How to Care for Tape In Hair Extensions Like a Pro

 

Embracing the world of hair extensions opens up infinite possibilities for transforming your hair. Be it volume, length, or both, extensions are a quick way to achieve your dream locks. Tape-in extensions, in particular, have gained popularity for their ability to blend seamlessly with natural hair, offering an essentially undetectable hair enhancement. As fantastic as they are, they require adequate upkeep.

This blog unveils professional methods to care for your tape-in hair extensions, featuring brushing techniques, washing methods, drying precautions, and several other key aspects. This comprehensive guide will maintain your extensions in prime condition, increasing their longevity and ensuring you make the most of your investment.

What are Tape-In Extensions?

 

Tape-in extensions are a type of semi-permanent hair extension method that significantly enhances your hair's thickness and length. They consist of several wefts and strips of hair with an adhesive strip at the top attachment. The double-sided tape adheres to your natural hair, creating a 'sandwich' with small sections of your hair between two extension pieces. Due to this undetectable method of attachment, tape-ins provide a seamless blend with your natural hair.

Their lightweight structure sets them apart, which causes minimal strain on the hair, contributing to a comfortable wearing experience. Usually made from high-quality human hair, tape-ins can be styled, colored, and treated much like your natural hair. They can typically last up to eight weeks before requiring professional reapplication. Care is relatively straightforward but fundamental in preserving the integrity and lifespan of your extensions.

How to Care for Tape In Hair Extensions?

Maintaining the beauty of your tape-in extensions requires the following six essential practices:

1. Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours after installation.
2. When washing, treat your extensions gently.
3. Seek out silicone-free and sulfate-free hair products.
4. Keep oils and conditioners away from the tape bonds.
5. Use a gentle brush and start brushing your hair from ends to roots daily.
6. Schedule regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks.

These practices ensure longevity and maintain the allure of your extensions.

What Are Proper Brushing Techniques?

Proper brushing is critical to maintain the health and appearance of your tape-in extensions. Incorrect or harsh brushing can ruin the bonds and cause shedding, matting, and knots. 

Here are some techniques for securing and pain-free brushing:

• Begin by investing in a specific hair extension brush. These brushes have smooth, flexible bristles designed to glide through your extensions without causing damage or pulling at the bonds.
• Start brushing from the ends of your hair and gently work your way up towards your roots, detangling any knots. 
• Always support your hair with one hand while brushing with the other to avoid putting stress on the bonds. 
• Avoid applying too much pressure near the tape bonds, and never yank the brush through tangles.

Besides, before washing your tape-in extensions, it's crucial to detangle them. This process reduces the risk of knots becoming tighter during the wash, which could damage the extensions or your natural hair. 

Here's how to properly detangle your tape-in extensions:

• Hold your hair at the roots: This provides support and prevents pulling on the tape bonds.
• Use a hair extension brush or wide-toothed comb: These tools can help remove knots without causing damage.
• Start at the ends: Brush from the ends of your hair and work upwards, section by section.
• Be patient: Detangling requires time. If necessary, use a detangler spray to assist in removing stubborn knots.

What Are Some Best Brushes for Extensions?

Using the right brush is crucial when caring for your tape-in extensions. Not all hair brushes are suited to manage the texture and delicacy of extensions.

Here are some types of brushes ideal for extensions:

• Loop Brush: This type has looped bristles that glide effortlessly through your extensions, untangling without pulling at the bonds.
• Soft Bristle Brush: These brushes have ultra-soft bristles that are gentle on your extensions while effectively detangling.
• Wide-Tooth Comb: Perfect for combing conditioner through your hair in the shower and detangling wet extensions.
• Boar Bristle Brush: Though not for detangling, this brush helps distribute your scalp's natural oils to keep your extensions shiny.

Choose a brush that suits your extensions and your comfort. Remember – a well-suited brush makes all the difference in maintaining beautiful hair.

What Are Some Best Practices for Washing Tape In Hair Extensions?

 

When it comes to washing tape-in extensions, gentleness is the name of the game. It's essential to wash your extensions accurately and prudently to prevent any damage to the adhesive bond, causing the extensions to slip prematurely. Always remember that you should use lukewarm water and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Also, don't rub excessively; focus on cleansing your scalp rather than the extension bonds. What's more? Follow the below pointers to wash your extensions properly.

1. Avoid Washing Your Hair for the First 48 Hours After Installation

After installing your new tape-in extensions, the initial 48 hours are critical for the adhesive to set appropriately. During this period, you should avoid washing or wetting your hair altogether. Stay clear of sweaty workouts and swimming as well. Remember, your patience during these two days will pay off with weeks of gorgeous, firm extensions!

2. Ideal Water Temperature

While washing your hair, it may seem tempting to turn up the heat, but remember, hot water can cause your tape-ins to loosen and slip out. Instead, lukewarm water is the ideal temperature that yields the best results. It effectively cleanses the hair without weakening the adhesive bonds, thus ensuring the durability of your extensions.

3. Choosing the Right Shampoo

When choosing a shampoo for your extensions, opt for one that is gentle, hydrating, and sulfate-free. A clarifying shampoo can be a helpful option to remove buildup, but be cautious of sulfates, as sulfates can strip your extensions of moisture and loosen the adhesive bonds. 

Here are a few recommendations:

Shampoo	Features
Foxy Locks Extensions Boost	Sulfate-free, formulated to smooth and strengthen extensions
MoroccanOil Moisture Repair	Restores hydration and protein in dry, damaged hair
OGX Coconut Water Shampoo	Lightweight formula that hydrates and helps prevent frizz

Remember, the 'right' shampoo depends on your extensions and your natural hair's needs. Always select a shampoo that cleans and balances your extensions and natural hair.

4. Correct Shampooing Technique

While washing your tape-in extensions, remember proper technique matters!

• Don't Scrub: Avoid rigorous scrubbing or bunching up your hair. This can cause tangles and place stress on the adhesive bonds.
• Apply Gently: Apply shampoo to your scalp and massage gently using your fingertips, avoiding the tapes.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the shampoo with lukewarm water and repeat if needed.

It's essential to keep in mind that your hair extensions don't produce natural oils like your scalp. Over-shampooing can strip their essential moisture and leave them dry and brittle.

5. Conditioning Properly

Just as you condition your natural hair, conditioning your tape-in extensions is vital to keep them soft, shiny, and tangle-free. When using conditioner:

• Avoid the Tapes: Make sure not to get any conditioner on the tape sections. This can loosen the adhesive.
• Mid-Lengths to Ends Only: Start from the mid-lengths of your hair and work towards the ends only.
• Rinse Well: Ensure the conditioner is thoroughly rinsed off, as any remaining residue can leave your hair looking greasy.
• Consider a Hair Mask: Use a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to restore hydration and assist in shine and manageability.

6. Use Silicone-Free, Sulfate-Free Hair Products

When it comes to care products for your tape-in extensions, choose items free from sulfates and silicones. Sulfates are harsh cleansers that strip your extensions of moisture and loosen the adhesive bonds. Silicones make your hair feel smooth, but they can cause scalp irritation, prevent moisture absorption, and affect the adhesive over time. 

Opt for extension-friendly or "extension-safe" products, which cater to the specific needs of hair extensions, including the benefits of a deep conditioning treatment. These products tend to be gentler, more hydrating, and less likely to interfere with the adhesive. Summing up; using the right products is an investment in your extensions' longevity and beauty!

7. Keep Oils Away from the Tape Bonds

While oils and conditioners benefit your hair's mid-lengths and ends, these products should stay clear of your bonds and roots. Oil-based products can break down the adhesive on your tape-in extensions, causing them to slip or fall out ahead of time. If your hair requires some extra hydration, always apply these products from your hair's mid-length and work towards the ends, steering clear of your bonds. When in doubt, it's better to err on the safe side and keep any product away from the bonds.

How to Dry and Style Your Tape In?

Following proper drying and styling procedures is essential after washing your tape-in extensions and gently towel-drying them. Let's check out all these useful tips in the following sections.

1. Safe Drying Methods

Safe drying of your tape-in extensions is essential for their longevity and overall health. 

Here are some techniques to help safely dry your extensions:

• Air Dry: The best way to dry your extensions is to let them air dry naturally. This reduces the chances of heat damage and keeps your extensions in good condition.
• Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Gently pat your hair dry with a soft or microfiber towel after washing. Never rub your hair with a towel, as this can cause friction and lead to frizz, static, tangling, and breakage.
• Low-Heat Blow Drying: If you're in a hurry and need a blow dryer, set it on a low-heat setting and use a diffuser attachment to disperse the heat evenly and reduce potential damage.
• Hold Extensions While Brushing: While detangling your semi-dry or dry extensions, support them at the roots to avoid pulling on the bonds with your brush.

Operate with gentleness and patience through each step to avoid tugging at the tapes and damaging your natural hair.

2. Heat Styling Precautions

Always use a heat protectant spray before styling your tape in hair extensions to prevent damage. Maintain a low heat setting to safeguard the tape bonds. Avoid direct heat on the tape tabs, which can weaken the adhesive. By following these heat styling precautions, you can ensure the longevity and health of your extensions. Proper care is essential for the well-being of both your natural hair and the extensions you've invested in.

3. Do NOT Use a Flat Iron Directly on the Tape Tabs

Using a flat iron directly on the tape tabs of your hair extensions is a big no-no. The high heat from the flat iron can damage the adhesive, causing the extensions to slip out prematurely. Instead, when styling your hair with heat tools, make sure to avoid direct contact with the tape tabs. This precaution will help maintain the longevity and quality of your tape in hair extensions, ensuring they stay securely in place for a more extended period.

What Are The Sleeping and Maintenance Tips to Follow?

Even once your hair is styled and you're ready to call it a day, remember that your maintenance routine extends into your sleeping habits. The following section will give you some proper tips to help you maintain your tape in hair extension.

1. Use a Silk Pillowcase

Gentleness is key when seeking to prolong the life of your tape-in extensions, and this principle extends to your choice of bed linen. Consider swapping your cotton pillowcase for one made of silk. Unlike cotton, which can cause friction and potentially lead to tangles and frizz, silk allows your hair to slide freely as you sleep. This reduces the strain on your hair and minimizes the risk of your extensions getting caught or tangled. Plus, silk pillowcases have beauty benefits such as promoting healthier skin and reducing bedhead. It's a win-win situation!

2. Secure Hair in a Ponytail or Bun

Proper sleep etiquette also involves securing your hair in a ponytail or a loose bun, even though it might seem more comfortable letting your hair down. Wearing your hair loose while sleeping can increase the chance of your tape extensions matting and tangling as they rub against your pillowcase. This could also put stress on the tapes and lead to them becoming loose. To avoid this, gather your hair into a loose ponytail or bun before getting under the covers. As a rule of thumb, keep your hairstyles stress-free and loose to prevent tugging on the bonds.

3. Regularly Check Tapes for Slippage

The adhesive on your tape-ins will naturally loosen over time due to hair growth and regular wear. Regularly check your extensions - a quick feel of your tapes can give you an idea if they have begun to move or slip. If you notice any change in the position of the tapes, book an appointment with your hairstylist for adjustments. Extensions that have moved too far from the roots can cause stress on your natural hair, and correcting this will not only ensure your hair's health but help maintain the natural, seamless look of your extensions.

Transform Your Hair with Noelle Salon's Expert Care

If you've chosen to enhance your appearance with tape-in extensions, why not entrust their care to experts? At Noelle Salon, we understand the characteristics and needs of tape-in extensions, having helped countless individuals achieve their dream hair with our extensive selection of high-quality hair extensions.

Whether you have thin hair needing some extra volume or short hair you want to extend, we've covered you with our broad range of options. Our expert stylists specialize in tape-in extensions, offering personalized, professional advice to help you choose the perfect extensions that match your hair color and type.

Beyond our extension services, we provide extensive training to our clients on maintaining and caring for their tape-in extensions. Our team will guide you through every step, from washing to drying to styling, ensuring you feel confident managing your extensions at home.

Furthermore, we're always ready to step in whenever you require professional attention. From regular maintenance appointments for refitting your extensions to prematurely addressing issues with your tapes, you can rely on us to get things right.

Our commitment to offering exceptional customer service and high-quality products, coupled with our experience in hair extensions, makes Noelle Salon the ideal destination for all your extension needs. Book an appointment with us today!

Conclusion

Tape-in extensions are a great choice and a game-changer in the world of hair enhancements, providing an almost undetectable solution to add volume and length to your natural look. However, caring for these extensions does need some investment of time and effort. From washing techniques to drying and styling precautions, every element contributes to the health and longevity of your extensions.

With this comprehensive guide on hair extension care, you now have all the information needed to keep your tape-in extensions looking as beautiful as the day they were installed. But remember, getting them right takes practice – and patience! Take one day at a time, follow our tips closely, and pretty soon, you'll be a pro at maintaining your glamorous tape-ins.

Additionally, professional consultation help is just a phone call away if ever in doubt. Whether choosing the best products or dealing with any unexpected hair hitches, the experts at Noelle Salon are always ready to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use regular shampoo on tape-in extensions?

While you can use regular shampoo on your tape-in extensions, it's advisable to use one that's sulfate-free and alcohol-free to prevent drying out. Remember, always apply shampoo gently and avoid the taped areas.

How often should I wash tape-in hair extensions?

For optimal health of your tape-in extensions, washing them 2-3 times per week is advisable. Overwashing them can strip essential moisture, leading to dryness and damage.

How do you dry tape-in extensions after washing?

After washing your tape-in extensions, gently squeeze out excess water, and pat dry using a soft towel. Always allow your hair to air-dry naturally whenever possible. If using a hairdryer, use the lowest heat setting.

How long do tape-in extensions last?

With proper care, tape-in extensions typically last about 6-8 weeks before they require reapplication. The amount of time before reapplication can vary depending on your hair growth. Following our comprehensive guide will help maintain their beauty, granting you the extended longevity of your glamorous hair investment.