TAPE-IN HAIR EXTENSIONS
Hair extensions I use are made from real human hair and are attached to existing hair to add length and fullness. There are several ways to attach hair extensions, however, I use Hotheads Tabs in apply extensions. Clients love them because they only take about an hour to install they are seamless and won’t damage hair. The extensions come in different lengths to suit everyone’s needs. Tape-Ins come in wefts, each 1.5 inches wide and comes pre-bonded with a special medical grade adhesive designed for use with hair. A typical full head of Tape-In extensions usually takes about 2 packs, but those who are blessed with thick hair can easily use up to four packs. The hair its self lasts between 6-8 months depending on how you care for it.
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Tape-In Hair Extensions Don’t Look Fake
Tape-in extensions really do look like your natural head of hair. I've been wearing extensions for years, and I have friends and colleagues who don't believe me when I tell them. The bonds 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 virgin or Remy strands. In technical terms, this means that the hair cuticle is in tact and facing in the same direction. 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.
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 bonded 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. I drench the tape bonds in a solute that loosens the adhesive, then gently wiggles the extensions off. Then, we shampoo the hair to remove any residual glue. I recommend sticking to a schedule of removal and/or reapplication every 6-8 weeks. As your hair grows out, the bond inches farther away from the root, and the further the bond is from the root, the more likely it is twist and tangle — and possibly reveal your well-kept secret.
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. Its helpful to blast your roots and bonds with a blow-dryer before gently combing through to detangle. This helps prevent any tugging on the wet bonds. Its also a good idea to always sleep with your 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 my natural hair.
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.
Tape-in extensions really do look like your natural head of hair. I've been wearing extensions for years, and I have friends and colleagues who don't believe me when I tell them. The bonds 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 virgin or Remy strands. In technical terms, this means that the hair cuticle is in tact and facing in the same direction. 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.
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 bonded 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. I drench the tape bonds in a solute that loosens the adhesive, then gently wiggles the extensions off. Then, we shampoo the hair to remove any residual glue. I recommend sticking to a schedule of removal and/or reapplication every 6-8 weeks. As your hair grows out, the bond inches farther away from the root, and the further the bond is from the root, the more likely it is twist and tangle — and possibly reveal your well-kept secret.
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. Its helpful to blast your roots and bonds with a blow-dryer before gently combing through to detangle. This helps prevent any tugging on the wet bonds. Its also a good idea to always sleep with your 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 my natural hair.
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.