When it comes to choosing a semi-permanent hair extension method, you may be wondering which is better – tape hair extensions or hand-tied hair extensions? Both techniques will give your client an immediate upgrade in length, fullness and volume. However, it is important to consider the long-term effects on hair and scalp health, as not all techniques are suitable for all hair types.

Both have their pros and cons!

It is important to inform the client and figure out their preferences. Despite the similarities, the costs, maintenance and results are different.

For most people, hand tied hair extensions are a safer, more discreet and comfortable option.

As you know, there are machine sewn and hand sewn weft hair extensions. INCHHAIR offers hand sewn weft and machine sewn hair extensions for all types of customers that are genuine, natural 100% virgin human hand tied weft hair extensions.

Please read our comparison of hand-tied wefts and tape in hair extensions.

All About The Hand Tied Extension

Many hair stylists see hand-tied wefted hair extensions as a long-term solution. Due to some misconceptions about hair extensions, clients are hesitant to add real hand-tied extensions to their actual hair.

In the back of their minds, they wonder…

• Will hand-tied hair extensions damage my real hair?
• Will I be in and out of the salon trying to fix them?
• If I get tired of them, can I remove them myself?
• Will they prevent my real hair from growing?

If a client wants fuller, thicker hair, explain the pros and cons. Transparency helps build relationships and trust between you and your clients.

What Are Hand Tied Extensions?

Hand-tied hair extensions are a method of sewing thin, light weft onto a row of beads attached to natural hair. This is the best hair extension technique for creating luxurious volume, length and body, while preventing damage to natural hair.

Once hand tied hair extensions are installed, they look and feel completely natural. They can be colored, washed, curled and shaped just like natural hair. Many stylists and clients prefer hand-tied hair extensions because of their comfort, flexibility and seamless natural results.

Pros of Hand-Tied Wefts

• First, the use of hand tied wefts creates a clean and polished look. Clients who wear hand tied wefts have the benefit of concealment; they are less likely to show through thick or thin threads.

More benefits of hand weft:

• 8-10 week maintenance interval

Depending on the client’s true hair growth, they can wait longer between maintenance. They spend less time in the chair compared to banded hair extensions

• Easier to cover up

It is easier to conceal hair extensions with hand tied hair using the sew-in method and various beaded rows such as NBR or IBR. They offer customers many different styles to choose from. Updos, partings, braids, and dozens of other styles are available with HTW hair extensions.

• Fuller and thicker real hair

Fullness is the biggest advantage of hand-tied hair extensions. Because of the kinky style, you can add more to a person’s head.

Downsides to Hand-Tied Wefts

• The initial installation requires a significant investment of time (2-5 hours) and money ($1000 or more).
• As the hair grows, the extensions must be moved up every 6-8 weeks.
• Frequent combing and maintenance is required to keep hand tied hair extensions looking their best.
• May not be the best choice for curly or super curly hair (depending on the desired style).

How Do Hand Tied Extensions Work?

Hand Tied Hair Extensions are a gentle, hair-friendly way to add volume, body and thickness to hair. To apply hand tied hair extensions, the stylist first attaches a horseshoe shaped bead to the hair. They then sew the weft to the base of this bead. The number of rows of hair extensions varies from 1-4 rows depending on the client’s hair type and desired style.

How Long Do Hand Tied Extensions Last?

Hand tied hair extensions are a lower maintenance option – perfect for people with busy, active lifestyles! The longevity of the installation depends on the rate of hair growth. Typically, hand-tied hair extensions need to be moved up every 6-8 weeks.

Regular maintenance will ensure that the beads stay close to the scalp and are completely hidden. Hand-tied hair extensions usually last longer than other types of hair extensions (such as tape extensions) because there is no adhesive that will degrade over time.

With proper care, actual hair extensions can last from 6-12 months. For best results, it is recommended to use high quality 100% real hair extensions. Make sure to trim your hair extensions at around 6 months to remove any damaged ends.

Are Hand Tied Extensions Bad For Hair?

INCHHAIR’s hand-tied hair extensions are not harmful to the hair and will not damage natural hair. Unlike tape-in hair extensions, hand-tied extensions do not require any harsh chemicals, heat, glue or tape to attach the weft to the hair. Instead, individual hand-tied weft extensions are sewn onto a row of beads that are placed on the hair shaft. The weft is laid flat on the hair, creating a comfortable, wearable style that looks and feels completely natural.

Removing semi-permanent hair extensions can be a potential cause of damage. Adhesive-free, hand-tied hair extensions can be gently and easily removed in the salon. Removing hair extensions takes only 5-10 minutes because there is no adhesive to disconnect. This means no pulling or tearing when removing hair extensions and no adhesive residue!

Hand Tied Hair Extensions Care

Proper care and maintenance is essential to keeping hand-tied hair extensions healthy and beautiful. Taking care of your hair extensions will also help them last longer.

Make sure you brush your hair several times a day, lifting the rows and combing through the middle to prevent matting. Hair extensions tend to be dry, so use a light moisturizing conditioner in the shower, followed by a leave-in conditioner or dandruff remover, and seal the ends with a serum. Avoid sleeping with wet extensions and braid them before bed to prevent rubbing and tangling.

Learn more about caring for hand-tied hair extensions with our step-by-step guide.

Hand Tied Extensions Cost

The initial installation price is usually $200-$250 plus the cost of the hair extensions themselves. This does not include any color services that may be performed. Maintenance services are approximately half the cost of the initial installation ($100 and up).

All About Tape-ins

What Are Tape In Extensions?

Tape-in hair extensions are a method of attaching pre-tied wefts directly to the hair with a medical-grade adhesive. Tape-in hair extensions are quick and inexpensive to install, but they only last 4-8 weeks and can damage natural hair.

Tape-in extensions are usually very secure because the adhesive bonds the extensions to the natural hair. They lay flat on the head and blend in with the natural hair. As long as the tape is completely hidden, these hair extensions look very discreet and natural.

For best results, tape hair extensions should always be handled by a qualified stylist. Crooked or improperly placed tape looks unnatural, pulls on the hair shaft, can damage the scalp and even lead to hair loss.

Removing hair extensions also requires the help of a professional to minimize damage. After removal, adhesive residue may remain on the hair and scalp for several shampoos.

Pros of Tape-in Extensions

First of all, the tape process is much faster than sewing. Any part of natural hair supports tape ins, and it works brilliantly on all hair types.

If your client does not want a long-term commitment, this is a better option. They are much easier to remove than sewn-in hair and can leave your chair much faster.

Downsides of Tape-in Hair

• Removal is difficult, time consuming, and can lead to hair loss (due to the strong glues or adhesives used to bond the hair).
• Adhesives and chemical removers may irritate the scalp
• Hair extensions must be completely removed and reattached every 6-8 weeks
• Frequent combing and maintenance is required to prevent hair from falling apart or sticking to the tape
• Tape should not come in contact with styling products, hair oils or hot tools
• Not suitable for delicate, fine or thinning hair, or for those who want to grow out their natural hair, due to risk of damage
• Tape ins provides less volume, so it does not create the long, flowing “mermaid hair” look

How Do Tape In Extensions Work?

Tape hair extensions are semi-permanent hair extensions that use a strong adhesive to stick weft strands to natural hair. When using tape extensions, the stylist removes the adhesive backing from the tape and places a thin section of natural hair between the two strips. The natural hair is sandwiched between the hair extensions and the adhesive holds the hair together.

How Long Do Tape In Extensions Last?

Adhesive hair extensions last longer than clip-in hair extensions, but not as long as sutured or hand-tied hair extensions. The lifespan of the installation depends on the rate of hair growth and how well the bonded area is maintained. Generally, tape-in hair extensions last 6-8 weeks before they need to be removed and re-installed.

As with other types of semi-permanent hair extensions, with proper care, the weft itself should last 6-12 months.

Are Tape In Extensions Bad For Hair?

Duct tape hair extensions can be damaging to the hair and may even cause hair loss. This is caused by the strong medical grade adhesive used to adhere the weft to the natural hair. Removing hair extensions is a difficult process that can lead to discomfort, pulling and breakage. The alcohol solution used to thin the glue may dehydrate and frizz the natural hair.

Over time, improper application of hair extensions may lead to baldness and traction alopecia (hair loss caused by tension). For this reason, tape hair extensions are not recommended for clients with delicate, fine, thinning hair or sensitive scalps.

Tape-in hair extensions should always be installed and removed by an experienced stylist, as the most serious damage often occurs when people attempt to DIY.

Tape In Hair Extensions Care

• Comb hair thoroughly several times a day with a wet brush (such as a Tangle Teazer) or an extension brush. Comb through any hair that may be stuck to the extensions from the ends to the roots.
• Hold the weft at the root while combing to avoid pulling. Do not tug or pull on the band as this may pull them out of position.
• Cleanse hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner 1-2 times per week. Avoid over-washing or scrubbing the weft, and do not put conditioner on the hair band.
• Blow dry hair on low heat. Hair extensions should not be allowed to air dry as this can cause itching and make the extensions feel sticky.
• Apply moisturizing oils and serums only from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. Choose lightweight products for your hair extensions and avoid heavy hair masks and protein treatments.
• Do not use products containing alcohol, oil or ethanol on the bond. This can weaken the adhesive and cause hair extensions to slip out.
• Use heat protectants before flat ironing or curling. Choosing the lowest possible heat setting will minimize damage to hair extensions. Never iron bonded areas!
• Every 6-8 weeks, visit your stylist to remove and reattach hair extensions.
• Braid or bun your hair at night to prevent tangling, rubbing and matting. Avoid sleeping with wet hair extensions.
• Wash and comb hair after swimming.

Tape In Extensions Cost

Tape-in hair extensions typically cost $200-$400 for the extensions, plus $100-$200 for installation. Prices vary widely, depending on the salon, the number of pre-tied hair extensions used and the quality of the extensions. Once purchased, weft extensions can be reused for up to a year with proper maintenance and care.

As hair grows, it is important to remove and re-install the extensions every 6-8 weeks. The cost of this service is usually between $50-$150.

Are Hand Tied Extensions Better Than Tape In

Hand-tied hair extensions are better than taped hair extensions because they add volume and are gentler on natural hair. The hand-tied installation process is completely free of damaging adhesives, chemicals, glues or tapes. Removal of hand-tied hair extensions is quick, painless and damage-free, whereas taped hair extensions can tear natural hair during removal.

Tape-in hair extensions have a 1-inch wide band at the top that shows through in some hairstyles (such as ponytails). Hand-tied hair extensions are easier to conceal, which allows you to wear any style you want without worrying about attachments showing through. They also last longer because there are no adhesives that can degrade over time.

Installing hand-tied hair extensions takes more time and skill than installing tape extensions, but the result is healthy and gorgeous hair.

Hello, Customers

My name is Kevin Gao, I’m the business manager of INCHHAIR. I have been in the hair extensions industry for more than 10 years. Feel free to contact us. I’m happy to provide you with the best service and products.

Email: info@inchhair.com | WhatsApp: +8617515762227