Aftercare Guide: Tape-In Hair Extensions
Don’t worry, babe. Beaudee’s got your tape-in hair extensions aftercare covered!
Brushing
Gently use a boar bristle or wet brush multiple times daily to remove any tangles or knots. Gather hair into a ponytail and securely hold close to the scalp. Begin from the ends and carefully work your way up toward the scalp. Be sure to brush between extension rows, section out if needed. Brush your hair before it gets wet, this will prevent tangling while washing. Aggressive or incorrectly brushing can cause extensions to slide or come out especially when wet.
Washing
Do not shampoo for 24-48 hours after your tape-in hair extensions application to allow newly applied tapes to adhere completely. Avoid washing with hot water, to prevent tapes from breaking down. Always wash your hair with your head back and not tilted forward or upside down. Now that your hair is thicker you may decide to wash in sections to make it easier.
When shampooing, use recommended sulfate-free paraben-free shampoo or shampoo within the proper pH. Try not to wash every day. When washing, focus on the scalp and getting between the extensions, massaging suds into hair using a “Z” formation. Do not scrub aggressively. Rinse thoroughly.
When conditioning, apply conditioner from mid-shaft down to the ends of your hair and leave on for a few minutes. Every few washes, use a deep conditioner. Rinse thoroughly. Caution: adding conditioner at or near the base may cause the tapes to slide out!
Prior to drying, add leave-in conditioner and styling products to wet hair below the tape tabs on your natural hair and extensions. It is important for natural hair and extensions to be replenished with the proper nutrients and hydration through these steps.
Drying
Do not put hair up while soaking wet. Towel or air dry your hair as much as possible before using a blow dryer. Brush gently as recommended. Lightly rough-dry hair to remove a majority of moisture. Then starting at the ends and working your way up toward the scalp, round brush the hair. Be careful of high heat and excessive tension at base of extensions, as these can cause tape to melt and extensions to slip.
Styling Tools and Products
Thermal tools like curling irons and flat irons are safe to use on hair extensions, but never exceed 350F on your tools. Heat protectants are recommended prior to styling, but make sure it dries before styling; this is especially important when restyling after initial wash and style. Keep all hot tools away from tape tabs to ensure extensions to not melt or fuse together.
Tape-in extensions move up and down in a hinge like motion making it great for high or low ponytails. Try to refrain from tight styles or positions that pull the extensions sideways, for example french braids. Things like scrunchies and two ponytails will relieve weight and make styling comfortable.
Use professional grade products recommended by your stylist to maintain the health of your natural hair and extensions. Avoid oil-based and alcohol-based products close to the tape tabs, such as hairsprays and dry shampoos. This can be compromising to the tape which will result in slipage. Avoid alcohol-based or “volumizing” or “texture” products these can be dehydrating to the hair extensions. Light treatment oils can be use mid to ends is recommended to protect you extensions.
Sleeping and Activities
Secure hair into a pony or low loose braid before sleeping. NEVER go to bed with wet hair.
Always loosely braid or tie hair back prior to activities to avoid tangling. Those who work out or use steam and sauna rooms regularly should ensure that bonds are dried and cooled down completely after each session. Keeping bonds in a damp environment can make them deteriorate.
Sea water, chlorine, and sunscreen can cause tape break down or discoloration and damage to the extensions. Prior to swimming, apply conditioner and clean water mixture from mid to ends prior to swimming to avoid absorption or harmful chemicals and minerals. Thoroughly rinse wash and conditioner after activities.
Coloring or Chemical Services
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO COLOR OR PERM YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS AT HOME. Services such as root colors, toning, and demineralizing treatments should be done in salon. Extensions can be toned darker not lighter. Keep this in mind because this will be your color for longevity of these extensions.
Shedding
Some hair and hair extension loss is normal and to be expected. Average hair loss is 50-150 hairs a day. As the extensions grow out with your natural hair you can expect to see a small quantity of naturally shedded hair trapped between bond time. This is normal and is not to be interpreted as hairs pulled from scalp. Daily brushing close to scalp and finger separation of these strands between extensions will avoid matting.
Maintenance Appointments
Tape-in hair extensions require re-adjustments every 6-8 weeks. Please arrive to your readjustment appointment with clean and dry hair. Extensions will be removed, your natural hair will be cleansed and prepped for re-application, and new tape with be replaced onto your extensions then reapplied and styled. Maintenance appointments are a great time to add some focus to your natural hair. Colors, trims, and treatments are recommended during this time while your extensions are out. These additional services need to be planned accordingly.
Ready for new hair?
Tape-in hair extensions last 6-8 months when properly maintained. This is the equivalent of your first initial install and 3 readjustments every 6-8 weeks making 4 total wears in that time frame.
During the 3rd and final re-adjustment of your current extensions we can discuss your new hair for your next appointment. We can continue with the same desired look or change things up now that you have made it through your set of tape-ins! A deposit is required before a new application appointment can be reserved just like your first application. This appointment will be treated like re-adjustment; old hair is removed and new hair is applied with no down time necessary. Contact Beaudee to schedule a consultation today.
