How to install Shrinkies/Shrink tube hair extensions

Shrinkies or shink tubes, as they are sometimes called, are very small clear plastic tubes (its special hair friendly plastic often with a keratin inner coating, so don’t try to make them yourself).  They work literally by shrinking around your hair and the extension when heat is applied. These are virtually undetectable, lightweight and secure. Many people wonder how many individual extensions they will need, and depending on thickness of hair, and the final look you want to achieve, you will need between 150 – 200 extensions. Very thick hair would need 250 – 300 which is approx 100g of hair.

Hair type 

Perfect for all hair types, especially fine or thin hair as they can be hidden easily and they feel very natural.

How long will they last

Shrinkies hair extensions can last between 2 – 3 months as they grow out with your own hair, after this period hair will have grown approximately 1 inch, at this time it is recommended that you take them out so as to avoid tangling round the tip. The good news is that the extensions can be re-tipped and reused – check out our recyle section where we can do this for you!

What you will need to put them in 

• Stick tip/I-tip extensions
• Shrink tubes/shrinkies (get more tubes than extensions in case any run away)
• Hook tool
• Heat tool
• Sectioning clips
• A spare 3-5 hours and very patient friend

 Heres how to put them in 

Section off the hair leaving a 1 inch gap from the nape of the neck.

Start at one side and work methodically across the row leaving a gap between each extension.

Put a shrink tube onto the hook tool

Hook a piece of hair the same size as the hair extension and pull the hair through the shrinkie – sliding the ring up the piece of hair to about 1cm from the scalp

Push the stick tip/I tip hair extension through the micro ring and apply heat to the tube/extension – the tube will tighten up around the extension and hair making a secure bond. 

You will only need to apply heat for a second, if you apply heat for too long then the shrinkie will burst and you need to start again.

Once sealed and cooled the bond will be secure.

Your first extension is now in place – carry on all along the row then section off another row above it, with this one start the first extension in the gap – so you apply the extensions in a “brick work” style – this makes it look move natural.

 Tips

Your first few will be trial and error really, as you will need to test out how long to hold the heat tool onto them – all tools are different temperatures, some people use their old straightners for example. Don’t be disheartened at first, you will get the hang of it quickly.

These kind of extension are affected by heat, make sure you dry your hair on a cool setting if using a hair dryer.

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