Tape vs. Clip-in Extensions Buyer's Guide

Hair extensions are excellent for adding length and volume to your hair. The wefts make your short hair look long and luscious, enhancing your beauty overall. You'll be amazed at the difference they can make to your hair. The best part is that human hair extensions allow you to wear many of your favorite hairstyles with even more confidence than you’d have with your natural hair. 

But remember that while hair extensions are made to appear as natural as possible, they look different for everyone. So, make sure always to choose extensions that match your natural hair's texture and shade and your lifestyle. 

Popular Hair Extensions: Clip-In and Tape-In

While there are many different hair extensions available, clip-in and tape-in extensions are the two most popular options. If you're new to extensions, you may find it challenging to understand the difference between them. But these extensions are exactly as they sound. 

Clip-ins come with tiny, pressure-sensitive clips for easy application. On the other hand, tape-in extensions are pre-taped with a medical-grade adhesive.

Clip-in wefts are easy to apply and remove. With a bit of practice, you can apply and remove them yourself within minutes. But applying tape-in extensions is complex, so you must visit your stylist to have the wefts installed. 

Cost of Clip-In and Tape-In Hair Extensions

So, how much do clip-in hair extensions cost? A good quality, human hair clip-in hair extension set can cost you $70 to $500. 

And how much do tape-in hair extensions cost, you may ask! A good quality tape extension set can cost you $200 to $500. 

The price of both extension types varies depending on the number of wefts in the set, the kind of hair, quality, manufacturing method, and the hair length, thickness, and volume.

Tape-in extensions are more expensive in the long run because you have to get them installed by a hairdresser, which can cost you $150 to $200 per application. Also, they are high-maintenance because you'll have to visit your hairdresser every 6 to 8 weeks for adjusting and moving up the wefts ($100 to $120 per visit). 

Should You Buy Tape-In or Clip-In Extensions?

The answer to this question largely depends on whether you want to wear the wefts occasionally or you're looking to make them a semi-permanent part of your look. Also, consider your budget and the long-term costs of owning these extensions.

Clip-ins are best for occasional use because they are temporary. You can clip them onto your hair whenever you want and get your favorite hairstyle within minutes. And you can quickly remove them at your convenience. For example, you can remove them at night before sleeping and then reapply them in the morning.

But when it comes to tape-ins, they will stay taped to your hair for 6 to 8 weeks once applied. You'll just have to go to your hairdresser after every 6 to 8 weeks to adjust and lift the wefts a bit. You cannot take off these extensions at night. 

Clip-in wefts can last 8 to 12 months and even longer, depending on how well they're cared for and how often they’re styled or worn. And tape-in extensions last 5 to 8 weeks, after which you can remove them, replace the adhesive, and reapply the wefts. You can reapply these extensions 2 or 3 times before needing to purchase a new set. 

Caution: Do not try to apply or remove tape-in extensions at home because you may end up damaging your natural hair. Instead, visit your hairdresser for professional assistance.

Human Hair or Synthetic Extensions?

Extensions are made of either human hair or synthetic fibers. Of course, human hair looks more natural, blends perfectly with your hair, and will also match your hair's color and texture. They are soft and silky, and you can treat them just like your own hair. The best part is that you can style them however you want.

Synthetic extensions, whether they are clip-ins or tape-ins, don't always look fully natural. They lack the movement, bounce, shade, and texture of natural hair. Also, they will not blend properly with your hair because they lack the softness and silkiness of natural hair. And the worst part: your style options are minimal since you can’t use any heat tools on them.

While synthetic extensions are cheaper, we don't recommend them because their cons outweigh their pros. Instead, always choose human hair extensions, and if possible, 100% Remy human hair!