How To Remove Tape-in Hair Extensions At Home
To ensure a successful and damage-free removal process, it is crucial not to rush when removing tape-in extensions at home. One effective technique is to divide your hair into sections and remove one extension at a time. This approach allows for better control and minimizes the risk of hair damage. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, using an extension brush or a wide-tooth comb can help separate the hair fibers from both the weft and your natural hair. It is suggested to part the hair to fully expose the weft and use a duckbill clip to secure the natural hair, preventing it from touching the weft.
Step 2. Carefully Inspect the Piece You're Removing
To protect your natural hair during the removal of tape-in extensions, carefully examine whether any adhesive is sticking to your hair along the entire weft. Use a wide-tooth comb or a pintail comb to create a clean section and remove any natural hair tangled with the weft. If you notice your natural hair entangled within the weft, seek professional assistance to avoid causing damage. Furthermore, if you often face challenges while removing extensions, regularly comb and gently detangle your hair to facilitate the removal process.
Step 3. Loosen the Glue with Tape-in Hair Extension Remover
After applying the adhesive remover, gently massage it into the weft, focusing on the length, width, top, and underside of the extension piece. It's recommended to layer castor or shea oil on top of the adhesive remover applied to the scalp. These oils help break down the adhesive's binding properties and protect the natural hair fibers, serving as an effective pre-moisturizing treatment for both the scalp and hair. Before removing the weft, ensure that the adhesive has dissolved adequately, allowing the hair to loosen. Wait for a few minutes in this step. Pulling the hair too soon, while the glue is still intact, may cause damage or breakage to the hair shaft. Make sure the hair feels loose before separating it from the glue.
Step 4. Gently Remove the Extension from Your Hair
It's crucial to handle the process with care to avoid hair breakage and scalp irritation. Avoid pulling or aggressively lifting the weft from the parted section, as the hair is delicate and can be easily damaged. Instead, use your hands and fingers strategically. Massage the weft with the thumb and forefinger of one hand while supporting the root area with the other hand. If you encounter any areas where the glue is still attached, apply more detox treatment as needed. Remember, it's important to ensure that the hair is free from adhesive before proceeding.
Step 5. Separate Any Stuck Extensions Gently
Gently use your hands to separate any tangled extensions. If needed, you can use a plastic pintail comb, which is less damaging than a metal one. Avoid forcefully combing through the glue when it's stuck to the strands, as this can damage the hair shaft. If the glue is stubborn, it's best to avoid combing and seek professional help. If your adhesive remover isn't strong enough, you may consider using an oil-based remover like coconut oil or argan oil after removing the wefts. Apply the oil treatment all over the head, from the scalp to the ends, and comb through with a wide-tooth comb to check for any remaining adhesive, residue, or buildup.
Step 6. Shampoo and Condition Your Hair after Removing Tape-in Hair Extensions
After removing the extensions and clearing any residue, it's time to shampoo and condition your hair. Use a bottle with a nozzle applicator to apply the shampoo directly to your scalp for thorough cleansing. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing with water and shampooing the hair strands. It is recommended to repeat the cleansing and conditioning process up to three times to ensure complete removal of any oils or adhesive residue. This step helps restore moisture to both your scalp and hair.
Step 7. Finish with a Treatment to Rehydrate Your Hair
After removing the extensions, it's important to give your hair the hydration and strength it needs. Consider using protein treatments for up to three weeks to strengthen and nourish your hair. Extensions can cause dryness and affect the elasticity of both your scalp and hair, so it's crucial to focus on restoring moisture. Conditioning treatments are also beneficial for adding moisture, shine, and smoothing the damaged cuticle scales caused by the glue.
After removing your tape-in extensions, it's important not to rush to put them back in. Wearing extensions continuously without taking a break can strain the hair follicle, potentially causing damage. Additionally, it's normal to see a noticeable amount of your natural hair strands coming out with the extensions. Our hair naturally sheds 50-100 strands per day as part of its regular cycle. Some of this shed hair may have become tangled in the extension weft. Although it may appear to be a significant amount, there's no need to be concerned as this is a common and expected occurrence.
We hope this article on how to remove tape-in extensions at home has been helpful to you. Have you tried these steps? Do you have any additional tips or experiences to share? We would love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment below and engage with our community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to ask. Your feedback and interactions are valuable to us. Let's connect and support each other in our hair care journey!
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