Hand-Tied Extensions Vs Tape-In Extensions
Have you only tried one style of extension before and are wondering which other options are available to you? Have you ever tried comparing hand tied vs tape in extensions? Or, have you never had extensions and are just now weighing up your choices before committing to a salon appointment? Either way, we promise, you’re in the right place!
For this blog, we’re talking about two of the most popular types of extensions, hand-tied, and tape-in. How are they different? Are they the same? How Long do they last and which one is right for you and your hair? The questions may feel endless, but we have all the answers right here…
What Are Hand Tied Extensions?
The main characteristic that sets hand-tied extensions apart from the rest is that they don’t use glue or heat of any kind during the application process. Instead, your stylist will attach the hair wefts by, you guessed it, tying (well, sewing) them in by hand. But how is this done?
To attach the new hair to your natural locks, your stylist will start by separating your hair into sections. Next, they’ll take tiny, even pieces of hair one at a time and slip a small silicone bead onto each one. This is the ‘framework’ of your extensions and provides a base for the new hair to attach to. Once the beads are secure, long sections of new hair, a little like curtains, will be sewing (tied) onto the beads one at a time.
This process ensures the weight of the hair is evenly distributed so it neither pulls on nor damages the hair during the application process or any time after. It also means the hair isn’t sewn directly onto your natural tresses meaning it can’t be damaged that way either.
Another reason hand-tied extensions are so popular is for how seamless they look. The delicate application process means they’re invisible, unlike many clip-in styles. Plus, starting so close to the root, your extensions will look completely natural and just like your own hair but seriously elevated!
You can also style your hair in all your usual styles and the attachments are not visible to the eyes!
What Are Tape-In Extensions?
Unlike hand-tied extensions, you can apply tape-ins to the hair itself. To make sure they’re secure, comfortable, non-damaging, and invisible even when you put your hair up, your stylist will use a revolutionary sandwich technique to secure your extensions in place.
To do this, they’ll separate out small curtain-like sections of hair, width ways across your roots. From here, the tape in weft will be applied and simply pressed onto your natural hair with their fingertips or the edge of a comb. Once secure, that same section of hair will be lifted up, and another tape-in extension will be placed onto it to ‘sandwich’ in your natural hair.
And in case you’re wondering, yes, tape-in extensions will give you beautifully voluminous hair and you can still style your tresses into all of your usual looks with no worry of the tapes showing. What’s more, these extensions are perfect for those who lead a very active lifestyle and often throw their hair up for a vigorous workout.
Hand Tied Vs Tape-In Extensions, What Exactly Is The Difference?
Aside from the application process which is, of course, the main difference between these two types of extensions, there are also differences in how long they last, how long they take to apply, and how they’re removed once they’re ready to come out or be replaced. Let’s take a closer look…
Sewn-In Or Taped In?
As we already know, one of these extensions uses a sewing technique whilst the other uses adhesive. Should one of these sound more appealing to you, simply opt for those extensions! If you want to know about the removal process before making a final decision, however, scroll on.
How Long Will Hand-Tied Extensions Last Vs Tape-In Ones?
Starting with hand-tied extensions. One of their many benefits is that, if you go for Remy human hair, take good care of your extensions. Then, don’t apply excessive amounts of heat, you can use them again and usually last up to one year.
In terms of each individual application, however, you will of course need to have them moved up. But if you want to keep wearing them for that long. Repeat this process around 6-8 weeks mark. But is always dependent on how quickly (or slowly) your hair tends to grow.
When it comes to tape in extensions, they too can be reused with new adhesive strips if the hair is properly taken care of whilst your extensions are still in. Typically, tape-ins tend to last a little longer than their hand-tied counterparts and are usually worn for around 2-3 months.
How You Remove Them?
With hand-tied extensions, the main part of the removal consists of opening up the beads that have attached the weft to your natural hair. Using a bead opening tool, your stylist will work along extension weft opening each bead individually.
Once done, the weft should slide out easily with zero damage to the hair. If there’s been any matting where the hair has grown out and hasn’t been accessed by a brush for several weeks, your stylist can use small scissors to cut the thread sewn into your hair. But don’t panic. They will not cut your hair or your weft so they can use it again if in good enough condition.
For tape extensions, we’re looking at dissolving the tape adhesive rather than releasing any beads. In this case, your stylist will work along each tape row with a spray adhesive remover, massaged into the tape itself. Using the end of a pintail comb, they will then be able to separate the tapes from one another. Until they’re able to safely slide the extensions out of your hair. Again, with zero damage to your natural locks.
So, which extensions sound like the ones for you? Will you opt for tapes and discover the magic of their invisible adhesive strips? Or does a more traditional hand-tied weft sound more like your style? We can’t wait for you here at Anushka Spa & Salon in West Palm Beach. We also want to help you achieve the voluminous locks you’ve dreamt of for so long!
