Tape in hair extensions, also called skin weft or tape weft extensions, are a relatively new method of hair extensions that have only really gained popular knowledge in the last few years. They’ve been a great addition to my hair extension arsenal, allowing me to apply a large amount of hair for a client in very little time.

They’ve gained more popularity as more people heard about them because they are fast, reusable, and nondamaging when done correctly. Hair extensions of this type are essentially stickers of hair. Tape in hair pieces are attached by sandwiching a thin slice of existing hair between two pieces of extension, or in some cases between an extension and a piece of single sided tape to reduce weight.

Occasionally very long tape in extensions are heavy and they can slide off the hair if too much oil is in products or conditioners used. This is less a concern than with some other methods though because they’re so easy to reuse: just slide off the old tape and replace with fresh tape, apply like new.

It’s no secret that individual micro link hair extensions are my least favorite hair extension method. I’ll try to not be too biased but I make no promises.

 

Some benefits companies claim with individual micro link extensions, also called I tip or linked/beaded, make sense and sound comforting to a client. This method is zero heat, zero glue, and no tight braiding.

 

For clients hesitant to try hair extensions they come across as very safe and non-damaging. That’s true, they are safe and damage free when applied and removed properly. They are also one of the most common hair extension types to experience difficulty, by stylists and from client lifestyles.

This method uses prebonded extension hair and attaches it to the existing hair using a small metal bead that is crimped closed. Because no glue is used there’s no need for heat to be applied. Oil, from sweat and hair products, can be an issue however because without adhesive to bond the extension hair to the existing hair the beads can become lubricated and slide down if too much pressure is applied while brushed or if too heavy with water while wet from assisting or the pool.

 

They can be reused with ease if client maintenance is followed. As long as they don’t get tangled they’re pretty easy to put back in.

 

I typically prefer not to do full heads with this method because of the additional maintenance visits often required can become very time consuming. I usually only recommend this method for clients who request it and aren’t comfortable with extensions yet.

 

I do encourage anyone getting this method from another stylist to be very sure they’re comfortable before you leave after your initial visit. They can be heavy and occasionally pinch hairs from nearby the attachment point, it’s important to adjust any issues before leaving the salon.

Lots of information gets thrown around about hair extensions so I’m taking a little time to explain more about some of my favorites.

 

This post is going to highlight some great things about fusion bonded hair extensions but it’s going to go over some of the potential drawbacks as well.

 

Let me start by saying that fusion bonded hair extensions are my absolute favorite for long term hair extension wearers. Unlike many other hair extension types that may restrict styling options, fusions are virtually invisible and are easily hidden in the hair. When wearing hair extensions is  temporary commitment losing the ability to style ones hair in certain ways is less of a concern than when one knows they will be wearing them as a long term commitment.

 

Fusion hair extensions are done by taking small sections
of prebonded extension hair and attaching them to your natural hair. Most companies use a heat tool for this, which requires special training. Some companies use a cold fusion tool which essentially uses ultrasonic vibrations to melt the bond instead without the same feeling of heat. In terms of bond strength and hair health there is no difference in attachment method.

Hair cost is often higher for fusion hair extensions than it is for other methods but the extended wear time typically makes up for it. Fusion extensions can be worn for 4 to 6 months, with especially great care they can last up to 8 months.

 

Because fusions are small pieces, superior blending of colors can be achieved. Matching multiple colors of highlights and their placement make this a great option for dimensional color clients. Typically hair comes in packages of 10 to 25 pieces, with an average head using 150 pieces, this means you can choose several colors and really tweak it to look 100% natural.

 

The biggest downside to fusions is tangling. Because they can be left in for such a long time without requiring maintenance it’s important to invest in good shampoos\conditioners as well as brushes designed for extensions.

Occasionally there are other issues with fusion hair extensions:

~on very fine hair fusions can be too heavy, this results on pulling and sometimes traction alopecia

~on overprocessed or dry brittle hair the bond of a fusion hair extension can be too stiff and cause breakage

 

If your stylist thinks either of these might be an issue, listen to them. They want what’s best for your hair and their reputation.

 

In the end though the only way to know what kind of extension is best for you is to set up an in person hands on consultation so the stylist can really get a feel for what they’re going to be working with. It’s important to go over your hair growth goals, expected time commitment, desired thickness and length, in addition to things like preferred styling options and how much time you have to work on your hair daily.

Arguably one of the best things about using Olapex is the ability to achieve success in dramatic lightening applications without breakage.

I currently have every new client who calls the salon asking for it as though it’s actually a bleach itself. When these clients call in our walk into the salon it is my job as a stylist to inform them of how the product works and that it can be so much more than that also.

It’s originally designed to mix into bleach services to prevent the damage from permanent lightener. It can also be used mixed with any traditional coloring product, though it does tend to make the processing time a bit slower.

The best thing though, is that it can be used as a stand alone service. That’s right, better than a deep conditioner just coating the hair, Olapex can be used as it’s own service to erase some pretty stubborn damage.

The example here is a client of mine. You can see she had naturally dark roots, and a rich golden blonde color previously. Olapex  No1 into the lightener allowed me to use 40 volume developer on her for 2 rounds of bleach back to back. Then I used Olapex No2 on her before toning so I was sure I would have even porosity. Once she was toned I used Olapex  No1 as a treatment. I can’t wait to take her even lighter next time.