Tape or keratin? How to choose the right hair extensions

Tape and keratin are the two most common methods of permanent hair extensions. The biggest difference: tape is quick to apply, can be done at home and the hair can be reused. Keratin lasts longer between appointments and shows less in updos, but has to be applied and removed by a hairdresser. Here we compare the methods point by point, so you can choose the one that suits your hair and your everyday life.

Tape and keratin – comparison

	Tape-in extensions	Keratin
How the hair is attached	Pre-taped wefts, 4 cm wide, pressed together around a thin section of your own hair	Small strands with a keratin bond are melted onto your own hair with heat, one at a time
Application time	Approx. 1–2 hours	Usually several hours at a salon
Can be done yourself	Yes	No, needs a hairdresser
Lasts before it needs redoing	6–8 weeks	Usually longer, often a few months
Reuse	Yes, with new tape – the hair lasts up to 6 months	Limited, the bonds have to be redone by a hairdresser
Heat during application	No	Yes
Updos	The tabs may show in high updos	Small bonds, show less in updos
Removal	With remover, can be done at home	By a hairdresser, with a special product

Advantages of tape-in extensions

• Quick and easy. The wefts come pre-taped, so you can apply the hair at home. See the guide how to apply tape-in extensions yourself.
• No heat during application. Gentle on your own hair when done correctly.
• The hair can be reused. You move the same wefts up with new tape, which makes tape good value over time.
• Flat tabs. They lie close to the head and feel light.

Advantages of keratin

• Lasts longer. Fewer treatments per year.
• Small bonds. More freedom to wear your hair up high.
• Good if you want the hairdresser to do everything. You don't need to do anything yourself between appointments.

Which method suits you?

Choose tape if you want to be able to apply and move up the hair yourself, have thin or fine hair and want to avoid heat during application, or want hair extensions that are good value over time.

Choose keratin if you often wear your hair in high updos, want to visit the salon as rarely as possible and are fine with the hairdresser doing both application and removal.

Would you rather skip permanent hair extensions? A ponytail extension or hair extension scrunchie goes on and comes off the same day. They're made from synthetic fibre – read about the difference in our guide synthetic or human hair extensions.

How much do tape and keratin cost?

Keratin usually costs more, because it needs a hairdresser and more working hours. Tape works out cheaper over time, especially if you apply the hair yourself and reuse the wefts. Approximate prices for all methods are in the guide hair extensions – prices and methods.

Do tape or keratin damage your hair?

Neither method damages your hair when it's done and cared for correctly. Damage usually happens when too much of your own hair is placed in each attachment, when the attachments are left too long before being moved up, or when the hair is pulled out instead of removed with the right product. With tape: move up every 6–8 weeks and never put conditioner or oil on the tabs. Read more in the guide how long do tape-in extensions last.

Frequently asked questions

Which is best, tape or keratin?

It depends on you. Tape suits you if you want to do it yourself and reuse the hair. Keratin suits you if you want the hairdresser to take care of everything and often wear your hair up.

Which method shows the least?

When your hair is down, neither shows. In high updos, keratin's small bonds show less than tape's 4 cm wide tabs.

Can I switch from keratin to tape?

Yes. Have the hairdresser remove the keratin bonds, ideally let your hair rest for a few days, and then apply tape.

Is tape suitable for thin hair?

Yes. The tape spreads the weight over a wide tab and needs no heat. 2 packs are usually enough for both length and volume on thin hair.

Ready to try tape? See Tangled Tape Extensions – 100% Double Drawn Remy human hair, 50 cm, developed by hairdressers.