Having voluminous tape-in hair extensions is a wonderful feeling! But how do you keep them as sleek and shiny as the day you left the salon? Whether you’re a wearer or a professional hairstylist, this guide from Govihair reveals every secret to successful tape in hair extensions maintenance, showing you exactly how to take care of tape in hair extensions so your hair stays unbelievably soft, strong, and long-lasting.
What You MUST Do in the First 48 Hours After Tape-in Installation
Keep Hair Completely Dry
For the first 48-72 hours, the adhesive bonds need time to cure and fully secure the natural hair. Any moisture from washing, swimming, or even excessive sweat can weaken this connection, causing premature bond slippage.
Avoid Tight Styles
Refrain from pulling hair into a high ponytail or tight bun. Let the hair hang naturally to avoid placing unnecessary tension on the fresh bonds.
Strict adherence during these first 48 hours is the first step in learning how to take care of tape in hair extensions effectively.
How to Wash Your Tape-In Extensions Correctly (The Do’s and Don’ts)
Learning how to wash tape in hair extensions after removal is the foundation of tape in hair extensions maintenance. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated if you follow these steps below.
How Often Should You Wash?
Over-washing will dry out your hair and affect the lifespan of the adhesive. The ideal frequency is about 1-2 times per week. If your roots get oily, you can use a little dry shampoo (just remember to avoid spraying it directly on the bonds!).
Step 1: Choosing the Right Products (Sulfate-Free & Alcohol-Free)
This is an extremely important step. The best products for tape in extensions are those free from sulfates and alcohol, because sulfates dry out the hair, while alcohol can dissolve the adhesive. Look for shampoo and conditioner bottles that say “Sulfate-Free” and “Alcohol-Free” to get the best results.
Step 2: The Brushing Technique Before Washing
Never wash tangled hair! Before wetting your hair, use a special extension brush. Hold the roots firmly with one hand (right above the bonds), and use the other hand to gently brush out tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Step 3: The Washing Process
The process of washing tape in hair extensions requires a gentle touch:
- Stand under the shower, letting the water run down your hair in a downward motion.
- Take a sufficient amount of shampoo, lather it in your palms, and gently massage it onto your scalp.
- Let the shampoo foam run down the lengths and ends of your hair. Absolutely do not rub or scrub the extensions.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths down to the end. Remember, never let the conditioner get on the tape bonds!
How to Take Care of Tape In Hair Extensions After Washing
After washing, use a soft towel to gently blot and squeeze out excess water. Never rub or twist your hair in the towel, as this will cause severe tangling and can loosen the bonds.
>>Explore more: How to Wash Hair Extensions at Home for Long-Lasting Results
Daily Care & Styling: Your Guide to Brushing, Drying, and Heat Safety
Beyond washing, your daily habits are what truly determine the lifespan and beauty of your hair extensions. Think of this as the simple, everyday routine that keeps your hair looking flawless and protects your investment.
The Non-Negotiable Rule: Brushing Your Extensions Daily
If you can only remember one thing about daily care, let it be this: you must brush your hair. Brushing 2-3 times a day (morning, midday, and before bed) is essential to prevent tangles from forming, especially near the roots where the bonds are.
- The Right Tool: Use a dedicated extension brush or a soft bristle brush. Avoid brushes with little balls at the tips of the bristles, as they can snag and pull on your bonds.
- The Right Technique: Start by brushing the ends of your hair to remove any tangles there. Then, work your way up. Crucially, use one hand to hold the roots of your hair firmly against your scalp while you gently brush with the other. This prevents any pressure or pulling on the tape bonds.
The Right Way to Blow-Dry to Protect Your Bonds
We can’t stress this enough: damp bonds lead to slippage. That’s why drying your hair correctly after a wash is so important.
- Focus on the Bonds First: After gently blotting your hair with a towel, set your blow-dryer to a cool or low-heat setting. Gently lift the extension wefts and focus the airflow directly on the tape bonds until they are 100% dry.
- Dry the Rest: Once your roots and bonds are completely dry, you can apply a heat protectant from the mid-lengths down and proceed to dry the rest of your hair on a medium heat setting.
Using Hot Tools (Flat Irons & Curlers) Safely
You can absolutely style your tape-in hair extensions, as long as you follow the key principle: distance is key.
Always keep flat irons, curling wands, and any other hot tools at least 2-3 cm (about 1-1.5 inches) away from the tape bonds. Direct heat can melt or weaken the adhesive, causing your extensions to slip or fall out. Always use a heat protectant and try to use a lower heat setting than you might on your natural hair to preserve the quality of the extensions.
How to Sleep With Tape In Hair Extensions
To protect your tape-in hair extensions and prevent tangling while you sleep, learn how to sleep with tape in extensions properly:
- Tie Your Hair Loosely: Always put your hair in a loose braid or a low ponytail before bed. Use a soft fabric hair tie (a scrunchie) to avoid putting pressure on the bonds. This helps reduce friction and prevents pulling as you move.
- Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: The smooth surface of silk and satin allows hair to glide easily, significantly reducing friction compared to cotton pillowcases. This is an effective way to prevent tangles and breakage.
- Never Sleep with Damp Hair: This is the most important rule. Damp hair weakens the adhesive bonds and is the primary cause of severe matting. Always ensure your roots and the bonds are 100% dry before going to bed.
Common Issues & What to Avoid When You Maintain Tape-in Extensions
To keep your extensions looking beautiful, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Most common problems can be easily prevented by avoiding a few bad habits.
Products to Avoid Near Your Roots
The root area where the tape bonds are attached is the most “sensitive” zone. The following products can loosen or break down the adhesive, causing your extensions to slip:
- Oil-Based Products: Any serum, oil, or shine spray that contains oil is an enemy of the adhesive. Oil will dissolve the bond.
- Silicone-Based Products: Silicone creates a super slick coating which sounds nice, but it will cause the tape bonds to slide right off your natural hair.
- Alcohol-Based Products: Alcohol has drying properties and can make the bonds weak and brittle over time.
Quick Tip: When using any styling products, always apply them from the mid-lengths down to the ends.
Can I Go Swimming with Tape-In Extensions?
The answer is yes, but with careful preparation. Chlorine from pools and salt from the sea are very damaging to both your natural hair and the extensions.
To minimize damage, follow these steps:
- Wet Your Hair First: Before getting in the water, wet your hair with clean water and apply a little conditioner (to the ends only) to create a protective barrier.
- Secure Your Hair: Put your hair in a braid or a low bun to prevent tangling.
- Rinse Immediately After: Try to wash your hair as soon as possible after swimming to completely remove any chlorine or salt.
How Long Do Tape-In Extensions Last?
Typically, a set of tape-in extensions will need maintenance after about 6 to 8 weeks.
The reason isn’t that the hair is damaged, but because your natural hair grows out. As your hair grows, the bonds will be pushed lower, further away from your scalp.
After 6-8 weeks, you will need to book a “move-up” appointment with your hairstylist. If you take good care of the hair, the same set can be reused multiple times, lasting for a year or even longer.
>>Explore more: How Long Does Your Hair Need to Be for Extensions?
Where to Buy High-Quality Tape-in Hair Extensions?
All the hair care tips we’ve just discussed will work best when you start with a truly high-quality product. Knowing how to take care of tape in hair extensions becomes much easier when you aren’t dealing with hair that gets tangled, dry, or sheds after just a few weeks. This is why choosing a reputable brand like Govihair from the very beginning is a smart investment.
Govihair provides premium tape-in hair extension options to meet all your needs. You can choose between our top-tier Raw Hair from a single donor with a 3–5 year lifespan, or our durable Virgin Hair lasting 2–3 years. We also offer a variety of custom colors, textures, and lengths ranging from 16 to 32 inches.
With various tape options like our Invisible Tape, our products ensure a seamless and natural look. As a hair factory in Vietnam, Govihair proudly offers competitive, direct pricing by eliminating middlemen, guaranteeing consistent quality for every order.
>> Discover GoviHair’s Premium Collections
Chat With Us:
- WhatsApp: (+84)795 746 986
- Email: [email protected]
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- Website: https://govihair.com/
FAQs About Tape In Hair Extensions Maintenance
What should I expect for the average tape in extensions maintenance cost?
The average tape in extensions maintenance cost (often called a “move-up” or “re-application”) typically ranges from $150 to $400+ per person. This service includes the professional removal of your extensions, replacing the old tape with new adhesive, and carefully reinstalling them closer to your scalp. The final price depends on the number of extensions you have and the pricing of your specific salon and stylist.
Can you wash tape in extensions before install?
You should not and do not need to. High-quality hair extensions are already cleansed and ready for use. The most important thing is that your own natural hair is thoroughly washed and completely dry right before installation to ensure the strongest bond.
What is the best way to brush my hair to avoid damaging the tapes?
The best way is to use one hand to hold the roots firmly (right above the bonds) to reduce pressure. With the other hand, use an extension-safe brush to gently brush starting from the ends, then work your way up. Never pull or tug.
How to take care of tape in hair extensions after washing?
After washing, use a soft towel to gently blot the hair (do not rub). Then, in a cool or warm setting, prioritize blow-drying the tape bonds completely first. Leaving the bonds damp for an extended period will weaken the adhesive.
Can I use any shampoo and conditioner on my tape-in extensions?
Absolutely not. You must use a shampoo and conditioner that is Sulfate-free and Alcohol-free. These ingredients can dry out the hair and break down the adhesive bonds. When using conditioner, only apply it from the mid-lengths down to the ends, keeping it far away from the tapes.
Conclusion
Tape in hair extensions are a fast, natural, and convenient way to achieve longer and fuller hair. While they require extra care, proper maintenance ensures they last longer and remain beautiful. Now you know how to take care of tape in hair extensions. By following the simple habits Govihair has guided you through—like washing correctly, choosing the right products, and protecting your hair while you sleep—you can hold all the secrets to keeping your hair beautiful and long-lasting.
Ms. Victoria