Blending Tips for Tape-In Hair Extensions
Transitioning a blunt short cut into a long, vibrant and more voluminous hairstyle is always an exciting journey. It may be one of the best noncommittal ways to accomplish a dramatic hair transformation. To execute this switch immediately, others turn to tape-in extensions.
Half bun, tight curls, low pony. Hairstyle options are essentially endless when it comes to pursuing extensions. Not only do these provide the individual a fresh look, but these also allow more freedom to rock surprising cuts and colors.
Flaunting one has the power to make you feel like an entirely different person. Having said that, it is easy to get lost — and even become obsessed — in the world of extensions because they make everyone achieve a flawless look.
There are many types of hair extensions you can get. One option is to go for the sewn-in extensions, which are typically applied using a needle and can last up to a few months. Those who fear this commitment can always get the clip-in extensions. This nonadhesive option is the more easygoing kind among the bunch. Clip-in extensions do not need too much effort as these can be clipped in and out of the natural hair.
But there is a middle ground of the group, one that can be the perfect choice when executed correctly: tape-in extensions. This is ideal for the lover of thick, luscious hair. One does not have to stick to these long-term, but it is crucial to maintain a seamless blend of the extension and the real locks. Below are five perfect blending tips for tape-in hair extensions.
Assess the hair length
Opting for tape-in extensions is a smart move. They are considered one of the best methods of lengthening short cuts, and there are many reasons these are not blending to one’s liking.
Hair experts say the natural hair must be at least three to four inches in length to give the clips something to hold on to. Doing it on hair that is shorter than three to four inches will likely result in an uneven blend. Hence, the hair needs to be long enough to cover all the clips sufficiently.
Trim extensions, or hide the bottom part of the hair
While it may seem like a painful act to trim the hair one has purchased, it is essential to achieve that natural flow so it is not evident where the real hair ends and the faux begins. For this, it is better to have the tape-in extensions cut by a professional hairstylist.
Another way to get the seamless look is to eye the bottom layers of the hair that sorely stick out underneath the extensions. The first step is to section the bottom of the hair from the middle of the ear to ear, braid it0 and secure it using a hairpin. Next, place the bottom-most weft straight above the part where the hair was pinned, and resume taping in the hair extensions from there.
Color for a flawless look, or grab the curling iron
Yes, most tape-ins already come with a base color that resembles a lot of natural hair tones, but one can try adding a few highlights and low lights too. This will further aid the blending process. Again, it is a lot safer if this is done by a stylist.
For shorter locks, on the other hand, a smooth blend can be achieved by loosely curling the parts where the natural hair is attached to the tape-ins. Before doing this, remember to spray an ample amount of heat protectant to prevent any severe damage to the hair.
Always wash the tape-in extensions before wearing them
Like other kinds of hair extensions, tape-in ones naturally carry that ultraglossy finish to them when they are first taken out of the box. While that may be a glorious image, it is a dead giveaway when secured into natural hair. No person wants to have their hair looking flat the first half and extra polished the second part.
The real prize is to have that uniform look. Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple: wash the extensions before thinking about putting them on. Use a mild moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove excess luster and leave to air-dry overnight.
Article written by Tamara Hanson
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.