I love hair extensions. I also love to save money. Naturally, I want to combine the two. Enter – tape-in hair extensions. Not only are they easy to install, but they are 100% reusable. All you need to do is swap out the tape every time you reinstall them. But how?
Retaping hair extensions is relatively simple. You can re-tape them successfully if you have an excellent tape-in adhesive remover and a set of tape-in hair extension tape. It just takes a little patience, as you’ll need to remove them and re-tape them one by one.
Hola, beautiful ladies of the world! Are you thinking about getting tape-ins because they’re reusable? Are you ready to replace the tape for another round of tape-in extensions? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Keep reading to find out the simple steps to re-taping hair extensions!
Contents
How to Re-tape Hair Extensions in Five Steps
Five steps are all it takes? You bet. Retaping hair extensions is surprisingly simple. You’ll just need a few products to get it done: a suitable tape solvent, a rat comb, and new tape tabs. (Oh, and a little patience – while this task isn’t laborious, you have to do it one by one.)
1. Remove the Tape-in Hair Extensions
You’ll need to start by removing the tape-in hair extensions. Using a commercial solvent is the simplest way to ensure they’re appropriately removed, although there are more natural options, too. Simply coat the tape in the solvent and wait for it to work its magic.
Use your rat comb to pry apart the tape tabs gently. If you’re having some difficulty, you’ll need to use some more solvent. You never want to tug or pull at your natural strands. The last thing you want is for your hair to get damaged – and the most likely time for harm to occur is during removal.
Once the tape-in hair extension “breaks free” from your natural mane, you can simply pull them off your hair.
2. Remove the Remaining Adhesive
Once all of the tape-in hair extensions have been removed, go back and ensure no leftover residue on the hair extensions. The leftover tape will make it challenging to apply new tape tabs.
If there is any remaining residue, simply apply more of the solvent and massage it into the area using your fingers. It should come right off!
3. Give the Extensions a Good Wash
Although the tape is gone at this point, some grime and specks may still be left over. Even if there isn’t, you should still give your hair extensions a good wash. This will remove any leftover particles while also ensuring your extensions are nice and clean for round two (or three).
Make sure to dry them thoroughly before moving on to step four.
4. Apply the New Tape Tabs!
Now it’s time for the fun part – applying new tape tabs!
All you need to do is peel the tabs and place them on the hair extensions where the tape was before. Do not peel off the other side. You won’t need to do this until you’re ready to install your tape-in hair extensions once more. Continue until all of the hair extensions have new tape tabs.
While it’s unlikely, you may need to use a pair of scissors to cut the tabs to fit your hair extensions.
Confused? Here’s a great video to follow along with:
5. Re-Apply and Enjoy!
That’s it! Your tape-in hair extensions are re-taped and ready for another go.
You can have them professionally installed or do them yourself.
Regardless, you can enjoy your tape-in hair extensions without buying a brand-new set.
How Many Times Can You Re-tape Tape-in Hair Extensions?
So, you can re-tape your hair extensions with new tape. Great! Does that mean that you never have to buy new tape-in hair extensions? Unfortunately, no.
Here’s the deal: you can re-tape your hair extensions up to three times. After the third re-application, you’ll want to purchase a new set of hair.
Why? At this point, your hair extensions have gone through a lot. They’re likely not in the best shape and may be showing signs of damage. You don’t want to wear subpar hair, and you certainly don’t want to end up with slippage or tape falling off, either.
FAQs
See how easy it is to re-tape hair extensions? Easy, breezy! But before you run off to apply new tape to your hair extensions, I recommend checking out these frequently asked questions. They may be of use to you!
Can tape extensions be refitted?
Tape extensions can be re-fitted. In fact, they’ll need to be re-fitted, also called a “move-up appointment,” every six to eight weeks. Typically, tape-in hair extensions can be refitted and re-taped up to three times before you need to buy new hair.
How much does it cost to redo tape in extensions?
The cost depends on many factors, such as where you get them removed, how much experience the stylist has, etc. However, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than $200 during a move-up appointment, especially if your hair and extensions are of good quality.
Should you take a break from tape in extensions?
Honestly, it’s recommended to take a break from all types of hair extensions regularly. Although extensions aren’t damaging in themselves, excessive use can become cumbersome to your natural strands. So, take a break after a few months of wearing them and get your hair back to tip-top health and strength.
Retaping Hair Extensions is So Simple!
Retaping hair extensions is a cinch. All you have to do is remove the current tape, give them a good wash, and apply the tape tabs. Then, voila! Your tape-in hair extensions are ready to be used once more. Just make sure you buy new ones after the third re-taping.
Have you ever re-taped your hair extensions? Are there any tips you’d like to share with other tape-in hair extension wearers?
