The 9 Best Tape

Jul 26, 2023

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Fake length that lasts.

The first rule of tape-in hair extensions: Talk to your hairstylist. We've seen our fair share of extension disasters, so when in doubt, it's best to go to the source. But some of us are more gifted in the hair arts than others, and a trip to the salon isn't always possible. So whether you're considering DIY extensions or bringing them to your stylist to install, we've rounded up some of the best tape-in extensions money can buy for every hair type and color, plus expert tips from celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan.

Sure, Glam Seamless offers tape-ins in darker hair colors too, but their range of blondes—from platinum to highlighted to rooted—is unmatched.

Did you know that It's a 10, the brand behind your favorite leave-in conditioner, launched super-shiny and high-quality tape-ins? Plus, you can choose between straight or wavy, and four different lengths.

Available in dark brown or black, these human-hair extensions are designed to match hair patterns from 3C to 4A, a texture that can be hard to find. They only come in a 22-inch length, but they can be cut shorter if needed.

This slightly looser wave comes in six lengths (from 14 to 24 inches), and has rave reviews on Amazon. "Absolutely love this hair, it did come in my natural hair texture but I decided to wear it straight and I curled it a few times but it was extremely soft," raves one customer, adding, "Super easy to install, will definitely recommend for a first time tape-ins!"

Bellami is renowned in the extensions world as some of the best, and their tape-ins are no exception. Not only do they come in several lengths and tons of colors, but the brand offers Balayage options as well for those with painted-on professional color.

Yes, you can get extensions if you have highlights—you just have to find the right extensions so they blend in properly (or, alternatively, get them dyed along with your natural hair). "I ordered the 14-inch tapes, just one pack for added thickness and they are absolutely gorgeous," writes one reviewer. "The color match for my ombré hair is perfect and it looks so natural! They were also very easy to fit, I did it myself and the tapes are the best I've ever tried!"

Most tape-ins come with 30-40 tapes (and still require multiple packs for a full head of hair). These come with just six, so you can customize your look without overspending on too much hair.

Simply put, not everyone is looking for blonde, brunette, or red hair colors. Enter Donna Bella, with blue, silver, and burgundy added to the mix in addition to the usual suspects.

For simple, straight extensions, this set is a great starting point for the price. "These are the only extensions I use. If you put them in and follow directions properly they last," says one fan, adding, "After you put them in don't wash your hair for a couple days, it helps make them last longer in my opinion."

According to Marjan, tape-ins last "About six weeks depending on how they are cared for and your natural hair growth." Plus, if they are well maintained, they can be reused.

"I can't speak for all brands, but I can confidently say that Great Lengths extensions do not cause damage if applied by a certified professional," says Marjan. "They use an ultra-thin medical grade adhesive that sits comfortably off the scalp." Damage often occurs during the removal process, but "The removal is easy with Great Lengths removal spray and they slide right off," adds the stylist.

If you aren't experienced with tape-in extensions, Marjan swears by these Dos and Don'ts: "Do go to a Great Lengths certified stylist. Do brush hair with a Great Lengths extensions brush regularly. Do sleep on a silk pillowcase. Do braid hair before bed. Do blow-dry hair immediately after washing." As for what not to do, she says, "Don't apply conditioner or serums near the roots, swim in salt or chlorinated water, and rigorously brush hair when wet."

Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

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