After having short hair for twenty years, I decided it was time for a change. I slowly tried to grow my hair out and once it reached a point, I cut it again. You know the point I am talking about. The in-between stage where your hair won’t fix correctly and you want to scream. After much thought, I decided to get Tape-In Hair Extensions.
So many of you asked if I would share the details of the process and my overall thoughts on my decision. I hope this post helps if you have ever considered extensions.
Can I get Extensions, if I have short hair?
Yes! After talking to my hairstylist we decided Tape-In Extensions could actually work for me. I was very surprised being my hair was so short and layered.
What brand of Extensions did you use?
For the Tape-In Hair Extensions, we used a brand called Babe. They are made with 100% human Remy hair.
Do they damage your hair?
They are made with medical-grade adhesive specially designed for hair. Babe Tape-Ins say they won’t damage hair either. There is no heat or beads used when applying.
How many did you use?
Each package contains 10 wefts that are 1 1/2 inch each. I used 4 packages.
What Color and Length did you go with?
For the length, I went with the 14″. For the Color I choose #12/600 Caroline. I can’t believe how well it matched my hair. It was pretty much identical.
Where do I purchase these and how much do they cost?
These I actually purchased from my hairstylist. The extensions cost me $258 for 4 packages. Different salons may charge different prices. Your hairstylist will also charge you her or his fee to put the extensions in.
How long does it take?
It took about an hour, give or take. But I had a lot of extensions because my hair was so short.
How do the Extensions feel?
My extensions are very comfortable and feel like my real hair. In the beginning, I would say I could feel them in my hair, a little. Kind of like when you are wearing a ponytail holder. You just feel something. It became less and less noticeable as time went on. Now I don’t even notice them.
How long do they last?
Tape-Ins can last up to three to six months. Depending on how well you care for them. After about 5-6 weeks it will be time to take out your Tape-Ins. Because your real hair grows they will need to be moved up. Your stylist will use Tape-In Bond Remover that allows the bond to gently release. After my stylist removes my extensions she will wash and dry them and then reapply. I have not made it to the removal and reapplying part yet.
This photo is right after we finished. I mean wow! I didn’t even recognize myself.
This is after my hair was styled. I like it with curl much better than straight.
Before and after hair extensions. I can’t get over how much this changed my look. It took me over a week before I started to recognize myself again. That goes for my husband and kids too.
This is last years Easter Picture in comparison to the years. I still can’t get over how different I look. I get told a ton that I look younger with long hair. That’s a huge compliment, and I’ll take it!
The Cons
Because my hair is so short, blending the extensions is a challenge. I knew this going into it. I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect and that’s ok with me. I am not good at it, I just blend it the best I can.
Washing my hair takes awhile. It’s hard to wash the scalp of where the extensions are placed.
I can’t put my hair in a high ponytail because you will see the tape. I can do a low ponytail though.
My overall thoughts.
I am known for my short sassy hairstyle. I receive emails daily asking about what products I used to style my hair and if I would share more photos so they could show their hairstylist. Heck, people would stop me at stores and restaurants and asked if they could take a picture of my hair. No joke. Getting extensions was a big deal and I thought a long time before doing it.
On the day of my appointment, I was so nervous. Like I could have backed out if I hadn’t already purchased the extensions. So it was happening! You guys, I Love them!! Like way more than I could have even imagined. My husband and kids loved them! I received a lot of great comments and personally messages from my followers as well as some #teamshort comments.
But here’s the thing. I really love them and that is what matters. Something my husband says is, “You do You!” Gah, I love that! So if you have ever thought of trying a new hairstyle, hair color or even a new wardrobe, DO IT!! Don’t let fear or the opinions of others keep you from trying it. Just Do You!
Here are a few professional photos my sister took of me. She is Ashley Michele Photography.
If you have more questions you would like me to answer, comment below. Or send my a PM and I can write another post answering your questions.
xoxo,
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Love your hair extensions! You look beautiful either way!!
Oh thank you Kathy!! I truly appreciate your kind comment!! Thank you!! xoxo
Thanks so much for your feedback,! Very hopeful definitely I’m going to try! I really need some opinion before
Are you using the extension to help with the process of growing your hair out, now that you like your long hair?
Hi Patti,
Yes, I am. I may actually keep some of the extensions in, even when my hair is long to help to create fullness. This seems to be a common thing people do when they have thinner hair. like me. 🙂
I love them and it does make you look younger, even though you are young 😉 I just got my haircut short again because it was in the stage, should I let it grow or go short again. Oh well, maybe one day. Thanks for all your input about things you have done and that I hope to do. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Marie, Thank you so much!! The in-between stage is enough to make a person go crazy. lol I really really appreciate your kind comment!! Thank you! xoxo
Hi Amy, you look gorgeous! I wanted to ask, are the extensions very pricey? Also, when having them reapplied at the 5-6 week mark, do you need to purchase more or its just a matter or reattachment?
Hi Rachel. Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I really appreciate it! The original extensions will be reapplied. My original extension should last a few more times. 🙂
Amy! I’ve been following you on here for year. Love your stuff. Your hair looks phenomenal either way, but I vote for the short hair. It’s so much more authentic and fun. Again, both are great looks, but I’d love to see you go short again 🙂
I mean *years 🙂
Hi, Lee Ann! Thanks for your comment. I am sure I will do the short hair again sometime. I am having fun with the long right now. 🙂 Sometimes change is good. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
What is the best brand of tape to use, especially since I wash my hair daily?
The tape was with the actual extensions. Since my hair stylist is the one who puts my extensions in, I am not sure what brand the tape is. Sorry about that. 🙂
Hi, I just had some put in only on my side’s, I love the fullness it gives my hair, but I’m worried about it pulling on my hair and making it thinner. Thoughts on that?
Hi Dawn,
So far I have not had any issues with it damaging my real hair. This type of hair extension is said to be safe and nondamaging. I bet it really added volume to the sides of your hair. I am so glad you love it! 🙂
Hi Amy.thanks for sharing your experience.I want to know more your thoughts on tape in extensions now after having worne them for 4 months.did u face any hairfall ? Or was the session of getting them.moved up smooth for you ?
Thanks !
Hello,
I did not lose any hair except for a few strands that are stuck on the tape. I also have not noticed any damaging to my hair. I am very happy with the tape-ins. I have them moved up every 5 weeks and it was pretty easy. They use an adhesive removal made for the tape-ins and it works nicely. If you are tender headed, I would say extensions could be a challenge. 🙂
I was wondering how often you wash your hair/extensions and how often you use heat styling on them and how it affects the length of time they last?
Those hair extensions look great on you! I have the exact same ones for my hair!
Thank you Cher! They have really worked out well. I have been very happy with them. 🙂
Your hair looks awesome!! I am getting extensions put in next Tuesday and it can’t get here quick enough. Merry Christmas to me! I am worried about the color because there were two different ones that looks almost the same and I want it to blend well. I am a redhead and I love my natural color and don’t want to color my hair. I’m praying it looks good. I’m committed at this point, Thank you for sharing your experience. It is super helpful.
Thank you Tiffany! I am sure your stylist will make your extensions look amazing! Send me a picture when you get them in. I would love to see them! 🙂 xoxo
You look so amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience. I also bought a virgin hair from https://malaysianremy.com and I love it !
Thank you! That is awesome!! 🙂
I love your long curls! I’m getting ready to get the same type if extensions and am so excited! What size curling iron barrel did you use to get those curls, or did you use a spiral curling iron?
Hi Jennifer, That’s so exciting! I use a 1″ size curling iron. I hope you love your new extensions! 🙂
Thanks SO much, Amy!
What styling products do you use to keep your extensions soft?
Hi Tonya,
I only use a conditioner in the lower parts of my hair and that is it. I don’t really add any other product except a finishing spray. 🙂 I hope this helps. xoxo
When your extensions are wet do they have a wave to them? Just asking because mine do and i want a brand that doesnt do that. What brand are your extensions. They look great!
Connie, I think they did a little.I always had to blow dry them. I used Babe brand extensions. I highly recommend them. They lasted me 7 months. 🙂 Thank you. <3
Would you mind sharing how the removal and reinstall process went for you? Did you notice any damage to your own hair or thinning? Thank you!
Hi! I’ve followed you for a long time because of your short hair. Imagine my surprise when I popped by and saw you new look! It’s lovely. And….now, I cannot get the idea of extensions out of my mind. I tried really hard to grow out to long but just couldn’t do it.
Do you still have the extensions or did they succeed in helping you grow out? I also wonder how coloring the hair works? I get foil highlights. Hopefully you will see this!!!
Hi Shawn, Yes, I have a new look. lol I still have extensions, but now have the flat-tip extensions. My hairstylist removes the extensions before coloring my full head of hair (light and dark foils). The extensions can be colored, but not bleached. We also touch up my roots with the extensions in. The extensions have really helped with the grow-out process. 🙂
Amy,
Thanks for the reply! I get my extensions on Thursday!!! They’re the heat fusion type. I’m nervous but excited!!!
I just got tapeins recently and I feel like the tape feels stiff . I had single sided method installed. Does it eventually ease up?
Hi Jasmine, It does. It will feel tight at first but will get better each day. Hope this helps. 🙂