If you’ve ever had hair extensions or if you’re a stylist who works with them, you’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative they can be. From lackluster hair to full and lengthy locks, the results are unmatched! One of the most popular hair extension methods is tape in, which uses adhesive tape tabs with hair extension glue to attach them.
We love how easy tape in extensions are to apply, but sometimes, you might love them a little too much and forget when it’s time to remove and reapply them! When tape in extensions are overdue for reapplication, it can result in a sticky situation with you wondering how to remove hair extension glue that’s being difficult. Here’s what you need to do—Big Kizzy is here to help!
What Causes Hair Extension Adhesive to Stay Stuck in Your Strands

If you’ve used hair extension glue with extra hold, chances are you’ll have some residue when removing them. The main issue, though, is that when you wear your extensions for too long, your natural hair can eventually absorb the tape. You don’t want this to happen! Removing your tape in extensions every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended—any longer than that, and you’re entering stubborn glue central.
A quick way to tell if your extensions have reached this point is the “slip and slide” test. Grab a tape in extension sandwich and see if you can move the base of the wefts between your fingers. If so, that means you’re going to have some trouble removing all the residue (don’t worry—we’ll help you through this up next!).
The Best Hair Extension Glue Remover for Removal and Residue

The reality is, even the best hair glue for extensions can end up in a frustrating removal situation when it’s been left on the hair for too long. And we get it, things happen. Maybe you didn’t have the time to take them out or make that follow-up salon appointment. Whatever the reason, Big Kizzy’s hair extension glue remover trio is ready to tackle even the toughest residue!
Remover 1: Tape In Extension Remover Spray

Start with Remover 1, an alcohol-based remover that quickly loosens and removes tape from hair extensions. You can also use this remover as a quick fix for any application mistakes!
Remover 2: Tape In Residue Remover

Now it’s time to face that residue head-on with Remover 2! Right after removing the extensions, this spray works hard to dissolve residue left behind from hair extension glue. If you’re still battling that sticky residue after using this remover, reach for the third step of our remover trio.
Remover 3: Stubborn Tape In Residue Remover

Bring in the secret weapon! That’s what Remover 3 is here for. Anyone struggling with how to remove hair extension glue that’s excessive or extra stubborn hair extension glue—this is your answer. As an added bonus, it also conditions while it gets that hard-to-remove residue out of the hair!
How To Remove Hair Extension Glue That Won’t Budge

Ready to get rid of that stubborn extension glue? Once you have your removers, ensure you also have a comb, shampoo, and conditioner for the removal process. Let’s banish residue for good!
Here’s how to get hair extension glue out using our remover trio:
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Spray Remover 1 directly on the adhesive tape tabs of the extensions.
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Let the remover saturate the extension adhesive and soak for at least 30 seconds.
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Place a rat-tail comb between the wefts and separate them by moving them from side to side.
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If the wefts don’t feel loose enough to remove, apply more Remover 1 as needed.
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Gently remove the tape-in extension from the natural hair.
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Next, use Remover 2 wherever there’s leftover residue on the natural hair.
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Carefully comb the hair downwards to remove the residue.
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Repeat this for any other areas in the hair that have residue.
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Use Remover 3 for any stubborn residue and let it sit in the hair.
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Comb the hair from the roots to the ends and rinse. Repeat this step as necessary.
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Wash the hair with a cleansing shampoo to remove any leftover oil.
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Rinse the hair with cold water at the end of the wash and dry the hair.
And there you have it! Our remover trio is no match for stubborn residue left behind from hair extension glue. For all your hair extension needs, we have more removers to discover, along with hair tape, tools, and accessories. Explore our full collection of hair extension essentials on the Big Kizzy website!