For Long Hair That Lasts Longer Than One Night, Try Tape-In Hair Extensions—We Found the Top Options (2024)

Whether you’re looking to add length, volume, or a little bit of both to your hair, the easiest (and fastest) way to do so is with hair extensions. And while extensions were once a super high-end service reserved solely for celebs on the red carpet, they’re now more accessible than ever with tape-in options you can use at home. As the name suggests, the extensions are attached to a strong adhesive. When applying them, the natural hair is sandwiched between two extensions, and the adhesive is attached to the scalp, explains Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon. Application is fairly quick and easy; it requires no tools or chemicals, and it can take less than an hour to apply a full head’s worth with minimal damage when done correctly, adds stylist Gina Rivera, CEO of Phenix Salon Suites.

We conducted hours of research on the best tape-in extensions, evaluating each model on hair type, shades available, and number of wefts. We also considered how easy they were to apply, and made sure none of these options can cause damage to your hair. After considering dozens of options and consulting three hair stylists, we landed on these recommendations.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Indique Tape Extensions at Amazon

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What We Like

  • Various lengths, colors, textures, and tape wefts

  • Single pieces make for easy DIY application

  • Blend in seamlessly with natural hair

What to Consider

  • Can only be reinstalled up to three times

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 47 | Number of Wefts: 20

Hardges is a fan of these extensions both because of the “great quality” of the hair and the predictable results they deliver. There’s an incredibly wide range of color and length options, as well as wavy varieties for when you want a little texture. You can also pick from different types of tape wefts and visible or non-visible sew lines (the spot where the hair and the tape meet). They even have singular pieces meant for easy DIY application, ideal for anyone who doesn’t have time for a trip to the salon.Although these extensions are fairly expensive, we think the quality of 100% Remy hair and ease of installation justify the spend.

What We Like

  • Can easily be styled

  • Very lightweight

  • Adds volume

What to Consider

  • Only available in one length

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 24 | Number of Wefts: 20

Rivera suggests these for anyone looking for some of the best quality extensions out there. “These Remy virgin hair extensions are a terrific choice because the hair used has cuticle layers facing the same direction from root to end," she says. "This ensures that the extensions behave exactly like your own hair, and can be washed, blow-dried, curled, flat ironed, colored, and even permed." She also points out that they’re incredibly lightweight and soft, making for a full and voluminous effect. While the quality is excellent, it's worth noting that they only come in one length which can be especially challenging if you have super long hair.

What We Like

  • Various lengths

  • More affordable than many

  • Easy to style

What to Consider

  • Fewer shades

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 10 | Number of Wefts: 10

Generally speaking, most extensions come in three or four different lengths. But these come in a whopping seven options, ranging from 12 inches to 24 inches. The various lengths make them fitting for creating a wide range of hair looks, as well as appealing to tons of different people with varying hair lengths. Made of Remy hair, they can also be treated and styled as you would your natural hair.

What We Like

  • Long-lasting

  • Various colors

  • Ideal for fine hair

  • Reusable

What to Consider

  • Could have more variety in texture

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 46 | Number of Wefts: 10

The adhesive on these is a unique polyurethane tape that was developed and tested over three years—meant to deliver both secure applications, easy removal, and comfortable wear the entire time. The result? Six to nine weeks of wear for each application, but up to a year's lifespan for each piece—making them a great options if you want to use hair extensions consistently. Each one also has double-sided tape so that you can sandwich the natural hair in between each weft—there’s also a single-sided tape option for fine hair. Not to mention that there are varying lengths and plenty of colors to choose from, too.

What We Like

  • Various colors

  • Good value

  • More pieces available than other options

What to Consider

  • Not a large variety of textures

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 60 | Number of Wefts: 20

Maybe you’re trying to match your hair color exactly, or maybe you’re looking for extensions in just a slightly different color to create faux highlights. Perhaps you even want try out a bold shade for a one-time event. Either way, you can find the color you need with this brand, a recommendation from Rivera who praises both the selection and quality. There are, wait for it, 60 different shades of tape-in extensions to choose from, ranging from natural blonde and brunette to funky green and purple. Plus, they’re all made of Remy hair and come with more pieces per package than many other brands offer.

What We Like

  • Various lengths and colors

  • Reusable

  • Can be styled up to 375 F

What to Consider

  • Requires applicator tool

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 56 | Number of Wefts: 6

These extensions also come in a litany of different hues, as well as three different lengths. The unique tape-in method used means these can be worn and reused, though, FYI, you do need a special applicator tool to help fully seal them.(If that feels intimidating, celebrity extension specialist, Priscilla Valles is also a fan of the clip-in extensions this brand makes.)

What We Like

  • Various lengths and colors

  • More affordable than many

  • Thick and shiny hair

What to Consider

  • Shades can't be lightened

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 17 | Number of Wefts: 20

Made of 100% human Remy hair, these are an Amazon fan favorite. They consistently pull in positive reviews, with shoppers raving about the quality and affordable price. They come in six lengths ranging from 12 to 22 inches and 17 shades, though if none of those are doing it for you, you can also color them. However, keep in mind that you can’t lift (lighten) the color.

What We Like

  • Uniform density

  • Good value

  • Thicker, more voluminous than other options

What to Consider

  • Only comes in one length

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 7 | Number of Wefts: 20

This option offers plenty of versatility; it can be used with any hair extension application, including tape, weaving, or clip-ins, making it a great pick for anyone who likes to change up how they use their extensions. Available in a few shades, each one is multidimensional to blend well with a variety of natural hair colors. And with a higher percentage of strands than many other 18-inch extension options, you also get uniform thickness and volume from top to bottom.

Byrdie Tip

Hardges notes that in order to keep the look as natural as possible, stick with no more than 12 to 15 extension pieces throughout your hair; using more than that can make them look very obvious.

What We Like

  • Comes in various lengths

  • Adds volume

  • Each set comes with 40 pieces

What to Consider

  • Only comes in one color

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 40

If you have curly hair and you're looking to increase volume, we recommend checking out these extensions from Yummy Extensions. Created to specifically mimic 3C/4A curl patterns, they blend in seamlessly with tight curls. They're made from 100% human hair cut from one single donor, and despite how coarse and voluminous they are, they maintain a lightweight feel that won't put too much stress on your natural hair. We wish they came in more shades to appear to a wider range of consumers, but we do appreciate that they're available in three different lengths.

What to Look for in Tape-In Hair Extensions

  • Hand-tied: According to Valles, hand-tied extensions, which are knotted onto a thin, mono-mesh weft base, will blend seamlessly with your scalp and offer natural-looking movement.
  • Rooted Skin Wefts: This is another feature that Valles says will help ensure the extensions blend in seamlessly with your natural hair.
  • Remy Hair: Consider using tape-ins that are made of 100% Remy hair, meaning human hair that has not been stripped and the cuticle remains intact. This will help ensure your hair extensions stay shiny even after being washed, dried, and styled numerous times.

FAQ

  • How do you apply tape-in hair extensions?

    Ideally, Valles recommends getting them professionally applied since it can be hard to do the back of your head. If you do want to DIY, she recommends starting by sectioning your hair into three big pieces—two on each side and one in the back. Take small pieces within the section and sandwich them in between the two parts of the extension, then flat iron over it for two seconds to get them to stay in place, she says.

  • How long do tape-in hair extensions last?

    Valles says about four to eight weeks, though some can then be reused for up to a year.

  • Are tape-in hair extensions safe for all hair types?

    “For the most part, yes. They are one of the safer types of extensions,” says Valles. If you're unsure if they will work for you or you have a sensitive scalp, it's best to consult with a professional before trying them out.

  • How do you remove tape-in hair extensions?

    To remove tape-in hair extensions at home, first separate your hair into sections. You will need a special tape-in remover to dissolve the glue that holds the tape-in in place. Once you dissolve the glue and remove them, you can wash the hair extensions and reuse them with new tape when you want to reinstall them. Good tape-ins can last up to one year of multiple-wear use.

  • Do tape-in extensions damage your natural hair?

    Tape-ins are less damaging than other forms of extensions because they tend to not tug at the roots of your natural hair like sew in hair extensions do. The lack of tugging helps to prevent hair loss and damage. However, it's important to properly dissolve the glue on tape-ins when removing them in order to prevent pulling and breakage.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Since she doesn’t wear extensions, she relied on expert intel and tons of reviews and consumer input when researching this article. The experts she interviewed for this article include:

  • Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. A self-proclaimed product enthusiast, she has over 15 years of professional experience and has worked with many brands as an educator and stylist. She’s also a Black hair expert.
  • Gina Rivera, a hair artist and the CEO of Phenix Salon Suites, one of the fastest-growing salon companies in the beauty industry. She’s also the creator of her line of styling products and infrared styling tools.
  • Priscilla Valles, a celebrity extension specialist and the creator of Glam Seamless extensions.
For Long Hair That Lasts Longer Than One Night, Try Tape-In Hair Extensions—We Found the Top Options (2024)

FAQs

How long do tape extensions last in your hair? ›

One of the best parts of having tape hair extensions is the fact that if they are cared for correctly, they can last between 6-8 weeks. That's 2 months of fabulous, long, and thick locks. After that time, you can come into the salon for your refit which is charged at a discounted cost.

What are the facts about tape in hair extensions? ›

Tape-in extensions come in wefts, not strands.

Since there is more hair on each weft, each piece covers a wider area of the head. If installed correctly, it has a flat, seamless finish that clips and beads can't always accomplish.

Does hair grow faster with tape extensions? ›

By wearing hair extensions, your hair is actually protected from any harm. It enables your hair to take a break from damage caused by the heat and environmental factors on a daily basis. This speeds up the growth process while allowing time for your hair to grow out nice and healthy.

How long does tape last? ›

While tape shelf life can last up to 5 years, most adhesive tapes last 1-2 years.

What happens if you leave tape in extensions in too long? ›

Leaving your extension in too long, over time, can loosen up your braids. When that happens, the weight of the extensions will then cause tension on your natural hair. All of the product build-up and matted hair hold weight.

How can I make my hair extensions last longer? ›

Dos of Hair Extension Care

Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage while you sleep. Brush often, detangle each morning + before bed at night. Place your hand at the top of your weft/row to avoid extreme pulling or tugging when brushing your hair.

What permanent extensions are best? ›

For thin and fine hair Nano ring hair extensions or Tape in hair extensions are the best option, for medium to thick hair weaves and i-tips are great choices. Once you've chosen the perfect extension type you'll need to consider the length, read our blog “How to choose the perfect length of hair extensions for you”.

What is one disadvantage of tape in hair extensions? ›

Crooked or improperly placed tape ins do not look natural, pull on the roots and can hurt the scalp and even cause hair loss. Removing tape in extensions also requires professional help to minimize damage. Residue from the adhesive can remain on the hair and scalp for several shampoos after removal.

Are tape in extensions worth it? ›

Tape hair extensions have a much more natural appearance, they only take around 30 minutes to apply or remove and they can last up to six weeks if applied professionally and taken care of properly.

How much is a full head of tape extensions? ›

Tape Hair: Volume/Half Head £40. Full Head £60.

How expensive are tape extensions? ›

Tape-ins are a more expensive option, with prices ranging from $500 to $1000. They are applied with a tape adhesive and can be worn for 4-6 weeks until they require a maintenance session to move them up. They are a great option for those who want to add volume and length to their hair.

Why is my hair not growing with extensions? ›

While extensions do not directly affect the speed of hair growth, they can provide a protective layer for your natural hair. Proper nutrition, blood circulation, and personal care are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, whether you have extensions or not.

Do tape extensions damage your hair? ›

The truth is, tape in hair extensions can damage your natural hair. If you have them applied by a specialist, do not wear them frequently, and ensure that you look after them properly, however, there should be no reason to worry about long term damage.

Do tape in hair extensions fall out easily? ›

Tape-In extensions stay in securely as long as they're installed properly. But even with the best installation, the Tape bonds will come loose if they are constantly pulled and yanked violently. Make sure to use the Hair Extension Brush and hold your hair roots with one hand to support the bonds.

What are the drawbacks of tape extensions? ›

Tape in extensions are quick and inexpensive to install, but they only last 4-8 weeks and can damage the natural hair.

Can I wash my hair with tape ins? ›

After your tape in hair extensions are applied, be sure to wait 48 hours before washing your hair. The adhesive will have been given adequate time to adhere to your natural hair, making them last longer and hold tighter. When you need to shower in those first two days, use a shower cap.

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