How to Fix Pre-Taped Hair Extensions
Pre-taped hair extensions are great for a quick-fix hairstyle, especially when you want your hair to look great but don’t have the time to visit your salon.
Let’s say you have an important event to attend and it starts in just a few hours, meanwhile, your hair is in a terrible state. At a time like this, what do you do?
It’s quite simple, the best thing to do and the fastest time to get it done is if you use tape-in hair extensions. That’s what you need to ‘save the day’. They are easy to apply and can be accomplished in a very short time, depending on which style you desire.
If you just need to add volume to your hair, or some streaks of colour, it will probably take no longer than 15 minutes. If you want to add some length, that will probably take longer, depending on the length you desire, but again, it will take no longer than 30 minutes to achieve this.
Pre-taped hair extensions come in a few varieties of length, colour, texture, and styles. They come with a one-sided or double-sided tape that you can stick to parted hair, with minimal damage to your natural hair strands. They are quite easy to apply and because the adhesive tape is completely invisible, it gives natural look, appearing as if the extension is growing right out from your scalp.
So, if you are looking for something you can fix by yourself, and in record time, one of the simplest and fastest to apply are taped extensions.
3 different hairstyles using pre-taped hair extensions.
Types of Pre-taped Hair Extensions
There are two types of tape-in extensions, the regular taped types and the pre-taped types.
Regular tape extensions – These types take a longer time to apply because the extensions come only as wefts. You will require a special tape (purchased separately) which you will need to carefully fix to the weft before applying it to your hair. For some women, it is fairly easy to fix the separate tape to the hair weft, but for many others, it requires a little more effort. You can’t rush through these types.
Pre-taped hair extensions – These typically come in pre-cut hair wefts with the adhesive tape already attached to the bond. It is the easiest extensions to fix, and the best to use if you are in a rush and is the most popular pre-taped extension for DIY hair stylists. Because it comes pre-taped, all that’s required is to peel off the protective tape on the extensions and you are ready for its application.
How to Apply Taped Hair Attachments
Preparation
- You need to prepare your hair before application commences. Hair must be completely dry, clean, and oil-free. If there is some residue of hair styling products that has resulted in a product build-up, give your hair a quick shampoo wash, then dry it thoroughly with a hand-dryer.
- If you don't have the time to wash and dry your hair, clean the area where you intend to fix the pre-taped hair extension with alcohol, lightly sweeping the swab across your hair strands at the parted portions. This action will remove oil at the hair roots and allow the extension stick better.
- Use the alcohol minimally because too much of it is too harsh and will dry out your hair. Excessive amounts of alcohol may also harm your hair roots.
Application
To apply, all you’ll need are your hair extensions, a brush, and a rat-tail comb. And if you are using the pre-taped types, you won’t need any adhesive. Just peel the covering and apply.
Depending on the hairstyle you desire, use the rat-tail comb to draw a parting in your hair. Start the process from the nape of your neck and work up to the top of your head for best results. Starting from the back also ensures that you apply with ease. If you work it the other way around, the already applied extensions will get in the way and it will end up being a tricky and tedious task.
For colour highlights, part your hair below the crown and ensure the area you intend to stick the taped extension is not an area with thinning hair because if it is, the weft’s bond will become visible after styling. For colour highlights, use just a few extensions.
To add length and volume, you will need to use longer hair wefts. Part the hair close to the nape of your neck from one side to the other. Make sure the parted line is the same width as your pre-cut weft then carve out a thin section of hair just below the parting line.
Next, peel off the extension’s tape-backing and stick it firmly to the thinly parted section. Make sure you stick the extension about 2mm from the root then continue to work upwards to your crown until you get your desired results.
Once the application is complete, gently brush the hair into your desired style.
Tips:
Pre-taped hair extension has their tapes extended past the hair weft and resemble little tabs. Once you've stuck the tape on the thinly parted sections, lift the hair and weft up and then wrap the tabs around the outer ends and under the section, folding them towards each other. The tabs should meet in the centre of the section which helps create longer-lasting results.
Further Reading:
How to Fix Micro-Ring Hair Extensions - Step-By-Step Guide
How to Fix Clip-in Hair Extensions - Step-By-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Tape-in Hair Extensions
Can pre-taped hair extensions damage my hair?
If not managed properly, pre-taped hair extensions may damage your hair. Because they are tape-ins, if you don’t remove them slowly and carefully, yes, it is likely that it will damage your hair. Tape-ins, also known as pre-bonded extensions use a type of medical adhesive which is not too good for your hair if you apply it too often.
How often can I reuse tape-in hair extensions?
You can reuse them for up to three or four times (maximum) but this will depend on how well you maintain them, and how long you leave them in for each time they are applied.
How long will they last for?
Depending on how well they are taken care of, tape-ins can last up to eight weeks, unlike clip-in hair extensions which can last up to a year.
Can I wash my hair with taped extensions?
Yes, you can. However, you will need to wait at least 48 hours after fixing before you wash to give the tape time to cure. Remember to carefully and thoroughly brush your hair before shampooing it gently. This is very important. When the hair is completely dry, brush and style it to your desired look.
Can I wear pre-taped hair extensions if I have thinning hair?
Because the hair extensions wefts are lightweight, they cause less strain to thin hair, and as they lie flat against the scalp, there is less pulling-tension. If you fix longer extensions that may be slightly heavier than the shorter ones, you can wear your hair up into a beautiful chic hairstyle.
How long does my hair need to be before I can fix extensions?
Your hair needs to be at least four to six inches long to wear pre-taped extensions. Anything shorter than this may expose the adhesive tape and it important that your hair covers the tape.
Pictures showing step-by-step process on how to apply tape-in hair extensions.
© 2013 viryabo
Comments
Lady_E on August 24, 2014:
They do make a remarkable difference to hair styles.
Thanks for sharing. Nice to have a video too.
