WHAT
PROBLEMS
MIGHT I
ENCOUNTER?
And how they work
WHAT
PROBLEMS
MIGHT I
ENCOUNTER?
And how they work
Common Tape Extension Problems
Thinking of investing in tape extensions? Educating yourself on everything to do with tapes, including common problems you may face, is the first step to the luscious lock reality you’ve been looking for.
It is not uncommon for tape extensions to become loose - it might mean your tapes need to be refitted. Tape extensions should be refitted every 6-8 weeks.
However, there are avoidable reasons why your tapes have become loose.
Firstly, it could be that the adhesive in your extensions have begun to lose stickiness, due to your hair products. Products that contain sulphates, silicones and oils can have this effect on the tape tabs.
Another reason could be that your stylist has sandwiched the tapes around a too thick slice of hair. If so, the adhesive cannot grip onto it all and would cause the extensions to slip.
Finally, it could be that the adhesive in your tapes has expired - they have a use-by date of 3-6 months, after which, you cannot be assured of the quality. North stocks ‘Walker Tape’ and have strict measures in place to ensure tapes and replacement tabs are sold in-date.
There may be other reasons why your tapes have become loose, but if you have any concerns, reach out to your stylist and ask them to assess.
Tape extension colour fading can always be a completely natural process, which just happens over time. Tapes are made of human hair, so they will behave in the same way your natural hair does. However, if it happens seemingly out of nowhere, you should consider that there can be some factors that will speed up colour fading or ultimately cause it to happen. Check out this list from our ‘Common Tape Extension Problems’ blog:
- Hard water
- Chlorine
- Saltwater
- Suncream
- UV rays
- Dyes in hair products
- Harsh shampoos
- Washing hair in hot water
- Styling damage from hot tools
If you are concerned about your tape extension’s colour fading, talk to your stylist and ask them to assess both your hair and your lifestyle - just as they did in your initial consultation
In summer, some tape clients notice that their hair is changing colour - mainly blondes turning pink. Dyes in hair products may seem like the easiest answer, but the most common explanation is a reaction between chemical-based suncream and UV rays.
These chemicals in suncream are added to absorb UV rays. When UV rays are absorbed on tape extension hair, it causes a chemical reaction which makes the cells in the human hair break down and change its colour.
This reaction can be completely avoidable. When you have tape extensions, you should always avoid suncreams and other products that contain artificial chemicals, in favour of mineral-based products instead.
If you are concerned that this reaction has happened, book in with your stylist to see if they can rectify the problem.
There is nothing worse than your installation looking obvious; especially when tapes are known as virtually invisible! One easy reason could be that you’re overdue for a refit - moving your tapes closer towards your scalp.
However, there could be other reasons that cause your tape extensions to look obvious.
If your hair is particularly thin or damaged, your extensions may peek through. Talk to your stylist about changing your tapes’ placement, although you may need to wait until your natural hair has grown.
A further reason could be that your colour-match doesn’t match - either by fading, changing your natural hair or the initial colour wasn’t right. Discuss this with your stylist, who may have ways to blend the hair you already have, before buying new.
Lastly, it could be that your stylist misplaced the extensions around your head. If so, your stylist should be happy to rectify the problem for free. Always ensure to visit a trained, experienced professional for any extension fitting.
Obvious installations can always be really easily sorted, just talk to your stylists and ask for help!
When you have tape extensions, you may notice breakage. More commonly than not, this is just your natural hair shedding - you’ll notice the shedding more because it will come at once during your refit appointment.
Though tapes are considered to be one of the safest methods to use, especially if you have particularly fine or damaged hair, actual breakage may occur.
You may be at risk if you haven’t been following your stylist’s aftercare instructions. See our article on aftercare advice. You are also more at risk if you haven’t been keeping up with your maintenance appointments.
You might also experience breakage if your extensions are not professionally installed, removed or refitted. We stress that you must always visit a trained, experienced stylist for your tapes - never do it yourself.
Breakage is mainly avoidable, with steps you can take to prevent it. If you have any worries, share your concerns with your stylist. They may be able to pinpoint why it is happening and offer some advice to help.
