How to Wash Tape In Extensions

Co-authored by Nikia Londy

Last Updated: October 8, 2021 References

Getting tape in hair extensions is one of many ways to achieve a nice makeover without pain or fuss. However, knowing how to properly wash them or maintain their quality can be a bit of a challenge especially if it is your first time. Here are a few things that can help you out.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Taking a Shower with Hair Extensions

1
Brush your hair. This will ensure that your natural hair and your extensions do not have any tangles.^{[1]
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Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.} Proper brushing is an important part of caring for your hair extensions. Make sure to always brush your hair before getting in the shower.
- Use a hair brush with specialised bristles that do not tug or pull on your extension bond.^{[3]
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  Research source} This will help to keep them attached to your hair for a longer period of time.
- It is recommended to brush your hair between 2 to 3 times a day when you have hair extensions in order to keep them nice and tangle free.^{[4]
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2
Apply shampoo. Start at the root of your hair extensions and gently work the shampoo down through the rest of the hair. Avoid making circular rubbing motions as this tends to create tangles.^{[5]
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Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.}
- Make sure that you use shampoo that is safe for your hair extensions, or shampoo that has been formulated especially for the type of extensions that you have.^{[7]
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  Nikia Londy
  Hair Augmentation Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.}
- Use organic and sulfate free shampoo as sulfate contains properties that removes natural oils and causes hair to dry out over time.^{[9]
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3
Apply conditioner.^{[10]
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Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.} The conditioner will help keep your natural hair and your extensions looking healthy. However, only apply conditioner on your extensions from the mid-shaft down.^{[11]
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Research source} This is where moisture is needed the most.
- Avoid applying conditioner or any oily hair products to your extension bonds. This will cause them to become loose and eventually slip off.^{[12]
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4
Dry your hair with a towel. After getting out of the shower, use a towel to dry your hair carefully. Start from the top and gently make your way to the bottom. Make sure that there is no excess water left in your hair.
- Remove any tangles that may have been created while towel drying by gently brushing through your hair once again.^{[13]
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5
Use a hair dryer.^{[14]
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Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.} It is important that you do not leave your extension bonds wet under any circumstance. This can eventually cause them to break down and start shedding.^{[15]
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Research source} Using a hair dryer can prevent this from happening.
- Use a heat protectant spray and blow dry the hair in sections to minimise any damage that hair dryer can cause.^{[16]
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  Nikia Londy
  Hair Augmentation Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Washing Your Hair Extensions Separately

1
Remove your extensions with bond remover. Tape in extensions can be easily removed without any harsh chemicals by using an organic bond remover. Always start from the nape of the neck and section out the lowest row of hair extensions.
- After applying bond remover, wait a couple of minutes for it to seep into the extension bond before peeling it off slowly. Be careful that you are not pulling your hair to avoid hair loss. If it gets stuck, simply add more and repeat the process.
- If you are not comfortable removing your own extensions, go to your regular salon and they will be able to remove it for you.
2
Brush through your extensions. As an essential part of the maintenance process for hair extensions, always brush through the hair to remove tangles before washing. This will not only make them easier to wash but also keep them in good condition.
- Hold the extension bond firmly and brush from top to bottom without pulling too hard on the hair. Brush the hair just enough to make sure that there are no tangles and be careful not to apply a heavy hand.
3
Moisten the hair gradually with water. Wetting the hair all at once can create tangles and make it difficult to care for your extensions in the long run. Adding water gradually will therefore ensure that the hair does not get tangled while washing.
- Brushing the hair gently as you add water is also an effective way to prevent tangles from being created.
4
Add shampoo and conditioner to the hair. Use shampoo that is appropriate for your extensions and make sure to wash it off thoroughly before using conditioner, only applying mid-shaft down. Make sure that you are handling your extensions carefully through this process.
- Using leave-in conditioner is also recommended to keep the moisture in hair extensions since they cannot produce natural oils.^{[18]
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5
Use a towel to dry. Wrap the hair in a towel and apply some gentle pressure to absorb the water, once again working from the top to the bottom of the shaft. Avoid rubbing the towel into the hair as this can create tangles and cause damage.^{[19]
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6
Brush the hair. This will allow the hair to dry without any tangles, therefore keeping them healthy and in good condition. Take your newly washed extensions and gently brush through with a specialised hair brush. Make sure that there is no excess water in the hair before brushing and allowing it to air dry.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you shampoo your tape in extensions?

Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.

Nikia Londy

Hair Augmentation Specialist

Expert Answer

Apply the shampoo from the top to the tip of the extension until the hair is fully covered. Try not to rub the hair in circles, as this will cause more tangles.
Question

Can you leave tape extensions to dry naturally?

Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.

Nikia Londy

Hair Augmentation Specialist

Expert Answer

Definitely! Still, if you'd rather blow dry them, be sure to apply a heat protecting spray first.
Question

What kind of conditioner do you use for hair extensions?

Nikia Londy
Hair Augmentation Specialist
Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.

Nikia Londy

Hair Augmentation Specialist

Expert Answer

Try using a special conditioner that's designed specifically for hair extensions.

Warnings

Do not sleep with wet hair extensions. This will only damage them over time. Make sure that your hair is dry and tied up in a ponytail or a braid to keep it from getting tangled overnight.

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Avoid using hair products that contain alcohol. These can dry out your extensions and eventually ruin them.^{[23]
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It is highly recommended that you do not swim with hair extensions. The chlorine from pools, as well as salt water, can cause discolouration and fall out over time.^{[24]
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