Hair extensions have gotten a reputation for being high-maintenance, damaging, and an extravagance best left to people who frequent the red carpet. But that’s not actually the case, especially when we’re talking about tape-in hair extensions. When it comes to getting great length, volume, and keeping your real hair healthy, they’re the best! Tape-in hair extensions are something I’ve been using for years and I recommend them 100 percent. Allow me to make my case and point you why the best tape in hair extensions are so good for you.
1. Tape-In Hair Extensions Don’t Look Fake
Tape-in extensions really do look like your natural head of hair. I’ve been doing extensions for years, and I have friends and colleagues who don’t believe me when I tell them. The tape lie completely flat against the head and are so comfortable, I often forget about them completely — that is, until I catch a glimpse of my long, thick ponytail in the mirror (yup, you can even wear a ponytail). But keep in mind that not all hair is created equal. Matching hair density, texture, thickness, and color is critical to pulling off a seamless look. When shopping for a new head of hair, look for 100 percent human hair, either European or Russian Virgin hair that is considered the best hair in the world but this hair is rare and very hard to find. In technical terms, this means that the hair has never been processed and basically will last you for a very long time. What that means to you is that you can style, dry, and iron the extensions just as you would your natural hair without fear of excessive tangles and matting.
2. Putting Them in and Taking Them Out Isn’t Too Time-Consuming
Seriously. It takes an hour and a half tops, no longer than a head of highlights. And that’s for a whole head. The extension hair is taped to inch-long super sticky strips. The stylist peels off the cover (just like a sticker), revealing the adhesive, and sandwiches small sections of natural hair between two of these strips. It sounds easy enough for DIY, but the placement is critical to the overall look, so leave it to a trained stylist.
As for the removal, that’s even faster. The stylist drenches the tape bonds in a solute that loosens the adhesive, then gently wiggles the extensions off. Then, all you need is a couple of shampoos to remove all of the solution. Beware of extensions that require a remover containing acetone or alcohol, which can be harsh and drying if left on the hair for too long. you should stick to a schedule of removal and/or reapplication every eight weeks max. As your hair grows out, the tape inches farther away from the root, and the further the tape is from the root, the more likely it is twist and tangle — and possibly reveal your well-kept secret.
3. They’re Easy to Care For
You can wash, blow-dry, flatiron, curl, scrunch, and braid your extensions. Basically, treat them just as you would your own natural hair. Which is to say, as gently as possible. Like natural hair, extensions (specifically the adhesive bonds) are most fragile when wet. you should blast the roots and tapes with a blow-dryer before gently combing through to detangle. This helps prevent any tugging on the wet bonds. also always sleep with hair in a loose braid. It not only helps prevent any tangling during the night but also results in the world’s easiest waves. extension hair actually holds hairstyles better than natural hair.
4. They Don’t Cause Damage
Are tape-in hair extensions safe? YES. Do tape-in hair extensions damage hair? NO. Really — it’s true! We’ve all heard the traumatic stories of celebrities who ended up with giant bald patches or tons of breakage because of extensions. In my experience, however, if they are applied correctly and treated with care, tape-in extensions pose no threat to the overall health of your natural hair.
