A New, Fresh Look with Tape-In Hair Extensions

With long hair being the trend, even later in life, hair extensions are a fun, sexy way to get a new, fresh look! Whether using hair extensions to add volume, length, chemical-free color, or ALL, it can be done in a quick, gentle and more reasonably priced manner thanks to Tape-In Extensions. 

Previous methods to Tape-In Hair Extensions put more stress on your hair follicles. These methods included micro-link, fusion and sew-in extensions. All stressed the hair, were uncomfortable and were a pain to maintain. Tape-In Extensions have a wider, more substantial base and use tape that lays across sections of hair giving more support and lying flat against the scalp. They are much more comfortable and there’s less risk of “catching” when brushing or running fingers through the hair.

Like other types of extensions Tape-In Extensions can be purchased with either synthetic or real human hair. Synthetic hair can be somewhat heat resistant but doesn’t provide the same lustrous look that human hair does. In addition, you cannot color or apply high heat to most synthetic hair, so it is very hard to manage. Human hair is recommended for extension services so it can be colored, styled, and treated just like your real hair.

Though human hair extensions are a bigger initial investment, the initial cost of professional Tape-In Extensions is less because it takes less time to place them, about 1 hour. The maintenance on Tape-In’s takes more time because they must be gently removed, washed and re-taped. If the natural hair is colored, the ideal time to apply color is while the extensions are out to be re-taped. Maintenance with color usually takes about 2- 1/2 to 3 hours.

Care of your New Professional Tape-In Hair Extensions
When Tape-In Hair Extensions are cared for properly, they can be re-taped and used 3 times. Removing the extensions requires using a solvent spray on each tape strip, letting it break down the adhesive for 5-10 minutes, and gently peeling from the hair. Depending on how many extensions are in the hair, (average ranges between 10-20 double-sided sections), the process will take 30-60 minutes. The extensions are then washed, dried and new adhesive applied to each one. The natural hair is washed and dried and the extensions are reapplied to the natural hair. So…the maintenance process will take between 3 – 4 hours depending on the number of extensions and whether or not color is being done during the process.

Any hair color going on the areas where extensions will be located needs to be done while the extensions are out of the hair.

For optimal results, maintenance should be done every 7 weeks. Going longer than 7 weeks puts more stress on the follicles supporting the extension. For anyone who is not so gentle, 6 weeks may be the better plan. As the extensions grow out with the hair they’re attached to, they are further away from the scalp and there is more potential for stress and tangling because it’s less stable.

Tape-In Extensions are ideal for most situations and hair types. They look, act and feel like your own hair and can be styled just like you would your own. It’s a great way to get through the awkward grow out stages, add thickness, volume dimension and length. If thickness is the goal, without adding much length, it doesn’t take as many extensions so it’s even quicker and easier to add to your hair care regimen.

Consult your SoZo Hair Designer for all the options and experience a magical change that can help you fall in love with your hair!