Are Tape-In Extensions Right For You?

People are always asking us "Should I get Tape-in Extensions" well....Headbetter Salon in Sherman Oaks wants to share some great information with you and who better to ask than our premier extension expert Ashlee Murray. So if your haircut is a bit shorter than expected or Your hair just doesn’t seem as thick as it used to! Maybe You want some extra volume or you dream of growing 10 inches of hair, overnight. Whatever your reasoning, you’re here, looking to see if extensions are a feasible option for your hair. What’s next?

 

“ I love doing tape-in extensions because they are a quick way to make a huge change in someone’s hair.”

 

• Ashlee Murray - Extension Expert at Headbetter Salon

 

(@ashleemurrayhair)

 

Here are a few frequently asked questions about tape-in extensions:

• What are tape-in extensions?

Tape-in extensions are small wefts of hair that have tape pre-installed at the base of the hair weft. The tape at the base of the weft are either “sandwiched” with another weft of hair or attaching another piece of tape. For thinner or more fragile hair, there is an option for a single-sided piece of tape to connect with the weft itself which is preferred over the "sandwich" method for those with thick and sturdy hair. Your stylist will know what’s best for your hair type but be sure to ask about the single-sided method if your hair is on the thinner/more fragile side. Tape-in extensions vary in length from 10 inches all the way to 30+ inches! Typically, the longer the extension, the higher the price point.

 

• How much do extensions typically cost?

For a person who has an average amount of hair, you would more than likely need about 40-60 total wefts of hair total, installed in the hair. Most extension companies sell their hair in packs of 10 or 20 wefts. On average, a pack of 20 tape-in extensions at 18” cost around $150 per pack depending on the quality of hair. So for 40-60 wefts total, you’re looking at $300-$500 for the hair alone. This could fluctuate in pricing, depending on the quality and length of hair.

Installation can vary in pricing based on the stylist. Some stylists charge installation by the pack, by the amount of wefts implemented into the hair, and some will charge a flat rate for everything included. Pricing for implementation can vary significantly but it is important to find a stylist who has true training in the tape-in extension method. On average, I see reasonable installation pricing vary between $200-$600. Total, with hair and implementation, you’re looking at an investment of about $500 to $1,000+ for a quality head of extensions. Your cut may or may not be included in the price so be sure to ask your stylist if it is included.

 

• Do they cause damage to my hair?

Our favorite question! The best answer is no, as long as the extensions are cared for properly at home! (Please click HERE for our article on tape-in extension care.) If you are pulling on your extensions daily, applying oils/conditioners/product to the tape of the extension or really rough on your hair in general, you will see damage to your natural hair and when the extensions are removed, you may notice that your hair is thinner. It is important to read up on how to take care of your extensions and let your hairstylist walk you through the process of caring for them, during your consultation and after implementation.

 

• Can you color tape-in extensions?

Tape-in extensions can be colored with semi/demi-permanent hair color. It is best to never lift the color of the hair to a lighter color, only deposit color. Since there are so many color options available, it is best that your stylist finds a color that matches without having to color your extensions. This helps to keep the integrity of the extensions for as long as possible but isn’t life or death if minor alterations are made.

 

• How many packs of hair will I need?

For clients with thinner hair, you will need anywhere between 1-2 packs. If you have medium hair, you will need about 2-3 packs depending on what look you are trying to achieve. If you have thick hair, you will need 3-4 packs of hair. Each pack will typically come with about 20 wefts of hair. Some clients are wanting to achieve a fuller look so they will not need as many packs of hair as someone who is trying to achieve a fuller look and longer length of hair. During your consultation, you will want your stylist to know what look you are trying to achieve which will determine the amount of packs needed to order.

 

• How long will each application last?

Each application lasts anywhere from 6-8 weeks. Some clients will wait up to 12 weeks but this is where you can start jeopardizing your natural hair. It is best to pre-book your re-taping application with your stylist prior to leaving your first appointment. The hair extensions themselves can be used up to 3-4 times before needing to purchase fresh hair.

 

• What does an re-taping application appointment look like?

This appointment can be executed a few different ways. Click HERE to figure out a game plan for your re-taping and re-application appointment for your extensions.

 

• Regardless of if you hair has thinned or not while wearing your extensions, you will definitely feel like you have less hair, after you have your extensions removed!

When wearing multiple packs of hair, it is important to remember that for the most part, you are putting in twice the amount of hair that you are used to having in your head. When your extensions are removed, your stylist should be checking for any signs of breakage, thinning or hair damage to ensure that your natural hair is staying healthy. Even if you have no signs of thinning, damaged hair or breakage, you may feel like your hair is thinner and this is very common among most clients. Please be aware of this prior to your first extension implementation.

 

• Do I really need a consultation and a professional to implement my extensions?

YES! It is important to have a proper consultation with a professional to ensure that there is no damage, breakage or thinning that occurs to your natural hair, while you are wearing your extensions. Most stylists that are credible have gone through hours of training courses and certifications  in the tape-in method specifically to ensure that your natural hair’s integrity is the #1 priority. It is important to color match your hair, discuss your cut and color and any hair history with your stylist so that there is a set game plan for you and your hair.