Dos And Don'ts Of Wearing Tape-In Extensions

Thinking of getting tape-in hair extensions? Trust us, we understand why you love them–they're lightweight and versatile. Plus, they look super natural and are guaranteed to look amazing on any hair type. However, before rocking your new tape-ins, there are a few key things to keep in mind if you want them to last long and remain in perfect condition until you're ready to take them off.

In this article, we'll be discussing the dos and don'ts of wearing tape-in extensions. Keep reading to see our most important tape-in rule.

What Are Tape-Ins?

Tape-ins are hair weft extensions that come with double adhesive strips attached to the base. These hair extensions are applied to the hair by sandwiching your natural hair between the two adhesive ends of the extensions. This sandwich method ensures the extensions are “taped” close to the root of your hair, creating a flat and natural finish.

Advantages Of Tape-Ins

Extremely Easy To Install: Tape-ins are one of the most beginner-friendly hair extensions out there. They are very easy to install and require barely any effort. All you need to do is remove the cover on the adhesive strips and stick the tapes to the root of your hair.

Natural Finish: Tape-Ins lay flat against the scalp when installed correctly, offering a barely detectable and natural appearance. If you have afro-textured hair and use curly or coily textured tape-ins like our human hair Kinky Curly Tape-Ins, they will look even more seamless and natural.

Reusable: One of the best perks of tape-ins is that they can be used several times as long as the adhesive strip is still in good condition and they are maintained properly. This makes them a cost-effective hair extension option. 

How Long Do Tape-Ins Last?

Tape-ins can last between 6-8 weeks, depending on how well you maintain them. However, as your natural hair grows, it will begin to loosen a bit and will need to be reinstalled.

Dos

Wear A Bonnet Before Going To Bed

Protecting your hair with a satin bonnet is extremely important for keeping your tape-ins in place. When you leave your hair exposed while you sleep, the extensions rub against the fabric of your beddings and result in a lot of friction. This friction can pull on the adhesives on your tape-ins, weakening them and increasing the likelihood of them falling out. Wearing a bonnet can help you avoid that risk and also keep your hair smooth and frizz-free.

Use Dry Shampoo To Clean Your Hair

Exposing your hair to too much water is generally not advisable when you're wearing tape-ins, so most people avoid washing their hair. However, that doesn't mean your hair has to remain dirty for several weeks. Dry shampoos are a great alternative to regular shampoo as they do not require any water, and they are perfect for cleaning the hair when you have tape-ins. You can use dry shampoos as often as you like, but be sure to focus on your scalp when using them.

Be Careful When Brushing Your Hair

When detangling your hair, be very gentle and careful not to use too much force, as that can easily cause your tape-ins to fall out. This is extremely important because if your tape-ins are yanked out of the hair with too much force, they can place excess tension on your real hair and result in some breakage. To avoid this, detangle your hair in sections if it is curly or coily and start from the ends before gently working your hair to the roots.

Use Tape-Ins That Match Your Hair Texture

If you wear tape-in extensions, we can bet you want them to look natural and seamless. Well, if you want that undetectable finish, you need to use tape-ins that match your natural hair texture. If you have curly or coily hair, avoid going for bone straight tape-ins that will require you to flat iron your hair every day. Instead, opt for curly tape-ins like our Human Hair Kinky Curly Tape-Ins that are designed specially for afro-textured hair. Our tape-ins are available in different textures, ranging from kinky curly to kinky coarse and kinky straight. So, whether you have type 3 or 3 curls, you can always find your perfect match.

Play Around With Different Hairstyles

Tape-ins are extremely versatile and can be worn in different ways, so do play around with different looks when rocking these extensions. You can put them in a half-up, half-down, or ponytail hairstyle. Your hair does not always have to be worn down because you have tape-ins, so feel free to get creative. As long as you do not put any tape-ins on the bottom nape of your hair and around your edges, they will not be detectable.

Don’ts

Don’t Apply Oils To Your Roots

If you apply hair oils, avoid putting them close to your roots where the tape-in adhesives are located, as that can weaken the tapes and cause your extensions to fall out.

Don’t Overwash Your Hair

Although you can wash your hair when you have tape-ins, it is best to avoid overdoing it to preserve the strength of your tape-in adhesives. Do not wash your hair until at least 3-5 days after installing your tape-ins, and be sure to only wash your hair every two weeks if you want them to last long.

Don’t Use Conditioner Or Silicone-Based Products On Roots

Conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and other silicone products can loosen the adhesives on your tape-ins and cause them to fall out or start to slide off your hair. So, it is best to avoid applying them anywhere near your roots where the tape-in adhesives are located. You can apply a little bit of these products on the rest of your hair, but just be sure to avoid the roots.

Don’t Go Overboard With Heat Styling

Excessive heat styling can damage the hair strands on your tape-ins and result in frizz and breakage. This will drastically reduce the lifespan of your extensions and make them start to look rough. Additionally, too much heat can weaken the adhesive tapes and cause them to fall out. So it is very important to limit your heat styling when wearing tape-ins

Don’t Brush Your Hair When It Is Wet

The adhesives on your tape-ins are at their weakest when your hair is wet, so brushing your hair in this state is a big no-no. If you try combing or brushing your tape-ins when they are wet, they will fall out of your hair and likely take a few strands of your real hair with them. Instead, make sure your hair is properly dry or at least damp before brushing.

So there you have it, girlies, all you need to know about keeping your tape-ins healthy so you can enjoy beautiful hair with zero stress. Follow the tips we've discussed, and your hair will look fab and stylish at all times. Need some high-quality human hair tape-ins for afro curly hair? Grab our Kinky Curly Tape-Ins for natural curly and coarse hair.