What Are Tape In Hair Extensions?
Tape in Hair Extensions: Also known as “Tape Hair”, “Tape Hair Extensions”, “Tape Extensions” are all a form of hair extension bonded with medical grade adhesive, the “glue” which is laid on a strip of tape and wherein two pieces are sandwiched in between a thin slice of natural hair.
What Are The Different Types of Tape in Hair Extensions?
- Real Human Tape in Hair Extensions: Tape in hair Extensions crafted from human hair and is not mixed with animal or synthetic hair.
- Remy Tape in Hair Extensions: Considered to be the highest quality hair tape in hair extensions. Remy hair is collected with all of the cuticle intact and flowing in the same direction from root to tip.
- Non-Remy Hair: Collected from multiple donors where the hair is mixed up in direction and the cuticle is misaligned.
- Cuticle Intact Tape in Hair Extensions: Tape in Hair Extensions where the cuticle remains intact
- Cuticle Removed Tape in Hair Extensions: Tape in Hair extensions where the cuticle has been removed and then processed for smoothness and shine.
- 100% Human Hair Tape in Hair Extensions: Tape in hair extensions crafted from all human hair and does not contact synthetic or animal hair.
- Virgin Hair Tape in Hair Extensions: Tape in hair extensions that have never been processed in any manner, and generally refers to a single donor and is inclusive of virgin human hair and is not mixed with animal hair.
- Brazilian Tape in Hair Extensions: Form of tape in hair extension using hair collected from Brazilian Donors. This can be processed, unprocessed, mixed with animal or synthetic, Remy or Non-Remy.
- Indian Tape in Hair Extensions: Form of tape in hair extensions using hair collected from Indian donors. This can be processed, unprocessed, mixed with animal or synthetic, Remy or Non-Remy.
- Natural Hair Tape in Hair Extensions: Tape in hair extensions that are crafted from natural human hair and is not intermixed with animal or synthetic hair. The term Natural Hair Tape in Hair Extensions does not correlate with length or whether the hair has been processed.
- Synthetic Hair Tape in Hair Extensions: Form of tape in hair extensions that are manufactured to look and feel like human hair but is made from silicones and other plastics. Synthetic hair cannot be heat styled.
Tape in Hair Extension Terms and General Definitions:
- Over Processed: Hair that has been overly chemically processed wherein the result is unusable hair
- Ratio: Term used to describe different length strands incorporated within a single hair extension.
- Bulk Hair: Term defining unfinished hair purchased in large quantities to be made into various different hair extensions including tape in hair extensions.
- Raw Material: Hair purchased in its raw state to be processed in various manners and made into hair tape in hair extensions, wigs, wefts, and weaves.
- Double Drawn: Processed by hand wherein the hair is drawn out several times from the raw material to collect only the hair that is all the same length before being manufactured into hair extensions such as tape in hair extensions.
- Single Drawn: Minimally processed by hand wherein the hair is drawn out collecting any length of hair before being processed into hair extensions such as tape in hair extensions.
- Glue: An adhesive used to bond hair extensions to natural hair either prep bonded or as an additive to an application. Can be used in the man manufacturing of the tape for tape in hair extensions.
- Tape: An adhesive used to bond tape in hair extensions to natural hair which is typically added to the tape in hair extension and ready for application. Tape in hair extensions tape also comes in the form of pre-die-cut sheets for use when adding new tape to preexisting tape in hair extensions.
- Tangling: This occurs in hair extensions generally when the cuticle is flowing in different directions from root to tip and gets caught on one another resulting in tangling. Tangling is also a result of exposure to chemicals and a poor maintenance routine.
- Shedding: Falling hair while brushing or cleaning that can be a result of being improper bonding. This is typically not the case with tape in hair extensions.
- Replacement Tape: Tape that is die-cut to fit the exact shape and size of a tape in hair extension. Used during a maintenance service of removing and replacing the same tape in hair extensions with new tape.
- Applicator Tool: Also referred to as an extension tool, and a clamping tool, which is used to help aid in the application and sometimes the removal of tape in hair extensions and other various forms of hair extensions.
- Remover Spray: Liquid Solution formulated to gently remove the tape in hair extensions without damaging natural hair or the tape in hair extension itself.
- Extension remover oil: Oil solvent to dissolve the glue used in bonding the tape in hair extension to the natural hair. Remover oil leaves a residue on the natural hair that needs to be removed thoroughly in order to re-adhere an extension back to the natural hair.
Blonde Colored Tape in Hair Extensions:
Looking for Blonde Tape in Hair Extensions?:
Blonde tape in hair extensions are an extremely popular color in the hair extension market for a number of reasons. The so-called “Long Blonde Hair” look is so sought after by the masses. Consumers tend to flock towards blonde tape in hair extensions due to the instant gratification of achieving long locks without the damage of chemically processing their own natural hair.Not all blonde tape in hair extensions are alike: Blonde tape in hair extensions come in a variety of color pallets. They can be used to extend the natural hair or to enhance tone. The most popular blonde hair extensions are Golden Blonde and Platinum Blonde and Beige Blonde. To lean more about blonde hair extensions here.
Tape In Hair Extensions for Long Hair:
Long tape in hair extensions are generally categorized at 20 Inch hair extensions or longer. Longer tape in hair extensions can be found with special custom ordering.Tape In Hair Extensions for Short Hair:
Who says tape in hair extensions have to be long? Many consumers across the globe are looking for short tape in hair extensions to add body, volume and thickness to their natural hair without extending the length. All of our tape in hair extensions have been priced to allow the stylist to custom design the desired length. Want to know more? Click here.
Other Kinds of Hair Extensions:
- Weft Hair: Hair that has been crafted into weft that can be sewn, glued or alternatively attached to the natural hair in a single strip, usually the measuring circumference of the human head. Weft hair is a single sting of pre-attached extension hair in comparison to tape in hair extensions that are single tabs placed in a bricklayer pattern to allow for more free-flowing natural movement.
- Weaved Hair: Wefts or pre-bonded hair that is hand woven into the hair by needle and thread or other means of hand weaving. Weaved hair is a single string of hair that is hand sewn in comparison to tape in hair extensions which are single tabs placed in a bricklayer pattern to allow for more free-flowing natural movement.
- Braided Hair Extensions: Wefts or weaved hair that is attached to the head using a pre-braided technique. Technicians braid the hair in small rows horizontally on the head and then use various kinds of application methods to attached a weft or weaved extension. The most common way of applying the extension is with a needle and thread through the braided row. These extensions have less natural movement when compared to tape in hair extensions.
- Keratin Bonded Hair Extensions: A type of hair extension that attaches to a small pinch of hair. The extension is attached to the hair with a keratin bond that cannot be removed without using a tool to crack the bond. These extensions are attached to the head in small sections. You will typically have 300+ keratin bonds in the human head to make a full set of extensions. They can last anywhere from 2-5 months, and cannot be reused. They are not meant for fine or thin hair, and can easily damage even the healthiest of hair. For damage-free extensions wear, tape in hair extensions are your best bet.
- Microbead / iTip Hair Extensions: Microbead extensions are a two piece extension method where a pinch of hair is taken and a small copper ring with (or without) a silicone lining is placed at the base of the hair shaft up near the head. Then a show lace like iTip is inserted in the copper ring and a clamp is used to clamp flat the copper ring which now holds the extension hair with a small pinch of natural hair. upwards of 300+ Microbeads could be needed to achieve both length and volume. They are generally uncomfortable to sleep on and cannot be brushed through at the base. The maintenance on Microbead tip extensions is approximately every 3 weeks. This hair can usually be removed and replaced several times before needing to purchase new hair, but does not have the same natural looks or damage free wear as tape in hair extensions.
- Micro Loop extensions: Similar to Microbead / iTip extensions, Micro Loops extensions are applied in the same manner accept there is no maintenance service, the hair cannot be reused or moved up. They were not designed for thinner hair as they can be extremely damaging to the hair shaft. If you are looking for a damage-free alternative, tape in hair extensions are the industry's leading form.
- uTip, Nail Tip, vTip: These pre bonded hair extensions are made to be glued or keratin bonded to the natural hair. They are longer-lasting but considerably damaging. Due to the fact that the hair is over-directed to the center, during natural movement, the hair is repeatedly tossed in the opposite directions, creating weak points forcing the natural hair to break at the bond. Typically when removing these extensions, you will see a noticeable amount of natural hair falling out due to breakage from the bonded extension. If you are looking for damage free extension wear? Tape in hair extensions have corned the market in damage free wear.
- Fusion Extensions: Fusion extensions is a keratin bond that is used to connect the client's natural hair to the extension hair. This s is an extremely long process and in some cases, could take an entire day. Fusion extensions last anywhere from 3-6 months without maintenance in between. However, you must be extremely careful with these keratin bonded fusion extensions as they can cause extreme damage due to the inflexibility of the keratin bond at the connection site. Fusion extensions are applied in strands and the keratin bond is about the size of a grain of white rice. Many consumers leave fusion extensions for tape in hair extensions due to the extreme damages caused at the application site of fusion extensions.
- Glue in Hair Extensions: Glue in hair extensions can consist of any form of weft, weave or keratin fusion/keratin bond that requires a form of "glue" to adhere the extension hair to the natural hair. Glue in hair extensions more specifically refers to a two-step method where the installer must apply the glue by hand - it is not made ready for installation. A medical grade adhesive, which is also a form of glue is used in tape in hair extensions tape tabs.
- Clip in Hair Extensions: These extensions are not considered professional hair extensions. In contrast to tape in hair extensions, clip in hair extensions can be removed and reapplied with ease by the user. Care should be taken however making sure that not too much or too little natural hair is taken to hold the extensions. Your salon professional can help you blend your clip in extensions to match your natural hair.
- Sew in Hair Extensions: Sew in Hair Extensions are typically worn on clients with more corse, curly or unruly hair. The clients' natural hair is sectioned horizontally in a horseshoe section to follow the circumference of the head. A row of braids is created parallel to that sectioning. You will need a row of braids for each weft of hair extensions. Once the natural hair is prepared, a weft of extension hair is placed on the braid and using a needle and thread, the weft of hair extensions is sewn into the braided rows of natural hair. Tape in hair extensions can also be worn on more course, curly or unruly hair once smoothed at the root.
What are the Costs of Tape In Hair Extensions?
The cost of tape in hair extensions differ drastically depending on the length of the hair (see chart here), the quality of the tape in hair extensions, how it was processed, how they are bonded (i.e. tape in hair extensions, microbeads, keratin tip, etc.). You will even notice a vast difference in price for the exact same hair just by where you live. For example, someone seeking tape in hair extensions in California may charge differently than someone based out of Tennesse - or even Europe for that matter. It's important to determine what kind of extension works best for you and for the health of your hair. Do not attempt to apply tape in hair extensions that are damaging to your natural hair. Tape in hair extensions are the industries leading form of non-damaging extension wear. Once you've determined the type of extensions that work best for your hair type. Educate yourself on the maintenance of your new hair. Do you need to return to the salon for maintenance every two weeks? 6 weeks or more? What are the costs of maintenance? Take a look at the big picture and find tape in hair extensions that work with your lifestyle but most importantly do not compromise the integrity of your natural hair.
Be aware of cheap, low-cost hair tape in hair extensions that don't have added value either in the initial investment or the maintenance regimen. Always consult your educated salon professional in advance to help determine what's right for you.
For more information on how much tape in hair extensions costs, click this link.