In the hair industry, tape-in human hair extensions are known to be the most effective and safest way to add volume and length to your own locks without damaging them in any way.
It’s not always easy to apply these types of extensions on yourself if you don’t know what you are doing, though, which is why I am going to teach you how to do it like a pro!
Here are some tips on how to apply tape in human hair extensions at home with ease:
- Shampooing hair before extensions is the proper preparation for most installations. Use a shampoo that cleanses the scalp of any product, oil, or environmental buildup before installing bonds. Other shampoos may leave a residue that can cause bonds to slip and slide during installation. After washing, only apply conditioner to protect and soften the strands so they don't tangle while drying.
- The hair should also receive a deep conditioning treatment after washing to replenish moisture lost from being exposed to water and chemicals.
- Flat ironing your hair before applying extensions is a good idea. Now that you've completed these steps, you're ready to install!
- Materials you need. A tail comb to section your hair. And a set of clips to hold your hair in place.
- Make a part across your scalp. About an inch from the nape of your neck, use a tail comb to make a horizontal part. You will apply the extensions near the line made by the part. This way, your upper hair will hide the clips. Use a tail comb to smooth down the sides and back.
- Remove a thin portion of your hair from the non-clipped part. The idea is to sandwich a thin strand of hair below your part line between top and bottom extensions. The strand of hair your sandwiching needs to be very thin, about 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm). This is so the adhesive tape on both extensions can stick together through the hair.
Applying Your Hair Extensions
Attach the bottom extension under the thin portion of hair. Take your strand of hair and lift it up a little.
Remove the strip covering the adhesive on the bottom extension. Press on the bottom extension underneath the thin strand of hair you're lifting.
Secure the top extension. Take the top extension. After removing the adhesive tape covering that extension, press on top of your strand of hair. The top and bottom extension should stick together. Then press them together with your tail comb.
Repeat the process. Move across your side part, repeating this process until you have added all the extensions.
The precise number of extensions you are adding depends on the size of your head. You will likely use about 5 rows of hair extensions or more, depending on how voluminous you want your hairstyle to be.