Weekly Hair Extension Tip for May 16, 2012

FAQ About Tape-In Hair Extensions

As Donna Bella gets ready to officially release their latest hair extension—the tape-in—I thought it would be fun to have a quick Q&A about all things Tape. As we’ve worked on getting this product ready to be available for consumers like you, we’ve run into a few questions surrounding tape-in hair extensions. I hope to address a lot of these, but feel free to email us if your question goes unanswered.

1. How often can you shampoo Donna Bella Tape-In Hair Extensions? Is there a specific shampoo or conditioner you should use?

It is recommended that you wash your hair extensions 2-3 times a week. We recommend that you use a sulfate free shampoo for the extensions so you won’t damage the hair or strip the hair extensions of its oils. Any sulfate-free hair conditioner is fine as long as the hair is conditioned from the mid-shaft down. Clients need to be careful of conditioning the hair extensions to high because conditioners could loosen the tape bonds and possibly cause slipping.

2. Is the hair real or synthetic?

Donna Bella’s Tape-In hair extensions are made with 100% Natural Remy Human Hair. The tape-in hair extensions are not synthetic, so the hair is not only healthy and beautiful, it can also be treated like your own normal hair—because it is real!

3. Can the wefts of hair be reused?

Just like Donna Bella’s other Remy hair extensions, the tape-in hair extensions can be reused. For the tape in method, we recommend reusing them one to two times. All that is needed to reuse these extensions is a new piece of tape. This makes for an extremely simple reinstall!

4. How is the tape removed from the client’s own hair?  Is there a special solution used?

The tape is removed from the client’s hair with Donna Bella’s specially formulated Bond Remover. The Bond Remover helps to break down the adhesive that is attached to the client’s hair so it can gently, and quickly, be removed. All that is needed to be reinstalled is another piece of tape.

5. Can these extensions be installed on my own? Or do I need a stylist to do it?

Unlike Donna Bella’s Clip-In hair extensions, the tape-in extensions are meant to be installed, maintained, and removed by a professional. Although installation is quick and seamless, it would be a lot more difficult for an individual to create a sandwich out of the hair extensions on the back of one’s head.

6. Besides the cost of the extensions, approximately how much is being charged for the application of these extensions?

The answer to this question is largely based on where you live, who you go to for an installation, and how good of a job the installer does. At Donna Bella, we have seen installations costing anything from $400 to $2,000. The cost of hair may vary depending on the stylist and how they prefer you receive you hair. The trick is to be informed. Check around. If you’re a stylist, Donna Bella has a great business program that addresses how to price installation of your extensions.

7. Can I swim in my hair extension?

Even without hair extensions, chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure can be damaging to your hair. When clients ask if swimming during the summer is bad for their extensions, the answer seems apparent. Because chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure can damage your natural hair, coming in contact with these elements can me damaging. If you are planning on swimming, be sure to wet and condition your hair with a sulfate free leave in conditioner. Also make sure you do your best to keep the tape bonds dry.

8. How do I protect my hair extensions from the sun?

The best way to protect your hair extensions from the sun is to block the sun completely, whether with a hat or a scarf. However, we know that that is not always practical or possible. We recommend using styling products with an SPF for immediate protection. Also avoid using alcohol, peroxides, or lemon juice to highlight your hair. These damage your own hair as well as the extensions.

9. Can I wear a ponytail with tape-in extensions?

Yes. Although the taped hair wefts are naturally thicker than the beaded or fused hair strands, the wefts, if installed correctly, should be able to be worn both up and down. Those with tape-in extensions just need to be careful when brushing their hair with the hair extensions installed.

10.Can I wear tape-in extensions in the same way I wear clip-in extensions?

Some tape extension websites advertise tape-in extensions as a temporary, “clip-in” type of solution for hair extensions. The tape is just placed onto the hair and because of the sticky tape, the hair will stay for a while. We do not recommend using tape in extensions in this way.  The clip-in hair extensions were designed to last as a temporary hair extension. Because it is a clip in, they can be used over and over again. If tape in is used in this way, the bond can easily lose the adhesive and even slip while the extensions are being worn. While we do offer replacement tape, you can only install replacement tape one to two times before the extensions get too bulky to be reused.

11.What if my tape-in hair extensions slip or fall out?

If your hair extensions slip or fall out, a stylist can reinstall them.  Make sure you save your extensions and contact your stylist as soon as possible. Your stylists should be able to reinstall the hair weft as well as offer you advice on how to avoid losing your extensions. If tape-in hair extensions are installed and maintained correctly, they will not slip.

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Have questions about hair extensions? Send an email to questions@donnabellahairextensions.com and we’ll do our best to answer your question quickly for you.