The Ultimate Guide to Tape-In Hair Extensions

May 30, 2024 Mikey Moran

We all know the women with the most gorgeous hair—we’re looking at you, Gisele Bündchen and Brigitte Bardot.

Their hair is long, thick, and luscious—the kind of hair some women, including myself, can only dream of.

Well, thanks to the creation of hair extensions, picture-perfect locks don’t have to remain a far-off “dream.”

Even ladies like myself with fine and shorter tresses can recreate their image with envious locks bursting with alluring length and thickness.

However, when it comes time to shop for hair extensions, you might get overwhelmed.

There are so many kinds of hair extensions on the market, from temporary clip-ins and halos to more long-term options like sew-ins.

One option that stands out from the crowd is tape-in hair extensions.

As the name suggests, these extensions are taped onto the hair. They lay flat for a more natural aesthetic and are known for being lightweight and comfortable.

Keep reading to learn everything you have ever wanted about these extremely popular hair extensions!

What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?

If you’re new to the world of hair extensions, you might be scratching your head at the term “tape-in hair extensions.”

What exactly are these magical extensions, anyhow?

As the name suggests, tape-in hair extensions are a type of hair extension applied using pre-taped wefts.

Tape-Ins installation process is quite easy.

They’re installed by “sandwiching” a thin area of your natural tresses.

This differs from other types of extensions, such as clip-ins extensions, which utilize clips, or sew-ins, which are closures extensions that are threaded into braided locks.

Tape-in hair extensions, like those designed by Private Label, are crafted using 100% human hair professionally colored with multiple dimensions and hues.

This ensures an all-natural appearance that can also be styled however you please, whether changing the color or curling for a big event.

Like other hair extensions, tape-ins are available in a wide range of lengths and textures to suit your needs.

For example, Private Label offers straight tape-ins and curly tape-ins textures to match your hair’s natural physique.

These popular textures include Kinky Curly, Afro Kinky, Afro Kinky Coily, and Kinky Straight.

We love all the textures and possibilities!

Advantages of Tape-In Hair Extensions

So tape-in hair extensions sound pretty good, right?

But what makes them stand apart from the sea of hair extensions?

How can you know if these types of extensions are suitable for you?

Don’t worry, babe!

We’re here to make the process easier. Below are the top five advantages of going the tape-in route.

1. Natural Appearance

There are two main reasons why tape-in hair extensions present a more natural aesthetic, especially compared to other extensions (such as clip-ins).

For one, they’re crafted with 100% human hair. This ensures you can wear these extensions without anybody being the wiser.

They also feel delightfully natural, so you won’t fear anyone sliding their fingertips through your mane!

Secondly, they’re designed to lie completely flat against your scalp - so you don’t have to worry about any annoying humps or beads, which are typical with other types of hair extensions.

2. Lightweight and Comfortable

Think about a piece of tape with some hair attached to it.

Doesn’t seem too heavy, right?

Of course not!

And that brings us to our second perk of tape-in hair extensions: they’re impossibly lightweight and comfortable!

Tape-in hair extensions are designed to be ultra-lightweight.

Without the need for braiding, bulky clips, or other hassling technology, they will remain comfortable while you’re wearing them, too.

This also means less strain on your natural tresses—which is always a plus!

3. Versatility in Styling

Because tape-in hair extensions are crafted with 100% human hair bundles, the door is opened for more versatility in styling.

For example, you can add lovely highlights or lowlights to match your natural hair color even more if desired.

You can also use your favorite hot tools to create the style of your dreams, from waves and curls to slick-straight looks.

Another bonus?

Tape-in hair extensions are far easier to conceal than other types of extensions.

So, while you’ll still have to be crafty when it comes to styling ponytails, updos, half updos, and the like, they’re a lot easier to obtain.

4. Impressive Longevity

Tape-in hair extensions are known as “semi-permanent” hair extensions.

They last longer than clip-ins and halos, which are temporary and must be taken in and out daily.

However, they don’t last as long as some options, such as microbead hair extensions.

How long do they last, exactly?

They’re the perfect “in-between,” hovering anywhere from four to six weeks of wear.

5. Low Maintenance

Tape-in hair extensions are surprisingly easy to maintain.

As long as you’re gentle on the tape and don’t use excessive force, apply heat directly to, or tug on them, they should easily last up to six weeks.

How to Choose the Right Tape-In Extensions

There are five things to pay attention to when choosing the right tape-in hair extensions: color, texture, length, volume, and quality.

Let’s take a closer look:

Color: Pick a shade as close as possible to your natural hue. Luckily, human hair tape-in extensions can be dyed or bleached if necessary.
Texture: You want your extensions to match your natural texture; otherwise, they will stick out like a sore thumb.
Length: If you want to add length, only go a few inches longer than your current length to avoid an unnatural aesthetic.
Volume: If you want to add thickness, choose a batch with plenty of grams.
Quality: Always choose high-quality hair! It will not only look and feel incredible, but it will also last longer.

Professional Application of Tape-In Extensions

Proper installation ensures your tape-ins look fabulous and last six weeks.

That said, I always recommend having tape-ins professionally installed. Trying to do the process on your own can be difficult and lead to damage.

Here’s a quick look at the application process:

Sectioning the hair
Preparing the tape for the extensions
Attaching the extensions using the “sandwich” technique
Blending the extensions into your natural mane
Styling your locks so the extensions and your hair look flawless

While this may not sound too challenging, some significant mistakes are common if you’re not careful or unsure of what you’re doing.

For instance, it’s not uncommon to apply the extensions too close to the scalp, which can cause discomfort and tension—and potentially hair loss.

You can also end up with an unnatural silhouette.

Avoid these situations by having a professional do the work.

Maintenance and Care of Tape-In Extensions

There a few things to avoid with tape-in hair extensions can last six weeks if you care for them correctly.

Here are my top eight tips for caring for your tape-ins:

Don’t over wash: If you’re like me, you love washing your hair daily (I know it’s wrong—don’t come for me!). But washing too frequently will weaken the tape. Stick to three washes max per week.
Use a good shampoo and conditioner: I like The Adhesive Care Shampoo & The Adhesive Care Conditioner.
Always be gentle! Whether washing, drying, or brushing, it’s essential to be gentle with your extensions!
Sleep with silk/satin: Swap for silk or satin pillowcases or utilize a Silk Bonnet.
Invest in a high-quality loop brush: These are the best for hair
extensions. I like the Remy Soft One Twenty-Three Loops.
Brush from bottom to top: When brushing your hair and extensions, start from the bottom and slowly work your way upward.
Always use a heat protectant for styling: If you plan to straighten, curl, or use other hot tools, always use a heat protectant spray beforehand!
Don’t apply heat to the tape: Never use heat directly on the tape. It can seriously diminish its holding power!

Your Private Label team wants to ensure you know the do's and don'ts of tape-in extensions.

Potential Problems and Solutions

Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with tape-in hair extensions!

They have a few potential flaws. Thankfully, the solutions are relatively simple.

Slippage

Slipping tape-ins are among the most common issues, especially when approaching the six-week mark.

The best thing to do is remain very gentle with your tape-ins and request an appointment immediately.

You might need to have one of the sandwiches re-installed using new replacement tapes.

Matting

Matting is another common problem. To avoid the dreaded tangly nightmare, brush your hair regularly. Some detangler can go a long way!

You should also condition your strands periodically and keep them braided or in a bonnet while sleeping.

Visible Tape-ins

Nobody wants their extensions to be visible! If you notice your tape-ins aren’t discreet, schedule an appointment immediately.

Otherwise, try to blend the tape-ins as much as possible.

Avoid being rough with your extensions in the future, as this can cause shifting and movement.

Irritation

It’s a sad thought, but some gals are allergic to the adhesives used in tape-in hair extensions.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to have them removed and consider choosing a different type of extension (sorry, babe!).

Cost and Longevity of Tape-In Hair Extensions

How much can you expect to spend on tape-in hair extensions?

Well, that’s not a “one-size-fits-all” answer, queen!

Many factors come into play, such as the length, the quality of the hair, and the volume—however, a typical pack of tape-ins hovers between $100 and $200.

That does not include the price to have them professionally installed.

Thankfully, tape-in hair extensions typically last up to six weeks with proper maintenance.

Keep in mind that this timeframe can change depending on certain things, including your hair’s natural growth cycle, the quality of the tape-ins, and how you take care of them.

Shopping for Tape-in Hair Extensions?

If you’re looking for semi-permanent hair extensions that look and feel natural, are comfortable, lightweight, and easy to maintain, Private Label tape-ins may be the perfect extensions for you.

Just make sure you consult a professional to have them installed, and you can enjoy Instagram-worthy locks for up to six weeks.

Come on by your favorite hair store, Private Label, and take a look!

What questions do you have about tape-ins? Let us know in the comments below!