the tension firm before letting go.
- Finally, set your gorgeous new curly hairstyle in place with a hairspray. And for some extra shine & hydration, finish off with some Super Shine Serum.
@itsessi Wand Curls Tutorial 🤎 #curlyhair #wandcurlstutorial #wandcurls ♬ OKAY SHAWTY - Kwe the Artist
Frequent curling iron mistakes – the don’ts ❌
- Never forget your heat protectant! Check out Flame Fighter. Made with powerful conditioning ingredients like Grape Seed Oil, Acai Berry, and Green Tea that shield your hair from thermal damage, and leaves hair soft and shiny.
- Do not start with higher heat settings - no matter how well you think you know your device. Start from a lower temperature and gradually increase the heat to make sure your hair remains healthy in the long run.
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Psst, babe…
Want to avoid the hassle of curling and skip to the good part? Just try one of our transformative curly ponytail extensions like Chloe, Aly, Shayla, Sharon, Maddy and Zoe!
We want to see your curly hairstyles, babe! Tag us on Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook and use the hashtag #INHBabe!
How to Match Curl Direction to Face Shape
Curl pattern is not only barrel size. Direction changes how the face reads in a mirror and in photos.
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Away from the face opens the cheekbones and keeps bangs from falling inward.
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Toward the face adds softness around the jaw and can hide a sharper chin line.
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Alternating sides keeps the set from looking too even, which helps Chloe half up half down extensions blend with heat-styled pieces in front.
On a round face, a higher wrap near the crown lifts the eye line. Leave the very ends a little straighter so the shape does not puff into a ball. On a long face, start the wrap lower so the style does not stretch the silhouette. On a square face, a softer wrap at the jaw breaks the straight line without hiding the bone structure.
A Jordynn ponytail extension already carries bounce, so only the loose face pieces need a matching wrap. If the pony is tighter than the front hair, the camera will show two different textures. Match the first two inches around the temples to the piece, then let the rest fall.
Short bangs need a horizontal hold so the curl flips, not a vertical wrap that droops into the eyes. That same idea shows up in ways to style bangs and in women’s bangs such as Zooey clip in bangs. Long face-framing pieces can take a vertical wrap. Pause after each side and check both temples. One side often sits closer to the heat because of how you hold the tool in your dominant hand. Using extensions to add volume to thin hair follows the same front-first logic when the crown needs lift and the ends already have shape.
How to Curl Around a Ponytail or Clip-In Piece
Heat on your own hair and heat on a clip-in piece do not have to be the same job.
Clip the piece in first when you want the roots and the weft to share one pattern. Curl your hair first when you want a tighter crown and a looser fall from clip-in ponytail extensions. The second method is useful on days when the nape hair is shorter than the tail. How to apply the perfect pony and how to apply drawstring ponytails both keep the base flat so the iron never has to fight a bump at the elastic.
A Lola swoop pony stays cleaner if the iron never presses the clip area. Work the tail in vertical strips after the base is secure. Keep the clamp or wand off the hardware. Heat on a clip can leave a dent that shows when the tail swings.
How to heat style synthetic hair stays gentler when the fiber is clipped to a rack and cooled in the palm before it goes on the head. Synthetic fiber remembers the last heat it felt. A hard press can flatten a pre-styled wave for good. Small sections, a lower setting than you use on your own hair, and a full cool-down keep a Molly spiral curls pony looking like the day it arrived.
If the pony is already wavy, curl only the short hairs that stick out around the elastic. Those baby pieces are what make a style look unfinished. A light pass with the wand, then a finger rake, usually hides them without reheating the whole tail. Pony extensions in that already-wavy group need less barrel time than a straight tail.
INH Hair Products That Sit Next to a Curling Iron
The iron shapes the strand. The products around it decide how that shape looks and how long it stays.
Flame Fighter heat protectant goes on dry hair before the barrel touches it. It adds a barrier and a bit of slip, so the hair wraps instead of catching. Hot tools such as the oval wand, the Insert Waves Here triple barrel hair waver, and the 3-in-1 Quick Change Styler cover Hollywood bends, S-waves, and mixed root-to-end looks on one routine.
The oval wand is the piece people pick for long hair and long wefts because the barrel keeps the last few inches on the tool. The waver is the piece people pick when they want an S-shape without wrapping every strand by hand. The 3-in-1 handle is the piece people pick when the same morning needs a brush-out at the crown and a spiral at the ends.
After the hair cools, Super Shine Serum adds slip on the surface. A tiny amount on the palms, then a light pass over mid-lengths, keeps the curl from looking dusty. Emergency Revival helps mid-style when a section feels dry or snags on the barrel. Mist, wait a few seconds, then finish that section.
Hair care pieces like Quick Slick tame the hairline so the curl pattern stays the focus. Products on the roots can weigh a curl down. The product on the halo keeps the photo clean. A vegan mixed bristle brush separates cool curls without shredding the set. Hair bundles that pair a tool with a wavy weft, including a Mermaid Starter Kit, keep shade and texture in the same bag so the barrel is matching a pattern that already exists.
Discover Our INH Hair Clip-in Hair Extensions
24" Blowout XTRA INCHES
Description (24" Blowout XTRA INCHES):
Recreate a Luxurious Celebrity-Dupe Blowout: INH Hair's 24" Blowout XTRA INCHES are 7-piece blowout extensions engineered with salon-inspired vegan INFINI-FLEX™ fibers that perfectly mimic real human hair while permanently holding its voluminous style. Designed for length and volume transformations, these extensions deliver a healthy-looking, luxurious blowout that's perfect every time, every day.
Key Features:
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Realistic Vegan Hair: INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic fibers indistinguishable from human hair with permanent style hold
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7 Customizable Wefts: Includes one 10", one 8", one 6", two 4", and two 3" pieces for personalized placement and coverage
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Heat Resistant Technology: Safe styling up to 320°F (160°C) for touch-ups and blending
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Complete Set Includes: 1 tester piece for shade matching | 1 reusable satin storage bag | 7 extension wefts
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Mega Length & Volume: 24 inches | 240 grams of lush, full-bodied hair for dramatic transformation
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Multiple Natural Shades: 17 color options from neutral pitch black to icy platinum blonde with highlight variations
Why Choose 24" Blowout XTRA INCHES:
Transform your look instantly with the closest vegan alternative to human hair extensions. XTRA INCHES' 7 customizable wefts make it perfect for all hair types, blending especially well with medium length layered hair. The affordable, commitment-free clip-in application means no damage to your natural hair while achieving salon-quality results from home. "Love this hair and its super soft and love that shiny healthy looks it gives," raves one customer. Another shares: "I can't believe this isn't real hair… the color is absolutely perfect. After receiving, I instantly bought one of their ponytails because I was just so happy with my purchase."
Chloe Half Up Half Down Extensions
Description (Chloe Half Up Half Down Extensions):
Voluminous Versatility in Minutes: INH Hair's Chloe is an 18" half up half down clip-in set featuring pre-styled loose spiral waves. With 1 mini ponytail and 3 wefts, this 4-piece system delivers instant volume and versatile styling options for all hair types, perfect for short, thin, or damaged hair transformations.
Key Features:
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Pre-Styled INFINI-FLEX™ Fiber: Vegan hair that's blendable, lightweight, and comfortable with permanent wave pattern
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4-Piece Versatile System: Mix and match mini ponytail and 3 wefts for different looks and styling flexibility
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Heat Resistant Performance: Safe styling up to 320°F (160°C) for customization and blending
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Universal Hair Type Compatibility: Suitable for all hair types, helping conceal thinning or damage
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Multiple Shade Options: Color-match technology with several natural shade variations
Why Choose Chloe Half Up Half Down:
Achieve head-turning volume and length without commitment or damage. The pre-styled loose spiral waves eliminate styling time while the lightweight INFINI-FLEX™ vegan fiber ensures all-day comfort. The 4-piece application system offers multiple quick styling options, making it beginner-friendly and perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
Shop Chloe Half Up Half Down Extensions
24" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES
Description (24" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES):
Effortless Beach-Wave Perfection: INH Hair's 24" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES are 7-piece wavy extensions crafted with vegan INFINI-FLEX™ fibers that replicate real human hair texture. Designed for instant length, density, thickness, and shine, these frizz-free waves deliver a natural beach-inspired look every day.
Key Features:
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7 Customizable Clip-Ins: Adjustable placement for personalized coverage and natural blending
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Long-Lasting Wave Pattern: Frizz-free, pre-styled beach waves that maintain their shape even after washing
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17 Natural Shades Available: Extensive color range for perfect matching (not suitable for dyeing)
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Heat Resistant to 320°F: Safe heat styling up to 160°C for touch-ups and blending
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Instant Transformation: 24 inches of length with full density and natural shine in minutes
Why Choose 24" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES:
Get the coveted beach-wave look without hours of styling or expensive salon visits. The INFINI-FLEX™ vegan fiber blends easily with natural hair while delivering a luxurious, affordable alternative to human hair extensions. The 7-piece system allows for complete customization, ensuring seamless integration regardless of your hair type or texture.
Shop 24" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES
U-Clip 22 Inch
Description (U-Clip 22 Inch):
Beginner-Friendly Instant Volume: INH Hair's 22" U-Clip Extensions use pre-styled INFINI-FLEX™ fibers for natural wavy volume and length in seconds. This one-piece clip-in system delivers professional results with zero experience required, making it the perfect introduction to hair extensions.
Key Features:
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One-Piece Application: Fast, simple clip-in design for instant transformation
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Strong & Secure Fit: Comfortable, reliable hold throughout the day with single U-clip attachment
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Heat Resistant to 320°F: Safe heat styling capability up to 160°C for customization
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Washable & Long-Lasting: Durable INFINI-FLEX™ fiber maintains quality through multiple washes
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Multiple Shade Options: Several natural colors available (cannot be dyed)
Why Choose 22" U-Clip Extensions:
Perfect for beginners and busy lifestyles, the U-Clip system eliminates complicated application while delivering natural wavy volume instantly. The single-piece design means no guesswork about placement, and the strong, secure fit ensures all-day confidence. Ideal for anyone wanting to test hair extensions without commitment or complex styling routines.
Courtney Half Up Half Down Extensions
Description (Courtney Half Up Half Down Extensions):
Sleek Sophistication with Customizable Volume: INH Hair's Courtney is a 16" straight extension set featuring elegant swooped ends. With a mini pony and 3 wefts, this 4-piece system delivers head-turning volume and versatile styling options for polished, sophisticated looks.
Key Features:
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Pre-Styled INFINI-FLEX™ Vegan Fiber: Permanently styled straight hair with signature swooped ends
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4-Piece Versatile System: Mini ponytail plus 3 wefts for multiple application styles and looks
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Heat Resistant Technology: Safe styling up to 320°F (160°C) for customization
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Multiple Natural Shades: Several color options including highlight variations for dimensional looks
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Comfortable Clip-In Method: Damage-free application with secure, lightweight hold
Why Choose Courtney Half Up Half Down:
Achieve salon-quality sleek styles without heat damage to your natural hair. The pre-styled swooped ends add sophistication and movement, while the 4-piece system offers flexibility for different occasions, from everyday wear to special events. The INFINI-FLEX™ vegan fiber ensures all-day comfort and natural blending.
Shop Courtney Half Up Half Down Extensions
15" Layered Cut XTRA INCHES
Description (15" Layered Cut XTRA INCHES):
Butterfly Blowout Volume for Shorter Styles: INH Hair's 15" Layered XTRA INCHES feature a layered butterfly blowout style that instantly adds volume, fullness, and movement to chin-to-medium length hair. Engineered with INFINI-FLEX™ vegan fiber, these extensions deliver salon-quality results without damage.
Key Features:
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Layered Butterfly Blowout Style: Pre-styled layers for natural movement and dimensional volume
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Lightweight & Blendable: INFINI-FLEX™ vegan fiber that integrates seamlessly with natural hair
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Easy Damage-Free Clip-In: Quick application without heat tools or adhesives
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Ideal Length Match: Designed specifically for chin-to-medium length hair (not for longer/blunt cuts)
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Heat Resistant to 320°F: Safe styling capability up to 160°C for blending
Why Choose 15" Layered XTRA INCHES:
Perfect for those with shorter styles who want to add fullness without overwhelming their natural length. The layered butterfly blowout design creates natural movement and dimension, while the lightweight construction ensures all-day comfort. The damage-free clip-in system means you can transform your look daily without compromising hair health
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Raye Half Up Half Down Extensions
Description (Raye Half Up Half Down Extensions):
Fuller Curls for Thinning Hair: INH Hair's Raye is a 22" half up half down set with luxurious deep waves. The 4-piece system includes a mini pony and 3 wefts, delivering dramatic curl volume perfect for thinning or slow-growing hair transformations.
Key Features:
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Deep Wave Pattern: Pre-styled INFINI-FLEX™ vegan fiber with voluminous, defined curls
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4-Piece Quick Styling System: Multiple application options with mini ponytail and 3 wefts
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Heat Resistant to 320°F: Safe heat styling up to 160°C for customization and blending
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22" Length: Generous length for dramatic volume and presence
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Multiple Color Options: Several natural shades available (cannot be dyed)
Why Choose Raye Half Up Half Down:
Ideal for anyone struggling with thinning or slow-growing hair who wants instant curl volume and length. The deep wave pattern creates dramatic dimension and fullness, while the INFINI-FLEX™ vegan blend ensures natural movement and comfort. Multiple quick styling options make it versatile enough for any occasion.
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15" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES
Description (15" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES):
Textured Volume for Shorter Styles: INH Hair's 15" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES deliver deep beachy waves with vegan INFINI-FLEX™ fiber for added volume and texture. Designed specifically for chin-to-medium length hair, these extensions provide frizz-free, ready-to-wear volume instantly.
Key Features:
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Ready-to-Wear Frizz-Free Volume: Pre-styled deep waves that maintain their pattern
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7 Customizable Wefts: Better style control and coverage with multiple placement options
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Heat Resistant & Fast Application: Quick clip-in system with heat styling capability
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Perfect for Shorter Hair: Engineered specifically for chin-to-medium length styles
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INFINI-FLEX™ Vegan Fiber: Realistic texture that blends seamlessly with natural hair
Why Choose 15" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES:
Transform shorter hairstyles with textured, beachy volume without overwhelming your natural length. The 7 customizable wefts offer superior control compared to one-piece systems, allowing you to place volume exactly where you need it. The frizz-free, pre-styled waves eliminate morning styling routines while delivering salon-quality results.
Shop 15" Beach Waves XTRA INCHES
Lux Remy Hair Extensions
Description (Lux Remy Hair Extensions):
Premium Remy Human Hair for Dramatic Length: INH Hair's 22" Lux Remy Extensions are crafted from ethically sourced, top-quality Remy human hair for ultimate versatility and longevity. Designed for dramatic length and volume transformations, these extensions can be styled, cut, colored, and heat treated like your own hair.
Key Features:
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100% Remy Human Hair: Non-mixed, ethically sourced premium hair with intact cuticles
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7-Piece Clip-In Set: Thick, voluminous hair with natural wave pattern for seamless blending
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Fully Customizable: Style, cut, and professionally color to match your exact preferences
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Heat Styling Safe: Heat treat up to 320°F (160°C) for curling, straightening, or custom styling
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Long-Lasting Investment: Durable, high-quality construction for extended wear
Why Choose 22" Lux Remy Human Hair:
Invest in the highest quality extensions that perform exactly like your natural hair. Unlike synthetic alternatives, Remy human hair can be professionally colored, cut into layers, and styled with hot tools without damage. The ethically sourced, cuticle-intact construction ensures natural movement, shine, and longevity that makes this premium investment worthwhile for serious hair transformation.
Lite Remy Hair Extensions
Description (Lite Remy Hair Extensions):
Full-Bodied Remy Hair for Shorter Styles: INH Hair's 18" Lite Remy Extensions are premium Remy human hair designed specifically for shorter or thinner hair. With a full-bodied natural wave pattern and breathable lace construction, these extensions deliver professional-quality results with all-day comfort.
Key Features:
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Premium Remy Human Hair: Ethically sourced, 7-piece set with high durability
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Natural Wave Pattern: Full-bodied waves that blend seamlessly with natural texture
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Breathable Lace Comfort: Lightweight, comfortable fit for extended wear
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Professional Styling & Coloring: Heat style and professionally color to your specifications
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Ideal for Shorter/Thinner Hair: Engineered specifically for mid-length hair transformations
Why Choose 18" Lite Remy Human Hair:
Perfect for those with shorter or thinner hair who want the versatility of human hair without overwhelming their natural length. The breathable lace construction ensures comfort during all-day wear, while the premium Remy quality allows for professional coloring and heat styling. The 18" length provides natural-looking volume without appearing artificial.
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Medium Remy Hair Extensions
Description (Medium Remy Hair Extensions):
Below-the-Shoulder Medium Length Perfection: INH Hair's 20" Medium Remy Extensions are ultra-realistic premium Remy human hair designed for below-the-shoulder medium length styles. The 7-piece clip-in set delivers natural waves with complete styling versatility for professional-quality transformations.
Key Features:
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Ultra-Realistic Premium Remy Hair: Ethically sourced, long-lasting construction with intact cuticles
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7-Piece Clip-In Set: Natural wave pattern with thick, voluminous coverage
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Complete Styling Freedom: Heat style, cut, and professionally color to your exact preferences
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20" Below-the-Shoulder Length: Ideal medium length for balanced, natural-looking volume
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Ethically Sourced Quality: Durable, high-performance Remy human hair for extended wear
Why Choose 20" Medium Remy Human Hair:
The perfect balance between length and versatility, 20" Medium Remy Extensions offer below-the-shoulder coverage that looks natural while providing dramatic transformation potential. The premium Remy quality ensures natural movement and shine, while the ability to professionally color and heat style means these extensions adapt to your evolving style preferences. Ethically sourced construction delivers peace of mind alongside performance.
Shop Medium Remy Hair Extensions
Discover Also:
How to Refresh Curls Without Reheating Every Strand
Full redo heat adds up. A refresh uses less of it.
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Mist mid-lengths with a light leave-in.
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Twist only the pieces that went flat. Sleep creases and seat-belt dents are the usual suspects.
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Warm those twists for a short pass, then pin them against the head.
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Smooth the hairline so flyaways do not make the set look tired.
Leave the curls that still have shape alone. Reheating a curl that already holds can loosen it. Cool-down still matters on a refresh. If you drop a warm twist and run out the door, that piece will fall first.
How to care for synthetic hair and pony hair care keep a next-day tail from knotting before that small redo. An Aly soft beachy waves pony often needs only the crown refreshed. A Sammy tousled wave bun from the buns collection covers a flat back without a second full wrap.
Overnight, a loose pineapple or a satin wrap saves more curl than a tight bun. In the morning, mist, twist, and pin the few pieces that slept wrong. That is often enough for work from home hairstyles that still need to look finished on camera.
How Humidity and Weather Change Your Set
Damp air relaxes the hydrogen bonds that hold a curl. Dry air can make the same curl look crunchy.
On humid days, smaller sections and a full cool-down matter more than extra product. Water in the air works against the set the second you step outside. Pinning each coil until the whole head is cool gives the shape a better chance. A little finishing product on the edges keeps the halo from puffing while the mid-lengths stay soft.
On dry, indoor-heat days, protectant before styling plus a tiny amount of serum after styling keeps the strand from feeling straw-like. Static shows up more in winter rooms. A clean barrel and a light serum pass cut that flyaway look.
Wind is its own problem. Clip-in buns are a low-heat option when the weather will not hold a long curl. If you still want length, curl the front and let a Sharon loose beachy waves pony take the weather on the back of the head. That split shows up in the date night and wedding looks where the front is custom and the back stays consistent.
Sweat at the nape loosens curls first. People who walk or commute often keep the nape in a looser wave on purpose so the drop looks planned. Curled and wavy pieces already sit in that softer S-shape. Easy hair looks for fall lean on that same idea when outdoor air changes from hour to hour.
How to Care for the Curling Iron Itself
A dirty barrel drags, snags, and leaves dull spots.
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Unplug and let the tool cool fully.
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Wipe the barrel with a soft, dry cloth. Product film is easier to lift before the next heat cycle.
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Keep the cord unkinked so the swivel still turns while you wrap.
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Store tools in a heat-safe sleeve, not wrapped tight against another metal tool.
Spray buildup bakes onto ceramic and tourmaline. That film makes the next wrap catch, which can crease the hair or yank a weft. Wipe after the tool is cool, not while it is hot.
Using an oval curling wand vs a round wand depends on a clean barrel. Residue makes oval tools leave flat patches in the wave. Using Insert Waves Here hair waver has the same problem if product bakes between the triple barrels. 1 hair styler, 5 different hairstyles only stays versatile when each swap-on barrel is wiped before it goes back in the accessories bag.
Check the clip spring on clamp irons. A weak clamp lets the ends slide and creates a bend in the wrong place. Check the glove that ships with many wands. A hole in the fingertip is how people touch the barrel without meaning to. How to straighten synthetic hair also starts with a clean plate, because leftover spray shows up as dull stripes on a sleek pass.
Mixing Pre-Styled Pieces With Heat-Styled Roots
The fastest full look is often two textures working as one.
Curl only the hair that shows at the part and temples. Leave the back to a pre-styled piece from the half up half down hair extensions. A few outer strips can match an already wavy weft without wrapping the whole head. Shade match matters as much as curl match. Tips for DIY color matching and the hair swatch collection sit next to that step, along with Got the Right Shade. Once the piece is in, curl the shortest natural hairs toward the same direction as the weft.
Clip-in hair extensions and U-clip extensions change where the join sits. A Shayla curled ponytail already holds a spiral, so the roots only need a loose wrap. A Spicy Sisters pairing of two textures works the same way: heat what shows, leave what is already finished. If the piece is straight and the roots are curled, the join line shows. If the piece is curly and the roots are bone-straight, the join line shows too. Meet in the middle. A loose wrap on the natural hair next to the clip is usually enough.
Latest News In 2026
Home styling in 2026 leans toward fewer tools and more fiber-friendly heat. Oval wands and triple-barrel wavers stay popular because they create movement that still looks like hair, not a tight perm.
Pre-styled ponytails and half-up pieces now sit next to hot tools in the same routine. People curl their own hair at the crown, then clip in a finished piece when they want height without more heat. That mix is showing up in everyday wear, not only event hair. New arrivals and extensions keep landing in that hybrid setup.
Heat-protectant primers that also detangle are showing up in more kits. One mist that both shields and softens cuts a step before the iron. Build your own bundle pairings that put a wand with a wavy weft to keep shade and texture in the same bag, which cuts the time spent matching curl pattern after the fact. A Brit soft blowout pony is the kind of pre-styled length that now shares a routine with a short heat pass at the front.
Travel tools with one handle and swap-on barrels are part of the same shift. A single plug, a glove, and a pre-styled piece cover more looks than a drawer of one-job irons. Care talk has moved with it. Cool-down, clean barrels, and lower heat on synthetic fiber are the details people ask about in the INH blogs now, more than how hot a tool can go.
FAQ
What hair type works best with a curling iron?
Fine hair sets at lower heat because the strand warms through quickly and can crisp if the barrel stays on too long. Thick or coarse hair needs a slightly higher setting and smaller sections so the center of the piece actually bends, not just the shiny outer layer. Damaged or already-dry hair stays on the lowest setting that still holds a curve, then gets a full cool-down before anyone touches it. Texture matters as much as density. Straight, silky hair often needs pinning because it has little natural grip on the tool, while hair with a bend holds with less effort. Face-framing pieces and short bangs follow the same rule in miniature: smaller sections and a quicker release. A full routine that includes a styling heat protector before the barrel adds slip so every type wraps instead of catching, which keeps the cuticle from roughing up mid-style.
Why do my curls fall out after an hour?
Sections are often too thick, so only the outside of the piece is heated and the core stays straight. Heat can also be too low for that density, or the curl never cooled before it was brushed, clipped, or pulled into a pony. Pinning each coil against the head until the whole style is room temperature gives the shape time to set. Heavy cream before heat can block the barrel from gripping, which makes the curl look weak from the first hour. Humidity relaxes a set that looked finished indoors, so smaller sections and a real cool-down matter more on damp days than extra spray. Dry indoor air does the opposite and can make the same curl look crunchy, which is when a light finish on cool hair helps more than another pass of heat. Longer pieces such as 20 inch medium Remy hair extensions show that drop first at the ends if the coil is released while it is still warm. A light hold on the mid-lengths, not a cloud at the roots, keeps movement without flattening the pattern.
Can I use the same curling iron on extensions and my own hair?
Yes, with different heat. Natural hair can take more warmth. Synthetic pieces stay on a lower setting so the fiber does not flatten or lose the wave it already had. Heat styling is safer when the piece is clipped to a rack, wrapped in small even sections, and cooled in the palm before it goes on the head. A clip-in ponytail or half up half down piece also stays cleaner when the barrel never presses the clip or hardware, because heat on the join can leave a dent that shows when the tail swings. Curl the short hairs around the elastic if those bits stick out, and leave a pre-styled layered curls pony alone if the pattern already matches. Wipe the tool if you used spray on your own hair and then move to a weft. Product film on the barrel drags on both synthetic hair extensions and natural hair.
What products help curls look shiny instead of crunchy?
A heat protectant sits on dry hair before the barrel touches it, which adds a barrier and enough slip for a smooth wrap. Heavy cream before heat can keep the iron from gripping and leave the hair looking coated instead of bent. After the curls are cool, a light shine serum adds gloss on the surface without opening the set. A leave-in mist helps mid-style when a section feels dry, snags, or starts to look dusty, and it is also the mist people use on a next-day refresh when only a few pieces went flat. A taming wand and a smoothing pomade tame the hairline so flyaways do not steal attention from the curl pattern. Hold spray belongs on cool mid-lengths when the weather is humid or the hair is very slippery. The best hair care routine for hair growth and hair volume that stays light keeps the next refresh from turning sticky.
When do pre-styled pieces replace wrapping the whole head?
When only the part, temples, or crown will show, heat those areas and let a pre-styled pony or tousled wave bun handle the back. That split keeps the visible hair custom and the hidden hair consistent, which cuts the time the barrel spends on hair nobody will see. A deep wave iron on a few outer strips can match an already wavy weft without wrapping every strand. A 3-in-1 styler covers a brush-out at the roots and a spiral on what still shows, which is useful when the piece and the natural hair meet at the clip. Shade match at the join matters as much as curl match. If the piece is curly and the roots are bone-straight, or the other way around, the join line shows. How to apply INH hair extensions keeps the weft flat first, so a loose wrap on the natural hair next to the clip is usually enough to hide that line.
