9 Expert Tips on How to Take Care of Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions have become one of the most popular hair enhancement options due to their ability to add length and volume with minimal effort. They are lightweight, look natural, and blend seamlessly with natural hair. However, their longevity and appearance depend on how well they are maintained. With the proper hair extension care, you can keep your tape-in hair extensions flawless for weeks.

Whether you’re new to tape in extensions or have worn them before, this guide provides expert tips on how to take care of them properly. These tips ensure that your tape in hair extension maintenance is simple and effective.

Quick Caring Tape-in Hair Extensions

1. Wait 48 hours after installation before washing or getting your hair wet.
2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid damaging tape in the extension adhesive.
3. Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair, avoiding the tape bonds.
4. Brush extensions from the ends to the roots with a loop or extension brush.
5. Use silicone-free and extension-friendly products for maintenance.
6. Avoid oils or conditioners near the tape in bonds.
7. Always dry your hair extensions with a cool water rinse or air dry.
8. Apply a heat protectant if using styling tools.
9. Sleep with a loose braid or ponytail to prevent tangling.
10. Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping.
11. Schedule repositioning every 6-8 weeks for extended longevity.
12. Gently detangle with a detangling spray if needed.
13. Avoid brushing hair extensions excessively to prevent shedding or breakage.
14. Keep hair away from chlorinated or saltwater to prevent damage.
15. When washing, focus on the roots and scalp, not the tape bonds.
16. Always use extension-safe products designed for tape in hair extensions.

What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?

Before diving into the care of tape-in extensions, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work.

Tape in extensions are made from high-quality human hair and attached to your natural hair using double-sided tape. The tape bonds securely to the roots of your natural hair and remains virtually invisible. The extensions are lightweight, making them a comfortable option for those who want extra volume and length without feeling weighed down.

Related: How To Take Care Of Long Hair: Tips For Gorgeous Locks

One reason for their popularity is the way they blend seamlessly with natural hair. Whether going for longer locks or seeking more body, tape-in hair extensions offer a natural look that works well for any occasion.

How to Wear Tape-in Hair Extension?

Tape-in extensions are available in various textures, colors, and lengths to customize your look to your preference. They are also easy to apply, but proper care is essential for extending their longevity and maintaining a flawless appearance.

Here are simple steps on how to wear and remove tape-in hair extensions:

1. Wash Your Hair: Make sure your hair is clean and dry.
2. Part Your Hair: Create a section where you want to add the extensions.
3. Apply the Tape-In: Place one extension under your natural hair, then press the other piece on top.
4. Press Together: Gently press both pieces of tape together to secure them.
5. Blend Your Hair: Use a comb to blend your natural hair with the extensions.
6. Style as Usual: You can curl, straighten, or style your hair like normal.

Why is Hair Extension Care Important?

Proper maintenance of tape in extensions is vital for ensuring their long-lasting appeal. While these extensions are designed for durability, improper care can result in visible tape bonds, excessive tangling, and shedding. For instance, using the wrong hair extension adhesive or harsh products can break down the adhesive used to attach the extensions, leading to slippage or damage.

Related: How to Take Care of Curly Hair

If your extensions aren’t cared for properly, you may notice they lose their natural appearance, become uncomfortable, or even cause scalp irritation. To avoid these issues and keep your extensions looking fresh, it’s essential to follow the correct routine.

How to Take Care of Tape-In Extensions: 9 Essential Tips

Here’s a comprehensive, detailed list of expert tips to ensure you’re doing everything possible to maintain your tape-in hair extensions:

1. The First 48 Hours: Protect the Bond

When installing your tape in extensions, the first 48 hours are critical for setting the adhesive bonds correctly. During this time, the bonds are still curing, and the tape may not be as strong as it will be once fully set.

Expert Tip:

• Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours. This gives the tape in extension adhesive strength time to set and bond with your natural hair fully.
• Stay away from water and sweat during this period. Activities like swimming, heavy exercise, or even excessive sweating can weaken the bonds and cause them to slip out prematurely.
• Avoid heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. These can disrupt the adhesive bonds and lead to premature detachment.

Sleeping with wet hair or on rough surfaces can also stress the extensions. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent tangling for better results.

2. Washing Tape In Hair Extensions: The Right Way

You can start washing your hair once the 48-hour waiting period is over. However, washing tape in hair extensions differs from washing natural hair because you must ensure you don’t weaken the adhesive.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when washing tape in extensions:

• Focus on your scalp: Gently shampoo the roots and the scalp to cleanse the hair. Avoid getting shampoo on the tape bonds, as this could cause the adhesive to break down.
• Use cool water: Hot water can affect the adhesive strength of your extensions, so always wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water.
• Shampoo for hair extensions: Use a sulfate-free shampoo explicitly designed for tape in hair extensions. Sulfates strip moisture from both your natural hair and extensions, which can weaken the bonds.
• Condition carefully: Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Never apply conditioner directly on the tape bonds to avoid the buildup of products that could weaken the adhesive.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing: Be gentle when shampooing, and avoid scrubbing your hair too hard, especially near the bonds. This can cause tangling or excessive shedding of extensions.

After washing, air dry your hair or use a blow dryer in a low heat setting. Avoid towel drying with aggressive rubbing, as this can damage the tape in hair extensions.

3. Brushing Your Extensions: Don’t Damage the Bonds

Brushing your tape-in hair extensions is essential to keep them tangle-free and healthy-looking. However, improper brushing can lead to excessive tangling or damage to the extensions. Here’s how you can brush your tape-in extensions properly:

• Use the correct brush: A loop or extension brush is designed to safely glide through the extensions without causing damage. These brushes are gentle on the hair and don’t pull on the bonds.
• Start at the ends: Always begin brushing from the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots. This helps avoid unnecessary stress on the tape bonds.
• Be gentle: Avoid pulling or tugging at the hair. Be patient with tangles, and use your fingers or a detangling spray to help ease through the knots.
• Don’t overbrush: Brush your extensions only as much as necessary. Excessive brushing can cause fraying and breakage, making your extensions look less natural.

Expert Tip: Brush your hair 2-3 times daily to maintain smoothness and prevent tangling.

4. Avoiding Oils and Conditioners on Tape Bonds

One of the biggest mistakes people make when caring for tape-in extensions is applying oils, serums, or conditioners to the bonds. These products can weaken the adhesive and cause slippage or uncomfortable extensions.

• Keep oils away from tape bonds: Oils can break down the hair extension adhesive, leading to loose extensions. Instead, use silicone-free or sulfate-free products designed for extensions.
• Conditioners only on the ends: Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, but never near the roots or tape bonds. This helps maintain moisture while preventing product buildup on the tape.
• Avoid silicone-based products: Silicone-based products can leave a film on your extensions, causing buildup that makes your hair look greasy and heavy.

Brands like Glam Seamless and Bellami Hair offer specific products free from these harsh ingredients and safe for tape-in extensions.

5. Use Extension-Friendly Products

Using the right products for your tape-in extensions is crucial for maintaining their health and appearance.

• Sulfate-free shampoos: Choose gentle sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip the natural oils from your extensions. Sulfates can also weaken the adhesive bonds over time.
• Avoid buildup: Regularly cleanse your extensions to avoid product buildup. Use extension-safe products and try to wash every 3-4 days to prevent excess residue.
• Heat protectants: Always apply a heat protectant if you use styling tools. Excessive heat can damage both your natural hair and tape-in hair extensions.

6. Regular Maintenance and Repositioning

Tape-in extensions are not permanent and will require repositioning as your hair grows. Typically, repositioning is needed every 6-8 weeks, depending on how quickly your natural hair grows.

During repositioning, your stylist will gently remove the extensions and reapply new tape-in adhesive tabs. This ensures the extensions stay in place and look fresh. You may also need to trim the extensions for a natural blend with your hair.

7. Swimming with Tape-In Extensions: Care Tips

If you love swimming but don’t want to compromise the quality of your extensions, there are a few tips to follow:

• Rinse before swimming: Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming to reduce the absorption of chlorinated or saltwater.
• Avoid soaking: Try not to submerge your hair for long periods.
• Protect with leave-in conditioner: Applying a leave-in conditioner can help protect your extensions from chlorine or saltwater damage.

8. Night Time Care: Preserve the Extensions Overnight

Nighttime care is essential for minimizing damage to tape-in extensions. Here’s what to do:

• Loose braid or ponytail: Tie your hair into a loose braid or ponytail to prevent tangling while you sleep.
• Silk or satin pillowcase: Switching to a silk pillowcase reduces friction, which minimizes the risk of tangling or hair breakage.
• Silk or satin bonnet: Consider using a silk bonnet to protect your hair further and prevent it from rubbing against your pillowcase.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when caring for tape-in extensions:

Do’s:

• Use extension-friendly products.
• Be gentle when brushing and washing.
• Keep silicone-free and sulfate-free products away from the tape bonds.
• Keep the tape bonds dry for at least 48 hours after installation.
• Schedule regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks.

Don’ts:

• Avoid using conditioners near the tape bonds.
• Don’t use sulfate-rich shampoos.
• Don’t sleep with wet hair.
• Don’t expose the extensions to extreme heat without protection.

Conclusion