To make tape-in extensions stick better and ensure their longevity, the most critical step is meticulous preparation of your natural hair by ensuring it is 100% dry and smooth before application.
The Cornerstone of Strong Tape-In Adhesion: Proper Hair Preparation
The effectiveness and durability of tape-in extensions fundamentally depend on how well the adhesive can bond with your natural hair. This bond is significantly compromised if your hair is not in the optimal state during application.
Ensure Hair is 100% Dry
It is absolutely crucial that your hair is completely dry before you attach the tape-in extensions.
- Why it matters: If your hair is even slightly damp or wet, the sticky tabs of the tape-ins will not be able to fully attach and create a secure bond with your hair strands.
- The consequence: This lack of full attachment will inevitably lead to slippage of the extensions later on, causing them to loosen or fall out prematurely.
Achieve Smooth Roots
Beyond dryness, the texture of your hair at the roots where the tape-ins will be applied also plays a vital role in their adhesion and overall health.
- Why it matters: Applying tape-ins to hair that is frizzy or curly at the roots can create an uneven surface. This unevenness prevents the tape from lying perfectly flat and bonding securely.
- The consequence: Such application can lead to severe matting around the tape area. Matting not only makes the extensions uncomfortable and difficult to manage but, more importantly, it directly contributes to the tapes losing their grip and falling out.
Maximizing Durability Through Meticulous Application
For optimal adhesion and to prevent common issues like slippage and matting, integrate these practices based on the foundational principles of dry and smooth hair:
- Thorough Drying: Before application, ensure every strand of your hair, especially at the roots where the tapes will be placed, is bone dry. Use a blow dryer and ensure no hidden damp spots remain.
- Root Smoothing: If you have naturally frizzy or curly hair, gently straighten the specific sections where the tape-ins will be applied. This creates a smooth, flat surface that allows the adhesive to bond perfectly, minimizing the risk of matting and ensuring a secure hold.
By strictly adhering to the principle of applying tape-ins only to hair that is 100% dry and smooth, you significantly enhance their ability to stick, ensuring a longer-lasting and more comfortable extension experience.
