The third part of the series “Which extensions is best?”

Today we’ll be embarking into a yet again new type of extension. This next extension may possibly be more well known than the last extension I talked about. I highly recommend reading the first entry of this series and then popping back over!

Though this next extension may not be my favorite type of extension, it still gives flawless results. The Tape-in! A trustworthy and very sticky extension! Not for you, but for me;) The tape-in has been around since the early 2000’s and has evolved since. This extension takes the route of appearance a bit of a different way, the tape-in is essentially thin strips of hair with a sticky adhesive on either side. Each piece ranges in width by about 1.5” with the capability of being cut in half. Making it very easy to brick lay and strategize placement. This extension, though different from the weft, still provides you with both great volume and full length. Depending on the desired results, it may take more individual tape-in’s to achieve the dream length. The pricing of tape-ins can go either way, you can spend a lot or a little. When wanting to achieve a little more volume and only matching the extensions to the length of the natural hair, your cost will be lower. IF The goal, on the other hand, would be to add a lot of length; you would need to order significantly more hair to create enough density on the ends so it blends seamlessly. In this case, you would be spending significantly more on the extensions to achieve the desired result.

Sticky Sticky Sticky!!! As I mentioned just above, these extensions are attached by tape! The process is simple, sticky and may take a minute of your time. When the time comes to install or move up, it doesn’t look like your typical weft install would. Though the install itself may only take roughly 30 minutes, the move up process is where you see the main change in timing from a weft. With the tape in extensions you strategically take an alcohol based spray to the tape ins individually and separate them releasing the natural hair from in between the tapes. Once you have done so and have removed all the tape ins, then it's time for the true sticky part. Each of the previously used adhesives must be replaced on the individual extensions to ensure proper security when re-installed. This process takes place every 6-8 weeks to ensure that the natural hair is not damaged, timing will vary depending how many tape-ins you have in, so it's always best to bring a drink and get comfortable!

Leah - Master Stylist @styleswithleah on insta!

Another very important question to specify would be what is the most ideal hair type for tape-in extensions? It's a trick question! It would be easier to answer what hair isn't best. There are a few hair types that wouldn't suit the tape-ins. For very fine hair, or hair lacking in density, tap- ins ARE NOT your friend. I wouldn't characterize tape-ins as being heavy but on fine hair it can cause them to snag, and pull out the natural hair. For lack of density the main struggle would be not having enough hair towards the roots. Lack of density could result in not having a seamless blend with the possibility of being able to see the tip of the tape-ins. Extensions are all about being discrete. That's why a lot of detail and specifics go into them.

Tape-ins allow for a full transformation without the full commitment as a weft. A great option to ease your way into extensions. They're extremely versatile and make it easy to style and prep your hair for any occasion! So pop in and schedule a free consultation to see what extension works best for you!

 XOXO Leah Stauffer- Master Stylist