Every person looking to wear extensions asks whether tape-in extensions damage hair. As we all know, anything, regardless of hair extensions, is damaging if used inappropriately.
If tape-in extensions may frail your natural hair, precautionary measures are necessary. They’ll definitely be at their best if you apply the right tactics.
Despite tape-in extensions being the least damaging, I’ll still take you through how to prevent it.
I’m a long-time extension expert cum wearer. And for preventive measures to be effective, you also need enlightenment on causes of tape-in extension damage.
Now that you’re hungry for deep knowledge, we’ll get into the details.
Keep reading.
Blunders Causing Tape-in Extension Damage
Tape-in extensions are likely to damage your hair during the below four occasions. Mostly it’s out of ignorance, or the wearer chooses to be loose with their tape-in care regimen. Whatever the case, you’re here to get yourself on the right foot from today henceforth.
Wrong Installation Techniques
We cannot run away from the fact that correct tape-in installations greatly reduce the chances of damage. If vice versa happens, the damage may be severe and irreversible. Enjoying the benefits of tape-in extensions start with how well you put them in your hair.
Always ask yourself if this type of semi-permanent extension fits your hair type. Sincerely speaking, if you install tape-ins on weak hair, you worsen the situation. So, whenever you think of wearing tape-ins, determine if it suits your hair’s thickness and texture.
Fixing the tape-in extension on weak hair is a recipe for disaster. You may have never faced traction alopecia, but this would be time to feel the aftermath. If your hair is weak from dyeing, and bleaches, the tape-ins will strain the hair, leading to tension.
You’ll next notice hair loss when you could have opted for non-damaging alternatives such as wigs. But, if your hair is adequately thick to hold the tape-ins, let your installation technique be the most appropriate.
Therefore make an effort to learn how to place your tape-in extensions correctly. Not forgetting that the thinner your hair is, the fewer the number of tape-in wefts for healthy hair. Excessive application of tape-ins is equally harmful as applying tape-ins on weak hair.
Poor Removal
You may have your tape-in extensions well-installed. But if removal is inappropriately done, hair damage will still occur. Applying vigilance with your tape-ins is essential, right from installation to getting them out.
Every step of the journey counts. For first-timers, do a full check to determine if any damage occurred during removal. This is important to keep you in the right direction so that there’ll be no consecutive mishaps.
Before the next wear, get a rundown of removing tape-in extensions yourself. If you don’t trust your gut, engage a specialist to remove them without destroying your hair.
Moreover, you should plan removal appointments the same way you did with installation with your stylist. Best is to do both concurrently so that you’re sure all your needs will be catered for sufficiently by the stylist.
For DIY-ers, keep in touch with the right tactics, depending on your skin type. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid alcohol and acetone adhesive removers by all means. They tend to have a dryness effect on sensitive scalps and may trigger scalp irritations.
If you have no choice but to use them, ensure you moisturize the scalp after removal. Optimal hydration eliminates chances of dryness and a flaky scalp. All in all, understand how to remove your tape-in extensions without harming your natural hair.
And after peeling the tape glue, remember to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. That removes any adhesive residue left behind to bring your hair back to its natural state.
Low-quality Tape-in Hair
Every step of the installation procedure may be followed correctly. However, if the tape-in extensions are low-grade hair, then you may not get the best service out of them. Perfection begins at the point of purchase, whereby you consider hair quality before any other aspect.
Proper installation may not make a great difference if the hair is terrible. So when shopping online or at a street store, scrutinize the hair material. Go further to checking the customer reviews and ratings, and prior paying, seek advice from your expert stylist.
Some brands can be sly in their advertisements. Only from people’s experiences can you know if the brand is your money’s worth. Generally, try to refrain from buying low-quality human hair or synthetic tape-in extensions.
They like to tangle, shed easily, and dull up faster with time. When the tape-in hair matts up, it matts with your real hair. And without proper detangling, you may lose your hair while brushing out the tangles.
Usually, virgin hair or Remy tape-in extensions are the superior quality. However, the hair may be healthy, but the tapes are weak despite being rare in high-quality tape-ins. Do not overlook the quality of the tapes as much as the hair is fine.
Replacing the tapes creates extra costs you’d like to avoid. Ensure the tapes have a strong adhesive that attaches the tape-in extensions properly to your hair.
Premature Washing
Keeping your tape-in extensions away from water while still fresh is highly recommended. Wait for at least two days before you think of washing them when they are in your hair. Leave the roots and the tapes dry to augment the strength of the bond and the sandwich.
Within that duration of time, you allow the tape-in hair to settle and lie flatter. It’s hard to break down the bond afterwards when the tapes have fully sealed. If you do it otherwise, you’ll prematurely make the tape-in extensions slip down and poke through your hair.
Additionally, do not over-wash the tape-in extensions. Washing them on a frequent basis increases the possibility of wearing them down. You will strip the extensions and your natural hair of its oils and weaken the bond.
Plus, any hair product you apply on them should be free of alcohol, oils, or any ingredient that may dissolve the glue. They will definitely cause the hair extensions to fall out. As for conditioners, apply them mid-shaft to the ends; they shouldn’t touch the root area.
Brushing the Hair While Wet
Like your own natural hair, every hair extension is very delicate when in a wet condition. That includes tape-in extensions that may break when you brush them when wet. The brushing action will pull the strands, and the strain leads to great havoc that could have been avoided in the first place.
Care-free Sleeping
Sleep is healthy for the body but can turn out destructive to tape-in extensions. Never sleep with wet tape-in extensions on your head. The tosses and turns in bed may knot up the hair and weaken it.
With your tape-ins moisture-free, we advise you not to let them stay bare during sleep time. Wrap a soft satin bonnet or hair scarf over your head for maximum care and protection.
Treatments for Tape-in Extension Damage
When the tape-in extensions are damaged together with your natural hair, how do you undo that? Truth be told, the process can be nerve-wracking without the right input and patience to tackle the challenge.
Once you’ve noticed damage, take out the damaged extensions and discard them. These ones you cannot reuse at all. Though, the best resort for a long-lasting solution would be a professional.
After removing them, examine the severity of the damage to your real hair. If there’s any hair loss, it’s time to take a break from wearing them.
Avoid hair extensions until your hair heals and grows back. And look for protective hairstyles that support healthy hair growth.
You can only revive your tape-in-wear lifestyle after you’ve restored your hair’s health. The tape-in extensions will thrive like they used to before on robust hair.
The Bottom Line
Do not take matters into your own hands if you lack clarity on how to deal with tape-in extensions. To be safer than sorry, indulge professional help if damage occurs. Or, best, walk with professionals throughout your tape-in extension journey.
Please leave a comment below on ideas for combating tape-in extension damage. And best of luck with your new tape-in extensions.
