How To Apply Tape‐In Hair Extensions: 11 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Apply Tape‐In Hair Extensions PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Sectioning Your Hair 2 Applying Your Extensions 3 Caring for Your Hair Afterwards Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Madeleine Johnson

Last Updated: December 20, 2024 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Madeleine Johnson. Madeleine Johnson is a Hair Stylist and Hair Extensions Specialist based in Beverly Hills, California. She is affiliated with Hair by Violet Salon in Beverly Hills. Madeleine has over six years of hairstyling experience as a licensed cosmetologist. She specializes in microbead extensions and tape-in extensions. She trained under celebrity extension artist Violet Teriti (Chaviv Hair) and earned her cosmetology license from Santa Monica College. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 235,484 times.

Tape-in extensions are great if you want to temporarily lengthen your hair, add volume, or add in some faux-highlights, as they aren’t permanent and are relatively simple to put in.[1] They do not require special heat tools, so they can be applied at home without the assistance of a stylist.[2] You will first need to section off the top portion of your hair. Then, slowly tape in the extension one by one. You will have to be careful while wearing the extensions, as they're very prone to tangling. Brush your hair more frequently and take extra time in the shower.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Sectioning Your Hair

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  1. Step 1 Wash your hair. 1 Wash your hair. Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson explains, "I don't suggest [applying tape-in extensions] on greasy hair. They should always be applied on clean hair and [with] no products in it." [3] Before applying your extensions, wash and dry your hair as you normally would.
  2. Step 2 Make a part across your scalp. 2 Make a part across your scalp. About an inch from the nape of your neck, use your finger or a 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.[4] Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson emphasizes the importance of parting your hair away from the hairline: "Never install tape-in extensions too close to your hairline. You always need to have enough hair in the front to cover the tape-in extensions."[5] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Section off the top hair. 3 Section off the top hair. You can use a hair tie or hair clips to secure all the hair above the part line. Just make sure it's completely secured. You do not want any hair falling down and getting in the way while you're securing your extensions.
  4. Step 4 Remove a thin portion of your hair from the non-clipped part. 4 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 you're 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. Grab a very thin strand of hair from the hair below your part line about the length of one extension. Make sure the hair is thin enough your fingers can feel one another through the hair.
  5. Step 5 Measure the section. 5 Measure the section. Before attaching the extension, use a cloth tape measurer to measure the section of hair that you parted. This way, you can determine how many pieces of the extension you'll need to add along that section of hair. Do this for every section.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Applying Your Extensions

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  1. Step 1 Attach the bottom extension under the thin portion of hair. 1 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.
  2. Step 2 Secure the top extension. 2 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 pliers for a few seconds to secure them.
    • If the extensions are not sticking, you used too much hair in your strand. Gently brush some hair off the bottom extension.
  3. Step 3 Repeat the process. 3 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.
    • If you plan to add extensions on the sides of your head, leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) of hair out horizontally, closest to the ear, and then continue applying the extensions.
    • If you have a thin hairline, leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of hair out across your entire hairline before adding extensions, just to make sure that your hair has enough density to cover the tape-ins without making them noticeable.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Hair Afterwards

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  1. Step 1 Take extra time for hair care. 1 Take extra time for hair care. Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson explains, "I always advise my clients to put their hair into braids so the hair doesn't get tangled. [...] And definitely brush it daily." She goes on to say that extensions "create a lot of weight on your scalp and the hair [can get] tangled [more easily than your natural hair]."[6] Make sure to account for having more hair in the morning. Give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes to get ready every day.[7]
  2. Step 2 Wash your extensions thoroughly and carefully. 2 Wash your extensions thoroughly and carefully. Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson shares, "I put some shampoo on my fingertips and then I go through the [extension] rows with the shampoo. That way, I make sure I get the debris in between the rows too. I always use a conditioner after, mid-shaft to ends, and definitely don't [apply conditioner to the roots]."[8]
    • If you plan to spend time in the pool or in the ocean, Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson notes, "I advise my clients to take a shower first so that the hair gets absorbed with clean water, and use a conditioner on your hair to protect it from the chemicals in the water or the salt so the hair doesn't dry out fast or [get] discolored from the chlorine."[9]
  3. Step 3 Brush your hair regularly. 3 Brush your hair regularly. Extensions are prone to tangling. To keep your hair looking fresh and natural, brush your hair at least twice a day while your extensions are in place.[10] Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson advises, "Take care of [the extensions] like it's your own hair."[11]
    • Remember, hair care may take extra time when you're wearing extensions.
    • Synthetic extensions are more prone to tangling than human hair extensions.
  4. Step 4 Secure your hair overnight. 4 Secure your hair overnight. As hair tangles easier, Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson recommends that you "put your hair into a ponytail or into braids."[12] It can also help to sleep on silk pillows.[13] As Hair Stylist Madeline Johnson explains, "the texture of silk is so soft and slippery that it doesn't grab onto your hair like other products can do. [...] It causes less breakage."[14]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How long will tape-in hair extensions last? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Tape-in extensions can last for up to two months. They may come out sooner if you wash your hair frequently. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 15
  • Question Are tape extensions bad for your hair? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer They can be. All extensions add weight to your hair that can lead to breakage. Tape-ins should be removed by a stylist who can dissolve the adhesive and carefully remove them. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
  • Question Can tape-in hair extensions be reused? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Yes, but only up to three times. After this, the hair will start to look dry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
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Things You'll Need

  • Tape-in hair extensions
  • Comb
  • Hair ties or clips
  • Cloth tape measurer
  • Pliers

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References

  1. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://hairextensionmagazine.com/hair-extension-methods/
  3. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.hair-extensions-hotstyle.com/content/8-how-to-apply-hair-extensions
  5. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/i-tried-it-tape-in-hair-extensions/
  8. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/i-tried-it-tape-in-hair-extensions/
  2. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/i-tried-it-tape-in-hair-extensions/
  5. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Madeleine Johnson Co-authored by: Madeleine Johnson Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist This article was co-authored by Madeleine Johnson. Madeleine Johnson is a Hair Stylist and Hair Extensions Specialist based in Beverly Hills, California. She is affiliated with Hair by Violet Salon in Beverly Hills. Madeleine has over six years of hairstyling experience as a licensed cosmetologist. She specializes in microbead extensions and tape-in extensions. She trained under celebrity extension artist Violet Teriti (Chaviv Hair) and earned her cosmetology license from Santa Monica College. This article has been viewed 235,484 times. 13 votes - 92% Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 20, 2024 Views: 235,484 Categories: Hair Extensions Article SummaryX

Tape-in hair extensions are a good solution if you want to temporarily lengthen your hair without doing a ton of work. They can last up to 2 months. To start, wash and dry your hair since the extensions will last longer on clean hair. When your hair is ready, make a horizontal part across your scalp about an inch from the nape of your neck. Put the top of your hair into a clip to secure it. Then pick up a small section of your hair and lift it up a little. Remove the strip covering the adhesive on the bottom of the extension and press it underneath the strand of hair. Then, remove the tape covering on the top extension and press it to the top of the strand of hair. If the extensions aren’t sticking together, simply use smaller strands of hair. Repeat this process until you’ve added all of the extensions. You’ll likely need at least 5 extensions to create the look of a full head of hair. To learn how to care for your new extensions, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Feb 7, 2025

    "In the past few years, my health has been going downhill, so of course my hair is the first to start thinning. I..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Madeleine Johnson Co-authored by: Madeleine Johnson Hair Stylist & Hair Extensions Specialist Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 20, 2024 Views: 235,484 92% of readers found this article helpful. 13 votes - 92% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 7, 2025

"In the past few years, my health has been going downhill, so of course my hair is the first to start thinning. I..." more G. Jones

G. Jones

Jul 6, 2017

"I've lost a large amount of my own hair due to illness. I'm trying to find the easiest way to fill in the..." more Yolanda Ngesi

Yolanda Ngesi

Mar 29, 2020

"I used this exact method and now my extensions look natural and stunning." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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