Posted on by Catherine Omondi

hair tinsel for all hair types

Hair tinsel can be a fun and sparkly way to enhance your hair. Whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion or want to add extra flair to your everyday look, hair tinsel can elevate your hairstyle. However, not all hair types are the same, and the way you apply hair tinsel may vary depending on whether you have straight, curly, or textured hair.

This guide walks you through applying hair tinsel for different hair types, ensuring a flawless finish regardless of hair texture. You’ll also learn some tips and tricks for ensuring your tinsel lasts as long as possible, along with a few FAQs on the safety of hair tinsel.

Straight Hair

Straight hair is known for its sleek and smooth texture, making it the perfect canvas for tinsel. When applying hair tinsel to straight hair, the key is to ensure it blends seamlessly, adding just the right amount of shimmer.

Steps for Straight Hair:

  1. Preparation: Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. This will give you a smooth surface to work with. If your hair is freshly washed, you may want to dry it completely before applying the tinsel.
  2. Sectioning: For an even application, separate your hair into small sections using hair clips. This will give you better control and allow you to add tinsel without it looking uneven.
  3. Application: Using a small crochet hook, grab a piece of tinsel and slide it under a thin strand of hair. Tie the tinsel to the strand using a simple knot. Make sure not to pull too tightly, as this could damage the hair. The goal is to have the tinsel float alongside your natural hair, not tugging at it.
  4. Blending: After applying the tinsel to a few strands, gently brush through your hair to ensure the tinsel blends in with your hair’s natural flow. This step is especially crucial for straight hair, as tinsel can sometimes appear too stark if not properly blended.
  5. Finishing Touches: Once you’ve applied the tinsel to your desired sections, style your hair as usual. Straight hair holds styles well, so your tinsel should stay put throughout the day.

Curly Hair

Curly hair brings its own challenges when it comes to tinsel application, but with the proper techniques, you can make it work. The texture and volume of curly hair can cause the tinsel to stand out more, so the goal is to create a balanced and natural look.

Steps for Curly Hair:

  1. Preparation: Like with straight hair, you’ll want to start with clean, dry hair. However, for curly hair, you may want to apply some leave-in conditioner or curl cream to enhance the natural bounce of your curls.
  2. Sectioning: Divide your hair into smaller sections to make the application process easier. You may want to apply tinsel to the smaller sections of curls to avoid disrupting the shape of your curls.
  3. Application: Use the crochet hook to thread a piece of tinsel through a curl or a few curls at a time. Since curly hair is more textured, the tinsel should blend naturally into the curls. When applying, avoid pulling the tinsel too tightly. Curly hair has natural volume, and adding tinsel should enhance it without weighing it down.
  4. Blending: After applying the tinsel, gently tousle your curls to ensure the tinsel doesn’t stick out too much. Curly hair has natural movement, so you want the tinsel to move with it.
  5. Finishing Touches: After the tinsel is in place, apply a light styling gel to help set your curls and the tinsel, especially if your curls tend to frizz. This ensures that your tinsel and curls stay in place throughout the day.

Textured or Afro Hair

Textured hair, including Afro-textured hair, is known for its volume and coils, which can be a little trickier to work with when it comes to hair tinsel. However, with the right approach, you can add tinsel to textured hair that looks natural and stunning.

Steps for Textured Hair:

  1. Preparation: For textured hair, it’s vital to start with moisturized hair. This helps to ensure the tinsel won’t tug at the hair. You may want to use a leave-in conditioner or an oil to keep your hair soft.
  2. Sectioning: Divide your hair into small sections, but remember that textured hair often has more volume, so use larger sections compared to straight or curly hair.
  3. Application: Apply tinsel to a few hair strands using the crochet hook. For textured hair, it’s often best to apply the tinsel near the roots, allowing it to flow down with the curls or coils. This way, the tinsel will move naturally with the hair.
  4. Blending: Textured hair can sometimes make tinsel stand out more, so ensure you gently blend it with your hair by running your fingers through the strands. If you notice the tinsel doesn’t blend perfectly, you can always tuck a few strands of hair over it to hide it.
  5. Finishing Touches: After applying the tinsel, use a light-hold styling gel or mousse to set your texture in place. This will help the tinsel stay where you want it and keep your textured hair looking full and bouncy.

Is Hair Tinsel Damaging to Hair?

One of the common questions people have is,  "will hair tinsel damage my natural hair?" The short answer is hair tinsel is generally not damaging to hair when applied correctly.

Hair tinsel is designed to be lightweight and non-intrusive. When applied to small sections of hair and tied gently, it won’t cause breakage or stress. However, if you pull the tinsel too tightly or tie it to wet hair that is more prone to breakage, it could potentially cause damage.

It’s also essential to remove the tinsel carefully. Don’t just pull it out. Instead, gently untie the knots and avoid any forceful tugging. Over time, repeated rough removal could lead to hair breakage, so always be gentle with the tinsel during removal.

For those with particularly delicate hair, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications of tinsel to allow your hair to recover.

Tips for Long-Lasting Hair Tinsel

  1. Choose the Right Quality Tinsel: High-quality tinsel will be softer and more flexible, ensuring it stays in place without damaging your hair. Make sure to purchase tinsel that is specifically designed for hair.
  2. Avoid Excessive Heat: While you can use a hair dryer in a low heat setting, avoid using direct heat on the tinsel, as it can melt. If you’re styling your hair with heated tools, keep the tinsel away from the heat.
  3. Be Gentle: Whether you’re applying or removing the tinsel, always be gentle. If you pull too hard, you could break your hair or damage the tinsel.
  4. Use a Silk Pillowcase: Consider using a silk pillowcase to ensure your tinsel doesn’t get tangled or damaged when you sleep. Silk reduces friction, helping to preserve both your tinsel and natural hair.
  5. Avoid Overapplication: Too much tinsel can weigh your hair down. Apply it sparingly, and focus on placing it where you want the most shine.
  6. Hydrate Your Hair: Keep your hair hydrated and healthy to ensure the tinsel adheres well and doesn’t cause unnecessary strain. Dry, brittle hair is more likely to break, so regular moisturizing treatments can help protect both your hair and the tinsel.
  7. Regular Maintenance: If you notice any tinsel slipping or tangling, it’s best to remove or reapply it. Maintenance is key to keeping the look fresh and preventing any hair damage. Tinsel that’s been in your hair for a long time may lose its luster, so consider switching it out for a new set if it starts to look dull.
  8. Choose a Subtle Color: While hair tinsel should be eye-catching, selecting a subtle shade that complements your natural hair color can help it look more natural and blend better. You don’t have to go for bold colors unless that’s the style you want.
  9. Styling With Tinsel: You can get creative when incorporating tinsel into your hairstyle. Consider pairing tinsel with braids, buns, or ponytails to make it a more cohesive part of your look. This can also help keep the tinsel securely in place.
  10. Consult a Professional: If you’re worried about applying tinsel yourself, there’s no harm in asking for help from a professional stylist. Many salons are familiar with hair tinsel and can apply it for you, ensuring it’s done safely for your hair.

Conclusion

Whether you have straight, curly, or textured hair, applying hair tinsel extensions is an easy way to add some sparkle and fun to your look. By following the correct techniques for your hair type, you can ensure that your tinsel blends seamlessly and stays in place all day.

If you’re looking for high-quality hair tinsel to add to your collection, check out our premium options. Our quality hair tinsel is easy to apply, long-lasting, and will give you the perfect touch of sparkle every time.

When applied correctly, hair tinsel won’t damage your hair. In fact, it’s a simple and safe way to enhance your hair’s natural beauty. So, try it and discover the fun of adding extra shine to your hair.