How to Remove a Tape-in Hair Extension

Tape-in hair extensions are so amazing. They can offer long and thick hair immediately, allowing you to change your style much quicker than if you were to grow your hair naturally. When it’s time for the extensions to be removed and refitted, you need to be careful as improper removal might damage your natural strands and hair extensions, even causing breakage, shedding, and other problems.

If your tape-in hair extensions are starting to creep down or don’t take tension, you can remove them at home if you can’t wait until your next appointment in the salon. There are two main parts to removing tape extensions, so we will guide you throughout this post on the process of removing tape-in hair extensions at home. 

Part 1: Applying the Hair Extension Remover

• You will start by moving your hair out of the way to expose the tape. We recommend using a hair clip to hold your hair in place as you remove the extensions and stand in front of a mirror so that you can easily see what you are doing. Starting at the side of your head, you will shift all the hair covering the top of the extension to the other side of your head. Clip it in place so that it won’t get in the way. For less experienced people, it is better to start removing the tape at the front of your hair and work your way back so that you can build up practice and confidence by the time you reach the pieces at the back of your head.
  • Use hair extension tape remover to saturate the tape. Hair extension tape removers are oil-based products that dissolve the glue holding the tape to your hair so that you can easily peel off the tape. Spray the remover generously over the tape until the area is saturated. These products are designed to help release your natural hair from the tape without your natural hair being damaged.
  • Some removers are designed to be dripped or poured onto the tape rather than sprayed. They all work well, so choose the type that works best for you.
• Check if the hair extension can move by wiggling it. Lightly pull on the part of the hair extension closest to the tape. Gently wiggle it, and be careful not to tug too much on it as it might damage your hair and the extension.
  • If the hair extension is still stuck, apply more remover and let it sit for another minute. Respray the tape with the hair extension remover until it is saturated before letting it sit for another few minutes. That will allow the remover to loosen the glue, making it easier to remove the extension. Recheck the extension by wiggling it to see if it is loose and that the tape feels as if it is lifting away and releasing from your hair.

PART TWO: Peeling away the Tape and Removing the Residue

• When it can be easily lifted off, gently peel away the tape. It’s best to use your fingernails to peel the tape from your natural hair, so that it comes away easily in your hands. The hair extensions will stay attached to the tape, but not your natural hair.
• You never want to try to force the tape away from your hair to avoid causing damage and breakage. If you are having trouble with getting your hair released from the tape, you can try using a different hair extension remover product or seek help from a professional hairstylist. If that product continues to not work correctly after several applications, it is not the one for you. Seek out a better quality product for your hair.
• Work your way through all of your hair extensions. Starting from the left, work through each row of hair extensions and end on the right. It is also recommended to begin at the top of your head and work your way towards the bottom. The same process will be used for each piece of tape as you apply plenty of hair extension remover and peel away the tape when it feels like it can easily fall out.
  • Don’t try to remove multiple hair extensions at once, and focus on only one piece of tape at a time. This will keep your natural hair from getting damaged.
  • When removing the extensions, it is okay if it looks like you are losing a lot of hair. People naturally lose 50 to 100 strands daily, with or without tape hair extensions. As the tape is removed, the extra hair will no longer be held in place and will fall out. Your hair will also feel thinner due to not having the bulk of the extensions.
• Remove any residue from the tape by washing and conditioning your hair. Once all hair extensions are out, your hair will most likely feel oily or sticky due to the hair extension remover and the tape residue. Wash your hair as usual before applying a conditioner to ensure it stays moisturized. You can remove the stickiness by combing the conditioner through your hair. 
• Use a deep conditioner if your hair is feeling particularly dry to help restore its shiny and healthy status.
• Your hair will continue to grow normally as hair extensions don’t impact hair growth.

The text below this is bonus info that we can include, but not necessary

• Questions and Tips
  • What product removes tape hair extensions?
    • Tape Hair Extension Remover Products are oil-based and are available online or at local beauty supply stores. You might be able to use essential oils, such as coconut oil (in its liquid form), to remove tape hair extensions if you cannot find a tape hair extension remover.
  • TIPS
    • Tape-in hair extensions can be reused. Apply new tape in the same way that you used to put them in or get them professionally fitted by a hairstylist.
    • To keep your hair extensions looking good and to maintain the healthiness of your hair, it is best to remove and refit your tape hair extensions every 6 to 8 weeks.
    • It will probably take around 45 minutes to remove all of the tape hair extensions, depending on your hair and how many hair extensions you are using.