How To Re-Tape Hair Extensions – A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

Tape-in hair extensions have fast become a go-to method for achieving beautiful length and volume. Their seamless finish, quick application time and reusability make them a popular choice.

But to get the most wear out of your tape hair, it’s important to know how to properly re-tape extensions once their adhesive tabs expire.

This guide covers everything you need to know about re-taping tape in extensions at home or professionally.

What Are Tape-In Extensions?

Tape-in extensions consist of wefts or rows of human hair with small sections of adhesive tape bonded to the top roots. The wefts vary in width from 2-4 inches wide.

To apply them, stylists section out a small portion of natural hair and sandwich it between two tape wefts. The adhesive bonds them in place.

Over time as your hair grows out, the bonds slide down so the wefts need removing and repositioning higher up the roots.

Why Should You Re-Tape Extensions?

There are two main benefits to reusing your tape hair rather than throwing sets away after one use:

1. Save Money

Retaping lets you get 2-3 wears from one purchase. Reusing hair saves big dollars compared to buying brand new sets each time.

2. Reduce Salon Visits

Retaping yourself at home means less frequent removals and new application appointments to sit through.

Most good quality human hair tape ins can be reused 1-3 times depending on their condition. So re-taping makes sense financially and time-wise.

How Many Times Can Tape Extensions Be Reused?

How many wears you get from tape hair depends on the quality and your individual aftercare.

• Budget/synthetic tape hair – Usually only lasts for one use. Don’t re-tape.

• Remy human hair – Can be reused once ie. lasts 6-12 weeks including one retape.

• Premium Russian/European hair – Allows 2-3 retapes so lasts 12-24 weeks in total.

Higher quality hair, proper removal and careful retaping extends the lifespan. Overlapping old and new tapes reduces uses.

Should You Re-Tape Extensions At Home?

You can re-tape extensions yourself at home between salon visits. However, it does require care and precision.

Advantages of DIY re-taping:

• Saves money – Avoid salon re-tape fees each maintenance visit.

• Convenient – Retape on your schedule and in the comfort of home.

• Familiar process – Get confident managing your new hair yourself.

Disadvantages of DIY re-taping:

• Tricky – Achieving neat, non-overlapping bonds at home can be difficult.

• Reduced lifespan – Inaccurate DIY retapes lead to excess matting and tangling.

• Potential damage – Messy tapes put stress on your natural hair when reinserted.

Whilst possible DIY, it’s recommended to have a skilled stylist handle retapes for best results long-term.

How To Re-Tape Extensions Step-By-Step

Follow this foolproof step-by-step guide to re-taping extensions like a pro:

Step 1 – Remove Old Tapes Completely

• Take out old tapes carefully with an oil-based remover spray. Follow the tape removal guide.

• Ensure no adhesive residue remains on the weft mesh or your natural hair. This will stop new tapes bonding effectively.

Step 2 – Wash Extensions Thoroughly

• Shampoo and condition extension hair well to eliminate oils, products and prep for retaping.

• Avoid conditioner on the roots where the new tapes will be placed.

Step 3 – Dry Extensions Completely

• Let extension hair air dry fully before retaping. Dampness will compromise tape adhesion.

• May use a hair dryer on the cool setting to speed up drying time.

Step 4 – Prepare New Tape Strips

• Have new tape strips or a tape roller ready. Tape width should match the extension wefts precisely.

• Cut tapes to size if needed. Don’t allow ends to overlap the weft as the edges can catch the natural hair underneath.

Step 5 – Isolate Each Weft

• Working on a clean flat surface, carefully separate out each weft ready for retaping.

• Avoid tangling and handle hair gently. Use a tail comb to detangle if needed.

Step 6 – Position New Tapes

• Remove backing paper from new tape strips and position precisely where the previous tape was, right at the weft roots.

• Press down firmly to secure the fresh adhesive. Once stuck, tapes cannot be repositioned.

• Check spacing between tapes – overcrowding leads to discomfort and excess matting when worn.

• Repeat the re-taping process on every weft in the set.

Step 7 – Check Alignment

• Double check each new tape is neatly aligned and positioned close to the weft roots before wearing again.

• Crooked angles or overlapping tapes cause the hair to tangle quicker.

And that’s it – your extensions are now re-taped and ready to be reinserted! Schedule a maintenance appointment with your stylist to have them professionally reapplied.

How To Care For Re-Taped Extensions

Caring for reused tape hair requires extra TLC. Follow these tips to make re-taped extensions last:

• Stick to low heat styling. Over-use of hot tools like straighteners and curling wands damages the bonds.

• Sleep in a protective low friction style e.g. loose braid or bun. Taped wefts can slide with tossing and turning.

• Avoid harsh shampoos or sulfate-laden products. Use a moisturizing, extension-safe conditioner.

• Gently detangle from the bottom up. Never brush starting at the roots near the tapes.

• Check for tangling and matting near the bonds – this indicates tapes need replacing asap.

• Have a stylist redo the tapes, don’t DIY more than once. Repeated amateur retaping reduces longevity.

With the right aftercare between salon visits, reused tape ins should stay in great condition for multiple wears.

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Re-Taping Extensions

While re-taping extensions seems simple, beginners often make mistakes that damage the hair. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Skipping Removal Of Old Tape Residue

Any leftover adhesive on the wefts or natural hair prevents the new tape sticking effectively.

2. Allowing Extensions To Air Dry Naturally

Letting hair dry wavy or curly means tapes won’t bond smoothly to the uneven texture.

3. Placing Tapes Too Wide Or Narrow

Tapes should match the weft width exactly. Excess overhang catches the natural hair underneath.

4. Positioning New Tapes Off Center

Realign tapes neatly back in the identical spot to prevent matting and twisting.

5. Crowding Tapes Too Close Together

Leave similar spacing between bonds as the original application for comfort.

6. Reusing Too Many Times

Quality tape hair lasts 2-3 retapes max. More causes shedding, dryness and thinning.

7. Starting Retaping On Damp Hair

Any moisture reduces the adhesive power. Dry hair fully for tapes to stick propertly.

When To Replace Your Tape Extensions

Whilst reused carefully, all extensions have a finite lifespan.

Plan to invest in new hair when you notice:

• Excessive matting at the bonds that’s tough to comb out
• Increased shedding and breakage
• Dry, frizzy texture even with conditioning
• Wefts feel thin compared to your natural density

Catch shedding and tangling early by re-taping every 4-6 weeks maximum. Leaving longer risks the tapes sliding down too far.

Also have a stylist assess condition in your maintenance appointments. They can advise if hair damage means replacements are needed.

Finding A Salon To Re-Tape Extensions

Call salons beforehand and ask if they offer professional re-taping services. Some places refuse to reinsert reused hair.

Prices vary widely – expect to pay $30+ per re-tape. Price depends on:

• Your area and the individual salon’s rates
• How many wefts you have
• The time and precision needed

Reputable stylists should thoroughly check, detangle and realign bonds neatly before reapplication.

Should I Re-Tape Extensions Myself Or Professionally?

• DIY – Cheaper but challenging. Do once only to limit matting and sliding