How to Safely Use Heat on 100% Remy Human Hair Clip-In Extensions
Heat styling can open up a world of possibilities for your hairstyle - even when you’re wearing clip-in extensions. The good news is that 100% Remy Human Hair extensions can be curled, straightened, and blow dried just like your own hair. The key is doing it safely to protect both your extensions and your natural tresses. In this guide, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of using heat on Remy clip-ins - including curling, flat ironing, and blow drying - so you can style with confidence while keeping your extensions looking fabulous.
Can You Use Heat on Remy Hair Extensions? Absolutely - With Care!
One major advantage of Remy Human Hair extensions is that they can handle heat styling (unlike synthetic hair, which will melt or singe under high heat) (genesishair.com). Remy extensions are made of real human hair with the cuticles intact, so they look and behave like your own hair. This means you can curl, straighten, and blow dry them to switch up your look. In fact, premium Remy extensions (like Barely Xtensions) are designed to be styled and will blend naturally with your hair without an obvious synthetic shine.
That said, treating extensions “like your own hair” comes with a catch: unlike the hair growing from your scalp, extensions don’t receive natural oils or nutrients once they’re cut. They can dry out or get damaged more easily because they aren’t being rejuvenated by your scalp’s oils. Overusing high heat on extensions can quickly shorten their lifespan, causing dryness, breakage, or dullness. The bottom line? Yes, you can heat style Remy hair extensions - but you must do so gently and smartly. Always keep in mind that even human hair extensions need extra TLC to stay shiny and strong.
Before we dive into specific styling methods, let’s go over some general heat-styling rules that apply to all types of hot tools:
Always start with dry, detangled hair: Never use heat on wet extensions (except when blow drying on a low/cool setting). Styling wet extensions with a curling or flat iron can cause serious damage - moisture + heat = fried hair. Make sure your extensions are 100% dry and gently brushed free of tangles before applying any heat.
Use a heat protectant every time: This is non-negotiable. Spritz a heat protectant spray or apply a heat protectant serum to your extensions (and your natural hair) before using any hot tool (barelyxtensions.com). A protectant forms a barrier that reduces moisture loss and singeing from heat. Coat each weft evenly from top to ends. If you’ve clipped in your extensions already, be sure to mist them as thoroughly as your own locks. Let the product dry for a minute or two before applying heat.
Stick to low or medium heat settings: Unlike some salon processes that crank tools up to 450°F, you’ll want to dial that way down for extensions. Around 250°F-350°F is generally a safe range for human-hair extensions. Many experts suggest starting at the lower end (~250°F) and only increasing the temp slightly if absolutely needed for the style. Using the lowest effective heat reduces damage and preserves your extensions’ softness. Never go to the highest setting - 400°F+ risks burning the hair and even weakening the clips or bonds holding the extensions (noellesalon.com). Remember, even your natural hair would suffer at those temps, and extensions are more vulnerable.
Use quality tools: Opt for curling irons and flat irons with adjustable temperature controls and even heat distribution (ceramic or tourmaline plates are great). A good tool will allow you to select the exact lower heat you need. It also won’t have “hot spots” that can singe strands. Similarly, a blow dryer with multiple heat settings (and a cool shot button) will give you more control when drying extensions. Your heat styling tools don’t need to be fancy, but they should be reliable and gentle.
Work in small sections: Treat your extensions in manageable sections when heat styling, just as you would with your own hair. Sectioning ensures even heat application and helps you avoid running a hot tool over the same strand repeatedly. It’s easier to curl or straighten a small weft thoroughly on one pass than a huge chunk of hair that might require multiple passes. Plus, working section by section gives a neater, more salon-worthy finish.
Don’t overdo it: Heat styling shouldn’t be an everyday thing for extensions. Just like constant heat can make your natural hair dry or brittle, it can do the same (or worse) to extensions. Limit how often you use hot tools on your clip-ins to make them last. If you wear them daily, consider heat-free styles on most days and reserve the curling iron or straightener for special occasions or weekends. You can also mix in heatless styling methods - for example, set your extensions (or your hair with extensions in) in Velcro rollers, flexi-rods, or braids overnight for curls without heat. Giving your extensions some “heat rest” days will greatly extend their lifespan.
With those basics covered, let’s talk specifics. Below, we break down the do’s and don’ts for curling, straightening, and blow drying your Remy Human Hair clip-ins.
Curling Your Clip-In Extensions: Do’s & Don’ts
Big bouncy curls or loose beachy waves - curling your extensions can add incredible volume and blend them seamlessly with your natural hair. Here’s how to curl safely:
Do prep and protect: Before curling, make sure both your extensions and your natural hair are clean, dry, and detangled. Apply a generous mist of heat protectant from roots to ends of the extensions (barelyxtensions.com). This is essential to shield the hair from thermal damage. Pro Tip: It can help to clip in your extensions before curling, then curl your real hair and the extensions together in the same sections. This way, they’ll blend better and you won’t have two distinct textures. If you prefer to curl the extensions off your head, that’s fine too - just be gentle when holding them (secure the clip base, and avoid yanking). Allow the protectant to fully dry/absorb before using your iron.
Do use the right technique and tools: Use a quality curling iron or wand with an adjustable temperature. Set it to a low or medium heat (start around 300°F, for instance). Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, hold for only a few seconds, then release. If using a curling iron with a clamp, don’t clamp down too hard or for too long - you just need a quick heat contact to form the curl. Work in layers: curl the bottom extensions first and work upward so you can see what you’re doing. If you clipped them in, curl in the same order you attached the wefts (nape of neck layer first, then next layer, etc.). Curl your natural hair in the same swoop as each extension section so everything blends.
Do let the curls set: After curling a section, allow it to cool in shape so the curl “memorizes” that form. You can cup the curl in your palm or even pin it up for a few minutes. Once all the extensions are curled, avoid brushing them out until they’ve cooled off completely. This will help your style last much longer. Feel free to use a light mist of hair spray on the finished curls (just avoid alcohol-heavy sprays that dry the hair out).
Don’t crank up the heat too high: It might be tempting to blast extensions with the same high heat you see your stylist use on natural hair, but remember to keep it moderate (around 350°F or below). Extremely high temperatures can cause Remy hair to become dry or even singe (noellesalon.com). Many hair pros advise starting with a low heat setting and only increasing if you find the curls aren’t holding at all. In fact, using a lower heat and holding the curl a bit longer (or letting it cool in a rolled shape) is safer than a scorching hot iron for a split second. You’ll get a beautiful curl without frying the hair. If your extensions are very thick or coarse, you can inch the temperature up slightly - but stay well under the max setting.
Don’t skip heat protectant or styling prep: Skipping the heat protectant “just this once” is a no-go. You might not see damage immediately, but unprotected heat will gradually rob your extensions of moisture and sheen. It only takes a minute to apply a protective spray, and it makes a huge difference in keeping the hair healthy. Also, don’t curl without brushing out tangles first - a snag can turn into a weak, broken spot when heat is applied. Always ensure the hair (both your own and the extensions) is smooth and snag-free before curling.
Don’t hold the iron on one spot for too long: When curling, avoid holding the hair around the iron for excessively long durations. A few seconds (5-10 seconds depending on heat level) is usually enough to form a curl. If you leave a hot iron clamped on hair for 20-30 seconds, you’re basically baking that hair - which can lead to a weird kink or, worse, a burnt section. It’s better to use a slightly lower temperature and hold for a bit longer, but still be mindful - if you can smell hair heating, move on. For very tight curls, you’re better off using a smaller barrel or roller after curling than prolonging the heat time.
Don’t forget to style gently: Once curled, treat your extensions gently. Don’t yank a brush through the curls; instead, finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb if you want to loosen them into waves. Rough brushing can not only pull your extensions loose, but also make the curls frizz out. And if you feel the extension slipping or a clip tugging while you curl, pause and readjust - don’t keep curling a weft that’s pulling, as this could stress your roots.
Finally, if you want to be extra kind to your extensions, alternate curling with heatless curl methods occasionally (like overnight braids or foam rollers). You’ll get that gorgeous texture with zero heat damage, giving your extensions a break while still enjoying curls.
Straightening (Flat Iron) Your Extensions: Do’s & Don’ts
Prefer a sleek, straight look? You can absolutely use a flat iron on your Remy clip-ins to get a pin-straight finish or tame flyaways - just do it carefully. Here are some tips:
Do straighten human hair extensions (not synthetic): First, a reminder - only human hair extensions can be straightened with a flat iron. Synthetic extensions will melt under a hot flat iron (genesishair.com), so always confirm your clip-ins are 100% human (Remy) hair before styling. Barely Xtensions, for example, are made of premium Remy hair that can handle heat styling when done properly. If you ever use a blend or a piece you’re unsure about, test a small section on low heat to ensure it doesn’t singe (barelyxtensions.com).
Do use low heat and gradual passes: Set your flat iron to a low or mid temperature (again, around 300°F is a good start, never above ~350°F). It’s better to do one or two gentle passes with a lower heat than one super hot pass that shocks the hair. Work in thin sections of the extension hair, and slowly glide the iron down from roots to ends. If the extensions are clipped in, be cautious near the roots where the clip is attached - you may even stop the flat iron a half-inch away from the clip to avoid direct heat on the bonding. If you feel you need a second pass for extra smoothness, let the hair cool for a moment, then go again. Always keep the iron moving; don’t let it sit in one spot.
Do combine with your natural hair: For the most seamless look, straighten your extensions along with your own hair. Section your hair, clip in the extension weft, and then straighten that section as one unified piece. This ensures your hair and the extension have the same texture and fall together perfectly. You can use the “sandwich” method: place your natural hair between the extension hair and gently run the flat iron down both together. This also prevents any telltale demarcation between your hair and the extensions. If you’re straightening the extensions separately (not clipped in), you may need to straighten your natural hair afterward to match, especially if you have any waves or kinks.
Do maintain extension hair quality: After straightening, consider applying a tiny drop of hair serum or a lightweight oil to the ends of the extensions. Heat styling can dry out the tips, so a bit of argan or silicone serum can add back shine and smoothness (just avoid applying too much or near the roots, which can make the clips slip). Also, remember to wash and deep condition your extensions periodically. Flat ironing, even with protectant, will gradually dry the hair, so rejuvenate them with a good conditioning mask every few wears to keep them silky.
Don’t use extreme heat on your flat iron: This bears repeating - keep that flat iron at a safe temperature. There is rarely a need to exceed 350°F for straightening extensions (noellesalon.com). High heat can cause irreparable harm: at 400-450°F, you risk literally burning the hair shaft or stripping the cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage. If you hear sizzle or see/smell smoke, the iron is way too hot or the hair was damp (which it shouldn’t be). Turn it down immediately. Many modern flat irons have digital readings; aim for ~300°F. If yours doesn’t show temperature, stay on the low/medium dial settings. Your extensions will thank you by lasting much longer.
Don’t straighten dirty or wet extensions: Make sure your extensions are clean (free of styling product buildup) and completely dry before ironing. Any moisture can “boil” inside the hair when pressed with hot plates - a recipe for damage. And dirt or product residue can actually burn onto the hair when heat is applied. If your extensions have old hairspray or oils on them, give them a gentle wash and full air dry before any heat styling. Also, don’t flat iron wet hair extensions thinking it’ll dry/straighten in one go - that’s a fast track to fried, frizzy extensions (the same goes for your own hair, by the way). If you need to both dry and straighten your extensions, blow dry first on cool or low heat, then follow with the flat iron once completely dry.
Don’t tug or pull too hard: When straightening, you might be holding the extension weft for tension. Be careful not to yank it taut from your scalp. Clip-ins are attached by small pressure clips; too much pulling can either detach the weft or, worse, put stress on your real hair roots. Use firm but gentle tension - just enough for the iron to glide - and if you feel the weft shifting, stop and readjust your clips. It’s better to straighten in two smaller sections than to pull a large section so hard that it strains the clips or your hair.
Don’t forget heat protectant (again!) and post-care: Just as with curling, never skip the heat protectant when flat ironing. It’s easy to spritz your extensions and your leave-out hair before you begin. Also, don’t overdo the number of passes. One or two passes per section is sufficient if your iron is at the right temperature. Repeatedly flat ironing the same hair daily will dry it out fast. If you need to touch up the style the next day, try using a heatless method (like wrapping the hair or using large rollers overnight to keep it straight) instead of more heat. And whenever your extensions start looking a bit dull from styling, give them a moisturizing wash to revive their smooth texture.
Blow Drying Your Extensions: Do’s & Don’ts
After washing your clip-in extensions, or when blending them with damp hair, you might reach for the blow dryer. Blow drying extensions can be done, but it requires a gentle approach. Here’s how to safely blow dry Remy extensions:
Do towel-dry and detangle first: Wet extensions are more fragile, so never go straight in with a hot dryer on soaking wet hair. Gently blot your extensions with a soft towel to remove excess water (don’t wring or rub vigorously). If they’re not installed, you can even lay the wefts on a towel and press another towel on top to absorb moisture. If you’re blow drying your own hair with extensions clipped in, towel-dry your natural hair as much as possible too. Carefully detangle with a wide-tooth comb or extension brush while damp - hold the weft at the top to avoid tugging the clips. Removing knots before drying prevents breakage when hair is in its most vulnerable, wet state.
Do use low heat or cool settings: This is the golden rule for extensions and blow dryers: avoid high heat. Your blow dryer’s hottest setting can be as damaging as a curling iron, especially since blow drying takes longer. Opt for the cool or warm setting, not hot. It might take a bit longer to dry, but you significantly reduce the risk of overdrying or melting any part of the extensions. In fact, if you can, air-dry your extensions about 80% of the way, then use the dryer on cool to finish and style. Many experts actually recommend allowing extensions to air dry whenever possible, since blow drying does remove moisture from the hair. If time is an issue and you must blow dry, just remember cooler is safer. You can also attach a diffuser to your dryer to soften the airflow if you’re concerned about too much direct heat.
Do keep the dryer moving: When you blow dry, don’t concentrate the nozzle in one spot on the hair for too long. Keep it moving along the length of the extensions. Also maintain a bit of distance - you don’t need to press the dryer right up against the hair. Aim a few inches away. Dry the hair in sections, just like styling: work from the bottom layers to the top. Use your fingers or a round brush to gently guide the hair straight or to add a slight bend at the ends. If the extensions are clipped in, be mindful around the clips; it can help to dry the roots of your natural hair (where the clips attach) first on a cooler setting, then focus on drying the length of the extensions.
Don’t blow dry super often if you can avoid it: Constant blow drying will dry out extensions over time. Unlike your natural hair, extensions can’t produce oils to rehydrate themselves, so excessive blow drying makes them prone to frizz and split ends. It’s best to let extensions air dry whenever possible. For instance, after washing your clip-ins, pat them dry and lay them flat on a towel to air dry - it might take a couple of hours, but this gentle drying will maintain their quality. If you need to style immediately, use the coolest dryer setting that gets the job done, and try not to make blow-drying a daily habit. Perhaps wash and blow dry your extensions at night, then curl or style them the next day, rather than blow drying in the morning and heat styling right after - that double dose of heat can be tough on them.
Don’t brush or pull while hair is sopping wet: Wet hair (including extensions) stretches and breaks easily. Never yank a brush through wet extensions - this can cause shedding or snapping of strands. If you need to detangle while blow drying, use a wide-tooth comb and be very gentle, or use your fingers. A good technique is to dry until the hair is about 50-70% dry before doing any brushing. At that point, apply a bit of leave-in conditioner or a heat protectant if you haven’t already (some protectant sprays also double as light detanglers), then carefully comb through. Also, don’t pull on the extensions with the brush while blow drying as a way to straighten them - that tension plus heat is not healthy for the attachment point. Instead, support the weft with one hand if needed and use the brush just to guide the ends.
Don’t use the highest heat on the dryer: Just as we avoid maxing out the flat iron, avoid the hottest setting on your blow dryer for extensions. The high heat, combined with forceful air, can rough up the hair cuticle and weaken any bond or adhesive on the clip area. It can also cause the extension hair to become frizzy. Many extension brands actually advise using a cool setting to blow dry. If you find cool air isn’t doing the trick, use medium warmth at most, and finish with a cool blast to smooth the cuticle. It might take a little extra patience, but your extensions will remain softer and healthier.
Don’t forget heat protectant here too: We often think of heat spray for irons, but it’s equally important before blow drying. Spritz a thermal protectant on damp extensions prior to drying to minimize heat exposure damage (noellesalon.com). There are also blow-dry creams or serums that coat the hair to fend off heat harm - just ensure any product you use on extensions is alcohol-free (to avoid drying the hair). Using a protectant not only shields from heat but can also contain conditioning ingredients that keep the hair supple after drying.
After you’re done blow drying, your extensions should feel dry but not crunchy or overly hot. Let them cool for a minute. If they feel a bit dry, you can smooth a drop of leave-in oil through the lengths. Then you’re ready to move on to curling or straightening, or just wear them as is. By blow drying with care, you’ll maintain the extensions’ silky quality and be ready to style them as desired.
Final Tips and Extension Care
No matter which heat tool you use, always listen to your hair (and extensions). If they seem to be getting dry or frizzy, give them a break from heat and focus on deep conditioning. Rotate hairstyles - maybe sleek straight today, then a heatless wavy style tomorrow - to avoid repetitive stress on the hair. And remember, proper storage of your extensions (when not in use) also helps them last. After styling, let them cool, then gently brush and store them flat or hanging, so they’re ready for next time.
When you invest in high-quality Remy extensions, you want them to stay gorgeous as long as possible. Following these do’s and don’ts of heat styling will ensure your clip-ins remain smooth, shiny, and tangle-free, even after many styling sessions. With a little extra care, you can curl and straighten to your heart’s content while keeping your extensions in top shape.
Lastly, starting with great quality extensions makes all the difference. Cheaper, low-grade hair might not handle heat as well, whereas premium Remy hair (with intact cuticles) will style beautifully and resist damage better. This is why we created Barely Xtensions. Barely Xtensions offers 100% Remy Human Hair clip-in extensions that are thick, soft, and built to withstand your styling routine - all while looking totally natural. With the right extensions and the right techniques, you’ll be able to safely heat-style your hair and rock any look from silky straight strands to voluminous curls!