hair

TAPE EXTENSION TUTORIAL

PHOTOS: ANGELA+ITYLE/thebeautydepartment.com  post designed by kristin ess

TAPE EXTENSIONS are the newest type of extension to hit the American market. I started using these about 7 years ago on set in various ways. They can be done permanently by a professional in the salon (lasting 8-12 weeks) or temporarily at home (lasting 1-3 days). This tutorial walks you through the steps of doing them temporarily, at home.

Temporary tape extensions are good for several reasons. They can get you through a crazy haircut that just has way too many layers, they can add density to fine thin hair, or they can add length for a wedding or a fun night out. Once they’re in, they’re virtually undetectable. They lay completely flat and blend into your own hair better than any other extension I’ve ever worked with. They’re my go-to on photo shoots, red carpet clients and in the salon. Since we are unable to see you from here, we unfortunately can’t advise which one is best for your particular hair. Keep in mind that it’s important when buying ANY extensions to consult properly with the company or person you’re purchasing them from to make sure you’re getting the right color and texture.

TOOLS: tape extensions in matching color/texture, comb, sectioning clips, flat iron.

1. Part your hair horizontally just above the ear.

2. Take a strip of pre-cut tape extension and peel the backing off.

3. Lay the sticky side of the extension directly on the scalp. Press it in place with your fingertips to secure.

4. Take your next section 1-2 inches above the last section and repeat the same process until you reach the top. (Always stay an inch away from where you wear your hair parted on top so the extensions don’t peek through or show.) Repeat this process for the back sections if necessary.

5. Once hair is in, use your flat iron on a low heat setting to smooth over the top layer of  your own hair, blending it perfectly in to the extension hair.

6. Style as usual.

Removal: The company you purchase the extensions from should also have a remover/solvent for taking the hair out along with instructions on how to remove them. If for some reason you don’t have the remover, you can spray leave-in conditioner at the root where the tape is. Saturate well and let it set for 3 minutes. The extension should then come off easily and not pull your own hair.

Care: Remove tape, (shampoo, condition and dry when needed), re-apply new tape, and re-use.