How to Get Tate McRae’s Iconic Hair with Seamless Clip-in Extensions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tate McRae’s signature hair look can be summed up in three words: voluminous, smooth, and effortless. Fans everywhere rave about her long, thick tresses that always seem to have the just right amount of wave and shine. Whether she’s on stage or on the red carpet, Tate often sports loose, voluminous waves with a “barely there, textured, supermodel off-duty” vibe (byrdie.com). It’s a glamorous style that somehow still feels casual and achievable - no wonder it’s become so popular! The great news is you don’t need to be a pop star to rock this look. In fact, rumor has it that Tate herself enhances her natural hair with extensions to get that fullness and length. With the right approach (and some quality clip-in extensions), you can recreate Tate McRae’s iconic hair in your own daily life.
Voluminous, wavy hair - reminiscent of Tate’s iconic style - can be achieved with seamless clip-in extensions and a bit of styling know-how. In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the perfect extensions to mastering the blend, so you can flip your hair with confidence just like Tate. Let’s dive in and get you that smooth, effortless mane!
Image Reference: Tate McRae posing and showing off her long, waist-length mermaid waves (vogue.com).
Why Seamless Clip-in Extensions?
So, what’s the secret to achieving Tate-worthy hair at home? Three words: seamless clip-in extensions. Nearly all of our favorite celebs have used extensions at one point or another to amp up their hair game, and clip-ins let you do it in a matter of minutes (byrdie.com). Unlike traditional extensions that might have bulky sewn wefts, seamless clip-ins use a super thin, flexible base (often a 1/4-inch skin-like weft) that lies ultra-flat against your head (barelyxtensions.com). This means no telltale bumps or visible tracks - even when the light hits your hair, nobody will know that you’ve got extensions in. For a style as smooth and free-flowing as Tate McRae’s, that undetectable finish is key.
Another big plus is comfort. Seamless clip-ins are incredibly lightweight and meant to be worn all day without that pinchy, heavy feeling some older extensions give. They simply “snap” onto sections of your natural hair near the roots, giving you instant length and volume without any professional help (byrdie.com). Clip-ins are also versatile: you can put them in and take them out whenever you want - perfect for a concert, a night out, or just a day when you want extra oomph. And because they’re typically made from 100% Remy Human Hair, you can style them just like your real hair for a totally natural blend. In short, seamless clip-ins are the go-to for achieving that full, flowing Tate McRae look: they provide the volume and length you need, while staying smooth, secure, and virtually invisible. Now, let’s get into how to use them to transform your hair!
Image Reference: Tate McRae posing showing off her waist-length wavy hair (vanityfair.com).
Step-by-Step Guide:
Before you begin: Make sure your clip-in extensions are clean, tangle-free, and match your hair color (we’ll cover color matching in a sec). You’ll also want to have a mirror, some sectioning clips, and a bit of hairspray or texturizing spray on hand. Ready? Here we go!
Choosing the Right Extensions: First things first - pick extensions that truly blend with your own hair. Pay attention to color, length, and thickness. For color, match the extensions to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair (not the roots) for the most natural result. Tate’s hair is a rich brunette, so if you have a similar base, look for a shade in that range; if you have highlights or balayage, consider extensions with mixed tones to mimic that dimension. Many brands (like Barely Xtensions) offer a wide shade range and even color-matching help to get it just right. Next, choose a length that makes sense for you. Tate often wears her hair mermaid-long, but be realistic - if your natural hair is shoulder-length, don’t jump straight to 24-inch extensions or it could look obvious. A good rule of thumb is to keep extensions within about 4-6 inches of your own hair’s length for a seamless blend. Finally, consider the weight/thickness. If you have fine hair, a standard 5-piece or 7-piece set (around 100 grams) will add volume without overwhelming your hair. If your hair is thick or you crave ultra volume like Tate’s, you might need a heftier set (120+ grams) to ensure the ends of your natural hair blend into the extensions. The goal is to have enough wefts to distribute around your head so that all visible areas get coverage, but not so much that it feels heavy or bulky. Choose high-quality human hair extensions (Remy Hair) for the best look - they’ll move and shine just like your real hair, which is crucial for that effortless vibe.
Prepping Your Hair: Now that you have the perfect extensions, it’s prep time. Start with clean (or day-old) hair that’s been washed and fully dried. It’s harder for clips to grip super silky, freshly conditioned hair, so if your hair is very soft, spritz a bit of texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots to give it some grip. Always apply a heat protectant on your hair at this stage - remember, we’ll be using hot tools later for those waves, and even your extensions (if they’re human hair) need protection from heat (byrdie.com). A lightweight mousse at the roots can also add body; Tate’s stylist swears by working a volumizing mousse through the roots for extra lift and hold (byrdie.com). Once product is applied, blow-dry your hair smooth or brush it out so there are no tangles. If your hair texture is very different from the extensions (for example, your hair is curly and the extensions are straight), you may want to flat iron or curl your natural hair a bit before clipping the extensions in, to help them blend (you can always touch up after). Next, grab a rat-tail comb to section your hair. For the first section, part your hair horizontally about an inch or two from the nape of your neck (roughly ear lobe level). Clip the rest of your hair up and out of the way. This clean part is where your first extension weft will go. Pro Tip: if you have trouble making a straight line, use two mirrors or have a friend check - a neat part makes a difference in how well the weft sits and blends (byrdie.com). Now you’re prepped and ready to start clipping in those extensions!
Applying the Extensions: This is where the magic happens. Take your widest weft (usually a 4-clip weft) for the back of your head. Before clipping, measure the weft against your head to ensure it fits comfortably in the section you made. The weft should span most of the width of that part, but not reach so far that it pokes out the sides. If it’s a tad too long, you can re-part a smidge higher where your head is a bit wider. Now, lightly tease the roots of the hair just below the part line where the clips will attach - just a tiny bit of backcombing gives the clips more to hold onto. You can also spray the roots with hairspray after teasing for extra grip (byrdie.com). (This trick is a lifesaver if you’re worried about extensions slipping during the day!) Make sure all the clips on the weft are open. Starting at the center of your head, clip in the middle clip of the weft first, right along the part line you created. Then secure the clips on each side, pulling the weft taut but not too tight. By attaching the middle clip first, you ensure the weft is centered and lays flat without any buckling. Once the first weft is in, let down another layer of hair from above - about 1-2 inches above the first part - and create a new horizontal part for the next weft (typically another wide one). Repeat the process: tease, spray, and clip in the next extension. Generally, you’ll put the widest pieces in the back, moving up your head with each weft. Stop about eyebrow-height or just below the crown of your head; you want to leave a good layer of your own hair on top to cover the last wefts. Now for the sides: release hair near your temples and create a horizontal part about an inch above the ear on one side. These side sections are smaller, so use a 2-clip weft (or a 3-clip if you have a lot of area to cover) that fits the width of this section. Clip it in, staying about an inch away from your hairline (so there’s enough natural hair to hide the extension). Do the same on the other side. If your set came with single-clip pieces, you can place those where needed - often just above the ear or wherever you have a little gap and need a volume boost. Place them slightly further back from your face than you might think, to ensure they stay hidden within your hair (byrdie.com). After all the pieces are in, run your fingers over your scalp and make sure no clips are poking out or visible. If you feel one, adjust it - either by moving it lower or by covering it with a strand of your natural hair. You can also gently tease the hair above the wefts to create a bit of lift at the roots which helps conceal any slight bumps.
Styling Tips: Now that your clip-ins are installed, it’s time to blend and style to that “extension who?!” kind of fabulousness. Tate McRae’s iconic style is typically worn down in those loose waves, so let’s start there. To create soft, effortless waves, use a large barrel curling iron or wand (around 1.25 to 1.5 inches works well). Before curling, mist your hair (and the extensions) lightly with heat protectant again - remember, extensions are human hair and can be damaged by heat just like your own hair. Section your hair as you normally would for curling: start with the bottom layer, pinning the rest up. Curl in roughly 1-inch sections. A great trick for natural-looking waves is to alternate the curl direction with each section (one towards your face, the next away from your face, and so on). This prevents the curls from clumping into one big wave and gives that I woke up like this texture. Also, leave the ends out (the last inch or so of hair) when curling, or only give them a very slight bend – Tate’s waves often have straight ends for a modern, undone look. Once all your hair is curled, gently finger-comb through the waves or use a wide-tooth comb to loosen them. You’ll see your hair and the extensions merging together into one beautifully blended mane. If needed, use a light texturizing spray and spritz through the mid-lengths, then scrunch with your hands. This adds a bit of grit and hold, giving those waves a lived-in feel (and it helps your hair mesh with the extensions, literally).
Now, what if you want to rock Tate’s sleek high ponytail or another updo? Clip-in extensions can do that too! For a high pony, the key is placement. You might not use all your wefts - focus on the back and sides of your head, because once you gather the ponytail, extensions near the crown might show. Clip a couple of wefts in upside down (yes, flip them) in the back, meaning the clips face upward - that way, when you pull your hair up into a pony, those wefts will be oriented the same direction as your ponytail and lay flat. You can clip one or two medium wefts at the back of your head, a bit lower than where the pony will sit. Then gather your hair into a high ponytail, smoothing over any bumps. Those flipped wefts will now be contributing length and volume to your ponytail (sneaky, huh?). Secure with a strong hair tie. To really channel Tate’s sleek look, take a small section of hair from the pony and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, pinning it underneath. If you’re going for a half-up hairstyle, you can similarly add a weft or two to the bottom half for length, and then pull the top half into a bun or pony - the extensions will make the style look extra lush. Another texture hack: If you find your natural hair is frizzier or a different texture than the extensions, use a flat iron on a low setting to gently smooth the two together at the very ends or wherever needed (just don’t clamp directly on a clip or you could melt the attachment). And if your hair is super sleek and the extensions are slipping, remember the earlier trick - a bit of hairspray on the roots and even on the clips themselves can give extra grip (byrdie.com). Finally, blend, blend, blend - sometimes all it takes is a little shake of the hair with your fingers and everything falls into place. From here, you can also style the hair further - want more volume? Lightly tease the crown of your hair. More shine? Add a tiny drop of serum to your ends. You’ve got the length and volume locked in, so enjoy it! Flip your hair, run your hands through it - it should feel secure.
Finishing Touches: Now you’re almost ready to strut out the door with Tate-worthy locks. Last step is locking in the style and perfecting the finish. For waves, we recommend using a flexible hold hairspray - hold your curls with your fingers and mist from an arm’s length away, which will keep the waves in place without making them crunchy. Remember how Tate’s hair manages to look polished but not stiff? That’s what we’re aiming for. If you went for a sleek straight look or ponytail, use a lightweight hair serum or shine spray on the lengths and ends of your hair. A pea-sized drop warmed in your palms and then smoothed over the bottom half of your hair will do; this adds that healthy sheen (camera-ready, anyone?) and tames any last flyaways. Be careful not to apply serum at your roots or near the clip bonds, since too much oil can cause the clips to slip or your hair to separate there. For the top of your head, you can spray a bit of hairspray on a toothbrush or a clean mascara wand and gently brush it over any frizz or baby hairs along your part and hairline - this is a little trick for a super sleek finish without overloading your hair with product. If you’ve curled your hair, consider flipping your head upside down and gently shaking the curls out, then flip back - this adds amazing volume. At this point, take a look in the mirror (front and back using a hand mirror for the back view) to ensure everything is blended. If you spot any visible extension clips or tracks, you can readjust that section (better to fix it now than later - clip-ins are forgiving, you can always unclasp and reposition). Usually, if color and placement are on point, you’ll be looking flawless. The extensions should be completely hidden within your mane, just adding fullness and length. Run your fingers through those luscious strands - notice how much thicker your hair feels? That’s the Tate effect! A final mist of a shine spray can be nice if you’re going out at night, as it gives a red-carpet gloss. And voilà - your hair now looks like it could have its own fan machine blowing on it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best extensions and intentions, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some common clip-in extension mistakes (and how to fix them) so your style stays on point:
Mismatch Madness: One dead giveaway of extensions is when the color or texture doesn’t match your natural hair. We’ve all seen a bad match - darker roots and super light extension ends, or straight hair with random curly pieces. To avoid this, always match your extensions to the middle and ends of your hair color (since that’s where they’ll be blending). If your hair has highlights or lowlights, you may need a multi-tonal extension set or to have a professional colorist who has experience working with extensions tone your hair extensions. Also ensure the hair texture is a match: if you have naturally curly hair and want to wear it natural, get extensions that are also curly, etc. If you do end up with a slight color mismatch, a temporary root spray or hair makeup can help blend the line where your hair ends and extensions begin (cliphair.com) (a trick some stylists use to create a balayage effect).
Placing Too High: We know you want all the volume, but clipping extensions too close to your crown or hairline is a no-go. The wefts can peek through the thin top sections of hair, especially when you move. Always leave at least a couple inches of your real hair above the topmost weft, and don’t place clips right at your temples or forehead. If you tie your hair up and can see extension clips, reposition them lower. It’s better to have slightly less coverage up top than to have a clip saying hello to everyone!
Not Securing Properly: If your extensions have ever slipped or felt loose, it’s likely because they weren’t clipped into a stable section of hair. Avoid clipping into very soft, freshly conditioned hair or too close to the scalp on extremely thin sections. Instead, take that extra minute to tease the hair at the root where you’ll clip and add a spritz of hairspray for grip (byrdie.com). Ensure each clip is fully closed (you’ll usually hear or feel a little snap). If a clip refuses to stay shut or pops open, it might be placed on too thick a chunk of hair - try repositioning on a slightly thinner bit. After all clips are in, give your hair a gentle tug in different areas; nothing should budge. If a weft shifts, take it out and reclip it tighter. This will save you the embarrassment of a weft working its way out in public (yikes!).
Too Much Hair, Too Little Hair: Finding the balance in how many wefts to use is important. Using too many extensions (for example, clipping in two full sets) can overwhelm your scalp and also make the top of your hair look unnaturally bulky. It can also put strain on your roots. Stick to one good set; if you feel you need more volume, get a thicker set rather than piling on extra pieces. On the flip side, using too few pieces for a dramatic length increase can look stringy - that’s when you see a clear line between someone’s short hair and the start of very thin long extensions. If your goal is a big length boost (say, 6+ inches longer than your hair), make sure your set has enough wefts to distribute around, or consider trimming the extensions a tad to better blend with your cut. It’s often worth having a hairstylist trim your extensions while installed on your head; they can add some layers so that your hair and the extensions flow together naturally.
Not Blending/Styling Together: This is a big one. If you just clip in extensions and don’t style them, your hair may not meld into one unit with the added hair. Always take a few minutes to blend - usually by curling or straightening both your hair and the extensions together. Even a simple bend with a flat iron on both can merge the strands. If you leave your hair straight, consider running a straightener over the point where your hair ends and the extensions begin (low heat with protectant) to make that junction less obvious. You can also gently backcomb your natural hair into the extension hair at the mid-lengths to marry the two. Blending is especially important if you have a blunt haircut; curling is your friend here, as it softens that line. Another hack for very blunt or short hair: pin or braid the lowest section of your natural hair (at the nape) and clip your first weft over it. This hides that telltale short layer underneath so it won’t poke out under the extensions.
Rough Handling: Treat your extensions with TLC, both when they’re in your hair and when you remove them. One mistake is brushing too harshly or from the root down. Always support your hair with one hand and brush gently from the ends upward to avoid tugging a clip out (or worse, yanking your own hair). Use a brush designed for extensions (like a loop brush or a soft boar bristle brush) to detangle. When taking extensions out, never just pull them. Unclip each one carefully (start with the sides, then the middle of the weft) and slide it out. If it’s tangled, spray a bit of detangler and ease it out slowly to avoid ripping your hair.
Sleeping or Showering with Clip-ins: We get it - after a long day or a fun night, it’s easy to forget you have extensions in. But one of the cardinal rules is do not sleep with clip-in extensions on. Tossing and turning will knot both your hair and the extensions terribly. Even the highest quality human hair will tangle and mat if you sleep in it, which can ruin your lovely extensions and even damage your own hair. It takes just a minute to remove them; do it while you’re taking off your makeup or brushing your teeth. Similarly, don’t shower or swim with clip-ins. Water will make them heavy and pull on your roots, and you’ll end up with a tangled mess. Always remove your clip-ins before any activity where they can get wet or you’ll be laying on them. Trust me, extension maintenance is much easier this way!
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll keep your hair looking flawless and extend the lifespan of your extensions. And if you ever have an “oops” moment (like forgetting to remove them before bed), just gently detangle and deep condition the extensions to revive them. This tutorial gets easier with practice - soon, clipping in your extensions and blending them will feel as routine as doing a ponytail.
Product Recommendation: Get the Look with Barely Xtensions
When it comes to achieving Tate McRae’s hair, the quality of your extensions matters big time. Barely Xtensions Ultra Seamless Clip-in Extensions are basically made for creating that “is she born with that hair?” illusion. We use a micro-thin skin weft on our clips, so the extensions lay flat against your head for an undetectable finish - exactly what you need when replicating Tate’s smooth style. The hair itself is 100% premium Remy Human Hair, meaning it’s soft, silky, and can be curled or straightened just like your own (important for nailing those waves). What we love about our extensions is that they come in plenty of shades (from deep espresso browns to highlighted blondes), and even multi-tonal blends, so matching your color is a breeze. We offer sets in different lengths (18-inch is popular for that mid-back Tate length, but you can go longer if you want full pop-star glam) and different thickness levels – we even offer an “Ultra Volume” set if you’re going for maximum drama. The clips are secure but comfortable; once you snap them in, they stay put all day without that pinching feeling. Barely Xtensions are also easy to find - you can order directly from our website at www.barelyxtensions.com or pick them up at a Sally Beauty store near you!
Image Reference: Tate McRae posing for the press at an event (newbeauty.com).
Using Barely Xtensions, you can follow the exact steps we outlined: clip them in, add those effortless waves, and you’ll see just how beautifully they blend. The end result? Hair that has Tate McRae’s signature fullness and movement, and because the extensions are “ultra seamless,” no one will be able to tell where your hair ends and the extensions begin. Plus, our extensions are durable - with good care, a set will last you for months of use, so you can keep rocking that superstar hair again and again. If you’re ready to transform your tresses, check out BX to help you achieve Tate McRae’s iconic look. Search our website to find your perfect match and get one step closer to flipping your new fabulous hair over your shoulder just like you’re in a music video. Happy hair styling, and enjoy your new Tate-worthy mane!