How to Remove Tape-In Hair Extensions: A Stylist’s Guide
Published February 14, 2023
Hair extensions are an excellent way to flaunt a hairstyle without actually putting in the time and effort to grow your hair in a specific way. They’re quite literally a shortcut to a person’s desired hairstyle. But as incredible as they may sound, hair extensions share a fair number of issues.
That applies to all types of hair extensions.
Clip-in extensions cause damage when left on your hair for longer than necessary; bonded extensions use damaging chemicals; and halo extensions render you unable to tie your hair up.
That’s why it was such good news when tape-in hair extensions were made available.
What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?
Tape-in hair extensions are extensions that you tape into one’s hair, as opposed to clipping or bonding them, hence the name.
You can install tape-in hair extensions by first removing the paper tab at one end of the extension. In doing so, you’d reveal the adhesive underneath, which is what allows you to connect, or more appropriately, tape the hair extension to natural hair. Simple enough, right?
As simple as it may be, that doesn’t explain why this type of extension became popular.
Why Might Someone Choose Tape-In Hair Extensions Over Other Types of Extensions?
The prominence of tape-in hair extensions has to do with how they supposedly solve the issues other types of hair extensions present. To illustrate further, consider the following comparisons:
- Unlike clip-in hair extensions, you can leave tape-in hair extensions on your hair for a long time without causing long-term damage. You can even leave them in as you sleep.
- Unlike bonded hair extensions, tape-in hair extensions don’t consist of chemicals, but rather medical-grade glue, the same glue you’ll find in plasters or adhesive bandages.
- Unlike halo hair extensions, you can style your hair any way you want, even with tape-in hair extensions. You can even rock a ponytail with the extension on.
Needless to say, tape-in hair extensions are superior to other types of hair extensions in at least one regard. Not to mention the installation of tape-in hair extensions is not DIYable.
That means whenever someone wants to install tape-in hair extensions, they would most likely seek the assistance of professionals from salons such as yourself. The same goes for removal.
Though installation is relatively simple, the removal process is not.
How to Remove Tape-In Hair Extensions
The removal process of tape-in extensions is actually not that different from that of bonded extensions. It’s all about breaking down the bond that connects the extension to the natural hair.
For bonded hair extensions, you must break down the keratin bond that connects the extension to the natural hair. In the case of tape-in extensions, you need to break down the adhesive.
However, unlike keratin bonds, you don’t need to use a chemical remover to break down the adhesive or glue used in tape-in hair extensions, though it would help. You only need to apply oil.
Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to remove tape-in hair extensions:
- Separate the hair (including the hair extensions) into several workable sections.
- Locate the adhesive that connects the natural hair and the extension.
- Apply oil to the adhesive. Do this to all the sections of the hair. You can use whichever oil you or the clients prefer. Suitable oils include olive, coconut, almond, and baby oil.
- Let the oil sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse the hair to get rid of the oil.
- Apply conditioner.
- Wrap the hair up with a dry towel and rub it to remove remnants of the oil.
- Repeat steps 3 to 7 until you’ve taken care of all the adhesive or glue.
Again, you can use a chemical remover if you want. Doing so would speed up the process a lot. Rather than waiting for 10 minutes, it may only take a minute to remove the adhesive.
But since chemicals can be damaging, we advise against using chemical removers.
Going Forward
The removal of tape-in hair extensions isn’t something a person can do on their own. While we would normally say anyone can do it at home, that’s unfortunately not the case this time.
That’s why if you offer hair extension services, chances are everyone who got their tape-in hair extension from your salon will go back to have it removed after it has served its purpose. So, you might as well learn how to remove tape-in hair extensions now rather than later.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is an experienced writer who has written about a vast array of topics. His passion for beauty trends fuels his work for the Salon Suites of Palm Beach website and blog.
