Ensuring you follow the correct aftercare instructions and products that your stylist recommends is crucial to the lifespan and look of your tape extension installation and the extension’s human hair.

When you follow proper aftercare, your extension installation should last you anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate and other lifestyle factors. However, not following aftercare instructions can lead to the adhesive in the tapes lifting or losing stickiness, resulting in your tapes sliding down the sliced section and out of your hair.

Tape extensions, including North’s, are made with 100% human hair. Therefore, your tapes need to be treated and cared for as if they are your own hair. Your tape extension hair, after following a recommended aftercare routine, could last you 9 to 12 months before needing to be replaced, depending on your lifestyle factors and how you maintain them.

Every salon will have its own recommended products and aftercare advice, which they have learnt through the tape extension training they have completed and their experience as a tapes specialist.

As a tape extension client, we always suggest reaching out to your stylist for any advice. Not only will they 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:

Best aftercare advice:
• Ensure to attend your refit appointments every 6-8 weeks
• Always make sure you use sulphate and silicone-free hair care products
• Gently brush your hair from the bottom upwards, holding the top of your hair when you do
• When using hot tools, always use low heat settings and heat protectant
• When swimming, always wear a swim cap

Things to avoid:
• Avoid using sunbeds or being exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time, as this can damage and
dry out your hair
• Do not wrap, rub or fall asleep with wet hair, as this can cause tangles and breakage
• Never apply alcohol-based hair products anywhere near the root, as this will deactivate the adhesive
• Don’t wear your hair in a messy bun, as this can tangle the extensions
• Avoid exercising or sleeping with your hair down, as this can cause knots and hair breakage

Most salons are affiliated with different brands or have brand preferences for the products they use in their practice. So whilst we may suggest specific brands below, the biggest takeaway from it is about the ingredients. Your tape extensions, including its adhesive, need to be treated a certain way and the ingredients in your products can make all the difference.

Here’s a our 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 cannot avoid swimming, we recommend having your salon treating your hair with Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Remedy