Why Do Tape-In Hair Extensions Slip? Causes & How to Prevent It
Tape-In hair extensions can provide a beautifully natural-looking way to add extra length and volume, but occasionally one or more extensions may begin to slip.
If this happens, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the hair itself. Tape-In slippage can be caused by several factors, including how the natural hair was prepared, the amount of hair placed between the tapes, products used around the attachment area and everyday aftercare.
Slippage is when a Tape-In extension moves down the natural hair sooner than expected or when the adhesive attachment begins to loosen.
Remember: normal hair growth will also gradually move your Tape-In extensions further away from the scalp, so movement does not always mean the extensions have slipped.
What Causes Tape-In Hair Extensions to Slip?
There isn't one single cause. Preparation, fitting technique, products and aftercare can all affect how securely your Tape-In extensions remain in place.
- Oily or greasy natural hair
- Conditioner or oil around the adhesive
- Product residue before application
- Incorrect section sizes
- Misaligned Tape-In tabs
- Incorrect application
- Moisture or unsuitable aftercare
- Old adhesive when reusing extensions
Oily or Greasy Hair
Excess oil around the roots can make it more difficult for Tape-In adhesive to maintain a secure attachment.
Natural oils, leave-in treatments and styling products can leave residue on the hair and may affect how well the adhesive performs.
If your hair becomes oily quickly, read our guide to Tape-In extensions and oily or greasy hair.
Conditioner or Oil Near the Tapes
Conditioners, oils and serums are useful for looking after extension lengths, but they should generally be kept away from Tape-In attachment areas.
Instead, concentrate conditioning products primarily through the mid-lengths and ends.
Product Residue Before Fitting
Correct preparation before application is extremely important.
Dry shampoo, conditioner, oils, hairspray and styling products can leave residue behind and may interfere with the adhesive attachment.
Incorrect Section Size
The amount of natural hair positioned between the Tape-In tabs matters.
Too much hair can prevent sufficient adhesive contact, while too little hair may not provide suitable support for the extension.
Misaligned Tape Tabs
The two adhesive pieces need to be positioned correctly around the natural hair section.
If the tabs are significantly misaligned, there may be less adhesive contact, increasing the chance of the extension loosening.
Incorrect Application
Once positioned correctly, the Tape-In pieces need to be secured according to the appropriate fitting instructions.
Incorrect positioning or insufficient pressure during application may result in a weaker attachment.
Washing Too Soon After Fitting
Some adhesive systems may require a period after application before the hair should be thoroughly washed or wetted.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the Tape-In system being used and the advice of your qualified extensionist.
Leaving Attachments Damp
After washing, the root and attachment areas should be dried thoroughly.
Avoid leaving Tape-In attachments wet for extended periods and never go to bed with wet extension attachment areas.
Excessive Heat Around the Adhesive
Avoid repeatedly applying high heat directly onto Tape-In adhesive tabs.
Straighteners and curling tools should be kept away from the attachment areas, with suitable heat protection used on the extension hair where appropriate.
Pulling or Picking at the Tapes
Frequently touching, pulling or picking at the edges of the adhesive tabs can weaken the attachment.
Brush carefully and support the extension hair where necessary to help avoid unnecessary tension around the fittings.
Incorrectly Prepared Reused Tapes
Many Tape-In extensions can be reused when the hair remains in suitable condition, but the attachment areas need to be correctly cleaned and retaped.
Old adhesive, oils or remover residue may affect the performance of newly applied replacement tape.
It May Simply Be Hair Growth
Your natural hair continues to grow while wearing extensions, gradually moving the tapes further from the scalp.
If the attachments have moved down evenly over a normal period of wear, it may simply be time for professional removal and refitting rather than genuine slippage.
If several tapes begin slipping very shortly after fitting, speak to the person who fitted them. They can inspect the attachments and help identify whether the cause relates to preparation, application, products or aftercare.
How to Help Prevent Tape-In Extensions From Slipping
Before Fitting
Make sure the natural hair is correctly prepared and free from unsuitable product residue. Correct sectioning, alignment and application are all important for creating a secure attachment.
Read our Tape-In Hair Extension Fitting Guide for more information.
After Fitting
Keep oils, conditioners and heavy styling products away from the Tape-In attachments. Brush carefully, avoid pulling at the tapes and ensure attachment areas are properly dried after washing.
For more advice, visit our Hair Extension Aftercare Guide.
What Should You Do If Tape-In Extensions Keep Slipping?
If one or two extensions come loose, avoid repeatedly pressing contaminated adhesive back onto the natural hair.
The attachment may need to be removed, properly cleaned, retaped and reapplied.
If several extensions are slipping soon after fitting, ask your extensionist to inspect them. This can help determine whether the issue is related to preparation, fitting technique, sectioning, products or aftercare.
Never force, pull or peel professionally fitted extensions from your natural hair. Tape-In extensions should be removed correctly using the appropriate removal method and products.
Are Tape-In Hair Extensions Right for You?
When correctly selected, professionally fitted where appropriate and properly maintained, Tape-In extensions can be an excellent option for adding extra length and volume.
The key to reducing slippage is good preparation before fitting combined with suitable aftercare once the extensions are in place.
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