The Low Down on My Tape-In Hair Extensions
I’ve had my tape in extensions for a little over a month now and let me just say…
I’m never going back.
Seriously. Obsessed is an understatement. I’m in love. I’ve got the long hair I’ve always wanted (I can’t grow my hair very long because it’s just too thing) and I’ve now got the thick hair I’ve always wanted. Oh yeah, and I swear I can just wake up and go and they give me that “put together without trying and sorta messy” kind of look that basically every mom wants. Yep, I’ve got it all now.
Throughout the past month, I’ve compiled all of your questions and put together all the answers for ya. So if you’re considering them, doooo ittttt. It’s so worth every penny. But for those of you who want a little extra info before you go for it, this post is for you.
>>> PSSSST….I’ve got before and after tape-in hair extensions photos at the bottom of this post!
1. Where did you get them done?
So I did a TON of research on this ahead of time. I’ve heard of so many horror stories where extensions fried from curling them, they fell out within a couple of days or were so heavy they gave people daily headaches so you’d better bet I did my research. I researched for months - literally. And then I found the amazingly talented Brittney Hodgins from The Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, California and she was more than I could have ever asked for and more. She’s incredibly talented, offered to have a call with me to chat about options and pricing and answer any questions I had to make me feel comfortable, all before committing to anything. I mean, I hadn’t even met with her yet!
We met in person to chat about what I wanted, she was the sweetest ever and I swear, I want to be her best friend now. Creepy? Maybe. But it’s so true.
And then the appointment came and my life changed forever.
Anyhow, if you’re looking for hair extensions in Westlake Village or really, hair extensions in Southern California (I promise she is worth the drive) then check out (just ask for Brittney) or follow her over on Instagram and shoot her a message to chat :)
2. What kind of hair extensions are best?
This was the first question I asked Brittney and while she told me about a couple of options, she highly recommended tape in extensions. They’re multiple pieces so they blend well with your hair (my clip in’s are just three large sections so you can clearly tell where my shorter hair ends), they’re super lightweight (I don’t feel like they’re holding my head down even through I got them pretty long) and they’re the nicest on your hair. Of course, they’re tugging on your natural hair so no extensions are going to be “good” for your hair but based on Brittney’s expertise, these were the best for my hair.
On top of that, I can wear my hair up, I can braid it, I can wear it half up-half down and really, no matter what I do with my hair the extensions are completely hidden…which was one of my biggest worries. But I’ve tried it all and no worries in the world are needed :)
3. How long do tape in hair extensions last?
I’m going in to get my tape in extensions done every 6 weeks but here’s the awesome part — She will re-use the same hair and just tape it in at the root to prevent them from showing with hair growth over the past six weeks. And those can be used for a good 6 months or so, depending on the quality of the hair extensions you’ve got!
4. What’s the cost?
This is one question I keep getting but really, you’ve got to contact a stylist to get this one answered because there’s such a huge range. There are two costs — the cost of the hair itself which completely depends on the quality of hair (she got me her favorite quality extensions and I spent $315 on the hair) but remember, that is an up front cost that you won’t spend every single time since you can re-use the hair! And then the second cost is the cost of actually putting them in — the work of the stylist herself taking the time to perfectly place your tape in extensions (which also depends on your hair thickness, etc) so call the salon you’re looking at and they can give you a better quote!
5. Can I use my regular shampoo and conditioner with tape-in extensions?
The short answer: yes. Obviously, if you’re using a quality shampoo and conditioner then your hair extensions will hold up longer, be silkier, etc, just like would happen with your own hair! And then the only other recommendation Brittney gave me is to make sure I fully washed out my conditioner at the roots, to prevent possible slippage since, you know, it’s tape. I’ve had zero issues with anything slipping. No issues at all!
6. Can you dye tape-in extensions to match your color?
When I met with Brittney the first time, I let her know the color I wanted my hair (she also dyed it that day) so she made sure to order extensions in that color. However, I have a balayage so she did some dying to make the roots match better. So all-in-all yes, you can dye them but typically your stylist will order them to match the color of your hair and it’s less work for everyone!
7. Can I re-use tape-in hair extensions?
This was a common question so I added is as a question on here in case you’re skimming through, but head up to question #3 for info on this! But yes, you can absolutely re-use them!
8. What’s hair care like with tape-in extensions?
It’s no different than your normal hair! I use the same shampoo and conditioner, brush it like normal, air dry it like normal and curl or flat iron it with the same tools I used before. So basically, nothing changes :)
9. How soon can I wash my hair after getting tape-in hair extensions?
Brittney told me to wait 24 hours to let the tape stick and settle, just as a precaution. But I mean, whenever I leave the salon my styles last for days so I don’t know about you, but there’s no way I’d want to wash it within 24 hours anyways.
10. What brand of extensions do you have?
I have Bombshell Extensions and I couldn’t be happier with the quality, texture, all of it!
11. Do you love them?
I’m never going back. I think that answers that ;)
If you have any other questions about them or if you’re looking for hair extensions near Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, anywhere in the Conejo Valley or Ventura County or really, hair extensions in Southern California, check out Brittney Hodgins from The Canyon Salon in Westlake Village and I promise you won’t regret it. She’s the absolute BEST!
See you in a couple weeks, Brittney ;)
