How to Get Rid of Tape Hair Extension Residue

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of tape hair extension residue, you already know how amazing tape-in hair extensions can be. Tape-in extensions are hair extensions where the extension hair is added to your hair’s roots using medical-grade tape.

The tape used for tape-in extensions is the same tape that’s used by hospitals to close off wounds and suture incisions, meaning that they’re virtually guaranteed to stay on. Once installed, they’re sleek and lay flat across the head, giving a more natural look.

The fact that the glued in extensions stay in place so well means that there are specific steps that need to be taken to actually take them out. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of tape hair extension residue when removing tape-in extensions from your hair!

Steps to Removing Your Tape-In Extensions and Getting Rid of Hair Extension Residue

Following are the steps you need to take to make sure that you remove your tape-in extensions and get rid of any remaining glue residue.

Step 1 Make Sure That a Trained Stylist Removes Your Tape-In Extensions

The glue used for tape-in hair extensions is extremely strong. The very reason that tape-in extensions are a great choice is the reason that you need help removing them: they’re super strong and need to be removed properly to reduce the chance of damage.

Step 2: Use Oil-Based Removers, Conditioners, or Alcohol to Loosen the Tape From the Base

You can use oil-based removers, conditioners, or alcohol to detach the extension from your hair.

• If you’re using oil-based removers, use oils like coconut oil, palm oil, or olive oil by layering them at the top of the extension tab. Wait a while to allow the oil to thoroughly soak in. You may need to apply heat from a blowdryer to loosen the glue even further. Apply more oil as necessary as you gently slide the extension loose from your hair
• If you’re using conditioners, use ones that provide a lot of moisturizing slip. This will help the extensions slide off more easily. Keep in mind that it takes longer to remove tape-in extensions with conditioner than with oil. Massage the area where the extension meets your hair to help the conditioner loosen the glue.
• If you’re using alcohol-based removers, you’ll most likely use ones that come in a liquid spray bottle. Make sure that you spray the alcohol directly above the extension tab. Once you do, let the liquid sit for a while until the tabs can easily be lifted away. Once the corners start to lift away, add more spray to the tabs to help them loosen even further.

Step 3: Apply Oil to Your Hair Once the Extensions Are Removed

Once you remove the extensions from your hair, your hair will be filled with residue. Don’t panic. The residue can be removed from your hair just as easily you removed the extensions, but if you aren’t careful, you can end up with hair loss.

If you don’t follow the following steps, your hair could form knots around the glue, making it impossible to detangle. You’d then end up having to cut the knots out. Follow the steps below to avoid disaster.

• Fully coat your hair with olive oil from root to tip. This will help loosen the tacky residue still stuck to your hair. You can use baby oil or mineral oil if you don’t have olive oil.
• Once your hair is fully drenched, apply heat using a dryer so that the oil is warm, allowing it to loosen the glue more easily. Hold the dryer about 12 inches away from your hair, and keep the heat focused on the hair for at least half a minute.
• Take a fine-toothed comb and run it slowly through your hair. The comb’s small teeth can help remove the bits of residue still sticking to your hair. Once your hair is combed through, you’ll be able to tell how much residue is left.
• Repeat the above steps several times until you get all of the residue removed.
• Wash and condition your hair.

FAQS

Following are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of residue from tape-in extensions.

How long should you wear tape-in extensions?

You shouldn’t wear tape-in hair extensions for longer than six weeks. The tape residue will become harder to remove the longer it stays in your hair, putting your hair at risk for damage.

Can you re-use the tape-in extensions?

You can reapply the tape-in extension tabs, but you want to make sure that all of the old residue has been washed away so that you’re only using new tape.

Does tape glue residue damage the hair?

The tape glue should not damage your hair as long as you completely remove it from your hair. Tape residue that has been left in your hair will damage your hair, causing breakage and even causing your natural hair to be pulled out at the root.

Wrapping Up

Tape-in extensions are a beautiful way to change up your look, but the residue that they leave behind can be damaging to your hair if it’s not removed properly.