Found yourself without a salon? You can always DIY 

We get it, girl—sometimes you want that waist-length hair that makes you feel like a queen, and other times you just want to run your fingers through your natural locks. Change is good! Today’s a new day, and it’s calling for a fresh start by removing those hair extensions. No salon? No problem! We’ve got your back with some expert tips on how to remove hair extension glue right at home.

It’s a chill evening, your fave playlist is on, and you’re ready to tackle the task of freeing your hair from those sticky bonds. It might sound daunting, but trust us, it’s totally doable and even a *little* bit fun (if you’re with your girls). Whether you're dealing with tape-ins or other types of extensions, we’re here to take you through every step, making it as easy as a girls’ night in.

Extensions are amazing for adding volume and length, but there comes a time when you want to switch things up. Maybe you’re feeling a new look or just need a break from the upkeep. Whatever your reason, knowing how to remove your extensions at home can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.

So, let’s get you prepped and ready. You’ll need a few tools, a bit of patience, and our step-by-step guide. By the end of this, you’ll be a pro at hair extension removal, and your natural hair will thank you for it. Forgot the worries of any gluey mess and get ready for your natural hair. After all, natural never goes out of style—but you’ve got to do it right. 

 

Step 1—gather your supplies

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of removing that hair extension glue, let's talk supplies. Think of this as your mini spa session at home—you'll need the right tools to make it smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

Your hair extension removal kit

1. Tape-in hair extension remover: Look for one specifically designed for your type of extensions. These usually contain oils or alcohol that help break down the adhesive. 
2. Fine-tooth comb: Super important for gently detangling and removing glue residue.
3. Hair clips: These are your BFFs. Use them to section your hair and keep it easy to manage. 
4. Oil (coconut or olive): Great for breaking down glue and nourishing your hair at the same time.
5. Cotton pads or balls: For applying the remover and oil precisely where you need it.
6. Shampoo and conditioner: Preferably a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any leftover residue, followed by a deep conditioner to pamper your natural hair.

Top tip—prep your space

They say "failing to prepare is preparing to fail," and we couldn’t agree more—especially when it comes to your hair! Make sure you’re set up in a comfortable spot with good lighting—a bathroom or bedroom with a mirror is perfect. Oh, and always lay down an old towel or a cape to catch any drips or messes, because nobody likes the post-beauty trial clean up sessions! Pop on your favorite playlist or a good Netflix show in the background, because this is going to take some time—and patience is KEY. 

Ready? Let’s move on to the fun part—actually removing those extensions! With your supplies at hand, get ready to take your time, be careful and do not rush. The calmer you are, the more your hair will thank you for it.

 

Step 2—how to remove hair extensions glue

Apply the remover

Alright, girlie, it’s time to get down to business. You’ve got your supplies, your space is prepped, and now we’re ready to tackle that hair extension glue. Follow these steps to apply the remover effectively:

Section your hair

First things first: section your hair. Use those hair clips to divide your hair into manageable sections. This will make it easier to apply the remover and ensure you don’t miss any spots. Start from the bottom and work your way up, and think of it as if you are curling your hair, or giving it a good style. Sectioning is super important to make sure you get all the right places. 

Apply the tape-in hair extension remover

Grab your tape-in hair extension remover. This could be an oil-based product or an alcohol-based one, depending on your preference and what works best for your hair type. Apply a generous amount of the remover to the base of the extension where the glue is—and be sure to saturate the area thoroughly. This is the main goal in breaking down that adhesive, and freeing those strands. 

Give it time to work

Patience, girl! Let the remover sit for a few minutes. This gives it time to break down the glue, making it easier to slide the extensions out. Use this time to relax, have a sip (or three) or your favorite vino, or gossip with the gals. You’ve got this!

Gently remove the extensions

After the remover has had time to work its magic, it’s time to gently remove the extensions—and we mean GENTLY. Hold your natural hair with one hand and use the other hand to slide the extension out. If it doesn’t come out easily, apply a bit more remover and wait a little longer. No need to rush—your hair’s health comes first, and the harsher you are, the hell you’ll be putting your hair through. 

Comb through

Hallelujah! They’re out. Once the extensions are all glided out, use a fine-tooth comb to gently comb through your hair, removing any remaining glue residue that’s left behind. This step is important to make sure that your hair is clean and glue-free—and the best part, without any damage. 

Please, please, please—avoid tugging!

Remember, don’t tug or pull too hard. If you encounter any stubborn glue, reapply the remover and give it a bit more time. Your hair needs you to be as gentle as possible. 

By now, you should be seeing some progress. Extensions are coming out, and your natural hair is breathing again. Feels good, right? Let’s keep that momentum going and move on to the next step—cleansing and nourishing your hair.

 

Step 3—cleanse and nourish your hair

We hope that wasn’t too painful, as sometimes those little extension tapes can be awful little suckers to get out without the damage. You’ve now made it through the removal process—and it’s time to give your natural hair some much-needed TLC. Here’s how to cleanse and nourish your hair after removing those extensions:

Shampoo thoroughly

Start with a good wash to remove any remaining residue. Use a clarifying shampoo to deep clean your scalp and hair, focusing on the areas where the extensions were attached. This helps to eliminate any leftover glue and product buildup. Massage your scalp gently with your fingertips to promote circulation and relaxation—then rinse thoroughly.

Condition deeply

Next up, it’s conditioning time. After the deep cleanse, your hair might feel a bit dry, so it’s important to restore moisture. Apply a deep conditioner from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness. Leave it in for at least 10-15 minutes to allow your hair to soak up all the goodness—and if you have extra time, pop on a shower cap and let the conditioner sit longer for an intensive treatment. The longer, the better!

Detangle with care

After rinsing out the conditioner, it’s time to detangle. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently comb through your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Be gentle—your hair has been through a lot, and you want to avoid any breakage.

Use a leave-in conditioner

For extra nourishment and manageability, spritz on a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray. This will help keep your hair soft, smooth, and easy to style. Plus, it adds an extra layer of protection against future damage.

Dry and style

Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to minimize frizz. Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel, as it can cause breakage and frizz. Let your hair air dry if possible, or use a blow dryer on a really low heat setting—remember, it’s hair, not food, so do NOT cook it. Once it’s dry, style your hair however you like, and get ready to embrace an all-natural affair.

Incorporate oils

The best tip for getting some boosted shine into those newfound natural locks? To give your hair an extra boost of shine and hydration, apply a small amount of hair oil, like argan or jojoba oil, to the ends of your hair. This will help seal in moisture and keep your hair looking healthy and glossy.

You did it! Your hair is now glue-free, clean, and nourished. Taking the time to properly cleanse and condition your hair after extension removal is important to maintaining its health and beauty. Who said there was no time for a salon visit? You could never tell you did it yourself! Now, let’s move on to the final step—maintenance and aftercare.

 

Step 4—maintenance and aftercare

It’s not just about getting those babies out, it’s about looking after your hair without the extensions. So, you've successfully removed your hair extensions and given your natural hair some well-deserved love! Now, you need to maintain and care for your hair post-removal, because the better the TLC, the better your hair’s health. 

Trim your ends 

Don’t be afraid of taking a trim, because it really does work wonders for your hair. If your hair feels a bit frazzled or you notice split ends, consider getting a trim or even a chop if you dare. This isn’t always necessary, but it can help freshen up your look and keep your hair healthy. A quick trim can also remove any remaining damaged ends from the extension removal process—and lets those strands grow and flourish. 

Limit heat styling

Put down the HEAT. Give your hair a break from heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands. Heat can weaken your hair and cause further damage, especially after the stress of wearing extensions. Embrace your natural texture or opt for heatless hairstyles to minimize potential damage.

Maintain a gentle hair care routine

Stick to gentle hair care products that are sulfate-free and designed for your hair type—and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness or breakage. Go for nourishing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that promote hair health, and saturate it with goodness from the inside out. 

Protect your hair at night

Invest in a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and minimize tangles while you sleep. Alternatively, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or use a silk bonnet to protect your natural hair and preserve your style overnight. You have hair like a queen, you may as well sleep like one, right?

Stay hydrated and eat well

Healthy hair starts from within. Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Foods like salmon, avocados, nuts, and leafy greens can support hair growth and strength—and help it on its journey to rapunzel-worthy locks in no time. 

Schedule regular deep conditioning treatments

Treat your hair to regular deep conditioning treatments to keep it looking its ultimate best. Deep conditioners help replenish lost moisture and nutrients, especially after the stress of wearing extensions. We recommend using a deep conditioner once a week or whenever your hair feels like it needs a good drink. On those extra thirsty days, try sleeping in a deep conditioning mask and wash out in the morning. Perfect!

Try out some protective styles

If you’re super protective over your locks (and so you should be) then it’s best to protect them from all life’s stresses. Why not rock a protective style like braids, twists, or buns to give your hair a break from the daily struggles of styling? Protective styles can help retain moisture, minimize breakage, and help those strands grow nice and long. 

 

Above all else—care for your hair!

Don’t forget that while home hair care can be easy and addictive, you need to proceed with caution. Using the right products and techniques ensures you protect your hair from unnecessary damage. Avoid over-pulling or stressing your hair during the removal process, as this can lead to breakage and setbacks in your hair care journey. Healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp, so prioritize hydration, nutrition, and handling with care.

By following these tips and maintaining a balanced approach to hair care, you’ll help your natural hair thrive and shine. It’s the season of DIY haircare and letting your natural hair bloom—because healthy, vibrant hair is always in style.