Tape extensions are typically applied by sandwiching a thin section of natural hair between two wefts of extension hair that are pre-taped with a medical-grade adhesive.
The Tape Extension Application Method
Applying tape-in hair extensions involves careful sectioning of the hair and precise placement of the extension wefts to ensure a secure and natural look. The core principle is creating a 'sandwich' with your natural hair between two sticky wefts.
Here is a breakdown of the key steps involved in applying tape extensions:
- Hair Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Sectioning the hair horizontally is crucial to isolate thin, precise layers where the extensions will be placed.
- Placing the First Weft: A thin section of natural hair, about the same width as the extension weft, is pulled through a gap in the tape of the first weft (or the first weft is placed underneath the section).
- Adding the Second Weft (The Sandwich): This is where the extension is secured. The second tape weft is placed directly on top of the first, with the section of natural hair in between.
- Ensuring Alignment and Seal: According to the reference, you should lay your hair extension flat, presumably the top piece, and then place the top piece of tape onto the top layer of your section, ensuring it is inline and the majority of each of the sticky surfaces are in line with each other. Proper alignment is critical for the tapes to adhere securely to each other and the hair.
- Applying Pressure for Grip: To enhance the bond, pressure is applied to the taped wefts. The reference specifies: "For extra grip, use a smooth plier to apply pressure to the tapes, squeezing them as firmly together as possible." This step ensures the adhesive creates a strong, lasting bond, securing the natural hair between the two tape strips.
Key Considerations:
- The section of natural hair should be thin enough for the adhesive to bond through it effectively.
- Precise alignment of the two tape wefts prevents slippage and ensures durability.
- Applying firm, even pressure is essential for maximizing the strength of the adhesive bond.
Successfully applying tape extensions requires precision in sectioning and placement, followed by firmly sealing the tapes together around the natural hair, often reinforced by pressure as described in the referenced method.
