Can You Reuse Tape In Hair Extensions?

Tape in hair extensions have become increasingly popular over the last few years. The tape in method uses medical grade adhesive tapes to bond wefts of human hair to your natural hair. Tape ins are loved for their seamless look, fast application time and they are kinder to natural hair than some other methods.

One of the best things about tape in extensions is that they are reusable! But can you really reuse tape in hair extensions and if so, how many times?

How Tape In Hair Extensions Work

Before looking at reusing taped hair, it’s helpful to understand what they are and how they work.

Tape in extensions come in wefts or rows of hair that have been machine sewn onto a thin transparent mesh backing. The wefts vary in width from 2-4 inches wide. At the top of the weft is a small section of either single or double sided medical grade tape.

To apply tape ins, the stylist will section and clean the natural hair then isolate a small section close to the root, usually 1-2cm wide. The release paper backing is removed from the tape and it is bonded to attach onto the roots. Once secure, the wefts sandwich the natural hair blending it seamlessly with the extension hair length.

As the hair grows out, the bonds and wefts can be moved up higher as maintenance. Tape ins should be moved every 4-6 weeks.

Can You Reuse Taped Hair Extensions?

The great news is yes! Tape in hair extensions can be reused.

When applied and cared for correctly, tape in hair should last 6-8 weeks before needing removal. Once taken out, the same hair can be re-taped and reapplied again by your stylist.

Reusing tape in hair extensions rather than throwing sets away each time saves you money as you get 2-3 uses from one purchase.

How Many Times Can You Reuse Tape Ins?

Most good quality tape hair extensions such as AAA grade can be reused once. Giving you around 12 weeks wear from each set in total.

Higher quality tape in hair extensions like AAAAA grade or Russian hair may allow 2-3 retapes. Letting you get 18 weeks+ wear before replacement is needed.

• Budget tape hair: Reuse once
• Mid-range tape hair: Reuse 2 times
• Premium tape hair: Reuse 2-3 times

To get the maximum use from tape ins, it’s vital they are removed, re-taped and reapplied properly.

Should You Re-Tape Extensions At Home?

Can I Retape My Own Hair Extensions?

Whilst it’s possible to re-tape your extensions at home, we’d recommend having your stylist handle this.

Retaping requires care and precision to realign the bonds close to the roots without overlap and ensuring correct spacing. Overlapping old and new tape can cause irritation, matting and damage the natural hair.

That said, if you do want to DIY retape your extensions follow these tips:

• Use a tail comb to ensure all old glue residue is removed from the mesh and your natural hair after taking extensions out. Any leftover stickiness will prevent the new tape adhering effectively.

• Wash and air dry the hair extension wefts before retaping. Ensure they are completely dry as any moisture will affect the tape bonds.

• Working on a clean smooth surface, isolate each weft and use a new glue strip to precisely re-tape the bonds no more than 1cm from the top. Don’t allow the new tape to overlap the old position.

• Avoid touching the glued tape strips with your fingers before application as the oil can decrease adhesion.

• Take care when pressing the new tape onto the mesh. Once it sticks, it can’t be repositioned.

Should You Retape Extensions Professionally?

Whilst taping your own extensions at home can save money, most experts recommend professional help. Having your stylist retape ensures:

• Precise reapplication and straight bonds which prevent hair damage. DIY tapes can easily become crooked or overlap.

• Reusing hair extensions while they are still in good condition. Overlapping bonds from inaccurate DIY retapes will matt and tangle the hair quicker.

• Maximum uses from high quality tape hair. A pro’s precise retape allows 2-3 uses rather than 1-2 from homemade attempts.

• Extra length retention if the stylist trims any damaged ends after removal before retaping.

How To Reuse Tape Extensions – Step By Step Guide

Reusing tape in extensions involves a few steps. Follow this handy guide to get the most wears possible:

Step 1: Remove Tapes After 6-8 Weeks

Do not leave tape ins any longer than 8 weeks maximum before having them taken out. The bonds will have grown down the hair and need repositioning higher to prevent damage.

Step 2: Clean Extensions And Hair

Shampoo and condition the extension hair thoroughly before retaping to remove all residue. Give your natural hair a clarifying wash too.

Step 3: Let Extensions Dry

Ensure extensions are 100% dry before attempting to reapply the new tape strips. Any moisture will reduce adhesion.

Step 4: Retape Bonds

Remove the backing paper on new glue strips and accurately re-tape the bonds close to the edge of the mesh backing. Avoid overlap with old tape placement.

Step 5: Check Spacing

Double check spacing between bonds before reinsertion. Crowding tapes too close leads to matting, irritation and even hair loss.

Step 6: Reapply To Hair

Book a maintenance appointment for a stylist to cleanly reapply bonds close to the scalp.

Follow this 6 step guide between each wear for 2-3 reuse cycles depending on hair quality.

Tips For Reusing Tape Extensions

Follow these handy tips to help your tape in extensions last across multiple reuse cycles:

• Stick to the maximum 6-8 week wear before removal and retape. Leaving any longer risks the bonds maturing down and tangling the natural hair.

• Book removal and reapplication appointments separately. This allows proper time for drying, combing and accurately retaping before reinsertion.

• Only reuse undamaged hair in good condition. Throw away any wefts which are tangled, thin or brittle.

• Avoid overusing heated tools like curling irons and straighteners. The excessive heat can damage bonds and hair integrity reducing lifespan.

• Use moisturizing shampoos and leave in conditioners after each retape to maintain softness and shine.

• Sleep in a protective style like a loose braid or bun. Friction from tossing and turning can loosen newly tapped bonds.

• Don’t retape hair yourself more than once. Multiple amateur applications will lead to overlapping bonds causing excess matting and stress.

3 Signs Your Tape Extensions Shouldn’t Be Reused

Whilst most good quality tape ins can be reused 2-3 times, occasionally it is best to replace sets earlier.

Look for these 3 signs your current set have reached their maximum uses:

1. Brittle Or Dry Hair

Healthy tape hair should feel soft and bouncy. If the texture feels dry, brittle and frizzy even after deep conditioning the reused extensions are past their prime.

2. Excessive Shedding

It’s normal to lose a few strands when brushing but excessive shedding between washes indicates the hair cuticles are open and damaged. Throw out shedding extensions to avoid further tangling.

3. Loss Of Volume

Over time and retapes, tape wefts can lose thickness and fullness. If sections feel thin and flat compared to your natural density, a fresh set will blend better.

Reuse until you notice these signs of aging. Then bite the bullet and invest in new hair for the health of your natural locks.

Pros And Cons Of Reusing Taped Extensions

Before deciding whether reused tape ins are right for you, weigh up the pros and cons:

Pros

• Cost saving – 2-3 uses per set versus buying new each time saves big bucks.

• Convenience – Reusing hair means less frequent salon visits for removal and new application.

• Familiarity – Keeping the same sets means knowing exactly how the hair blends and styles.

Cons

• Time – Retaping carefully at home takes effort and precision.

• Damage risk – Reusing brittle or broken hair can worsen the condition of natural hair when reinserted. Always feel sets thoroughly first.

• Shorter lifespan – DIY retaping often leads to overlapping bonds which can matt and thin hair quicker than a professional precise application.

Finding A Salon That Allows Reused Hair

Call around local salons and extensions specialists and ask their policy on reused hair before