How to Take Care of Tape-In Extensions So They Last

Tape-in extensions require consistent daily care including proper brushing with the right tools, protective sleeping habits, careful product selection, and strict adherence to a six-week reapplication schedule. Skip any of these steps and you'll end up with tangled roots, weakened bonds, and extensions that don't last as long as they should.

"I thought extensions would be easy. Just wake up with long hair, right?" I hear some version of this from new extension clients at The Warehouse Salon in DeLand pretty regularly. And I get it. The idea of effortless length and volume is appealing. But tape-ins aren't a set-it-and-forget-it situation.

Hey, I'm Jennifer, one of the stylists at The Warehouse Salon in DeLand. The good news is that once you understand what your extensions need, the maintenance becomes routine. Let me walk you through exactly how to care for your tape-ins so you get the most out of every set.

A client from Orange City was frustrated because her tape-ins kept matting at the roots within two weeks of every appointment. She was sleeping with her hair loose on a cotton pillowcase, only brushing once a day, and skipping leave-in products entirely. We switched her to a Slip silk pillowcase, added morning and evening brushing with a Tangle Teezer, and sent her home with Olaplex No. 6 to apply after every wash. At her next six-week maintenance, she was glowing. "This is the first time I've come in without a single tangle at the roots," she said. "My stylist before you never explained any of this. I wish I'd known from my first set." That's why education matters as much as installation.

The Right Brush Makes All the Difference

You're dealing with more hair now, which means more brushing. But the type of brush you use matters just as much as how often you use it.

Standard brushes with stiff bristles can catch on your tape bonds, pulling on them and causing discomfort. Over time, this weakens the adhesive and can lead to slippage or damage to your natural hair.

Use a Tangle Teezer or similar flexible-bristle brush. These brushes have plastic bristles that glide right over the tape bonds instead of catching on them. You can brush through the bond area without worrying about pulling or snagging.

Brush your extensions at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed. Start at the ends and work your way up to avoid creating tangles. Pay special attention to the nape of your neck and behind your ears, where friction from clothing and movement causes the most matting.

How to Sleep Without Wrecking Your Extensions

What you do before bed determines how your extensions look when you wake up. Sleep on loose hair and you'll spend your morning detangling a matted mess.

A loose braid is the best option. It keeps your hair contained without creating the tight waves you'd get from a regular braid, and it doesn't put stress on your bonds the way a high bun would.

If braiding isn't your thing, a low, loose ponytail works too. Just avoid anything that pulls on the bonds or bunches the hair up at the crown.

A silk or satin pillowcase is non-negotiable. Cotton creates friction that roughs up the hair cuticle and encourages tangling. Silk lets your hair slide as you move during sleep. Slip silk pillowcases or Kitsch satin pillowcases are both excellent options. This single switch extends the life of your extensions significantly and keeps them looking smoother between washes.

Products That Help (And Products That Will Ruin Your Extensions)

Not all hair products are safe for tape-ins. Some will weaken your bonds, stain your extensions, or make them look dull and greasy.

Products to Avoid

Volumizing shampoos are off the table. They work by expanding the hair cuticle, which sounds fine until you realize they do the same thing to your tape bonds. Expanded bonds mean weaker adhesion.

Purple shampoo is risky even if you're blonde. Extension hair is more porous than your natural hair and grabs onto pigment much more intensely. What tones your roots might turn your extensions purple. I've seen it happen.

Heavy products like hairspray and thick serums weigh down extension hair and make it look dull. The less product you use, the better your extensions will look and feel.

Products That Work Well

Gentle, moisturizing shampoos are your best bet. Brands like Aluram, Ouidad, and Moroccanoil work well with extensions. CHI especially seems to revive extension hair that's starting to feel dry.

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is worth the investment. Apply it to wet or dry hair and it immediately makes extensions softer and more manageable. If you get one product specifically for your extensions, make it this one.

I recommend it over amber-colored oils like Moroccanoil for blonde extensions because darker oils can sometimes cause discoloration over time.

Why Blow Drying Can Actually Help Your Extensions

You've probably heard that heat is bad for extensions. That's not entirely true. The way you use heat matters.

Blow drying actually seals the hair cuticle, which makes extensions feel silkier and look smoother. Air drying can leave the cuticle open and rough, which leads to tangling and frizz.

Here's the method I recommend to clients:

After washing, use low heat to dry your tape bonds first. Getting them dry quickly helps maintain the adhesive.

Let the rest of your hair air dry until it's about 80% dry.

Apply a small amount of sealing product.

Finish with a blow dryer on medium heat to seal the cuticle.

Products like Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment work especially well with this method because they're heat-activated. The combination of product and heat creates a smooth, sealed finish that lasts through several washes. In Florida humidity, that sealed cuticle is what keeps your extensions from puffing up the moment you step outside.

Check Your Bonds Regularly

Between appointments, you should be physically inspecting your tape bonds to catch any issues early.

Every few days, run your fingers through your roots and feel the area around each bond. Press the tape pieces together to make sure they're still secure. Feel between the bonds for any small tangles forming at the root.

These little root tangles are what turn into big problems if ignored. Catching them early means you can gently work them out before they become matted. Ignoring them means you'll show up to your maintenance appointment with a nest at your roots that takes much longer to remove.

If a bond feels loose or you notice significant tangling you can't work out, come in sooner rather than later. Addressing issues early prevents damage to your natural hair.

The Six-Week Rule Is Not Optional

This is the most important thing I tell every extension client: you must come back for reapplication every six to eight weeks. Six weeks is ideal.

As your natural hair grows, the bonds slide down away from your scalp. The longer you wait, the more room there is for tangles to form at the root. By eight weeks, many clients already have matting starting to develop.

I've had clients push their appointments closer to the eight-week mark and come in with significant root tangles that took extra time to remove carefully. Their stylists always told them the same thing: this is why you need to stay on schedule.

At The Warehouse Salon in DeLand, we try to book your next maintenance appointment before you leave each visit. That way you're locked in and don't have to worry about forgetting.

Gentle Styling Protects Your Investment

The hairstyles you wear affect how long your extensions last. Anything that pulls on the bonds puts stress on both the adhesive and your natural hair.

Avoid tight ponytails, especially high ones. Avoid styles that require elastics right at the bond area. Avoid braids that start at the scalp and pull tension through the tape sections.

Loose, low styles are your friends. Half-up looks work well. Soft waves that don't require clips near the bonds are great. The goal is always protecting those attachment points from unnecessary stress.

Your Tape-In Extension Care Questions Answered

How often should I wash my tape-in extensions?

Two to three times per week is ideal for most people. Washing too frequently can weaken the tape adhesive over time, while waiting too long leads to oil buildup at the bonds that also compromises adhesion. Use dry shampoo (Design.Me Quickie.Me Dry Shampoo or K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo) at the roots between washes if needed. Wash with lukewarm water (not hot) and focus shampoo on your scalp, letting it rinse through the lengths naturally.

Can I swim with tape-in extensions?

Yes, but take precautions. Wet your hair with clean water before entering a pool or ocean so the strands absorb less chlorine or salt. Braid your hair loosely to prevent tangling. Wear a swim cap if possible. Wash with gentle shampoo and condition as soon as possible after swimming. Avoid submerging your head in hot tubs, as the heat (combined with chemicals) can loosen bonds. Apply Olaplex No. 6 after swimming to restore moisture.

Why are my extensions getting tangled so quickly?

Common causes include sleeping without a braid or silk pillowcase, using products that build up on the hair (heavy serums, hairspray), not brushing frequently enough (twice daily minimum), or pushing past the six-week maintenance window. Extension hair is also more porous than natural hair, so it tangles easier. If you're doing everything right and still experiencing excessive tangling, come in so we can check whether the extensions need to be repositioned or if you need different aftercare products.

How long do tape-in extensions last total?

With proper care, a quality set of tape-in extensions can be reused three to four times, which translates to roughly four to six months of wear total. After that, the hair quality starts to decline and you'll need a fresh set. Your natural hair health, how well you maintain the extensions, and whether you stay on the six-week maintenance schedule all affect longevity. Budget for replacement every 4 to 6 months.

What happens if a bond comes loose before my maintenance appointment?

Come in immediately. Don't wait until your scheduled appointment. A loose bond can cause tangling around it and may damage your natural hair if left unaddressed. We can reapply that single bond quickly (usually takes 10 to 15 minutes). Most salons don't charge for emergency single-bond repairs between regular maintenance appointments. Never try to remove or reapply bonds yourself; the adhesive removal process requires professional products and technique.

Book Your Extension Maintenance

Tape-in extensions are an investment, and proper care makes that investment last. If you have questions about your specific extensions, if something feels off with your bonds, or if you're due for a maintenance appointment, don't wait.

Book your next appointment at The Warehouse Salon, 1782 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand. Call (386) 873-6188 or schedule an appointment online. We'll make sure your extensions stay healthy, comfortable, and looking exactly how you want them.