Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Gaga
Bold, bright, rainbow shimmer or subtle monochromatic hues –if you want to bump your self-care and enhance beauty at the same time, hair tinsel or “fairy hair” is a cheap and effective method for 2022.
What is Hair Tinsel Exactly?
Hair tinsel is typically made from polymer fiber (a sort of plastic/fabric) or polyester, while higher-quality tinsel is made of silk. That means it’s flexible and lightweight, so it will move just like your hair without you noticing it.
It’s applied to the hair by tying it by hand or using a small hand-tied knot (or a tool to help) near the scalp. The results of the knot are so small, that the attachment isn’t noticeable. What’s noticed is the beautiful slight strand of hair that sparkles or shimmers as your hair moves.
How to Attach Hair Tinsel to Hair
Now you might remember the decade encapsulating Y2K, low-rise jeans, and shimmery strands you could bead-snap into your hair using a small plastic machine of no better quality than an easy-bake-oven. But just as time improves technology, the techniques for applying hair tinsel have upgraded as well. So how exactly do you get Hair Tinsel in your hair?
For professional results, you can book an appointment with an extension expert who uses micro rings to secure tinsels near the roots. With this method, tinsel strands will last longer than when using the tie technique. It’s cost-effective as well since you’ll only need a few strands to decorate your hair in just the right way.
Knotting the tinsel to your hair by hand requires some practice to master it. The knots will hold tighter if you take one small bit of hair and only two to three strands of tinsel and tie them. Another good thing if you take less hair is that the knots will be less noticeable.
If you’re into doing it yourself, there are amazing hair tinsel application kits sold on places like Amazon at very affordable prices. These are perfect for DIY connoisseurs with easy-to-follow instructions and all the tools you’ll need to get started and apply them all on your own. There are also a lot of video tutorials on hair tinsel on YouTube.
How to Care for Hair Tinsel
What’s really amazing about these beautiful shimmery or diamond-studded strands, is the care. With minimal effort, you can add these to your hair without worry or concern.
After reading the manufacturer’s instructions or discussing a care routine with your extension expert, you can wash, dry, and even curl on low heat settings if the hair tinsel you get is heat resistant. When shampooing your hair, take extra care to gently massage your roots around the knots or beds.
In terms of care, hair tinsel goes unnoticed. You can treat it like the rest of your hair, so you don’t have to make significant changes in your everyday routine. But in terms of effect? These bits of gorgeous color, sparkle, or shimmer leave a significant impact.
Can You Curl Hair Tinsel or Use Flat Iron Over It?
If the tinsel you use is heat resistant, you can curl your hair with tinsel in it with a flat iron or curling wand. Higher-quality tinsels are made of silk or quality polyester fibers, which are heat resistant and can withstand the temperature of your hot tools. You can use a flat iron to straighten hair like normal, just make sure to avoid tugging on the tinsel.
Plastic tinsel can be curled by stretching. You can curl it this way even before attaching it to your hair. Apply more pressure if you want tighter curls and less pressure for softer curls.
How Long Will Hair Tinsel Stay In the Hair?
If you place them correctly hair tinsels will stay in your hair for 2-6 weeks depending on your hair type, what are they made of, and how you take care of them. Tinsels made of silk have greater durability and they will last longer in thick hair than in fine hair types.
Make sure not to tag them when shampooing and brushing hair. Put your finger to make pressure on the knot when brushing. Hand-tied tinsel may fall when the hair strand it is tied to falls out naturally. Tinsels attached as the micro ring extensions can last longer, but make sure to check them by hair extensionists periodically.
Does Hair Tinsel Damage Hair?
When attached and maintained properly and hair tinsels won’t damage your natural hair. However, you need to be gentle when shampooing your hair. Don’t vigorously massage your roots where the tinsels are attached to your hair. For the same reason carefully comb and brush your hair and don’t brush the area behind the knots or beds to avoid pulling your hair.
As with any other type of hair extension, you shouldn’t wear tinsel hair extensions longer than two months without consulting your stylist.
Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.