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The 9 Best Tape-In Extensions That Won’t Damage Your Natural Hair

 

The key to longer hair in a matter of minutes.

Whether you’re looking to add length, volume, or a little bit of both to your hair, the easiest (and fastest) way to do so is with hair extensions. And while extensions were once thought of as a super high-end service reserved solely for celebs on the red carpet, they’re now more accessible than ever with tape-in options you can use at home. As the name suggests, the extensions are attached to a strong adhesive. When applying them, the natural hair is sandwiched in between two extension pieces, and the adhesive is attached to the scalp, explains Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon. Application is fairly quick and easy; it requires no tools or chemicals, and it can take less than an hour to apply a full head’s worth with minimal damage when done correctly, adds stylist Gina Rivera, CEO of Phenix Salon Suites.

We conducted hours of research on the best tape-in extensions, evaluating each model on type of hair, shades available, and number of wefts. We also considered how easy they were to apply, and made sure none of these options can cause damage to your hair. After considering dozens of options and consulting with three hair stylists, we landed on these recommendations.

Best Overall

Glam Seamless Hand Tied Tape In Hair Extensions

What We Like

• Various lengths, colors, textures, and tape wefts
• Single pieces make for easy DIY application
• Blend in seamlessly with natural hair

What We Don’t Like

• Can only be reinstalled up to three times

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 47 | Number of Wefts: 20

Hardges is a fan of these extensions both because of the “great quality” of the hair and the predictable results they deliver. There’s an incredibly wide range of color and length options, as well as wavy varieties for when you want a little texture. You can also pick from different types of tape wefts and visible or non-visible sew lines (the spot where the hair and the tape meet). They even have singular pieces meant for easy DIY application, ideal for anyone who doesn’t have time for a trip to the salon. Although these extensions are fairly expensive, we think the quality of 100% Remy hair and ease of installation justify the spend.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Indique Tape Extensions

What We Like

• Can easily be styled
• Very lightweight
• Adds volume

What We Don’t Like

• Only available in one length

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 24 | Number of Wefts: 20

Rivera suggests these for anyone looking for some of the best quality extensions out there. “These Remy virgin hair extensions are a terrific choice because the hair used has cuticle layers facing the same direction from root to end," she says. "This ensures that the extensions behave exactly like your own hair, and can be washed, blow-dried, curled, flat ironed, colored, and even permed." She also points out that they’re incredibly lightweight and soft, making for a full and voluminous effect. While the quality is excellent, it's worth noting that they only come in one length which can be especially challenging if you have super long hair.

Best Length-Selection

VeSunny Tape In Hair Extensions

What We Like

• More affordable than many
• Various lengths
• Easy to style

What We Don’t Like

• Fewer shades

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 10 | Number of Wefts: 10

Generally speaking, most extensions come in three or four different lengths. But these come in a whopping six options, ranging from 14 inches to 24 inches. The various lengths makes them fitting for creating a wide range of hair looks, as well as appealing to tons of different people with varying hair lengths. Made of Remy hair, they can also be treated and styled as you would your natural hair.

Best for Longevity

Bellami Tape In Extensions

What We Like

• Long-lasting
• Various colors
• Ideal for fine hair
• Reusable

What We Don’t Like

• Could have more variety in texture

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 46 | Number of Wefts: 10

The adhesive on these is a unique polyurethane tape that was developed and tested over three years—meant to deliver both secure applications, easy removal, and comfortable wear the entire time. The result? Six to nine weeks of wear for each application, but up to a year's lifespan for each piece—making them a great options if you want to use hair extensions consistently. Each one also has double-sided tape so that you can sandwich the natural hair in between each weft—there’s also a single-sided tape option for fine hair. Not to mention that there are varying lengths and plenty of colors to choose from, too.

Best Color Selection

Donna Bella Hair Tape-In Hair Extensions

What We Like

• Various colors
• Good value
• More pieces available than other options

What We Don’t Like

• Not a large variety of textures

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 60 | Number of Wefts: 20

Maybe you’re trying to match your hair color exactly, or maybe you’re looking for extensions in just a slightly different color to create faux highlights. Perhaps you even want try out a bold shade for a one-time event. Either way, you can find the color you need with this brand, a recommendation from Rivera who praises both the selection and quality.

There are, wait for it, 60 different shades of tape-in extensions to choose from, ranging from natural blonde and brunette to funky green and purple. Plus, they’re all made of Remy hair and come with more pieces per package than many other brands offer.

Best Color Selection, Runner-Up

The Hair Shop Smart Tabs Tape-In Extensions

What We Like

• Various lengths and colors
• Reusable
• Can be styled up to 375 F

What We Don’t Like

• Requires applicator tool

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 56 | Number of Wefts: 6

These extensions also come in a litany of different hues, as well as three different lengths. The unique tape-in method used means these can be worn and reused, though, FYI, you do need a special applicator tool to help fully seal them. (If that feels intimidating, celebrity extension specialist, Priscilla Valles is also a fan of the clip-in extensions this brand makes.)

Best on Amazon

AmazingBeauty Tape In Hair Extensions

What We Like

• Various lengths and colors
• More affordable than many
• Thick and shiny hair

What We Don’t Like

• Shades can't be lightened

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 17 | Number of Wefts: 20

Made of 100% human Remy hair, these are an Amazon fan favorite. They consistently pull in positive reviews, with shoppers raving about the quality and affordable price. They come in five lengths ranging from 14 to 22 inches and 17 shades, though if none of those are doing it for you, you can also color them. However, keep in mind that you can’t lift (lighten) the color.

Best for Versatility

Satin Strands 18-Inch Human Hair Extensions

What We Like

• Uniform density
• Good value
• Thicker, more voluminous than other options

What We Don’t Like

• Only comes in one length

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 7 | Number of Wefts: 20

This option offers plenty of versatility; it can be used with any hair extension application, including tape, weaving, or clip-ins, making it a great pick for anyone who likes to change up how they use their extensions. Available in a few shades, each one is multi-dimensional to blend well with a variety of natural hair colors. And with a higher percentage of strands than many other 18-inch extension options, you also get uniform thickness and volume from top to bottom.

Hardges notes that in order to keep the look as natural as possible, stick with no more than 12 to 15 extension pieces throughout your hair; using more than that can make them look very obvious.

Best for Curly Hair

Yummy Extensions Tape In Extensions-Textured Raw Curly Hair

 

What We Like

• Comes in various lengths
• Adds volume
• Each set comes with 40 pieces

What We Don't Like

• Only comes in one color

Type: 100% Remy human hair | Shades: 1 | Number of Wefts: 40

If you have curly hair and you're looking to increase volume, we recommend checking out these extensions from Yummy Extensions. Created to specifically mimic 3C/4A curl patterns, they blend in seamlessly with tight curls. They're made from 100% human hair cut from one single donor, and despite how coarse and voluminous they are, they maintain a lightweight feel that won't put too much stress on your natural hair. We wish they came in more shades to appear to a wider range of consumers, but we do appreciate that they're available in three different lengths.

What to Look for in Tape-In Hair Extensions

• Hand-tied: According to Valles, hand-tied extensions, which are knotted onto a thin, mono-mesh weft base, will blend seamlessly with your scalp and offer natural-looking movement.
• Rooted skin wefts: This is another feature that Valles says will help ensure the extensions blend in seamlessly with your natural hair.
• Remy hair: Consider using tape-ins that are made of 100% Remy hair, meaning human hair that has not been stripped and the cuticle remains intact. This will help ensure your hair extensions stay shiny even after being washed, dried, and styled numerous times.
   

FAQ

How do you apply tape-in hair extensions?

Ideally, Valles recommends getting them professionally applied since it can be hard to do the back of your head. If you do want to DIY, she recommends starting by sectioning your hair into three big pieces—two on each side and one in the back. Take small pieces within the section and sandwich them in between the two parts of the extension, then flat iron over it for two seconds to get them to stay in place, she says. 

How long do tape-in hair extensions last?

Valles says about four to eight weeks, though some can then be reused for up to a year.

Are tape-in hair extensions safe for all hair types?

“For the most part, yes. They are one of the safer types of extensions,” says Valles. If you're unsure if they will work for you or you have a sensitive scalp, it's best to consult with a professional before trying them out.

How do you remove tape-in hair extensions?

To remove tape-in hair extensions at home, first separate your hair into sections. You will need a special tape-in remover to dissolve the glue that holds the tape-in in place. Once you dissolve the glue and remove them, you can wash the hair extensions and reuse them with new tape when you want to re-install them. Good tape-ins can last up to one year of multiple-wear use.

Do tape-in extensions damage your natural hair?

Tape-ins are less damaging than other forms of extensions because they tend to not tug at the roots of your natural hair like sew in hair extensions do. The lack of tugging helps to prevent hair loss and damage. However, it's important to properly dissolve the glue on tape-ins when removing them in order to prevent pulling and breakage.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Since she doesn’t wear extensions, she relied on expert intel and tons of reviews and consumer input when researching this article. The experts she interviewed for this article include:

• Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. A self-proclaimed product enthusiast, she has over 15 years of professional experience and has worked with many brands as an educator and stylist. She’s also a Black hair expert.
• Gina Rivera, a hair artist and the CEO of Phenix Salon Suites, one of the fastest-growing salon companies in the beauty industry. She’s also the creator of her line of styling products and infrared styling tools.
• Priscilla Valles, a celebrity extension specialist and the creator of Glam Seamless extensions.