How Much To Install Tape In Hair Extensions

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Tape-in extensions are great if you want to temporarily lengthen your hair or add in some faux-highlights, as they aren't permanent and are relatively simple to put in. They do not require special heat tools, so they can be applied at home without the assistance of a stylist.^[1] You will first need to section off the top portion of your hair. Then, slowly tape in the extension one by one. You will have to be careful while wearing the extensions, as they're very prone to tangling. Brush your hair more frequently and take extra time in the shower.

1

Wash your hair. Extensions will last longer if you apply them to clean hair. Before applying your extensions, wash and dry your hair as you normally would.^[2]
2

Make a part across your scalp. About an inch from the nape of your neck, use your finger or a comb to make a horizontal part. You will apply the extensions near the line made by the part. This way, your upper hair will hide the clips.^[3]

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3

Section off the top hair. You can use a hair tie or hair clips to secure all the hair above the part line. Just make sure it's completely secured. You do not want any hair falling down and getting in the way while you're securing your extensions.^[4]
4

Remove a thin portion of your hair from the non-clipped part. The idea is to sandwich a thin strand of hair below your part line between top and bottom extensions. The strand of hair you're sandwiching needs to be very thin, about ¹⁄₈ inch (0.32 cm). This is so the adhesive tape on both extensions can stick together through the hair. Grab a very thin strand of hair from the hair below your part line about the length of one extension. Make sure the hair is thin enough your fingers can feel one another through the hair.^[5]
5

Measure the section. Before attaching the extension, use a cloth tape measurer to measure the section of hair that you parted. This way, you can determine how many pieces of the extension you'll need to add along that section of hair. Do this for every section.

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1

Attach the bottom extension under the thin portion of hair. Take your strand of hair and lift it up a little. Remove the strip covering the adhesive on the bottom extension. Press on the bottom extension underneath the thin strand of hair you're lifting.^[6]
2
Secure the top extension. Take the top extension. After removing the adhesive tape covering that extension, press on top of your strand of hair. The top and bottom extension should stick together. Then press them together with pliers for a few seconds to secure them.^[7]
- If the extensions are not sticking, you used too much hair in your strand. Gently brush some hair off the bottom extension.
3
Repeat the process. Move across your side part, repeating this process until you have added all the extensions. The precise number of extensions you are adding depends on the size of your head. You will likely use about 5 rows of hair extensions or more, depending on how voluminous you want your hairstyle to be.^[8]
- If you plan to add extensions on the sides of your head, leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) of hair out horizontally, closest to the ear, and then continue applying the extensions.
- If you have a thin hairline, leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of hair out across your entire hairline before adding extensions, just to make sure that your hair has enough density to cover the tape-ins without making them noticeable.
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1

Take extra time for hair care. Hair extensions tangle easily and extra hair means you'll take longer in the shower. Make sure to account for having more hair in the morning. Give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes to get ready every day.^[9]
2
Brush your hair regularly. Extensions are prone to tangling. To keep your hair looking fresh and natural, brush your hair at least twice a day while your extensions are in place.^[10]
- Remember, hair care may take extra time when you're wearing extensions.
- Synthetic extensions are more prone to tangle than human hair extensions.
3

Secure your hair overnight. As hair tangles easier, you should secure your hair overnight while wearing extensions. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail or braid it before bed. It can also help to sleep on silk pillows.^[11]

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Question

How long will tape-in hair extensions last?

Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer
Question

Are tape extensions bad for your hair?

Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer
Question

Can tape-in hair extensions be reused?

Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer
Question

What are tape-in hair extensions?

Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer
Question

How can I make my tape-ins more secure?

Akgjammer AJ

Community Answer

1. Make sure they were put in correctly. 2. Do NOT color your hair the same day you get tape-ins. 3. No alcohol or oil based products should be used while wearing tape extensions, these will break tape adhesive down much faster. Use special hair extension hair care products to ensure long lasting tape extensions. 4. If you have naturally oily hair, tape extensions won't hold as long and you will need to replace your tape extensions more frequently - every 6 weeks to so. Try using oil control shampoo.

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Things You'll Need

Tape-in hair extensions
Comb
Hair ties or clips
Cloth tape measurer
Pliers

About This Article

Article SummaryX

Tape-in hair extensions are a good solution if you want to temporarily lengthen your hair without doing a ton of work. They can last up to 2 months. To start, wash and dry your hair since the extensions will last longer on clean hair. When your hair is ready, make a horizontal part across your scalp about an inch from the nape of your neck. Put the top of your hair into a clip to secure it. Then pick up a small section of your hair and lift it up a little. Remove the strip covering the adhesive on the bottom of the extension and press it underneath the strand of hair. Then, remove the tape covering on the top extension and press it to the top of the strand of hair. If the extensions aren't sticking together, simply use smaller strands of hair. Repeat this process until you've added all of the extensions. You'll likely need at least 5 extensions to create the look of a full head of hair. To learn how to care for your new extensions, read on!

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