How to Wash Tape In Hair Extensions Without Loosening Them: The Secret to Long Lasting Locks

When it comes to hair extensions, a flawless finish doesn’t end at the salon chair, it’s all in the aftercare. If you’ve invested in tape in hair extensions for that extra swish and volume, knowing how to wash them properly is essential. Otherwise, you risk loosening the adhesive, causing premature slippage, and watching your luxurious locks go down the drain, literally.

Don’t worry, though. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your tape in remy hair extensions sleek, smooth, and secure. Here’s all of the do’s and don’ts of washing tape in extensions without weakening their grip!

1Why Proper Washing Matters: Save Your Strands from Slippage

We get it, you’re tempted to hop in the shower, lather up, and scrub away. But when it comes to tape-in hair extensions, a heavy-handed approach is a no-go. Improper washing techniques can weaken the adhesive, making the tapes slip prematurely. Rough scrubbing, flipping your head over, or applying excessive tension to the bonds can also cause matting and tangles, which lead to painful detangling sessions and compromised extensions. 

Beyond that, permanent extensions need gentle care to maintain their glossy, natural finish. Over washing, using the wrong products, or applying heat incorrectly can damage the cuticle of the remy hair, leaving it dull and dry. To keep your professional hair extensions looking salon-fresh, you need to wash them with precision and care. 

2Pre-Wash Prep: Smooth Sailing with a Detangling Brush

Before you even think about shampooing, reach for our detangling brush. Brushing your hair before washing is a no-brainer, preventing knots and reducing the risk of post-wash tangling allows the hair to glide through the bonds without snagging or pulling. 

Start at the ends and work your way up slowly. This detangling technique helps prevent unnecessary tension on the tapes. It’s tempting to rush this step, but slow and steady wins the race, and saves your strands! A gentle, thorough brush-through will make the washing process much easier and ensure your human hair extensions stay smooth and manageable. 

3Choosing the Right Products: Go Sulphate-Free or Go Home

Your product choices can make or break the longevity of your tape in extensions. Standard shampoos containing sulphates or alcohol are public enemy number one! They strip moisture from the hair and weaken the adhesive, causing the tapes to slip and the hair to become dry. Lucky for you, our extension-friendly shampoo gently cleanses without loosening the bonds.

When it comes to conditioner, you’ll want to get your hands on our lightweight, hydrating formula. Apply our deep moisture conditioner carefully to avoid disrupting the tape bonds. If your permanent hair extensions are feeling parched, treat them to our deep conditioning hair mask once a fortnight. This will keep them silky and soft without making the adhesive slippery. 

4The Washing Technique: Handle with Care

Now for the main event: the wash itself. When washing tape-in hair extensions, think of it as a spa treatment for your strands. Start by rinsing your hair with lukewarm water. Water that is too hot can weaken the adhesive, while cold water won’t cleanse effectively. Let the water flow naturally down the length of your hair. Never flip it over the sink or bath, as this can cause the ends to tangle. 

When applying the shampoo, be mindful of the attachments. Use a small amount and gently massage it into the scalp with your fingertips. Be delicate around the tapes, no scrubbing or tugging. Allow the shampoo to rinse through the lengths of your hair without rubbing or wringing. This prevents unnecessary friction that can lead to knotting. 

Although you may not think it, your hair is like fine cashmere. You wouldn’t throw it in a rough wash cycle, so remember to treat your tape ins with the same gentle touch! 

5Conditioning Tips: Hydrate, but Hands Off the Tape

Conditioner is essential for keeping your remy hair extensions silky, but it becomes a slippery slope if you accidentally apply it to the bonds. To avoid loosening the adhesive, apply conditioner from mid-length to ends only, steering clear of the tape area. 

Once the conditioner is on, use our wave comb or detangling brush to gently distribute it and detangle any knots. It’s a good idea to treat your tape in extensions to a hydrating mask every two weeks, as this will restore moisture without interfering with the tapes. 

6Drying Your Extensions: No Rough Towel Turbulence

Drying your tape in extensions properly is just as important as washing them. After rinsing, resist the urge to rub your hair with a towel. Instead, gently pat and squeeze out excess water using a microfiber towel, which reduces friction and frizz. 

Next, focus on drying the bonds thoroughly. Use a blow dryer on low heat and aim directly at the tape area first. It’s essential to dry the tapes completely, leaving them damp can weaken the adhesive, making them prone to slipping. Once the bonds are bone dry, move on to the lengths, using our heat protectant spray to shield the hair from damage. 

7Styling & Maintenance: Keep It Sleek Between Washes

To keep your tape-in hair extensions looking fresh, you’ll need to care for them between washes. Avoid over-washing! 1-2 times per week is plenty. Washing too frequently can loosen the bonds, while washing too infrequently can lead to build-up and dullness. 

For in-between days, reach for dry shampoo at the roots to refresh your style without weakening the adhesive. You can also do a half-wash, where you cleanse only the parting area to remove excess oil while leaving the lengths untouched. 

When styling, always use a heat protectant before applying hot tools. To prevent tangling overnight, sleep with your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail. Gentle brushing throughout the day will also help keep your extensions smooth and knot-free. 

8Conclusion:

Washing tape in hair extensions isn’t rocket science, but it does require finesse. By using TLC techniques, sulphate-free haircare, and mindful drying methods, you can keep your permanent hair extensions looking luxurious for longer. 

If you’re ready to give your professional hair extensions the five-star treatment they deserve, check out Cliphair’s premium range of extension-friendly haircare products. With the right products and a little extra care, your extensions will stay secure, silky, and stunning. 

For a full lowdown on tape in extensions, you can explore our latest guides: Everything You Need to Know About Tape Hair Extensions and Tape Ins: Pros and Cons, plus, you can get the inside scoop on all the tips and tricks for washing different types of hair extensions, including clip ins, in our extensive hair wash blog: How to Wash Hair Extensions.