Their names and how they look on the hair can make some people think that tape-in and glue-in extensions are the same, but they aren’t. They are two different types of hair extensions with their own application techniques and maintenance. So, here are some things to know about tape-in and glue-in extensions before your next visit to a hair extensions salon.

Differences Between Tape-In And Glue-In Hair Extensions

Let’s begin the comparison between these two types of semi-permanent hair extensions.

What Are They?

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions have a medical-grade tape that you directly attach to the hair. No need for any heat.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

A liquid glue is used to fuse the extensions to the hair. So, the extensions are literally glued to your hair.

Another similar type is bonded hair extensions or keratin bond extensions. They have a keratin tip that is glued to hair using heat. The wefts are thinner and easier to apply than glue-ins.

Installation Time

How much time you spend in the salon chair can impact your decision.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-ins can be installed within an hour. They are one of the quickest-to-install hair extensions that need a professional. This is because there is no liquid glue involved. The tape is already attached to the extensions, so the expert just needs to section the hair and properly apply the extensions using the tape.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

Glue-in or bonded extensions take much more time to install than tape-ins. You will need to sit in a salon chair for 2 to 4 hours to get glue-ins. The installation is slower because a hair expert has to carefully apply a liquid glue, or melt keratin glue already on the extensions, and attach your hair to it. This takes considerably more time and caution.

Longevity

How long you can keep the extensions on before requiring a reapplication – if they can be reused.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

You can keep the extensions in your hair for 6 to 8 weeks. By this time, the extensions may slide or the grown hair can make the extensions visible and hard to style. This calls for a reapplication.

A great thing about tape-ins is that after removal, you can reuse the extensions. So, they last for a decent amount of time and are reusable.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

Glue-ins are one of the longest-lasting extensions. Once you apply them to the hair, you don’t need to remove them for 3 to 5 months. However, the catch is that once you remove them after this long time, you can’t reuse them.

Hair Styling Flexibility

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-ins allow decent hair styling flexibility. You can wear low ponytails, low braids, half up, half down, deep side parts, loose beach waves, and more. For high ponytails, top knots, sleek pigtails, and others, they are either not doable or you have to apply the extensions accordingly.

Moreover, you can heat-style hair without worrying about the tape melting away. When washing hair, keep most products away from the roots.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

Glue-ins allow some hairstyles like blunt bobs, deep Hollywood waves, low ponytails, etc. However, high updos, messy buns, half-up top knots, and others can reveal the glue. Moreover, liquid glue’s heat and moisture resistance is low, so heat styling is not recommended. Plus, wash hair only when completely necessary. Otherwise, dry-style hair.

There are also keratin or bonded extensions that are better when it comes to hair styling flexibility. You can get many types of hairstyles, even high ponytails and updos. Moreover, the heat resistance of the keratin bond is solid as long as you don’t use a flat iron very close to the keratin bonds.

Also, hair washing flexibility is excellent. You can wash your hair as you normally do. Only avoid using oil or products directly on the keratin bonds.

Best Hair Type

Which hair type is best for the extensions

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-ins are best for thin and fine hair, and also medium-density hair because the extensions lay flat and don’t cause much damage to thin hair that is prone to breakage. However, avoid tape-ins if you have coarse, curly, or very oily hair.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

Glue-ins are great for thick, coarse, and coily hair. They will easily keep the glue invisible, and the thickness of the hair will ensure the least damage.

If you choose keratin or bonded extensions, they are considered excellent for most hair types, including thin, fine, short, coarse, curly, or oily hair.

If you’re looking for ways to hide bald spots instead of getting volume or length, look for non-surgical hair replacement for men Potomac.

DIY-Friendly

Can you put on the extensions yourself?

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-ins are best applied by hairstylists, but if you think you have the skill and patience, you can try to apply tape-in extensions yourself at home. You do need a two-mirror setup or another person to help you out.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

DIY installation of glue-in extensions is hard and any mistake can cause damage to your hair, so you should always consider professional installation.

It’s discouraged to apply glue-ins yourself because you can’t see the back of your head and because of this, you could glue your natural hair instead of the extensions. Moreover, there is also a risk of fungal or bacterial infection, bald spots, and hair breakage.

Removal Time

Even though they are semi-permanent, you do want to know how much time they require to be removed.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

You can remove the extensions, or have them removed by an expert, in 20 to 40 minutes. The stylist usually makes use of an alcohol- or oil-based solvent spray to loosen or dissolve the tape and then safely remove the extensions without tugging or pulling hair.

For reapplication, the stylist may first wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue and then clean all the tracks before reapplying the extensions.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

Removal of glue-in extensions can take from 1.5 to 3 hours. The bond of the glue is super strong, so the stylist uses an acetone-based gel or a bond-breaking fluid on the glue or keratin bond. Then, they use a special tool to gently crush the glue and break free the extensions.

This removal can trap a lot of hardened glue dust. So, fine-tooth combing is critical. After this, the stylist will also deep condition the hair to ask you to do it at home to hydrate and moisture your hair.

Damage Risk

How much damage can the extensions cause?

Tape-In Hair Extensions

These usually don’t cause much damage because the hair is applied without any heat and the removal is also easier and doesn’t require anything too strong.

Glue-In Hair Extensions

Glue-ins have a higher risk of damaging the hair. As the glue forms a barrier between the scalp and the hair, it can trap shedding hair, causing matting. Plus, some glues can cause scalp issues or allergic reactions.

On the other hand, keratin extensions have a medium risk of damage as there are narrow, individual wefts that don’t encourage matting.

Conclusion

Tape-in hair extensions are easier to apply and remove and have a lower risk of damage, while bonded or keratin extensions are difficult to apply and remove, but have a higher risk of damage. Visit salons that do hair extensions Potomac for a consultation.