What are Tape Weft Hair Extensions?

What are Tape Weft Hair Extensions?

In the world of hair extensions, there are endless combinations of colors, lengths, brands, and methods to choose from. Enhance your personal style with hair that matches your vibe and mood. Every hair extension application is unique to each person, with their preferences in mind. The first step is deciding what type of hair extension method will work best for you and your lifestyle.  

If you’re well into researching options for hair extensions, you may have come across tape weft hair extensions. Are these the same as weft hair extensions? What about regular tape in extensions, is there a difference? Our hair extension experts at Big Kizzy will answer all of these questions and more up next!   

What Are Weft Hair Extensions

Applying weft hair extensions on model

Before we get into the specifics of tape in weft hair extensions, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. Weft hair extensions are generally made of synthetic or human hair attached to a base. The extensions will be customized by size, length, color, and texture for the final weft extension product. Each weft is then applied to the natural hair using various application methods. Weft extensions are most popular at salons and used by professional stylists.   

There are two main types of hair extension wefts:  

Machine Wefts   

Machine-made wefts are made using a weaving machine that stitches each strand of hair to the weft base material. These wefts tend to be heavy and thick, so they’re best used for those with thick or coarse hair.  

Hand-Tied Wefts   

Alternatively, hand-tied wefts are made by hand, tying each strand of hair to the base of each weft. These wefts are thinner, lighter, and more flexible than machine wefts, so they’re great for fine or thin hair

As far as application methods go, these are the two most popular for weft hair extensions:  

Sew In Weft Hair Extensions  

Stylist applying sew in weft hair extensions on model

The first method is sew in (or also called weave in) weft hair extensions. These are sewn into the natural hair onto small braids created along the scalp. Sew in weft extensions are very secure and can last for weeks or even months at a time!    

Beaded Weft Hair Extensions 

Stylist applying beaded weft hair extensions on model

Another common method for applying weft hair extensions uses tiny beads to attach the wefts to the natural hair. Beaded weft extensions may also be referred to as NBR, IBE, hidden beaded row, invisible beaded row, or micro-link extensions. Each section of beaded rows is hidden under layers of the natural hair so they are undetectable.  

What Are Tape In Weft Hair Extensions?  

Now, this leaves us with tape weft hair extensions. These are not as common as sew-in or beaded weft extensions but are offered by some popular hair extension brands. Tape in weft hair extensions combine the tape in application method with weft hair extensions. The main benefit of these extensions is that they provide the fullness of weft extensions with the convenience of the tape in application method. Whether you go with medium to long tape weft hair extensions, the added volume is unmatched.  

The Difference Between Tape In and Tape In Weft Extensions 

Model wearing tape in extensions and Big Kizzy hair grippers 

Knowing all about weft hair extensions and tape weft hair extensions, where do tape in extensions fit in the mix? Tape-in hair extensions come in individual pre-taped hair wefts that are around 1 to 2 inches wide. It will take around 30 to 40 pieces of tape in extensions to cover a full head. For tape in weft hair extensions, you only use one or two long wefts applied in separate rows depending on the look.   

When tape weft hair extensions are applied, they’re attached using tape strips from tape rolls that go along the weft. This differs from tape in extensions that use individual hair tape tabs to keep them securely in place. Tape in extensions use a sandwich method for application with double-sided tape tabs (or single sided tape tabs). With both methods, you will need to use remover solvent when you’re ready to take your extensions out.  

Essentials for Hair Extension Application and Removal 

Model holding Big Kizzy remover spray

Have you decided what hair extension method you’ll use? Whether you go with sew in weft extensions, beaded weft hair extensions, or tape weft hair extensions, you’ll need the best hair extension supplies! When you have the right tools and accessories for proper applications and removals, you’ll have gorgeous hair as a result every time. At Big Kizzy, we have everything you need for hair extensions, such as tape tabs, tape rolls, thread, beads, needles, and more! Visit our website to stock up now on those must-have extension essentials.