Probably the harshest message you pass on to any client with tape-in extensions is: What's the point in paying all that money if you're not gonna look after them?
As professionals, we’d never phrase it like that, but that’s the message behind drilling aftercare instructions into our clients. They have invested their time and money into feeling like their most confident selves with tape extensions, and we’ve used our specialised skill set, time and products to make that happen.
At North Professional Hair, we know that the perfect tapes don’t end with a reveal Instagram reel. We’re committed to the education we provide our industry customers, through our training, blogs and emails, and how this information can be passed onto their clients.
In this blog, you will learn about the importance of tape in extension aftercare, alongside recommended dos, don’ts and products. By the end, you will have clear and concise knowledge to bring to both your tape extension service and your clients’ hair goals.
Why is aftercare important for tape extensions?
Following through with the correct aftercare instructions and products is crucial to ensure the longevity of the installation and extension hair.
With proper aftercare, your client's extension installation should last them 6 to 8 weeks, depending on their rate of hair growth and other lifestyle factors. However, not following aftercare instructions can lead to the adhesive lifting, and the tapes sliding out of their hair.
Tape-in extensions are also made of human hair, and as such, they need to be treated and cared for as if they were your client's own hair. The tape extension hair, by following a proper aftercare routine, could last them 9 to 12 months before needing to be replaced, depending on their lifestyle and how they're treated.
Dos and don'ts for looking after your tape extensions
Each salon will have its own recommended products and aftercare advice, which they have learnt through client trial and error and the tape extension training they have completed. As a tape extension specialist, you can find great advice from your industry colleagues via social media, as well as contacting North with any concerns you may have.
However, as a tape extension client, we always suggest reaching out to your stylist for any advice. Your stylist will not only be a tape extension specialist, but they will know the brand they use inside and out - advice for one brand may be completely different for another!
Here are our top ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for looking after your tape extensions:
|
Dos |
Don’ts |
|
Attend your refit appointments every 6-8 weeks |
Use sunbeds or be exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time |
|
Always use sulphate and silicone-free hair care products |
Wrap, rub or fall asleep with wet hair |
|
Hold the top of your hair when gently brushing |
Apply alcohol-based hair products anywhere near the root |
|
Use low heat on tongs, straighteners and other tools |
Wear your hair in a messy bun |
|
Wear a swim cap when swimming |
Exercise or sleep with your hair down |
Recommended products for tape extension aftercare
Many salons are affiliated with different brands or have brand preferences for the products they decide to use. So whilst we may suggest specific brands in our list below, the biggest takeaway from it is about the ingredients. Tape extensions, including the adhesive, need to be treated a certain way and the ingredients in your products can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of our top tape extension, must-have products:
- Sulphate and Silicone-Free Shampoo. We recommend Kevin Murphy Everlasting Colour Wash, RRP £28.
- Sulphate and Silicone-Free Conditioner. We recommend Kevin Murphy Everlasting Colour Rise, RRP £29.
- Heat Protection. We recommend Kevin Murphy Heated Defense, RRP £30.
- Moroccan Oil Hair Mask. We recommend Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, RRP £26. (Remember to only use products that include oils on the ends of the hair, as oils can disrupt the adhesive if applied near the root)
If you have a client that cannot avoid swimming, we recommend treating their hair with Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Remedy, RRP £4.25 + VAT.
Moving forwards with tape aftercare
You came to this article looking for clarification on how to look after tape-in hair extensions post-install. Since, you have learnt about the importance of tape extension aftercare, best practice advice and recommended products. With this information, you can now securely educate your clients on how best to care for their tapes, combined with your own industry knowledge.
But like we said earlier, a tape extension service doesn’t end with an Instagram reel.
North Professional Hair is committed to providing our industry customers with the latest and best practice education, through our training, blogs, emails and friendly customer service team. The industry is constantly evolving and it is our job as your trusted brand to keep you up to date.
Are you a part of a North-certified salon? The best way to improve your tape extension service is to train and stock with the best brand on the market. Check out our North training days, perfect for budding beginners or seasoned stylists looking to build their skills.
We also have an articles page on our website, feeding you the latest tape information from our team of industry experts, here at North.
Got your tape installation down to a T, but not stocking North yet? Sign up for an industry professional exclusive North Account! Not only will you get access to our incredible range of 100% remy tape extensions, but you will also gain access to our educational emailers.
