Trust us, queens can DIY

Girlie, we get it. Hair hacks can be hit or miss. You’ve watched that “super easy” extension tutorial on TikTok, feeling ready to slay, but when it comes to actually DIY... yeah, it's giving 'epic fail.' Extensions slipping out, visible tapes—what was supposed to be a quick glow-up turns into a major hair emergency. We’ve ALL been there.

But guess what? We're about to flip the script and make sure your DIY attempt doesn’t fall into the fail zone. If you’re ready to master how to put in tape in hair extensions properly and give yourself salon-quality results from the comfort of your bathroom mirror, you’re in the right place.

Tape-in extensions are a total game changer for adding length, volume, or just a little *oomph* to your everyday look, without the added DRAMA. And we’ve broken down the process so you can confidently DIY, avoiding those rookie mistakes. So, grab yourself a seat at your beauty desk, and let’s get ready to slay with our foolproof tape-in hair extension placement guide.

 

Essential prep steps

Before you even think about opening that pack of tape-in extensions, girl, let’s talk prep. The secret to flawless, long-lasting extensions? It’s all in the groundwork. Get your hair ready for its new look with these must-do steps. Skip this? Well, let’s just say you’ll be missing out on all the good stuff. AKA—a professional finish. 

 

1. Clean slate, clean hair

Tape-ins love fresh, clean hair. So, skip the dry shampoo for now and wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any oils or product buildup. You want your scalp to be squeaky clean for maximum tape grip. No slipping, no sliding—just secure, fab hair.

 

2. No conditioner, no problem

We know, skipping conditioner feels wrong, but believe us on this one. Conditioner makes your hair too soft and slippery, which isn't ideal for tapes. You want a little texture so those extensions hold tight, so save the conditioning treatment for after they’re installed.

 

3. Dry and smooth

Make sure your hair is 100% dry before applying any tape-ins. Even a little bit of dampness can mess with the adhesive, and we’re not here for half-done installs. Once it’s dry, give it a quick blowout for a smooth canvas that’s ready to go. 

 

4. Detangle, girl

Before you get started, grab your brush and work through any tangles. Smooth, tangle-free hair means you’ll have an easier time sectioning and applying the tapes. Honestly, a quick brush now will save you loads of time later.

 

5. Section like you mean it

Ready for some hair sorcery? Grab that fine-tooth comb and get to sectioning. Good sectioning is the secret sauce behind pro-level results. You want small, even parts where the tape will sit, letting your natural hair sandwich the extensions in place. Patience here is NEEDED—it’s what’s gonna keep your extensions looking bomb and natural.

 

6. Tools at the ready

Nothing kills the vibe like realizing halfway through that you’re missing something. Have all your essentials—tape-in extensions, a tail comb, clips, and your heat tool—right there with you. Organization is your bestie, and having everything within reach will make this whole process smooth and stress-free.

 

Don’t stop there, getting prepped is only half the game, girl! With these steps locked in, you're ready to create a tape-in masterpiece that looks as good as it feels. Let's get to it. 

 

Your DIY extensions guide 

Alright, it’s go-time! We’ve got you prepped and ready, now let’s talk about how to actually apply those tape-in extensions like the boss babe you are. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have that salon-worthy look, minus the appointment (and the money). 

 

1. Start from the bottom

First things first: we’re going bottom-up. Section off the bottom layer of your hair, about an inch above the nape of your neck. Clip the rest up and out of the way. This is your base layer, where the first row of extensions will sit. Keep your parts clean and even—messy sections mean messy tapes, and we’re not about that life.

 

2. Measure and place

Take a tape-in extension and measure it against your natural hair. You want it to blend seamlessly, so check the length and thickness. Once you’ve found the right fit, peel off the backing to reveal the adhesive side. Position the extension about ¼ inch from your scalp—this keeps it comfortable and ensures it lays flat.

 

3. Sandwich it up

Now, grab a second piece of tape-in. Place it directly on top of the first extension, sandwiching your natural hair in between. Press down firmly to ensure the adhesive sticks, but be gentle—no need to go Hulk on it! A solid press will ensure a secure hold without damaging your hair.

 

4. The 1-inch rule

Space is your friend. Don’t place the tapes too close to your scalp, and leave about an inch between each extension along the row. This keeps things looking natural and prevents the extensions from tugging at your roots (ouch!). Just think of this as giving your hair room to flow and look effortlessly chic.

 

5. Work your way up

Now that your first row is locked in, move up an inch and create another section. Keep repeating the sandwich technique with your tape-ins until you’ve covered all the layers you want. Pro tip: Don’t go too high! Leave enough of your natural hair to cover the tapes at the top for that smooth, seamless finish.

 

6. Seal it with heat

Ready to lock it all in? Grab your flat iron and gently apply heat to the taped sections for just a *couple* of seconds. This step makes sure that the tapes are fully bonded and secure. No sliding out of place here, girl—your extensions are here to stay. 

 

And that’s it! It’s really THAT easy. You’ve officially mastered the art of applying tape-in hair extensions at home, so give yourself a pat on the back (or a selfie), because you just created a look that’s straight out of a salon chair. 

 

Is DIY-ing for you?

You’re officially equipped with all the juicy details on how to put in tape-in hair extensions like you’re in the actual salon. From our must-know prep steps to the application hacks that’ll make you feel like you just walked out of the beauty chair, you’re ready to slay that hair game right from the comfort of your home.

But listen up—if you’re finding it a bit more challenging than expected, don’t hesitate to throw in the towel and let the pros handle it. Seriously, it’s totally okay to admit defeat. There’s no shame in saying, “You know what? I need some help.” The last thing you want to do is damage your gorgeous locks in a DIY fiasco. It’s just not worth saving a few bucks if it means risking your beautiful hair. Sometimes, a little pampering at the salon is the best decision you can make for your tresses (and your mind). 

If you’re ready to dive into the DIY life or prefer to let a stylist work their magic, just remember that the ultimate goal is to feel fabulous and confident in your hair. With every attempt, you’ll learn and grow, and soon enough, you’ll be a tape-in extension professional—because it’s only up from here.  

Whether you're hitting up brunch with your besties or lighting up the dance floor, heads will turn, and compliments will fly. Here’s to dropping the clip-ins for good, because us girlies over here are now hair care pros, and you can’t take that away from us.