If you dream of luscious, voluminous locks that look amazing no matter how you style them, hair extensions are the perfect solution. However, before booking your appointment at the nearest salon, you should know that not all extensions are made equal, and, most importantly, not all of them might be suitable for your hair type or lifestyle.
But don’t worry – we are here to help you make an informed decision!
Tape-in extensions are among the most popular extensions in the market, but like everything, they have their pros and cons. Read on to find out if they are the correct type of hair extensions for you!
Pros of Tape-In Hair Extensions
1. Easy to install and remove
A set of tape-in extensions can be installed in as little as 30 minutes – which is super fast compared to other types of extensions (such as hand-tied ones).
This also means that you don’t have to commit to a single style for months and can switch it up as often as you want.
2. Friendly Price Tag
Tape-in extensions will not be as hard on your budget as, say, a set of hand-tied extensions. This makes them a great option if you are still unsure whether hair extensions are a good solution for you at all.
3. Natural-looking results
Like with any aesthetic enhancement, you are probably looking for results that are as natural as possible. The good news is that you can achieve a 100% natural-looking ‘do with tape-in hair extensions thanks to the transparent tape and slim wefts.
4. No harmful materials
None of us want to glue something to our scalp that could potentially send harmful chemicals into our bloodstream. Tape-in extensions are installed using medical-grade adhesive tapes that are skin-friendly and hypoallergenic and don’t contain any harmful materials, so they are suitable even for people with sensitive skin.
5. No heat or melting
The installation process for tape-in hair extensions doesn’t involve heat or melting, which minimizes the damage to your natural hair. Yay!
6. Comfort
Tape-in hair extensions are lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for everyday wear.
7. Reusable
You can have your tape-in extensions removed and reinstalled time and time again – make sure you take good care of them while you are wearing them!
8. Can be installed on thin hair
Tape-in extensions are an excellent option for all hair types because of the gentle application and removal process. Even if you have thin, brittle, or damaged hair, they will only make the situation better, not worse!
9. Added volume and length
When most people think of hair extensions, they think of added length, but you can absolutely use tape-in extensions to add lots of seductive volume to your hair.
Cons of Tape-In Hair Extensions
1. You will need new hair products
If you have been using standard drugstore hair care products, you might have to invest in some more expensive ones after having your tape-in extensions installed. If you want to prolong their lifespan and get more bang for your buck, that is. Silicone, oil, and sulfate-free products work best with tape-in extensions. Other kinds might weaken the glue, causing them to slip and damage the extensions themselves.
2. No more everyday hair washing
If you are used to shampooing every day, skipping a couple of days might take some getting used to. But if you want to make your extensions last as long as possible, you will have to say no to everyday hair washing!
3. The first couple of days are key
During the first 24-48 hours after application, you will have to be very gentle with your tape-in extensions. No excessive sweating (so no gym sessions) and absolutely no hair washing, otherwise the tapes might not adhere to your hair properly, and the extensions will not last as long as they usually would.
4. Updos might get tricky
While it is certainly not impossible to wear your hair in an updo with tape-in extensions, it might not be easy at first. But don’t worry, with a bit of patience and experience, you will get the hang of it in no time!
5. Maintenance
As with most other hair extensions, tape-in extensions also require some maintenance. You’ll need to brush them a couple of times a day to keep them tangle-free, but make sure you only do it when they are dry. Also, always spray it with a heat protectant when using heat styling tools, and dry your hair before going to bed to avoid damage to the extensions and your natural hair.
If you think tape-in hair extensions are a good fit for you after weighing the above pros and cons, book your appointment with a Hairlaya certified hairstylist through our online booking system today!