6 Mistakes That Can Ruin A Tape-In Extension Application

Common Extension Mistakes & How To Avoid Making Them

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and clients are getting ready to schedule their big spring makeover appointment. While some guests want to chop it all off, others want a new length overnight. Because we want to help you capitalize on the moneymaking service that is extensions, we reached out to five specialists and found out the mistakes that can ruin any tape-in application. Keep reading for six of the most common mistakes and how to avoid making them!

1. They’re Too Close To The Scalp

Extensions placed too close to the scalp will have zero movability, which means clients will probably feel discomfort until they grow out a bit. For a pain-free application, Hotheads® Hair Extensions Educator Mickey Colon Jr. (@mickeycolonjr) recommends placing the extensions about 2 to 5 centimeters from the scalp.

2. Sections Are Either Too Thin Or Too Thick

Sections that are too thin can cause damage or make it easier for the extensions to fall right out. Sections that are too thick will make it harder for the adhesives to reach each other, causing them to fall. So what’s the perfect section size?! Hotheads® Hair Extensions Educator Kristen Colon (@kristenmcolon) says sections should be about 1/8 of an inch, but if you’re unsure, use one extension tab for reference.

3. There’s Not Enough Space Above The Ear

“Not everyone wears glasses but everyone wears sunglasses,” says Hairtalk® Master Educator and Platform Artist Alicia Iannone (@liciebaby). That’s why she’ll start her application two fingers above the ear.

4. The Extensions Are Totally Noticeable 

You know an extension application is successful when they are seamlessly blended and totally undetectable. And Donna Bella Hair Master Educator Baelee Reiter (@inbaeleeschair) has a few key tips that can help you achieve that every time: 

• Always have clean partings. “The cleaner the section, the easier the maintenance will be,” she says.

• Place the extensions in the direction the hair falls.

• Avoid overdirecting the hair. Not only will it be uncomfortable for the client but it could cause breakage.

• Zero degree elevation is everything—tighter isn’t always better!

5. The Color Match Isn’t Perfect

Nothing screams “I have extensions!” like tape-ins that don’t match the client’s haircolor. So to avoid that, Hairtalk® Artistic Director Vicki Casciola (@vickicasciola) matches to the color of the midlengths and ends. You could also easily create dimension by strategically placing extensions that are lighter or darker than the client’s strands. “Utilize extensions as if you were foiling/coloring the hair,” advises Vicki.

6. There Are Holes In The Finished Look

Holes happen when all areas of the head aren’t evenly covered by extensions, which is why Alicia says brick-layering is a must for placement. You also want to make sure the rows are straight to ensure an even application is achieved. The hair doesn’t grow out on an angle so why install the extensions that way?

CLICK HERE To Learn How To Properly Prep The Hair For Extensions