We love a braid in hair extensions moment – bohemian, sporty spice, cottagecore fairy, you name it. But when you’re working with extensions and braids (especially those wider, wefted ones), things can get a little complicated. Clip-ins, tape-ins, and sew-ins are fab for adding that juicy length and thickness, but they weren’t exactly designed with cornrows or boxer braids in mind.
Wide attachments can show through tighter braid styles, turning your dreamy updo into a game of hide-and-seek. Don’t panic though, we’ve got all the tricks of the trade to keep your braid game flawless and your extensions invisible. Whether you're braiding in human hair extensions for a weekend festival or rocking a permanent look for everyday errands – the right placement is everything!
How to Hide Clip In Hair Extensions in Braids
Clip in extensions are the ultimate commitment-phobe’s BFF. You can pop them in, get that thick and luscious braid vibe, and remove them before bedtime like a responsible glam goddess. But when it comes to braiding, not all clip-ins are created equal.
For starters, ditch the chunky one-piece volumizers, they're majorly cute for a blowout but not braid-friendly at all. Instead, go for seamless clip in extensions with smaller weft of around 1-2 inches.
Strategic placement is key. Apply the clips towards the lower half of your head, under the layers that won’t be pulled tight into a braid. This keeps them hidden even if you’re doing simple, classic double braids. For a braided ponytail look, you can use our wrap around ponytail extensions which simply clip straight onto your own ponytail for instant added length and thickness. Simply use the Velcro strap to wrap around your natural ponytail and go ahead and braid as normal.
To make them even more discreet, try backcombing a little at the roots before clipping to give your extensions some grip. Another hot tip is to always leave some natural hair around the perimeter to act as a cover-up – it’s like the concealer of the hair world.
Tape Ins and Wefts: Handle With Care
Permanent extensions like tape ins, LA weaves, or sew in wefts are great for an everyday slay, but they need a little extra finesse when it comes to braids and hair extensions together. They're wider and bonded closer to the scalp, so any tight or intricate braid can pull the hair apart just enough to reveal what’s underneath.
First rule: if you want your hair extensions braided with permanents, avoid anything that parts the hair tightly or shows off your scalp. Say no to high Dutch braids or boxer braids unless you're using nano rings or other pre-bonded extensions like I-tips (we’ll get to that later). Instead, try a single side braid, a loose fishtail, or a half-up braided crown that only plays with your natural top layer. This gives you all the braided beauty you need without lifting the curtain on your tapes or wefts.
If you’re dead-set on double braids, go for low ones that start at the nape rather than the crown. These give you the illusion of a full braid without putting pressure on the extension line.
The Best Hair Extensions For Braiding Revealed
Now that we’ve covered how to hide hair extensions in braids, let’s talk about the best extensions for braiding in the first place. If you’re serious about having your braids look effortlessly thick, long, and 100% natural, then nano rings, I-tips, and flat tips are your new hair besties.
Why? Because they’re tiny, individual strands that blend seamlessly into your own hair, making them by far the most small and discreet option on the market. They move with your hair so you can braid in any direction and any style – French, Dutch, fishtail, you name it – without anyone spotting your secrets. You get the volume and length of professional hair extensions with the flexibility of natural hair.
These extensions are lightweight too, which means you can wear tighter or more detailed braids without adding bulk. They’re ideal for everyday braiding, protective styles, or even those braided updos for weddings and events you’ve been obsessing over.
If you still prefer to use clip-ins, just make sure to use seamless, small pieces that are easy to hide and won’t tug or slide when braided. Human hair extensions always blend better, because they mimic the natural flow and texture of your hair. No one needs crunchy, synthetic ends messing up your look.
Braid Styling Tips That Keep Extensions Hidden and Hair Gorgeous
Want your braids and hair extensions to look like Rapunzel’s? Here’s the tea:
Always leave a little “perimeter” of natural hair around your face, neck, and parting. This fringe of untouched hair acts like camouflage for clips, tapes, or bonds. Use a bit of texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give your hair some grip and keep everything in place. Slippery hair is the enemy of a neat braid and a hidden extension.
If you’re struggling with sleek, tight styles, opt for a loose, boho braid instead. Much like rockstar girlfriend hair, a little messiness can sometimes go a long way. A few face-framing tendrils and tousled loops can distract the eye from any sneaky attachments trying to wiggle their way on display.
Above all, practice makes perfect. The more you play around with your braid styles and get to know your extensions, the easier it becomes to work them into your everyday looks like a total pro.
Conclusion:
Whether you're working with clip-in hair extensions or permanent extensions, the secret to a natural, flawless braid lies in the technique. Choose the right type of extensions, place them with care, and style with intention. Avoid scalp-baring parts and tight tension and always opt for small pieces. If you're ready to upgrade your braid game with pro-level secrets, check out our collection of Remy hair extensions in 65+ shades – because every braid deserves to be big, bouncy, and totally believable. Your hair, but better!
Still stuck? Explore our expert guide: Braiding Hair Extensions: Do’s and Don’ts for everything you need to braid your hair like a pro!
