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When it comes to hair extensions, the sole purpose of us wearing them is versatility. Am I right? These days there are alternatives to wearing extensions beyond wigs, quick weaves, and sew-ins. Thankfully there are some alternatives to wearing tension-related extensions. Clip-ins and tape-ins are this alternative!
Here at AZ Hair, we offer both clip-in and tape-in extensions. They allow your hair to breathe in between installs. They will also give you more direct access to your scalp.
I. About Clip-ins and Tape-ins
People all over the world aren’t strangers to clip-ins, but they seem to be coming back in style since this new era of youtube DIYs. Clip-ins are just wefted hair with wig clips attached. You can purchase them already made or make them yourself.
Tape-ins, you may wonder; what are those right? Tape-in extensions are the newest alternative extension technique. They are extensions with tape at the weft. Now, I know you read that and thought, “what in the world?”. Believe it or not, many hairdressers have taken this technique and run with it. Their clients request it and are happily pleased with the results.
The newest craze in versatility is clip-in and tape-in extensions, the two sound similar but they are different, and I will share with you how. Keep in mind that I am not here to advocate for either one, but I do hope to educate you about the differences. Once you read and do your research, you can decide which works best for you!
II. How Are They Made?
Let’s take a closer look at how to make tape-in and clip-in extensions.
1. Tape-Ins Extensions
Tape-in extensions come with strips of tape that are attached to the top of the weft. The strips are panels of clear tape. Which are super grade adhesives. Tape can either be double-sided or single-sided and is melted into the base of the wefts. Usually, these extensions are made of high-quality virgin Remy hair.
2. Clip-Ins Extensions
Clip-in extensions can be made with any hair. Wig clips are attached to the base of the weft allowing you to clip them into your hair.
As you can see, you can make clip-in extensions yourself without spending too much money. On the other hand, tape-in extensions must be done by a hair professional to ensure proper installation and removal.
III. Installation
With getting any technique of hair extensions, the installation can make all the difference in how one’s hair looks. A lousy application means bulky, loose, lumpy, and just outright ugly. For you ladies who are tender-headed or dread the braid-down process, no worries. With both clip-ins and tape-in extensions, there is no need for your hair to be braided. Let’s go into the detailed steps of how clip-in and tape-ins are installed.
1. Tape-in Installation
Tape-ins should be done by a professional which will cost you money and varies amongst stylists. A tape-in installation can take up to 1 to 2 hours. Because there is a powerful adhesive applied. This application should not be rushed; for your sake.
- Separates with a part of your hair horizontally just above your ears.
- Make sure a section has been selected.
- Take one piece of hair extensions under sectioned hair about ¼ inch from the scalp and peek the tape cover off.
- Use comb through the tape area and make sure it is flat.
- Take 2 tape hair piece strips and press them firmly towards the under pieces.
- Apply pressure with a finger for 5-10s to secure two tape wefts hold together.
2. Clip-ins Installation
Clip-ins compared to tape-ins do not take as long to install. They also do not take as much care and steadiness of the hands either. They can be done by yourself or by someone else. Now installing some clip-ins can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. It may take you longer if you aren’t sure what style you want or if you are using a lot of small clip-ins.
- Please Select the corresponding clips and lower the opening direction of the clips.
- Make a U part on your back head that spans from ear to ear. Snap open each clip on of your wefts.
- Place the clips along the line and snap them shut. Make sure it’s secure.
- Add another weft following step 3. Continue to add wefts until the desired style is achieved.
- Or You can add in wefts from the top (around the top of the ear) and work your way down.
- Once the back is finished, you may use the single clip pieces to fill the sides.
IV. Maintenance
Maintenance, I know you guys see this word so much while reading about hair extensions. Hair maintenance is the core of great hair, I promise! Hair extension maintenance like natural hair maintenance is trial and error. So don’t feel bad.
With these two alternative extension techniques, you do not need to do anything differently than you would with your sew-ins, wigs, or quick weaves. Always use a great shampoo and conditioner combo that is of course sulfate free! Never use a rat tail comb to detangle extensions, ever. That is asking for shedding galore which eventually can turn into tangles that grow into a matted mess.
Using any silicone or oil-based products at the root while wearing tape-ins will cause issues. Those products will break down the adhesive. Which wastes the money you spent and will have you dishing out more to get your hair done again.
V. Which One Is Easier On Your Pocket?
Clip-ins are the cheaper route because you can install them all by yourself. The only additional money you will spend with them is the hair, the $5 wig clips, and the $1 needle and thread.
With tape-in extensions, you have to purchase the hair extensions, find a hair stylist, potentially pay a deposit for your appointment, and pay for the service. So while you will pay more to get tape-in extensions you are also exerting more energy going through the entire process.
While both of these super convenient techniques’ prices mainly depend on the hair brand you choose; tape-ins will for sure run your pockets dry faster than clip-ins will.
VI. Conclusion
There is a lot of talk in the hair world about other ways to wear hair extensions, and you’ve just learned about two new ones. Now whether you choose clip-ins or tape-ins, always do your research and your Googles to make sure you make the right decision for you and your lifestyle. Youtube is also a great platform to check reviews on these hair extension types and so forth.
What are your thoughts on clip-in versus tape-in extensions? Which do you prefer or would like to try? Let us know by leaving a comment.
