Clip in vs Tape in Hair Extensions

While the premise of Human Hair Extensions is the same (real human hair that is not yours added for style, colour or length and volume to your natural hair), the truth is that is where the similarities end. Clip In Hair Extensions are perhaps the most popular type of hair extensions and have been on the market for decades, however, Tape In Hair Extensions are still relatively new and only began gaining popularity in the past three to five years. So, if you’re wondering what the differences are, or which one will suit you best, this blog will help you decide if tape in extensions or clip ins are better for you.

Although the origin of hair extensions dates all the way back to the Cleopatra era, choices in human hair extensions were very limited until about 20 years ago. If you want to know more about this check out the hidden history of hair extensions. Of course, with so much choice and diversity, buying hair extensions nowadays can get extremely confusing. Let’s go through the basics of Clip In Hair Extensions vs Tape In Hair Extensions.

Deciding which type between tape ins and clip ins often depends on your preferences, your lifestyle and in some cases, your hair type. Clip in hair extensions are better for you if you want more freedom with how and when you wear hair extensions, offering a more temporary method. Tape Hair extensions are better if you want a semi-permanent alternative (tape in can last 6-12 weeks , or even longer if well maintained).

Clip ins vs Tape ins: Which is Best for Your Lifestyle?

When it comes to lifestyle, you will need to consider which one would be more convenient for you. For example, if you’re the type of girl who refuses to leave the house without her extensions in, tape ins, which promise to make it easier to get ready on those dark and dreary Monday mornings is going to sound very appealing. Tape Ins take away the ‘clipping in and out’ of hair extensions, making a perfect choice for daily wear.

Clip Ins offer a more temporary hair extension method, in which you can take them out when you go to bed, shower, bathe or swim. If you want little effort and big impact, then clip in hair extensions are for you and they are by far the most popular form of extension. You can get the Clip In Extensions in various lengths and thicknesses with clips sewn into the strands. All that technical stuff is done is already done for you in double wefts, single wefts, ombre, wavy and several other variations so all you have to do is attach them yourself. Some prefer the flexibility of having different thicknesses and weights with easy to use One Piece Hair Extensions, these are often used as volumisers and range from 40g top ups to 80g quad wefts and 120g supreme quad wefts, these are perfect for adding volume quickly.

Clip in Hair Extensions vs Tape in Hair Extensions: Which is Better for Your Hair Type?

Although Tape In Hair Extensions are great for all hair types, they’re very adaptable and especially good for thin or fine hair as the extension lay flat, for a seamless, natural appearance. But if you have naturally oily hair, the oils from your scalp may cause the tapes to slip. We always advise you to speak with a hair expert before getting tape ins. If you have naturally oily hair, tape in might prove a bit difficult as the oils from your scalp may cause the tapes to slip.

The most important part of choosing your clip in hair extensions is knowing your own hair type. If you have fine hair it can be tempting to max out on volume with a very thick set of extensions, however, it’s important to consider how the extensions will blend in and check if your hair can conceal the clips. Full headset clip ins, however, tend to look incredibly natural on fine-haired girls. And for those who want to oomph up their hair a bit more, a one-piece or regular quad weft work a treat.

Your ideal set of hair extensions should blend in effortlessly and give you extra volume without straining your hair and scalp.

Tape ins: Application Process

Now, the most important point to make is that tape in hair extensions really does mean ‘tape in’, with actual tape. Although this sounds like it will damage your hair, it’s important to remember that this kind of hair extensions uses a special tape, that it is not like the stuff you would find in your nearest DIY store.

Whilst they are not wrong (the tape is much finer, but much stickier than standard stuff), the truth is that applying these hair extensions involves a lot of pulling and more than a few sharp yelps. The question is, are tape on hair extensions strong enough to go the distance? If applied meticulously, the Tape In Hair Extensions will last, and can be taken out and reapplied.

The Tape In Extensions are affixed by securing sections of hair between two corresponding strips of tape, so it is not as if you are hanging the weight of a hair piece of a tiny bit of adhesive. Each extension is double sided to allow you to blend them easily. You could use tape hair extensions with both thick and thin hair and it saves you having to clip in extensions every day. It will take about 45 minutes to apply.

It can be extremely tricky to apply them in a way which a guarantee a reasonably lengthy lifespan, so it is always best to get them fitted by a professional hair stylist. 

Clip ins: Application Process

Attaching and styling clip in extensions is easy, just snap open your clips, put them near your roots where you want to, and snap closed. You can wear them daily or clip them in and style them up for special occasions. Depending on how many extensions you are clipping in and how experienced you are putting in your extensions will take you about ten minutes.

So, if you want to shake up your style without going permanent, try clip in hair extensions.

Conclusion:

If we compare tape in extensions to clip in extensions, it’s easy to see the difference when it comes to application and wear. If you like hair extensions you can reuse and want to use daily but cannot be bothered clipping them in every morning, then give Tape In Extensions a try, and make sure they are real, human hair extensions.

Are you looking for a versatile, long-lasting makeover? Then maybe clip ins and tape in hair extensions are not the right fit. Find out if your mane is suitable for a nano ring transformation -- the ultimate technology in human hair extensions for hair that looks and feels as natural as it gets. With flowy movement and beads so small you can wear your hair up or down as you please! Discover nano ring hair extensions and see how they compare to tape ins on our dedicated blog: Nano Rings vs Tape-In Hair Extensions: Pros & Cons.

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