15 Common Hair Tinsel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Adding hair tinsel can make any hairstyle look fun and sparkly. It’s easy to find tutorials on how to tie hair tinsel, and it may seem simple enough. But there are a lot of mistakes people make with hair tinsel that can ruin the look or even make it fall out faster.

If you want your hair tinsel to look its best and last longer, you need to know what not to do. This guide will walk you through the common mistakes most people make with hair tinsel and give tips on avoiding them. By following these tips, you’ll get the most out of your tinsel and keep that beautiful sparkle shining for longer.

Mistakes people make and their solutions

Let’s discuss the most common hair tinsel mistakes and how to avoid them. Sidestepping these mistakes allows you to enjoy long-lasting, flawless sparkle in your hair.

1.    Using low-quality hair tinsel

The most crucial decision you will make is the type of hair tinsel you choose. Even if you apply it perfectly, low-quality tinsel will still look cheap, break easily, and won’t last long. It can make your hair look messy instead of adding that fun sparkle you want.

To get the best results, choose high-quality tinsel made for hair. Look for tinsel that’s durable, lightweight, and strong. For example, the Herbiar Hair Tinsel Extensions Kit is made from high-quality polyester, so it’s lightweight, long-lasting, and heat-resistant. Quality tinsel will make your hair look amazing and keep its sparkle for weeks.

2.    Incorrect placement of hair tinsel

The second mistake is the incorrect placement of hair tinsel. It’s essential to learn how to tie hair tinsel properly, whether you use microbeads or the slipknot method. Placing the tinsel too close to your scalp can cause discomfort and make your scalp feel tight.

Avoid this mistake by securing the tinsel a little away from your scalp. This will keep it comfortable and prevent any pulling on your hair. Also, don’t attach the tinsel directly to the ends of your hair. Find the right spot so you can enjoy the sparkle without any discomfort.

3.    Applying too much hair tinsel in one area

Another common mistake is adding too much tinsel in one spot. Overcrowding a section can look unnatural and make the tinsel hard to manage. Instead of enhancing your hair, it can end up looking messy.

To get a balanced, natural look, spread the tinsel evenly throughout your hair. Try adding a few strands in different sections: two to three strands near the front, three to four in the middle, and a few in the back. This way, the sparkle is noticeable but not overwhelming. Around 10-15 strands usually give a beautiful, balanced effect without looking overdone. This will help your tinsel blend nicely with your natural hair.

4.    Tying knots too tight

A common mistake when tying hair tinsel is making the knots too tight. While it might seem like a tight knot will hold better, it pulls on your hair and can lead to breakage and discomfort. No one wants their hair tinsel to feel painful.

The solution is to tie a snug knot, but not too tight. Aim for a secure hold without pulling on your hair. This will help keep the tinsel in place while avoiding extra tension or damage. A gentle knot is all you need for a comfortable hold that won’t cause breakage.

5.    Skipping a strand test

Another mistake is skipping a strand test before applying hair tinsel. Tinsel may not work the same for all hair types and could slip out or fail to hold. Tying the hair tinsel throughout your hair only to see it fall out would be frustrating.

To avoid this, start by testing one or two strands first. This lets you see how well the tinsel holds and how it looks with your hair texture. If it works well, you’re all set to apply more. Taking a few extra minutes for this test can save time and help you get a result you’ll love.

6.    Exposing hair tinsel to high-heat

Do not expose your hair tinsel to too much heat. Even if you’re using heat-resistant tinsel, that doesn’t mean it can handle unlimited heat. High temperatures can still damage the tinsel, causing it to lose its shine or even melt.

To protect your tinsel, check the heat rating on the packaging to see how much heat it can handle. When styling, keep your heat tools on a low setting. You can also use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair and the tinsel. This way, you’ll keep your tinsel looking beautiful and prevent it from getting damaged.

7.    Not blending the hair tinsel properly

A mistake people often make is not blending hair tinsel properly. If the tinsel isn’t placed well, it can look out of place, especially when you style your hair in different ways. This can make the tinsel look unnatural and take away from the overall look.

To fix this, try attaching tinsel to hidden layers of your hair for a fun, peek-a-boo effect. You can also spread it evenly throughout your hairstyle so it blends naturally. This way, the tinsel will look like a part of your hair, adding sparkle without standing out awkwardly.

8.    Failing to secure the hair tinsel correctly

One common mistake is not securing the hair tinsel correctly. The hair tinsel can slip out if the knots aren’t tied well, especially when you wash or brush your hair. This can be frustrating and means you’ll need to redo the tinsel more often.

To make it last, try using the correct knotting method, like a slipknot, which holds well without being too tight. You can also use microbeads to keep the tinsel in place for longer. The correct technique ensures your tinsel stays put so you can enjoy it without constant adjustments.

9.    Applying tinsel to wet or oily hair

Another mistake is applying hair tinsel to wet or oily hair. When your hair is damp or greasy, the tinsel is more likely to slip out, making it hard to keep in place.

To avoid this, ensure your hair is clean and completely dry before adding the tinsel. This will give it a longer-lasting grip so you can enjoy your tinsel without it falling out too soon. A little prep goes a long way in keeping your sparkle secure.

10. Using the wrong tools

Use the correct hair tinsel tools when tying it to your hair. Without the right tools, the tinsel can get tangled or even pull on your hair, which can be uncomfortable and damaging.

Use the proper tools to make application easy and prevent tangling. If using the slipknot method, a crochet tool works well to pull hair strands and tinsel through the knot smoothly. For the microbeads method, use the right pliers to secure the bead. The correct tools will make the process easier, and your tinsel will look and feel better.

11. Adding hair tinsel to damaged hair

Adding hair tinsel to already damaged hair is a mistake that can lead to even more breakage. If your hair is fragile from heat, chemicals, or coloring, the extra weight of tinsel can cause it to snap.

To avoid this, focus on strengthening your hair first. Try using a conditioning treatment to give it a healthy boost. Once your hair feels healthy, you can add tinsel without worrying about causing more damage. This extra care will help you enjoy your tinsel while keeping your hair healthy.

12. Neglecting proper maintenance

Neglecting proper maintenance can shorten the life of your hair tinsel. Simply tying it in isn’t enough—you need to care for it if you want it to last.

Be gentle when washing and brushing your hair. Rough handling can cause the tinsel to break or loosen too soon. Maintain it properly, and the hair tinsel will keep its sparkle and stay in place longer. A little maintenance goes a long way to keep your tinsel looking great.

13. Incorrect hair tinsel removal

Incorrectly removing hair tinsel strands can damage your hair. It’s important not to yank or pull at the tinsel since this can hurt your hair and cause breakage.

How you remove the tinsel depends on how you put it in. If you used the slipknot method, carefully untie or cut out the tinsel to avoid damaging your hair. For microbeads, use pliers to gently remove the bead without harming your hair. Taking time during removal will help keep your hair healthy and looking great.

14. Adding hair tinsel to short hair

Adding tinsel hair extensions to very short hair is a common mistake. When the hair is too short, there isn’t enough length to secure the tinsel properly, which can lead to it slipping out.

If you have short hair, a great solution is to start with clip-in extensions. You can attach the hair tinsel to the extensions instead of your natural hair. This way, you can enjoy the sparkle of tinsel without worrying about it falling out. Plus, it adds some length and volume, making your hairstyle even more fun.

15. Overloading thin or fine hair

Overloading fine or thin hair with too much tinsel is another mistake to watch out for. If your hair is fine or thin, it may not be able to support a lot of tinsel, which can lead to breakage and tangling.

If you have fine or thin hair, use minimal tinsel to keep it looking nice. Ensure you tie the tinsel carefully to prevent it from slipping out. By being gentle and not overdoing it, you can enjoy the beauty of tinsel without putting too much stress on your hair. Remember, less can be more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing and avoiding these common hair tinsel extensions mistakes is essential for keeping your hair healthy while enjoying a fun, sparkly look. Follow the solutions we’ve discussed to ensure your tinsel lasts longer and looks great without damaging your hair.

Remember to choose quality tinsel, place it correctly, and maintain it well. Taking care of your hair and tinsel will help you shine with confidence. Enjoy your beautiful tinsel and the fun it brings to your style.