So you’ve had your tape-ins for a few weeks, and now that it's time to take them out, the last thing you want to do is cause damage to your natural hair. The good news? You don’t have to run to the salon every time your tape-ins need removing. With a few easy steps, you can safely remove your tape-ins without causing any damage. Let's dive into the key steps to help you remove tape-in extensions like a pro.
Does Baby Oil Remove Tape-Ins?
Yes, baby oil can be used to remove tape-ins. The oil helps break down the bond of the tape adhesive, making it easy for them to slide out. However, be sure to wash your hair afterwards to remove the oil from your strands.
Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol To Remove Tape-Ins?
Alcohol can sometimes be used to remove tape-ins, but it is not recommended and should not be your first choice. Alcohol strips the hair of its natural oils and can leave your strands brittle and unmanageable, especially if you have curly or textured hair. Instead of alcohol, it is best to use an oil or glue dissolver.
How To Remove Tape-in Extensions Without Damage
What you’ll need:
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Rat Tail Comb
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Glue Remover Or Hair Oil
Step-by-step Guide
1. Finger Detangle and Section Your Hair
Start by gently finger detangling your hair to remove any shed hair that may be stuck to the root of the tape-ins. Then section out the parts of your hair with the extensions.
2. Loosen The Adhesives
Working one section at a time, apply a little bit of the glue remover to the root of your hair, where the adhesive strips are attached. Use your fingers to spread the remover evenly across both sides of the strip and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. If you do not have a glue remover, you can use any hair oil as an alternative, just be sure to apply a generous amount of the oil.
3. Loosen The Tape With Your Fingers
Once the oil or glue remover has settled into the hair, use a rat tail comb to poke in between the two tapes, holding the extensions in place. As you do this, the tapes will start to separate. Use your fingers to loosen them further.
4. Pull Out The Extensions
Once the adhesive strips are loose, gently pull out the extensions, but be sure to hold your hair from the root to avoid tugging harshly on your strands. Repeat the entire process until you remove all the extensions from the hair.
5. Finger-Detangle Your Hair
To make sure all the extensions and strips are out, use your fingers to comb through your hair in sections and feel for any areas with tangles or knots. Take your time to unravel those knots by applying more oil and finger detangling from ends to roots.
6. Give your Hair Some TLC
After removing the tape-ins, your hair will likely be greasy, dirty and also in its most fragile state, so it is best to give it a little love. Cleanse with a hydrating shampoo and follow with a Strengthening hair mask that will fortify your strands from breakage, then keep it moisturised by applying a generous amount of leave-in conditioner. To keep your hair healthy, take a break from extensions for a few weeks and let your hair breathe before going for your next install.
Final Thoughts
Removing tape-ins can seem like a daunting task if you don’t know what you’re doing, but trust us, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. To make sure your natural hair remains healthy and safe from damage during the removal process, follow the steps we’ve outlined in this article and give your hair some time to breathe before your next install.