Neyleen Ashley, 34, shared a video of herself applying individual strands of hair extensions, in a process which she estimates takes one-two days.
The clip went viral, garnering 5.4 million views and 63,000 likes – and even hairdressers applauded her for her handiwork.
“I have been doing my own extensions since I was 15 years old,” the 34-year-old, who has 2.5 million followers on Instagram (@neyleenashley ), told NudePR.com.
“I watched a lot of YouTube – then [it took] trial and error!
“I would go to the salon often to get my extensions put in, but they never lasted and never looked the way I wanted.
“I would go home and make adjustments and fix them myself after spending over $1,000 at the salon.
“All the women have been so grateful, and kind [on the TikTok post].
“Even hair stylists have been telling me I’m doing great!
“Although some, not so kind have been telling me I’m going to lose all my hair.
“But in 15 years, that has not been the case.”
Neyleen, who lives in Miami, US, purchased the tools for the DIY extensions on Amazon, spending under $100.
In the video, Neyleen can be seen cutting the pieces, before carefully applying them to her head.
She uses hot glue to hold them in place, with the blonde strands adding inches of length to her locks.
She also explained that she was aiming for a “Kardashian-esque whispy look”.
Despite the process taking hours, TikTok users loved the top tip – including professionals.
One person commented: “Hairstylist here & I’m not mad! I’m so impressed! I could never do this to myself even though I do it for clients. You have PATIENCE.”
“As a hairstylist, I’m impressed,” said another fan.
Someone else agreed: “I’m a hairdresser and I’m impressed.”
Another person described it as “impressive”, while someone else dubbed her a “resourceful queen”.
“Genius, save money while looking FAB,” said one viewer.
Another user said: “That patience you have. Props.”
Someone else dubbed it a “flex”, and “so resourceful”.
Another fan added: “I will never see a hairdresser again. I literally can’t justify the money.”
“Little scared for your scalp but very impressed,” said one person.
While some viewers were concerned about the effects on the hair, Neyleen insists she has suffered worse damage with professional hairdressers, and recommends the method.
The model, who made headlines earlier this year after revealing she had decided to be celibate, often shares tips and tricks on TikTok, including DIY eyelash extensions.
She said: “My new approach to TikTok is making girlfriends all over the globe.
“As a single mother, it’s hard to maintain friendships and it gets lonely so being that I’m catering to a female audience makes me feel less alone, and more inspired than ever.”
