For many women with very thin hair, tape-in hair extensions are a game changer, adding much-needed volume while blending seamlessly with your natural strands.
Check out our previous beginner-friendly tape-ins tutorial:Best tutorial for tape in hair extensions—Beginners Friendly
These tiny extensions are also incredibly versatile for styling. But have you ever faced issues like extensions slipping, falling out soon after installation, or experiencing scalp discomfort?
Don’t worry! In this blog, CURLSQUEEN will dive into the common mistakes that lead to hair slippage or scalp pain and provide you with solutions to fix these problems.
Why Do Tape-In Hair Extensions Slip or Fall Out?
Most tape-ins slipping problems occur due to incorrect installation, such as improper sectioning, positioning, or placing the extensions too close to the roots. But there are other common mistakes that can also lead to this issue,have you ever make the same mistake?
Common Tape-In Mistakes Causes Hair Slipping
Oily Hair or Scalp:
Applying extensions to oily, dirty, or damp hair can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly, leading to slippage.
Incorrect Sectioning of Hair:
If the hair sections are too large,too thick, or too thin to sandwich your tape-in hair pieces, so the extensions won’t adhere properly. Too thick or large, and the adhesive won’t bond well; too thin, and the extensions may not hold securely, leading to slippage.
Placing Extensions Too Close to the Scalp:
Extensions that are placed too close to the scalp can cause excessive tension and pulling, leading to discomfort, pain, and even traction alopecia over time.
Insufficient Bonding Time:
Not allowing enough time for the adhesive to bond properly after installation, or before styling and washing, can lead to slippage.
Excessive Washing or Over Conditioning:
Washing frequently exposes the tape tabs to excess water and products, which can weaken the adhesive. Over time, this can cause the extensions to slip and not stay securely in place.
Over Heating the Roots:
Using a flat iron on medium heat to clamp the tape in extensions for 1-2 seconds after installation helps the tape expand and stick more securely and flexibly to your hair. However, using hot tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers too often and too close to the tape tabs can compromise the adhesive. Excessive heat can melt or weaken the adhesive, leading to slippage and causing the extensions to lose their grip on your natural hair.
Poor Quality Adhesive Tapes:
Poor-quality tapes that are outdated or use unqualified adhesive may start to slip or lose their stickiness quickly. You can test a small piece of the tape before full application by applying it to a small section of hair to see how well it holds up over a few days. If the tape shows signs of wear, fraying, or peeling shortly after application, it may be of low quality.
Hair used is CURLSQUEEN Tape-in hair extensions,kinky straight texture ,18 inches,120pcs.
18 inches tape in hair extensions in kinky straight texture from CURLSQUEEN
Why Does Your Scalp Hurt After Tape-In Hair Extensions?
Sometimes, our scalp may hurt or discomfort after a tape-in installation due to a natural adjustment period. However, there are additional factors that can contribute to this problem.
Common Tape-In Mistakes That Make Your Scalp Hurt
Aside from a natural adjustment period or an allergic reaction to the adhesive, scalp discomfort is usually caused by the following reasons:
Place Tape-Ins Too Close to the Scalp:
Extensions that are placed too close to the scalp can cause pulling, restrict natural movement, and lead to scalp irritation or pain.
Tight Application:
If the stylist pulls too tightly when attaching the tape-ins, it creates tension on your natural hair and scalp, leading to discomfort, pain, and even potential damage.
Uneven or Crooked Placement:
If tape tabs are placed unevenly or at an angle, they can pull the hair in different directions, causing scalp discomfort and making the extensions more noticeable.
Tight Hair Styling or Improper Brushing:
Very tight hairstyles can increase tension on the scalp, exacerbating pain.
Improper Brushing:
If you use the wrong brush or brush your hair too often without supporting the extensions by holding the hair near the roots, you put extra strain on your scalp. This can lead to increased tension and a higher chance of experiencing pain.
Solutions to Prevent Hair Slipping and Scalp Discomfort with Tape-Ins
Proper Installation:
Clean, Dry Hair: Ensure your hair and tape-in extensions thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before installation. Any oils or moisture can weaken the adhesive.
Correct Sectioning: Make sure each hair section is evenly sized, matching the width of the tape tab, and about 1/8 inch thick.
Leave a Gap: Place the tape tabs with a small gap from the scalp to allow natural movement and reduce tension, preventing scalp discomfort.
Even Placement: Install the tape tabs evenly and horizontally to avoid pulling or uneven tension.
Allow Adequate Bonding Time:
After installation, give the tape-ins adhesive 48 hours to bond properly before washing or styling your hair. This helps secure the extensions and reduces the chance of slippage.
Proper Washing and Conditioning:
Wash your tape-in hair extensions 2 to 3 times per week with sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to prevent tape weakening.
Use Extension-Friendly Products:
Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners: These prevent the adhesive from breaking down and keep your tape-in extensions secure.
Avoid Oils Near the Roots: Oils can weaken the adhesive, so keep conditioning products away from the tape tabs.
Limit Heat Exposure:
Low Heat Styling: Use low heat settings when blow-drying or styling your hair, and avoid applying heat directly to the tape tabs.
Avoid Frequent Heat: Excessive heat can melt the adhesive of your tape-ins, causing slippage and discomfort.
Proper Brushing:
Support the Roots: Hold the hair near the roots while brushing to reduce tension on the scalp and prevent pulling on the extensions.
Use the Right Brush: Opt for a wide-tooth comb for curly hair to avoid damaging the tape-in hair extensions or your natural hair.
Conclusion：
Tape-in extensions can be a game-changer for adding volume and length to your hair, but when they slip or cause scalp discomfort, it’s often due to a few common mistakes. Whether it’s improper installation, using the wrong products, or excessive heat exposure, understanding the root causes can help you avoid these issues. By following the proper techniques and using the right tools, you can ensure that your tape-ins stay securely in place and remain comfortable to wear. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting tape-in extensions without the worry of slippage or scalp pain.
At CURLSQUEEN, we're dedicated to sharing the best techniques and solutions for hair extensions and offering top-quality products, so you can effortlessly embrace your own hair beauty!
(*Unsure about which texture to choose for blending, feel free to email our CSR ([email protected]) with photos of your natural hair. We will provide you with our recommendations:)