How to Successfully Wash Your Hair With Tape-in Extensions

Do you love your Tape-In Extensions but now also wondering what to do when it is time for you to shampoo and style your hair alone? If washing your tape-in extensions has your anxiety at an all-time high, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about how to wash tape in extensions at home, products to use and styling tips. First, let’s dive into proper tape-in extension maintenance to ensure your hair lasts as long as possible. 

What are tape-in extensions? 

Tapes are a semi-permanent hair extension method. The adhesive used on tape extensions is a gentle medical-grade glue, recommended to be installed and removed by a licensed professional. Tape-in extensions are for professional use only; applying them yourself or going to an untrained hairstylist will result in improper application and possible hair loss

How long do tape-in extensions last?

This is the number one question everyone wants to know.  Tape-in extensions can last up to 5-10 weeks, but this will vary for each individual, depending upon your daily lifestyle. After the initial application, you should refrain from working out, swimming, or washing your hair for 48 hours to allow the adhesive to settle.

At Go Sleek, we recommend bi-weekly maintenance and keeping your hair free of any oils and product build-up, as this will shorten the lifespan of your tape-ins. Oils and excessive product use will cause your tapes to slide out.

Also, contrary to traditional sew-in extensions, tape-in extensions are not a protective hairstyle. The natural hair is left out for daily manipulation and styling with heat if you choose. Are tape-in extensions bad for your hair? Absolutely not, when installed and removed properly. 

Also Read: The Truth About Tape-In Extensions: Are They Bad for Your Hair?

How to Wash & Style Tape-In Extensions

Step 1: Comb through hair & detangle

Always comb through your before shampooing. This will help prevent tangling and matting

Step 2: Wash Hair with Clarifying Shampoo

Use a Clarifying shampoo to help remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. A clarifying shampoo sets the stage for a clean foundation and easier styling. 

Step 3: Follow up with a Moisturizing Shampoo

Follow up with a moisturizing shampoo to put moisture back into the hair following the clarifying process, which just stripped everything away in step 2. (Optional choice: Use a third tea tree shampoo, which helps to fight dry, itchy scalp.)

Step 4: Apply Conditioner of Choice

Apply deep conditioner or conditioning mask of choice all over the hair. You want to ensure you are combing through the hair, starting from the root to the ends. Be gentle and note not to pull or snag the tape in the extension. 

Allow the conditioner to sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing out. Do not apply heat to the conditioner, such as sitting under a hooded dryer, as that may cause the tape-ins to loosen and slide. 

Step 5: Use a handheld blow dryer

Use a handheld blow dryer to dry the hair. Using a blow dryer with a comb attachment is easier, but this is a personal preference. When blow drying, again, be gentle and be sure not to pull your hair too hard.

Step 6: Style as desired and take caution to tapes

Now, it is time to style! When heat styling, such as a flat iron, start the iron at the root of the hair just below where the tape starts. Avoid putting heat directly on the tape to prevent the tape adhesive from melting and slipping away from the roots. This may cause your tape-ins not to last very long. 

How to Remove Tape-Ins

You can use a specific medical-grade glue remover to remove Tape-Ins at home by yourself. However, We recommend removing Tape-Ins by a licensed professional using removal products designed explicitly for tape-ins.

Visit Haus of Go Sleek to book your next Tape-in Installation appointment. Check out a few of our Tape-In Extension textures below. 

Haus of Go Sleek Hair Salon

Book Your Tape-In Experience Appointment

Body Wave Tape-in Hair Extensions

Kinky Curly Tape-In Extensions

 

Deep Curly Tape-In Extensions