In the realm of hair transformations, tape hair extensions have emerged as a game-changer, offering a quick and effective way to achieve voluminous locks and luscious length. Once installed, these extensions seamlessly blend with natural hair, creating a stunning and natural look. However, the journey to maintaining a flawless tape-in extension hairstyle comes with its own set of rules, especially regarding washing. So if you’ve just treated yourself to a gorgeous set of tape hair extensions, and your locks are looking more fabulous than ever, mastering the art of washing becomes essential for keeping your tresses healthy and your extensions in top-notch condition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and share invaluable tips on how to wash hair with tape-in extensions.
I. The Importance of Taking Care of Your Tape-In Hair Extensions
The choice of which hair extensions to use is a tough decision alone, but the upkeep and maintenance from home can also be tough if you don’t research how to care for them or listen to professional advice. Check out these quick tips that break down the basic do’s.
1. Never Brush Your Hair When it Wet
You shouldn’t brush your hair when it’s wet because that is the moment when your hair is most fragile. Pat dry your hair and wait for it to air dry before running a brush through your hair. If it’s still wet, use a wide toothcomb. You can find out more about the brushes and combs for detangling to prevent excess damage HERE.
2. Use The Correct Products For Maintenance
If your hairstylist recommends you a product that will assist you in maintaining your tape-in extensions from home, take the recommendation! Be sure to read what ingredients are in your shampoos and conditioners, don’t use products that contain sulfate or alcohol as this will strip your hair of natural oils or dye from color/toner.
3. Sleep With Your Hair In A Loose Braid
You should never go to bed with your hair wet and out for all the knots and tangles to form whilst you sleep. To protect your hair, we recommend loosely tying your hair into a braid so that when you’re sleeping your hair will be free from tangles. You can find out the instructions for how to sleep with hair extensions in HERE!
4. Be Gentle
The last and possibly the most important rule with tape in hair extensions is to be gentle. You don’t want to be rough whenever tending to your hair. Being too rough when brushing your hair can cause the hair to snap which results in split ends and excess hair breakage.
→ Above is just one of some basic things that you should take into your hair care routine to take full advantage of your hair extensions. You can find out more about the things you should do as well as the things that you shouldn’t do with tape-in hair extensions in our dedicated blog: Tape In Hair Extensions: Do’s and Don’ts
II. How To Wash Your Hair With Tape Hair Extensions?
Although extremely easy, knowing how to wash your tape in hair extensions properly will extend the longevity in which they remain in your hair. Tape-in hair extensions are a great option for adding semi-permanent (we say semi-permanent because they can be removed and reapplied) length and added volume to your natural hair. When you get tape in extensions, make sure to avoid washing your hair before 72 hours after they’re applied. If you wash your hair too soon, the adhesive won’t set in time which can result in premature slippage and potential wefts falling out. One of the biggest roles in needing to know how to do correctly is knowing how to wash your tape in extensions. Stress less, because we got you and we made sure to make our guide super easy to use and follow:
How To Wash Your Hair With Tape Hair Extensions #1: Brush Your Hair!
Before you even start, you must deal with all the knots and tangles from the day. Brushing your hair will remove tangles and knots and doing so will eliminate damage to your hair. This is because when you’re getting in deep with shampoo, you aren’t adding knots on top of knots and ending up with a bird nest that’s beyond repair – every girl’s worst nightmare.
Start by using a wide-toothed comb to detangle them gently. You may need to use a paddle brush if you have stubborn tangles. Be careful not to pull or yank on your extensions, as this can cause them to lose. Once your extensions are detangled, you can brush them as you would your hair. Use a soft, bristled brush and start at the bottom, working your way up to the top. Be sure to brush gently, as you don’t want to damage your extensions.
Step #2: Shampoo The Right Way
Shampooing your hair extensions the wrong way can cause them to become dry and frizzy and even lead to them falling out. So, it’s essential to ensure you’re doing it correctly. Remember to only shampoo your hair extensions when they’re dirty. Over-shampooing can strip them of their natural oils, making them dry and brittle. You can find more about hair extensions washing frequency HERE.
When shampooing, focus on the roots and scalp, not the ends of your hair. Rub gently but thoroughly on your scalp and only bring it down the ends if you notice product build-up. When you get tape hair extensions put in, it will be hard to get your fingers/fingernails gently between the tapes so we recommend using the palm of your hands to help rub in the shampoo and distribute it easily. Be sure to rinse your hair extensions thoroughly. Don’t ever be too rough because you will cause premature slippage, knots, or have weft pieces fall out from the product getting into the tape extensions adhesive.
CHECK THIS OUT: The Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Hair Extensions
How To Wash Your Hair With Tape Hair Extensions #3: Remember to Condition
Never put a conditioner on your scalp when you have tape hair extensions. Doing so will cause the tape to slip or be detrimental to the stickiness of the adhesive and cause weft pieces to fall out. When conditioning your hair, only apply to the mid-ends of your hair and allow it to sit on the hair for 5 minutes to give the hair a chance to absorb all the goodness a conditioner provides. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. In between washes, use a leave-in conditioner on the ends only to add shine and moisture back into your hair extensions.
Step #4: Take Your Time Drying the Extensions
Start by blotting the extensions with a towel to remove any excess water. Be sure to use a soft, microfiber towel to avoid damaging the extensions. Don’t be vigorous in your motions – simply towel dab and scrunch. Once the extensions are no longer dripping wet, you can begin to air dry them. Once the extensions are dry, you can style them as usual. Be sure to use gentle, heat-free styling methods to avoid damaging the extensions.
III. Conclusion
In conclusion, caring for your hair with tape hair extensions doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following the right steps and using gentle products, you can maintain the health and longevity of both your natural hair and the extensions. Additionally, investing in high-quality hair care products specifically designed for extensions can make a significant difference in the overall maintenance routine.