How to apply tape-in extensions yourself – step by step
Tape-in extensions are the easiest hair extensions to apply yourself. The wefts come with tape already on them, so you don't need glue, heat or special tools. It takes about one to two hours the first time, and it gets quicker with a little practice. Here we show you step by step how to do it, how much hair you need and which mistakes to avoid so your extensions look great for 6–8 weeks.
Can you apply tape-in extensions yourself?
Yes. Tape is the method best suited to doing at home, because the tabs are pre-taped and just need pressing together around a thin section of your own hair. Most people can manage the sides and the crown on their own. Ask a friend to help with the nape and the back of your head, where it's hard to see what you're doing.
Your own hair should be at least around 10–15 cm long, so that it covers the tabs when your hair is down.
How many packs do you need?
One pack of Tangled Tape Extensions contains 20 pre-taped wefts, 50 grams of hair at 50 cm. The number of packs depends on how thick your own hair is and whether you want length or just volume:
| Your goal | Number of packs |
|---|---|
| Just more volume, no extra length | 1 pack |
| Length and volume, thin or fine hair | 2 packs |
| Length and volume, medium-thick hair | 3 packs |
| Length and volume, thick hair | 4 packs |
Not sure? Send a photo of your hair via contact us and our hairdressers will help you work it out.
What you need
- Tape-in extensions in the right shade and amount
- A tail comb for parting straight sections
- A few sectioning clips to hold the rest of your hair out of the way
- A mirror – ideally two, so you can see the back of your head
- Shampoo without conditioner (for washing beforehand)
How to apply tape-in extensions – step by step
- Wash your hair with shampoo, without conditioner. Conditioner, oil and styling products stop the tape from sticking properly. Let your hair dry completely.
- Part off the first section. Start at the nape, about a finger's width above the hairline. Make a straight, horizontal parting with the tail comb and clip up the rest of your hair.
- Take out a thin section. The section should be as wide as the tab (4 cm) and so thin that you can almost see through it. Too much of your own hair stops the tape from sticking properly.
- Place one weft underneath. Peel off the backing paper and place a weft under your own hair, tape side up, a few millimetres from the scalp. Don't place it right against the scalp – there should be a little movement.
- Place one weft on top. Place the next weft on top, tape side down, exactly in line with the one underneath. Your own hair now sits like a sandwich between the two tabs.
- Press together. Press firmly with your fingers for a few seconds along the whole tab. Check that no hairs stick out at the sides.
- Work your way up row by row. Leave about 1 cm between tabs side by side and 2–3 cm between rows. Stop a little below the crown and stay at least 2 cm away from your hairline and your parting, so the tabs don't show.
- Wait before washing. The tape needs 24–48 hours to bond fully. Don't wash your hair, and avoid steam and workouts during that time.
Common mistakes
- Too thick a section of your own hair. The tape can't grip and slides. Better to take too little hair than too much.
- The tab too close to the scalp. It pulls and can feel uncomfortable. Leave a few millimetres.
- The tabs show. They've been placed too close to the parting or hairline. Keep your distance, and test how you usually wear your hair up before you place the top rows.
- Conditioner on the tape. Conditioner and oil dissolve the tape. Only apply them to the lengths.
Aftercare
- Wash 2–3 times a week with a shampoo without harsh sulfates.
- Conditioner and oil on the lengths only, never on the tabs.
- Brush from the ends upwards, holding the hair at the tabs.
- Blow-dry the tabs and use heat protection when styling (max 210 °C).
- Braid your hair loosely when you sleep.
Read more in our guide how to wash hair extensions. Our Strengthening Hair Bars are gentle enough for tape tabs.
Move up and reuse the hair
As your own hair grows, the tabs move further down. After 6–8 weeks it's time to move them up. Release the tabs with a remover made for tape-in extensions, clean the tape residue off the extensions, apply new tape and put the wefts back in following the steps above. With the right care, the hair can be reused and last up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to apply tape-in extensions yourself?
Allow one to two hours the first time for 2–3 packs. Once you've done it a few times, it's much quicker.
Do tape-in extensions damage my hair?
No, not when they're applied and cared for correctly. Take the right amount of your own hair in each tab, move the tabs up every 6–8 weeks and always remove the tape with remover – never pull it off.
Does the tape show?
No, not when your hair is down and the tabs are placed correctly. The tape is thin, transparent and lies flat against your head. If you often wear your hair in a high updo, the tabs may show at the nape.
Should I choose tape or keratin?
Tape is quicker, can be applied at home and the hair can be reused. Keratin lasts longer between appointments but has to be applied and removed by a hairdresser. Compare all methods in the guide hair extensions – prices and methods.
Which shade should I choose?
Match the shade to the lengths of your hair in daylight. Torn between two shades? Choose the lighter one for a beautiful ombre effect.
Ready to start? See Tangled Tape Extensions – 100% Double Drawn Remy human hair, 50 cm, developed by hairdressers.