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A little care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your tape-in extensions looking and feeling their best. Tape in extensions can usually be worn for around 6 to 8 weeks before they need to be moved up by your stylist. With the right hair extension maintenance, the same hair can be refitted and enjoyed for much longer.
The key is knowing how to look after your tape extensions between appointments. From washing and brushing to styling and sleeping, we’ll take you through the simple habits that help keep your tapes secure, your extensions soft and your natural hair happy.
How long do tape in extensions last?
Tape in extensions typically last around 6 to 8 weeks before they need to be removed and repositioned as your natural hair grows.
That doesn’t mean you need a brand-new set every 6 to 8 weeks. With the right care, your extension hair can be reused and refitted, so looking after it between appointments can make a big difference to how long it lasts.
Your daily routine matters too. Using the right products, keeping oils away from the tapes, brushing gently and keeping up with your maintenance appointments will all help you get the most from your extensions.
How to care for tape in extensions
Looking after tape in hair extensions doesn’t need to be complicated. A few small changes to your usual haircare routine can help keep the bonds secure and your extensions looking their best.
Here are our six tape in care essentials:
- Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours after fitting.
- Wash your tape in extensions gently.
- Choose extension-friendly hair products.
- Keep oils and conditioner away from the tapes.
- Brush gently every day.
- Keep up with your 6 to 8 week maintenance appointments.
1. Give your tapes 48 hours before washing
Your first 48 hours are all about giving your new tapes time to settle.
Avoid washing your hair, swimming or doing anything that leaves your hair soaking wet during this time. It’s also best to keep styling products and excessive heat away from your new tapes.
At night, loosely braid your hair and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to help minimise tangling and friction.
2. Wash your tape in extensions gently
Once those first 48 hours are up, you can wash your hair as normal, with a few small adjustments.
Gently massage shampoo into your scalp rather than scrubbing around the tapes. When rinsing, use lukewarm water and let it flow down the hair rather than rubbing or bunching your extensions together.
Try not to overwash your extensions. Washing two to three times a week is usually enough to keep your hair feeling fresh without putting the tapes through unnecessary washing and styling.
When it’s time to dry your hair, gently squeeze out excess water and avoid rubbing it with a towel. Make sure the tape bonds are properly dried before leaving them damp for long periods.
3. Choose the right products for your extensions
Good tape in extension care starts with the products you use.
Choose gentle, extension-friendly shampoos and conditioners and avoid products that could interfere with your tapes.
When conditioning, concentrate the product through your mid-lengths and ends, where your extensions need the moisture most.
You can explore our hair care products for products designed with extension wearers in mind.
4. Keep oils and conditioner away from your tapes
Love a nourishing hair oil? You don’t have to give it up.
Just keep oils, conditioners and leave-in treatments away from the tape bonds. Applying oily or conditioning products directly around the tapes can affect the adhesive and may cause your extensions to slip sooner than expected.
Instead, apply them from the mid-lengths down, concentrating on your ends.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to how long your tape in extensions last between appointments.
5. Brush your extensions gently every day
Regular brushing helps stop tangles from turning into knots or matting.
Use an extension-friendly brush and start at the ends, gently working your way upwards. When you reach your roots, take a little extra care around the tapes.
Hold your hair above the bonds with one hand while brushing with the other. This helps avoid unnecessary pulling on your extensions and natural hair.
Aim to brush your extensions two to three times a day, particularly before bed.
6. Keep up with your tape in extension maintenance
Hair extension maintenance is just as important as your daily aftercare.
As your natural hair grows, your tapes gradually move further away from the scalp. Most tape in extensions need a move-up appointment every 6 to 8 weeks, although your stylist can recommend the right schedule for your hair.
During your appointment, your extensions can be professionally removed, the tapes replaced and the hair refitted closer to the root.
Don’t be tempted to stretch the time between appointments simply because your extensions still look good. Keeping up with your move-ups helps your tapes sit where they should and keeps your finished look beautifully blended.
Tape in extension care FAQs
How do I know when my tape extensions need moving up?
As your natural hair grows, you may notice your tapes sitting further away from your scalp, becoming more visible or feeling harder to manage. Most tape in extensions need a move-up every 6 to 8 weeks, but if they feel uncomfortable or you notice tangling around the bonds, speak to your stylist sooner.
How should I sleep with tape in extensions?
Gently brush your extensions before bed and secure your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail to help prevent tangling. A silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction. Most importantly, make sure your hair and tapes are completely dry before going to sleep.
Can you use heat on tape in extensions?
Yes. Always use a heat protectant and avoid applying direct heat to the tape bonds. Your extensions are made from human hair, so you can style them just like your own, but regularly using high temperatures can affect their condition over time.
Can you swim with tape in extensions?
Yes, but secure your hair before swimming to help prevent tangling. Afterwards, rinse your extensions thoroughly with fresh water and take a little extra care when brushing.
How often do tape in extensions need maintenance?
Most tape in extensions need professional maintenance every 6 to 8 weeks as your natural hair grows. Your stylist may recommend a slightly different schedule depending on your hair and how quickly it grows.
How often should you wash tape in extensions?
Try to keep washing to around two to three times a week where possible. When you do wash them, be gentle around your tapes and keep conditioner away from the bonds.
Can you wash your hair normally with tape in extensions?
Yes, but you’ll need to make a few small changes. Use an extension-friendly shampoo, be gentle around the tapes and apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to ends rather than at the root.
What should you avoid with tape in extensions?
The big ones are applying oils or conditioner directly to your tapes, pulling at the bonds when brushing, going to bed with wet extensions and missing your maintenance appointments.
Keep your Foxy Locks looking their best
Knowing how to look after your tape in extensions is all about building a few simple habits into your routine. Be gentle when washing and brushing, keep oils away from your tapes and stay on top of your maintenance appointments. With a little love and the right care, your Foxy Locks extensions can last up to a year, so you can enjoy beautiful, fuller-looking hair for longer.