Clip-In Vs. Tape-In Hair Extensions: Which is Better for You?
Hairstyles are at least as important as makeup and dressup.
Since less voluminous hair can make the whole look a bit underwhelming, the use of hair extensions are a practical and feasible way to make your locks look luscious and fuller.
There are various techniques and tools that can help achieve Instagramable hair, but the two most feasible and common are Clip-in and Tape-in Hair extensions.
Here is a comparison that may help you see which one is for you.
Table of Contents
Extension’s Cost
The prices of extensions may vary according to the length, thickness, and quality of hair that has been used. If the hair is lengthy or thick, it will cost more. In the category of good quality, there are two kinds of hair extensions such as Remy hair and non-Remy hair.
Source: jonrenau.com
Remy Hair:
These are the kind of human hair with cuticles in the same direction. Cuticles that go in the same order prevent hair from tangling. These are hair that goes through less processing as compared to non-Remy hair. For more elusive choices, people opt for ‘Virgin Remi.’
Non-Remy Hair:
These are the kinds of hair that do not have cuticles in the same direction, and to make them less entangling, they are processed with chemicals and coated with silicon, and in some cases, mixed with synthetic hair or animal hair. These are a less wide choice.
Although all these variations can be found in both Clip-ins and Tape-ins, Tape-ins are more expensive as they come in bags of hair, which can cost you from 80 to 800 dollars a bag and to cover a full head might need approximately four bags of hair. This makes one head of hair cost from 320 dollars. At the same time, you can buy a good Clip-in for much cheaper.
Maintenance of Hair
Maintaining an extension is a particular task with Tape-Ins as they are permanently glued to your hair, and you have to treat them like real hair and choose the right kind of products in the shower. Clip-in extensions are much easier to maintain as you can put them on when you want and then take them off once you are done for the day.
Application Process
Tape-in extensions can only be applied by a professional in a salon, which also adds to the Price, and it takes about 1 hour or 1.5 hours to cover your head. In contrast, Clip-in extensions take a few minutes to put on.
The Period of Use
The Tape-in extensions stay on your head after the application until your hair grows long. After 4 to 6 weeks, when your natural hair grows in length, you must revisit the salon to get them off and reapplied. On the other hand, Clip-in extensions cannot remain on your head for days; you will have to take some time out for them in your routine.
Durability
The best shampoo for hair extensions in Clip-in extensions can last from 6 to 8 months which is longer than Tape-in extensions. The hair quality declines in Tape-in extensions faster because they are washed and styled every time you wash or style your hair. You can’t take them off and store them on days you don’t feel like dressing up.
Adjustability Factor
Once the Tape-in extensions are applied, they cannot be adjusted if you somehow pulled an unlikely hair, but you cannot change it. Clip-in Extensions can easily be removed and reapplied by a non-professional and adjusted according to your needs.
Styling
Both extensions are used for styling purposes, but if you do not like to change your style often and want to remain in your comfort zone. Tape-ins are a semi-permanent option for such a person.
On the other hand, if you like to experiment with your hair or surprise your friends and colleagues with your hair length, Clip-in extensions are suitable for you.
Hair Fall Problem
Both options may cause some variable hair fall. Using Clip-in extensions on one area of your hair constantly might result in a bald spot, but using it carefully can prevent it. Similarly, trying to take off Tape-in extensions can cause hair fall as the wings are glued to your hair.
Conclusion
Weighing the pros and cons of both options, Clip-in extensions may be better in terms of price, maintenance, and feasibility for some people. However, you know your priorities better than anyone.