What is tape hair extensions, its pros and cons

Want to lengthen and volumize your hair without committing to long-term extensions? You might find exactly what you’re looking for in tape hair extensions. For people looking for a simple and quick way to change the look of their hair, these extensions are a popular option. Because they are applied with adhesive strips, they are frequently less invasive and more reasonably priced than other kinds of extensions.

The ease of application and removal of tape hair extensions is one of their main benefits. It usually takes less than an hour to complete, and when you’re ready for a change, you can remove them with little difficulty. Plus, they blend seamlessly with your natural hair, giving you a more natural look compared to some other methods.

There are drawbacks to tape hair extensions, though. If the adhesive is not applied or removed correctly, it can occasionally cause damage to your natural hair. In order to make sure they remain in place and appear their best, they also need routine maintenance. Additionally, if you’re not careful—especially if you have light or fine hair—the tape may show through.

All things considered, tape hair extensions strike a wonderful mix between usability and efficacious outcomes. You can determine whether they are a good fit for your lifestyle and hair goals by weighing the benefits and drawbacks.

Pros	Cons
Quick and easy application	Can be visible if not applied properly
Less damage to natural hair	May cause irritation or discomfort
Reusable with proper care	Requires regular maintenance
Natural look and feel	Not suitable for very short hair

What is tape extension

Tape extensions are a form of cold extension in which donor hair is applied to specialized adhesive tapes to artificially lengthen or volumize natural hair.

Hollywood celebrities actively used tape extensions to boost the volume of their own hair at the close of the 20th century, so tape extensions are by no means a new technique. Naturally, since then, the adhesive base of the extension tape has changed, enabling it to hold better and stretch farther.

Polymers are used in the creation of the adhesive strip that secures the hair extensions. They can remain in place on the hair for up to three months, but most of the time, after five to seven weeks, a correction is needed because natural hair grows back at the roots and the attachment point shows, especially in the presence of air flow, such as wind.

Benefits of tape extensions over alternative methods:

• Safe for hair. The procedure does not use chemical compounds or thermal tools, so no harm is done to the hair shafts;
• Fast. In comparison with capsule extensions, which can last up to 5-6 hours, tape extensions usually take no more than 1.5 hours – the specific time depends on how many tapes a girl needs;
• Economical. Again, in comparison with other techniques, tape extensions are about half the price. The cost of the work ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles. Capsule extensions at an average price of 50 rubles per strand and using 120 strands will cost 6,000 thousand;
• Donor strands are easily and quickly removed. Correction usually takes as long as the initial procedure.

The method has additional drawbacks:

• It is not recommended to use masks, balms and oils – the adhesiveness of the tapes weakens from this, which means the likelihood of their spontaneous detachment increases;
• Frequent correction. After 5-7 weeks, you will need to visit the master, since even with minimal root growth, the attachment points will be visible;
• Careful combing. After extensions using the tape method, you need to comb your hair carefully, especially in the root zone;
• Limited choice of hairstyles. It is unlikely that you will be able to put together a neat high ponytail or other hairstyle on the crown, since the tapes will most likely be visible along the edge of the hair growth line. If you plan to wear high hairstyles, warn the master about this so that he pays special attention to the placement of the tapes.

Tapes for extensions: what are they and where to get them

To obtain the highly sought-after extension tapes, there are two choices:

1. Order ready-made tapes with donor hair in an online store or in the corresponding offline stores. This is fast, often cheaper, but the color of natural hair differs from the color of the hair on the tape, which means that the extension will be conspicuous. You can choose a color to match your curls, but for this it is better to visit offline stores;
2. Order tape-making from a private master or in a salon. In this case, you need to provide the selected donor hair, and specialists will collect them into tapes.

Let’s talk about the option now. Two varieties of extension tapes exist:

• Regular. Acrylic or polymer adhesive base and only on one side;

• Bio-tapes. Adhesive base made of special glue with keratin in the composition and applied on both sides.

Bio-tapes can be applied to thin, sparse natural curls because they are thinner and less obvious. Additionally, bio-tapes are softer and more flexible, which improves comfort during both the wearing and extending processes. Additionally, their attachment technologies are different; we will address this in the upcoming sections.

There are various widths for tape extensions. The most popular width is 4 cm, however some manufacturers provide options with widths of 1 to 3 and 5 to 6 cm. They make tapes that range in width from 10 to 30 cm for bio-extensions. Depending on the particular specialist, some may glue the bio-tapes from ear to ear on the back of the head, while others may cut them.

Things to consider when selecting tapes:

• Thickness. Pay attention to the thickness formed by the tape itself – that is, the adhesive base and the donor hair placed on it. The thinner the tape, the better the extension holds, since it does not slip under its own weight;
• Imitation of hair growth. This is relevant for ordinary tapes – bio-tapes with imitation of growth are not produced. Such tapes are picked by hand and have hairs located at different levels on the upper part of the adhesive base.

How tape extensions are done

The "sandwich" method is used in traditional tape extensions, where natural hair is secured between two tapes made of donor hair.

How to carry out the tape extension process:

• Hair is cleaned with shampoo. No conditioner, balm or mask is applied after washing. This is important, as silicone products will make the hair shafts slippery and will not allow the adhesive strip to adhere properly;
• Natural hair is dried with a hairdryer – heat protection is also not applied, so it is better to dry naturally or with cold air from a hairdryer;
• Hair is divided into zones – extensions begin from the back of the head, where a horizontal parting is separated with an indentation from the lower hairline of about 5 cm;
• A natural strand of the same width as the prepared tapes for extensions is separated;
• The protective film is removed from the tape to expose the adhesive base;
• The tape is installed under the strand and gently pressed to adhere the natural and artificial strands;

• A second tape is placed over the assembled structure of tape and natural strand with the adhesive side down and pressed. Thus, natural hair ends up between two donor strands. According to the same scheme, the master extends the entire back of the head, and then moves to the temporal zone. The distance between adjacent tapes in one row should be approximately equal to half their width, that is, about 2 cm.

One extension typically requires 20–25 tapes that are 4-5 cm wide, and when using micro tapes that are 1-3 cm wide, it takes about 60–100 pieces.

Typical errors made when extending a tape:

• Placing tapes in random order. Hair is extended strictly horizontally, in parallel rows with an indent between the tapes of about half their width. Checkered, chaotic and any other method of placement will lead to the fact that it will be problematic to care for them – you will not get a head, but a minefield;
• Too "high" extensions. When forming rows of extensions, it is important to leave a sufficient number of natural strands above them that will mask the attachment point. It is not recommended to glue the tapes with the upper strands on the crown or top of the head – they will not be masked. The optimal level for extensions on the back of the head is up to the occipital protuberance. Temporal zones can be extended a little higher, but in this case it is better to use strands with imitation hair growth – they will help to mask the parting;
• Placing tapes close to the scalp. It is important to retreat from the scalp by about 5-10 mm. Placing close to the place of ingrown hair increases the load on the hair shafts and causes discomfort.

How bio-extensions are done on a mono-tape

Because multiple wide tapes—rarely more than four—rather than a single narrow tape are used during the procedure, bio-extensions are frequently completed more quickly.

1. The hair, as in the previous case, is cleaned with shampoo without the use of balms, conditioners and masks;
2. The upper layers, as well as the temporal zone, are gathered on the crown to expose the back of the head;
3. A thin strand of natural hair is left at the bottom of the back of the head. A protective layer is removed from one side of the bio-tape and it is glued to the natural hair with an indentation of 1 cm from the roots. The size of the bio-tape varies from master to master, the client"s desires and the thickness of his hair. In some cases, the tape is wide enough and is attached in one go from ear to ear. In others, narrower bio-tapes 10-15 cm wide are used for the procedure;
4. The upper protective layer is removed from the previously glued tape, and the exposed adhesive strip is covered with a thin layer of natural hair. Thus, the bio-tape is between the layers of natural strands;
5. The next layer of bio-tape is glued higher with an indentation of several rows of natural hair according to the same scheme. The temporal zone is extended at will and need – the scheme is the same, but the width of the tape is smaller – it is cut individually for the client.

Correction of tape extensions

The time required for tape correction is comparable to that of extension. Correction should usually be done in 5-7 weeks, though this greatly relies on the unique features of each girl and her hair growth rate.

How tape extension correction is carried out:

1. A special alcohol-based liquid is applied to the places where the tapes are attached. It is available in bottles with a spray or with a spout – for drip application. The composition is kept for 3-5 minutes – this time is needed for the glue to dissolve;
2. As soon as the glue softens, the donor strands are removed from the hair one by one – carefully, without abrupt tears, so as not to damage the natural curls;
3. A cotton pad soaked in a product for removing from natural hair removes the remaining glue;
4. The girl"s head is washed with deep cleansing shampoo without the use of balm and dried with a hairdryer or naturally;
5. A small amount of extension removal liquid is applied to the adhesive part of the removed tape, the adhesive layer is picked up with scissors or nails and torn off from the base of the tape. Note that the tape remains intact – the hair is connected not only by the adhesive layer, but also by a silicone or rubber base, so removing the glue does not affect its integrity in any way;
6. After removing the adhesive layer, the tape is left to dry – usually 1-2 minutes is enough;
7. A new adhesive layer is applied to the dried tape – it is sold in small rolls, in liquid form or in strips;
8. After changing the adhesive layer, the donor strands are extended again.

Hair care after tape extensions

• Wash your head exclusively without tilting it . When you tilt your head down, wet extensions put a lot of stress on the follicles. As a result, the hair becomes weak and falls out;
• Before washing, carefully comb the strands with a comb with rare teeth. Do not try to comb your hair straight from the top of your head – comb the ends and gradually move higher – this will protect the tapes from shifting, and in general it is safer for your hair. When dry, comb your curls 2-3 times a day – no more is needed;
• Use a shampoo with a mild composition – the tapes are resistant to water, but not to alcohol, aggressive sulfates and other chemical components;
• Do not apply oils, balms, masks and conditioners to the place where the tapes are attached and the root part – they worsen adhesion and contribute to premature slipping of the strands;
• After washing, do not rub your scalp and hair with a towel. Hair extensions get very tangled from such manipulations.

Theoretically, hair coloring, perming, and other procedures are acceptable, but bear in mind that they may shorten the tapes’ wear period.

Questions

Is there a reduction in donor strand length during correction, similar to what happens with capsules?

No, the length of the strands doesn’t change because the tape correction only affects the adhesive layer and doesn’t touch the donor hair at all.

How frequently should your hair be re-taped?

The original tape’s quality will determine this. You need to re-tape your hair approximately once every twelve to eighteen months.

Is there a substitute for sticky tape extensions called tape-on clips?

Of course, if you need to temporarily lengthen or thicken your hair. Tape-on clips are not the ideal choice if you want to change your hairstyle frequently because they don’t hold as well.

Which tape producers are the most well-liked?

In fact, making tapes is now the task of even extension specialists. They themselves tape the hair chosen for a specific girl, either by hand or with the aid of a specialized tool. When it comes to well-known manufacturers, Hair Talk and AngeloHair come to mind.

Both manufacturers sell care products, correction products and materials, and various widths of extension tapes. HairShop also sells One Touch tapes and related care products.

Is it feasible to perform DIY tape extensions at home?

Yes, in theory, but practically speaking it is challenging because the occipital region is where the majority of the strand work is done, which is inconvenient. The same is true for taking out tapes at home; it is preferable to entrust the task to an expert who will remove the strands with care so as not to tear out natural hair and leave a lot of glue behind.

Can I use hair dryers, curling irons, and irons that are thermal devices?

In this case, there are no contraindications to tape extensions because high temperatures do not cause the adhesive base to change. Naturally, you should exercise caution when handling heat-sensitive objects and avoid using thermal protection based on oil or alcohol.

Can artificial hair be used on the tape?

Artificial hair is not used for tape extensions—at least, that is not what sellers claim. This is an exception: dishonest manufacturers may blend synthetic and natural hair to cut costs. Natural donor strands are the best option for extensions because they resist dyeing, curling and flat irons, and tangle-free tangles that are difficult to detangle after washing.

What is the price of a tape-in hair extension?

The price includes the cost of the master’s work in addition to the cost of the hair and its tape-in, or ready-made, tapes. The cost of the master’s work is typically between 1,500 and 4,000 rubles, though it might be more in some places. For instance, a set of 20 tapes of ready-made strands from Hair Talk can cost anywhere between 4,500 and 11,000 rubles. The length of the hair strands on the tape, the quality of the donor hair, and the color all affect the total cost.

Regarding tape-in, there is a wide range as well. The estimated cost per 100 grams for hair taped into traditional 4 cm tapes ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles.

What length of hair is required to use tape extensions?

To ensure that the attachment points are well hidden under the natural hair strands, it is advised to extend tapes with a length of natural hair ranging from 10 to 15 cm. Masters accept girls with shorter hairstyles, though it’s hard to promise a subtle outcome in this case.

Are tape extensions contraindicated in any way?

The same issues that affect nearly every other hair extension method: thinning and weak hair, skin conditions, hormone use, or prolonged antimicrobial treatment.

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A common way to give your hair length and volume without using harsh chemicals or difficult procedures is to use tape hair extensions. They are made up of tiny hair strips that are affixed to your natural hair using a unique type of adhesive tape. The primary benefits of tape extensions are their low maintenance requirements, effortless application, and natural appearance. They do have certain drawbacks, though, like the possibility of damaging your natural hair if they are not applied or removed properly and the requirement for constant maintenance to maintain their best appearance.

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2 comments on “What is tape hair extensions, its pros and cons”

OlgaEditorial staff

Hi there, Olga! Bio-tape can be attached without the need for additional glue because the base of the strands already have an adhesive strip. Simply peeling off the protective layer and securing it to the hair is sufficient. Should the inquiry pertain to the adhesive used on the adhesive strip, you must elucidate the makeup of a particular brand of bio tapes.

Many people who want to quickly and effectively improve their hairstyle opt for tape hair extensions. They complement your natural hair seamlessly and provide a natural look and feel. For individuals who frequently like to change up their appearance, extensions are a convenient option because they are easy to remove and adjust, and the application process is rather simple.

The fact that tape extensions can add length and volume to your hair without seriously harming your natural hair is one of their key benefits. They may be more comfortable to wear because they are less bulky than certain other kinds of extensions. In general, the removal procedure is less invasive than techniques such as fusion extensions, which may alleviate concerns regarding the health of the hair.

There are a few drawbacks to take into account, though. Since tape extensions must be repositioned every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain their best appearance, they may need more frequent maintenance. They may also not last as long as other types of extensions and can cause tangling if not applied or maintained properly. To keep them in good condition, it’s crucial to adhere to the recommended care instructions.

In conclusion, tape hair extensions can be a really hassle-free way to get a brand-new look. They have a few advantages, like simplicity of use and a natural appearance, but they also require upkeep. Tape extensions are a viable option for adding volume and length if you’re looking for a less damaging and more versatile option. Just be sure to consider the benefits and drawbacks and determine whether they align with your lifestyle and hair care regimen.

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