Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

I'm getting tape in extensions at the end of the month

36 replies

mateow · 01/10/2024 16:25

And I cannot wait I'm so excited to have lovely long hair. My own hair is fine medium, there is enough of it but I just can't get it to grow past my shoulder blades! It just breaks off and stays the same length, the only time it grew quite long was in pregnancy! It also is so flat as when I wash it it is so soft, I have to use texturising powder and dry shampoo to give it some grit.

I'm having 20 inches. I am a little worried about washing it though...
Has anyone else got tape ins or had them before and could offer any care advice/tips?
Thanks ☺️

OP posts:
Original poster
mateow · 01/10/2024 20:05

Bumping for the night crowd

OP posts:
torwen · 01/10/2024 20:37

I have had them and have trained to fit them, never wash with head over the bath, don't get conditioner on the tapes, dry the tape area after washing but not too hot setting.
Hold the tape area when brushing and use an extension brush, braid loosely at night and avoid hair rubbing on hoods/collars as it tangles, I would protect it from windy weather also as extension hair tangles very easily.
It is ok to wash after 48hrs, gently wash making sure to get under the tapes, do not pile hair on top of head and do not scrub, keep all hair flowing downwards, condition mid lengths and ends, squeeze excess water out with a micro fibre towel.
Hope this helps

Original poster
mateow · 01/10/2024 20:48

torwen · 01/10/2024 20:37

I have had them and have trained to fit them, never wash with head over the bath, don't get conditioner on the tapes, dry the tape area after washing but not too hot setting.
Hold the tape area when brushing and use an extension brush, braid loosely at night and avoid hair rubbing on hoods/collars as it tangles, I would protect it from windy weather also as extension hair tangles very easily.
It is ok to wash after 48hrs, gently wash making sure to get under the tapes, do not pile hair on top of head and do not scrub, keep all hair flowing downwards, condition mid lengths and ends, squeeze excess water out with a micro fibre towel.
Hope this helps

Oh thank you this is great ! When I shampoo does it matter if shampoo gets on the tapes?? This is what I'm confused about as I saw somewhere it said don't get shampoo on the tapes but I thought how the hell can I wash my hair properly if that's the case ? 🧐 also what about things like dry shampoo and hairspray etc ?

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Beauty
Original poster
mateow · 01/10/2024 20:50

And also when I brush my roots, does it not make the hair mat then if I'm brushing down towards the tapes? It's all such a faff but I need long hair 😆

OP posts:
Original poster
mateow · 02/10/2024 08:45

Anyone else?

OP posts:
Doggymummar · 02/10/2024 08:48

Sounds like a faff to be honest! I have a weave and you just treat it like normal hair. Why have you gone for tapes ( never heard of this method so scuse my ignorance)

Original poster
mateow · 02/10/2024 10:15

Doggymummar · 02/10/2024 08:48

Sounds like a faff to be honest! I have a weave and you just treat it like normal hair. Why have you gone for tapes ( never heard of this method so scuse my ignorance)

Edited

Because I've got fine hair so it's more gentle apparently. I did want micro rings but was told these can damage hair if it's fine like mine

OP posts:
torwen · 02/10/2024 13:17

Shampoo will not hurt the tapes sulphate free is best, it's important to brush gently from the root to ensure your natural shed hairs don't mat

Doggymummar · 02/10/2024 13:22

Fair enough, I'm no expert, just a user, I have a weave which was to cover balding caused by menopause and weight loss so the epitome of thinning hair. I'm sure your installer will give you all the info you need to take good care of your fab new hair. Enjoy 😍

Original poster
mateow · 02/10/2024 15:12

torwen · 02/10/2024 13:17

Shampoo will not hurt the tapes sulphate free is best, it's important to brush gently from the root to ensure your natural shed hairs don't mat

This is what's getting me though, how do I brush the roots down without it bunching up into the tapes? lol

OP posts:
Original poster
mateow · 02/10/2024 15:13

Doggymummar · 02/10/2024 13:22

Fair enough, I'm no expert, just a user, I have a weave which was to cover balding caused by menopause and weight loss so the epitome of thinning hair. I'm sure your installer will give you all the info you need to take good care of your fab new hair. Enjoy 😍

How do you find it ?
Yeah I'm sure she will, she did give me an information leaflet aswell but all I've done the last few days is read on forums and getting myself all confused with the different advice !

OP posts:
Doggymummar · 02/10/2024 18:52

I've had mine since February started off at 15 inched and went to 20 in August. I love it

Justleaveitblankthen · 02/10/2024 18:56

Oh, please post a pic when you have them OP, plus all info.
Your hair sound exactly the same as mine and I would love long hair 💇

Rattai · 02/10/2024 19:03

I had tapes... i hated them. I couldn't run my fingers through my hair.
In the end i removed them myself

cheeseandbiscuitsplease · 02/10/2024 19:04

I have nano bead extensions in my sides as my own hair is long and thick at the back but the sides thinned (menopause). I had them done in march and I love them, never regretted them. Have regular maintenance every 6 weeks which keeps them looking good and in good condition.
I find them easy to maintain and regularly wear my hair up, beads are hidden by my own hair and look great.
My friend had tape extensions and whilst they look great, she struggled to put her hair up as she felt the tapes only moved up and down - not sideways(when wearing ponytail etc). Just something to consider but I hope you are thrilled and they work out for you. X

Alicana · 02/10/2024 19:05

I have fine hair. I had them for a while, but I found the upkeep too much. It was ok for the first couple of weeks, but my hair grows quite quickly and I felt I always had to wear it up as the tapes show. My hair is blonde so maybe it’s more noticeable. Unless the tapes are very low down, then they can show if you have fine hair (especially in the wind!). I think they are better suited for medium thickness hair if you want length. They are good for fine hair to add a bit of thickness, but I wouldn’t go any longer than 5cms than your natural length, especially if it’s prone to breaking as that generally means it’s very fine at the ends.

Also upkeep is very expensive, they just un tape and move, but I found I was paying so much and didn’t have many. I also lost a bit of hair when they removed due to weight and the glue (although a lot of that could be due to lack of brushing for the last 5 wks!).

Now I have found some great clip ins that I wear for more volume for an updo or extra volume for a ponytail.

Maverick66 · 02/10/2024 19:12

Have you heard of hair enhancers?
My hairdresser has recently started doing these for clients with fine hair.
They really are amazing ...you just clip them in .
My friend has had one made for her short hair . It cost £250 and looks amazing .

dairyfairy21 · 02/10/2024 19:26

Just curious to how else you feel apart from the hair breakage and struggling to grow?

My hair has been like this my whole adult life, I was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos - an autoimmune disorder that slowly progresses.

I have always had weaves, whenever I've seen tape ins - well that's just it, I can always spot them!!! I use a weave plus some nano beads xx

I've had the hair breakage / slow growth and dry skin for years but only knew I was poorly when it started attacking my thyroid!

Original poster
mateow · 03/10/2024 06:26

Maverick66 · 02/10/2024 19:12

Have you heard of hair enhancers?
My hairdresser has recently started doing these for clients with fine hair.
They really are amazing ...you just clip them in .
My friend has had one made for her short hair . It cost £250 and looks amazing .

No I will have a google!

OP posts:
Original poster
mateow · 03/10/2024 06:29

Alicana · 02/10/2024 19:05

I have fine hair. I had them for a while, but I found the upkeep too much. It was ok for the first couple of weeks, but my hair grows quite quickly and I felt I always had to wear it up as the tapes show. My hair is blonde so maybe it’s more noticeable. Unless the tapes are very low down, then they can show if you have fine hair (especially in the wind!). I think they are better suited for medium thickness hair if you want length. They are good for fine hair to add a bit of thickness, but I wouldn’t go any longer than 5cms than your natural length, especially if it’s prone to breaking as that generally means it’s very fine at the ends.

Also upkeep is very expensive, they just un tape and move, but I found I was paying so much and didn’t have many. I also lost a bit of hair when they removed due to weight and the glue (although a lot of that could be due to lack of brushing for the last 5 wks!).

Now I have found some great clip ins that I wear for more volume for an updo or extra volume for a ponytail.

Ooh I can't do clip ins, tried and used many times and they do my head in, hence going for a more permanent option.
I did ask my hairdresser about them showing and wearing my hair up, she said it's all about the placement. So hopefully she can do something with where she puts them so they're not too visible. I'm blonde too.

I know what you're saying about the maintenance, I air dry my hair now and because it's so fine it's dry really quick! So it'll be a shock having to blow dry them but something I'm prepared to get used to if it means having a glorious mane of hair 😆

OP posts:
Original poster
mateow · 03/10/2024 06:30

I will definitely post and before and after pic on here when I have them, the end of the month can't come quick enough for me 😆

OP posts:
ShouldIJustKeepChangingTables · 03/10/2024 06:40

i got tapes and a weave in August and I love them - our hair sounds really similar @mateow. the tapes are basically put on the roots, so there isn’t hair between the scalp and the tapes to brush. To get to the natural hair between tapes, you have to section your hair (get some cheap clips from Amazon) and brush it through section by section, holding the tapes with your other hand as someone said.

You need sulphate free shampoo and conditioner - I’ve tried a few and like pureology the best - the others made my hair feel too greasy / unclean. Dry shampoo is tricky because you’ll no longer be able to brush the roots because of the tapes - I use it sparingly on my fringe and the natural hair on top of my head, but you’ll find the extensions really come into their own on day 2 or 3 after a wash. Because of the thickness, they don’t look flat with oil as your natural hair would, so I can now get away with fewer washes a week.

Cherryana · 03/10/2024 07:27

I know you are having glue in and hat is what your installer has advised.

But for the future if you do want to try something else I have fine hair and I have flat tip mini bead extensions.

They are very comfortable in comparison to other extensions and also because I find they can sometimes get installed too high up - I can take a few out myself if I think they can be seen.

Alicana · 03/10/2024 13:04

mateow · 03/10/2024 06:29

Ooh I can't do clip ins, tried and used many times and they do my head in, hence going for a more permanent option.
I did ask my hairdresser about them showing and wearing my hair up, she said it's all about the placement. So hopefully she can do something with where she puts them so they're not too visible. I'm blonde too.

I know what you're saying about the maintenance, I air dry my hair now and because it's so fine it's dry really quick! So it'll be a shock having to blow dry them but something I'm prepared to get used to if it means having a glorious mane of hair 😆

Show quote history

Oh they are great at the beginning! I just mean when your hair grows a bit, if your hair is fine the hair at the top will blow in the wind and you’ll see the tapes. This happens wherever you place them unfortunately. I live in London and the tubes are very blustery and you can see the people with fine hair and tapes in the tunnel wind! It doesn’t happen as much with thicker hair as it’s more weighed down.

Original poster
mateow · 26/10/2024 21:01

As promised here is the before and afters...

I'm getting tape in extensions at the end of the month
I'm getting tape in extensions at the end of the month
OP posts: