Choosing between clip-in and tape-in hair extensions can be kind of confusing, right? It's not always easy to figure out which one is the right choice for you.
Clip-in extensions are super popular because you can just pop them in and out whenever you want. They're really versatile and easy to do yourself. But tape in extensions actually blend in with your real hair way better and can last for weeks if you take good care of them.
So which type of extensions are actually better - clip-ins or tape-ins? And how do you even decide which one fits your hair type, lifestyle, and what you're going for?
Don't worry, Roxy Hair got you covered.
Key Takeaways
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Clip-in extensions are temporary, versatile, and easy to put in and take out yourself. Tape in extensions look more seamless but require professional installation.
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Clip-ins are great for changing up your look without commitment. Tape ins are semi-permanent and last 4-8 weeks.
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Consider your hair type, lifestyle, desired look, budget, and commitment level when choosing extensions.
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Clip-ins are lower maintenance and cheaper upfront. Tape ins need special care and products.
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Proper installation and care is crucial to prevent damage with either type of extensions.
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Both options allow you to easily add length, volume, or highlights to your hair.
What are Clip In Hair Extensions?
Clip-in hair extensions are a temporary way to get longer, thicker, or highlighted hair without damaging your natural hair. They are made of real human hair or fake hair attached to small metal clips.
Using them is simple - you just clip the hair strips into your own hair wherever you want more volume or length. That's it!
Clip-ins are a great choice if you want to try a new hairstyle without committing to permanent extensions or spending lots of time styling your hair. They are also quite affordable compared to other extensions, and you can easily clip them in at home by yourself.
What are Tape In Hair Extensions?
Tape-in hair extensions are a cool way to get longer hair temporarily without anything permanent. They use real human hair or synthetic hair stuck onto special tape strips. Let me explain how they work in a natural way.
You take a small section of your own hair, and place two of the taped extension strips on either side, so your hair is like the filling in a sandwich. Then you press the two sticky strips together, trapping your hair section in the middle. This sticks the extensions firmly onto your hair. The sticky stuff on the tapes is gentle and usually hypoallergenic, so it's safe for most people's hair and scalps.
When you're ready to remove them, you just carefully peel off the tape strips, and your regular hair is back.
Pros and Cons of Clip In Extensions
Pros:
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Clip-in extensions are super useful. You can easily put them in when you want longer or thicker hair, like for a party or just for fun. And when you're finished, you simply take them out again.
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Comes in two types- synthetic and human hair extensions.
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They're damage-free, mostly. Unlike permanent extensions, clip-ins won't wreck your natural hair if you use them properly. Just remove them before sleeping or washing your hair.
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Clip-in extensions are really easy to use, even for beginners. Clipping them in and out is super simple, and they need way less maintenance than other types of extensions.
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Cost-effective option compared to permanent extensions. Clip-ins are generally easier on the wallet.
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You can experiment with colors! Want to try highlights or a new shade without dyeing your whole head? Clip-in some colored pieces.
Cons:
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They're not a permanent solution for thin or short hair since you have to keep putting them in.
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Depending on how thick they are, they can feel heavy or bulky after wearing them for a long time.
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The clips might show, especially with short hair or high ponytails.
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Your styling options are a bit limited compared to permanent extensions. Curls might not hold as well, and sleeping in them can mean crazy tangles in the morning.
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If you have super fine hair, the clips might not grip properly and could cause some breakage.
Pros and Cons of Tape In Extensions
Pros:
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Tape hair extensions last way longer than clip-ins - anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks if you take proper care of them. No daily re-applying needed!
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They're super comfortable to wear all day. No annoying clips digging into your head. The thin wefts and medical-grade adhesive just lays flat.
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They look more natural than clip-ins since they're semi-permanent and attached closer to your roots. With proper application, they blend right in with your real hair for a seamless look. You can style them however you want too!
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Just like clip-ins, you can use them to add length, volume, or highlights. Lots of versatility.
Cons:
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They're not 100% invisible. You might be able to see the adhesive tape depending on your hairstyle, especially if you have very thin hair or put it up in a high pony.
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They need some extra TLC. You'll have to use special shampoo, brushing techniques, etc. to keep your extensions and natural hair from getting matted or tangled.
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It's best to have them applied and removed by a pro stylist. Doing it yourself could lead to damage if you don't place them just right. And you'll need a special solvent remover that salons have access to.
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If not applied, removed or cared for properly, you could end up with some hair breakage or loss in those areas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
There are factors to think about when wearing extensions:
Hair Type/Texture: Clip-in hair extensions work well with most hair types, but they might not stay put if you have really fine, slippery hair. Tape-in extensions are generally okay for most hair textures, but if your hair is super thin, you'll want to check with a stylist first so you don't damage it.
Lifestyle/Activities: Clip-ins are perfect for occasional use or special events. You can easily take them out before activities like swimming, working out or sleeping that could mess up the extensions. Tape-ins are better for everyday wear. But you'll want to avoid super sweaty workouts or anything too rough without protecting them, or they could get ruined.
Desired Look: Clip-ins let you change your style temporarily. Wear them for a night out to add volume or highlights, then take them out the next day. Tape-ins blend more seamlessly with your natural hair for a long-term boost in volume or length.
Budget: Clip-ins are usually the cheaper option upfront since you just buy them once. Tape-ins tend to cost more initially because of the materials and potential salon fees for installation and maintenance.
Commitment Level: Clip-ins are totally versatile - wear them when you want, ditch them when you don't. Tape-ins require more commitment since they're semi-permanent and will need professional hair stylist removal/reinstallation every 4-8 weeks.
Installation and Removal Process
Clip ins
Clip-in hair extensions are super easy to use. Here's how to put them in and take them out:
Putting Them In:
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First, brush your hair really well so there are no tangles. You can style it however you want, but making some parts or sections might help with placing the extensions.
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The extensions come in different weft sizes. Make some sections in your hair where you want more volume or length.
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Gently pry open the clips on the weft piece.
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Lift up a section of your hair and place the open clips underneath, close to your scalp but not too tight.
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Snap the clips closed to secure them, but don't pull your hair.
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Keep adding more weft pieces throughout your head wherever you want more volume or length.
Taking Them Out:
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Find the weft piece you want to remove, starting from the bottom if you have multiple rows.
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Gently push open the clips on that weft.
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Slowly slide the weft piece down and out of your hair, holding it close to the clips so you don't pull your hair.
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Do the same to remove the rest of the wefts.
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Give your natural hair a gentle brush to get rid of any tangles or loose strands.
Some Tips:
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Use a mirror to make sure you clip in the hair pieces correctly, especially the ones in the back.
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Start with just a few hair pieces until you get used to them before adding more
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You can use a little hairspray (not on the clips) to help keep them secure, especially if you have thick hair.
Tape ins
Putting in tape-in hair extensions is a bit tricky and requires using a special remover to get them out again. While some people try to do it themselves at home, it's usually better to have a professional hairstylist put them in and take them out. This helps avoid damaging your real hair.
Here's generally how it works:
Getting Them Put In (Best to Go to a Salon):
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You'll talk to the stylist about what look you want and the condition of your hair. They'll suggest the right extensions and where to put them.
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The stylist will wash and dry your hair so the tape can stick properly.
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They'll separate your hair into sections to lay the extension wefts.
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The wefts have tape that the stylist will sandwich between sections of your hair.
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They might use a hot tool to activate the tape's stickiness for a firm hold.
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Once all the wefts are secured, the stylist can style your hair however you'd like.
Getting Them Taken Out (Best to Go to a Salon):
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Like when putting them in, your hair gets separated into sections.
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The stylist uses a special remover solution to dissolve the sticky tape.
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They gently slide the weft extensions out, being careful not to pull too hard.
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Any tape residue left behind gets removed from your hair.
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The stylist may wash your hair to get all the remover solution out.
Aftercare and Maintenance Tips
Taking good care of your hair extensions is super important to keep them looking fabulous and your natural hair healthy. Here are some handy tips for both clip-in and tape-in extensions:
For Clip-In Extensions:
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Store them properly when not in use. Get a special box or hanging organizer to prevent tangling.
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Gently brush and detangle before and after wearing them. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling.
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Wash them every 1-2 weeks with shampoo and conditioner made for extensions. Let them air dry completely before storing.
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Avoid using too much heat when styling. If you do, spritz on a heat protectant and use low heat settings.
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Keep them away from harsh chemicals like chlorine and saltwater. Rinse with clean water after swimming.
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Before bed, braid or loosely tie your hair to stop tangles. You can also wrap it in a silk or satin scarf.
For Tape-In Extensions:
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Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for extensions. Focus on your scalp and avoid getting conditioner near the tape attachments. Rinse thoroughly.
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Use a soft brush and gently work from ends to roots. Hold the weft close to your scalp to avoid pulling on the tapes.
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Minimize heat styling as much as possible. Use a heat protectant if you must.
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Braid or use a silk pillowcase when sleeping to prevent tangling and matting.
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Visit your stylist every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and to check that the extensions are properly attached.
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Avoid using oily products near your roots as this can loosen the adhesive tape.
Summary
When it comes to hair extensions, you basically have two main choices; clip-ins or tape-ins. Clip-in extensions from Roxy Hair are awesome if you just want luxury Remy hair that's easy, temporary and quick to install. They're super easy to pop in for a night out or special event, and you can just take them out when you're done. They're also pretty low maintenance and won't cost you an arm and a leg.
On the flip side, tape-in extensions give you a more natural, long-lasting look. But they do require more of a commitment from you. You'll have to keep going back to the salon to get them redone and take special care of them.
So it really comes down to whether you want that temporary fix or if you're ready to put in the effort for longer extensions. Both have their pros and cons, you know?
Think about your hair type, lifestyle, budget, and desired look when deciding which extensions are right for you. With proper application and maintenance, either choice can give you gorgeous, confidence-boosting volume and length!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How long do clip in extensions last?
With proper care, clip ins can last 6-12 months before needing replacement.
Do tape in extensions ruin your natural hair?
If not applied/removed correctly, tape ins can potentially cause some hair breakage over time.
Are clip ins high maintenance?
No, clip ins are one of the lowest maintenance options. Just clip in/out as needed.
How much do tape in extensions typically cost?
Tape ins done professionally range from $200-$800+ depending on length, amount of hair, quality.
Can I wear clip ins to work out or swim?
Yes, but it's best to remove any extensions before intense athletic activities or swimming to avoid damage.
