How Long Do Tape-In Extensions Last? (Must-Read Guide)

Key Takeaways

• Tape-in hair extensions can last for approximately eight weeks before they are ready to be re-positioned or reinstalled. Read more to find the detailed answer to the question, "How long do tape in extensions last?"
• The time when it is necessary to get tape-in hair extension replacements is when you start to notice adhesive lifting off your natural hair, the extensions fall out, or the tape frays and tears off.
• The tape-ins are best kept in shape by being washed with sulfate-free products only, brushing from the ends upwards, avoiding heat entirely, and going to the salon for regular check-ups. Follow the expert tips to extend the lifespan of your tape-ins!

What are Tape In Hair Extensions?

Tape-in hair extension is the semi-permanent, pre-taped solution by which hair wefts-human or synthetic-are bonded onto thin, transparent polyurethane sheets coated with a medical-grade adhesive. Done properly, tape-in extensions are supposed to lie flat against the scalp, and this tape would be virtually invisible so as to provide a completely natural look.

100% virgin Remy human hair tape-in extensions by Livicor Hair

At Livicor Hair, our tape-in hair extensions are made from high quality 100% virgin Remy human hair. Our adhesive tape is soft to the hair and firm enough, without causing damage, to hold up for a few weeks. This quality allows you to experiment with various hairstyles: heat style, cut, or color.

In addition, our tape-in hair extensions from us will be suitable for models of all kinds of hair: straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair.

Now let’s move on to the explanation of “how long do tape hair extensions last?”

How Long Do Tape-In Extensions Last?

Generally speaking, tape-in extensions are good to go for 6-8 weeks before they would need to be entirely fixed. However, “how long do tape in hair extensions last” will significantly depend on the quality of the product you purchase, the speed at which your hair grows, how you wash it, or how you maintain it.

How long do tape ins last? Typically, they can last from 6 to 8 weeks.

Tape-in extensions retain their shine, texture, and beauty for a pretty long period, between 1-3 years, if you buy high-quality ones made of Remy human hair. However, you will still need to replace the tapes between installations.

Since your natural hair is still growing, it will make space between the adhesive and your scalp, and it means that you are going to have to remove, readjust, and replace tape-in hair extensions after about 6 to 8 weeks. This period is also an excellent time for cleaning and maintenance of the extensions in preparation for reuse.

For optimum service of tape-in extensions, pay attention to the way you wash and condition them. Tape extensions made from fragile human hair require nothing but a sulfate-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free shampoo and conditioner in order to keep hair moisturized and shiny.

Also, if you always use tape extensions with care—such as not flipping your hair upside down, keeping your hair tangle-free, and keeping your roots oil-free—the beauty of tape-ins would last more than two months. During such time, you are supposed to attend a salon to get a reapplication for tape-in extensions.

3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Tape-In Extensions

Now that you know “how long do tape extensions last,” let’s explore when it might be replacement time for your tape-in extensions!

Slippage and Looseness

In such a way, as your own natural hair grows, the tape bonds slide away from your scalp and tend to appear matted and greasy, which eventually causes the bond to be loosened. So, you should replace your tape-in extensions promptly every 6 to 8 weeks to make sure that they grow with the growth of your own hair to keep the tape hidden and secure.

Replace tape-in extensions when you notice any instability in the tape or hair extension.

Damaged Tapes or Hair

Over time, the adhesive used on tape-in extensions may fail to stick, wear or tear due to high temperatures or harsh chemicals. If you never reapply the tapes, it may be tough to hold the wig in place. You would also want to replace your tape-in extensions if you find that your extensions are too dry, brittle, frayed, or discolored to keep your hair fresh and natural.

Excessive Shedding or Matting

If your extensions begin to shed or mat more than usual, especially near the roots, this can be an indication of buildup from styling products or poor cleaning. This evident loss of hair means you can do little else except replace the tape-in extensions for your hair to look full and healthy.

4 Maintenance Tips to Extend Tape-in Extensions Lifespan

Proper Washing Techniques

Here are a few easy modifications to make to your shampooing routine that will help to extend the life and appearance of your tape-in hair extensions:

• Do not wash your hair for about 24-48 hours after the tape has been applied. This notice allows the proper time for the adhesive to bond to your natural hair and become more secure.
• Limit your hair extensions washing routine to only twice a week.
• Gently tease out extensions, starting at the ends and working your way upward using a wide-tooth comb before washing.
• Wash hair in the shower, as opposed to washing in the bath. Wet the hair first; take the sulfate-free shampoo from root to length. You will not need to clean all the way to the ends.
• Wash your hair gently in the direction of the length, and avoid rubbing it or making any circular motions that might tangle it.
• Apply conditioner to only mid-lengths and ends and keep it off the tape. Make sure not to have a lot of product buildup on the hair after rinsing well, as this can hold the hair down and cause it to break easily.
• Avoid flipping your hair over your head or twisting it into a towel to dry it. If possible, allow your hair to air dry. If you must blow-dry your hair, let it air dry to at least 70% dryness first.

Gently wash your hair from the top to bottom; do not wring or rub it.

Brushing and Styling Tips

Always gently brush your tape-ins, using either a soft-bristle brush or a loop brush for hair extensions, at least twice a day to avoid tangling and fraying. Since the tape-in hair extensions are different from your hair, it means that they have to be treated uniquely in their brushing and styling, and here's how:

• Clip your hair back as you would for a low ponytail. This tip helps eliminate all the extra pulling and tension on the tape.
• Gently start brushing your hair from the ends right to the scalp for an easy time styling and without tangles. Trying to brush your hair from the scalp right to the ends will lead to the breaking of your natural hair and your extensions.
• Work the brush through the hair slowly without being too hard on it.
• After brushing, use your finger to comb through your hair. This way, you know that your hair has no knots in it, and the tape-ins have not moved from their places.

Avoiding Heat and Chemical Damage

Heat not only changes the color of your tape-in hair extensions by making them lighter or warmer, but it can also weaken the adhesive, causing the extensions to fall out a bit earlier. Such a case can occur if your hair is exposed to curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, sunlight, or tanning beds. Here are some tips that can help your tape-ins avoid heat damage:

• Use a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, curling, or any other style that requires heat.
• Never over-style, and always use the lowest heat setting possible to style your tape-in hair extensions to avoid causing heat damage.
• Do not apply heat directly to the tape-in sections, as it may weaken the adhesive.

The harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, ammonia, and peroxide, from cleaning, styling, or dying products make your tape-ins dry and breakable. The chlorine in the swimming pools will turn your hair extensions green, and being exposed to it can lead to dryness and brittleness. In protecting your extensions from chemical damage:

• Avoid using products containing harsh chemicals, alcohol, or oils, as these will weaken the adhesive bond and promote slipping of the extensions.
• Always use a mild shampoo and conditioner, which is highly recommended for hair extensions and will help keep the hair clean without damaging the tape.
• When swimming in a pool, tie your hair up or wear a swim cap to avoid the long exposure of hair to chlorine. This tip will minimize dryness and tangling of hair.
• After a swim, you have to wash and condition your hair to remove all harmful deposits from the water.

Regular Touch-Ups and Reapplication

Eventually, hair growth will slowly push the extension away from the scalp, tangling and causing tension to the hair. Return to your hairdresser every 6 to 8 weeks to have the expert check and reapply your extensions. In that session, your hairdresser will be removing all the tapes or extensions that have come loose and may even replace them.

Salon visits are essential to maintain the longevity and beauty of tape-in hair extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to install the tape in hair extensions?

For best results with tape-in hair extensions, it is ideal to have a stylist apply the hair to ensure a flawless and natural look. However, with the right technique and practice, you can also install the hair extensions yourself at home. Here is a simple guide:

• Begin with completely washing your hair before attaching the hair extensions. Do not apply conditioner, oils, or creams to the roots, as these should be clean and accessible where the attachments are to be attached.
• Divide your hair into sections from different areas of your scalp. Gather small sections of hair and attach the pre-applied hair extension, making it fit underneath and over the section that was chosen. Press the hair attachments firmly to make them fit.
• Also, avoid washing or brushing your hair for at least two days after application to let the adhesive set well and make the style last longer.

How to remove tape in hair extensions?

Owing to the growth of natural hair, you would be required to take off the tape after 6 to 8 weeks to return your hair to its perfect look. Following are the steps for the removal of hair extensions using a tail comb and extension remover:

• Spray lightly some remover onto the tape and leave it on for 30 seconds.
• The remover will dissolve the adhesive from the tape and help you to take off the hair extensions from your scalp easily.
• Clean off the residue and apply new adhesive refills. Then, reattach the hair using the previous method for great volume.

For more detailed information, tab How to Remove Tape-In Extensions!

Can you reuse tape in hair extensions? 

Yes. You can reuse tape-in hair extensions up to 3 times by reapplying them properly and securely. Here's how:

• Take the old sticky tab off the tape in extensions and clean the residual gum on it. Afterward, you may wash it with clean water and let it air dry.
• Condition the hair extension to make it soft and shiny again.
• Now it is ready for a reintroduction: take a new pack of sticky tabs and apply the hair extension on securely to give a fresher look.

Do tape-in extensions damage hair?

No. Tape-in extensions are one of the safest options for your hair when considering all types of hair extensions. Although the regular use of hair extensions may cause tension on your natural hair and can be weakened to fall out eventually, tape-ins don't harm that way. When professionally installed, tape-in extensions won't stress the scalp and can keep your natural hair healthy.

What are tape-in extensions made from?

Tape-in hair extensions are usually made from Remy human hair or synthetic hair. Remy human hair tape-in extensions look 100% natural since the cuticle is still intact. They are much easier to maintain, clean, detangle, and style with much more ease than synthetic hair extensions. At Livicor Hair, all our extensions are made of high quality, ethically sourced Remy human hair, Indian hair for darker tones, and Russian hair for lighter tones.