Hair Extensions - Donna Bella Hair

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Free standard shipping on all US orders +$175

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How To Install Tape-In Hair Extensions

While anyone can install tape-ins, we highly recommend that tape-in hair extensions be installed solely by a trained and licensed salon professional. To avoid a bad hair extension experience and to protect your investment, do not attempt to do your own tape-ins.

There are many reasons why stylists go to school to get extensive training on techniques and products, especially when it comes to blending. With that said, if you’re a determined self-starter, a cosmetologist, or just down a research rabbit hole, we’ll break down the installation steps for you right here!

How Many Tape-In Hair Extensions to Use for a Full Head

How many packs of extensions you need generally depend upon the hair they’re going into. There are 10 wefts that come in each Donna Bella Tape-In pack. For someone that has average length, thickness, layering, and texture, you will be using four to six packs of hair.


For shorter or thicker hair, you will be using six to eight packs. Finally, for extremely thin or fine hair, plan on using three to five packs of hair. Fewer packs of hair may be used, but this is usually in circumstances where weight and volume are the focus, rather than length.


Further, for someone who wears their hair up frequently, you need to place the wefts where they can be hidden easily for updo hairstyles. If you’re a stylist, this is a question you should ask before starting the installation process so that, if you need to cut them down in size, you may do so.

How to Prep the Hair

For the initial installation, start with clean and clarified hair. That means conditioner should only be applied below the mid-shaft after shampooing! Clarified hair means you’re stripping the hair of any moisture, including the oils the scalp produces.

The best way to get clarified hair is to use a clarifying shampoo that doesn’t contain moisturizers, and then let the hair air dry. The hair may be blow dried, just make sure that no heat protectant, gloss, or anything has been placed on the hair.

Applying the Tape-In Extensions

Try to come in contact with the tape as little as possible (or better yet, not at all). By placing your fingers on the tape, you’re transferring the oils from your finger onto the tape, which will cause the extensions to slip.

Do not take the backing off of the tape and stick it on your finger while sectioning hair. Simply section the hair first and then use your nail to lift the backing from the tape, keeping your fingers away from the tape as you peel it, while placing the weft onto the sectioned hair. When you seal the weft, make sure there are no air bubbles.

By aligning the top and bottom tape correctly you will avoid this problem. Make sure you get the correct amount of hair between the wefts and tape. After you have placed your first weft, the amount of hair that sticks when you lift it is the right amount. Clean up the hairs that have stuck and then apply your second weft. Getting too much hair between the wefts can (and generally will) cause early slippage.

How Long Should Tape-In Hair Extensions Last?

Tape-ins are meant to last six to eight weeks before they need to be moved up, depending on the rate of the hair’s growth. They may be reused up to three times. Keeping a solid move-up schedule and using good replacement tape will help you get the most mileage out of the extensions.

Have an installation question? You know what to do. Drop it in the comment box below; we’re always happy to help our Donna Bellas! Ready to get started with tape-ins? Check out our full collection of bold styles and the best lengths & colors by clicking here!

RELATED:

Tape-In Hair Extension Removal Guide

Tape-In Hair Extension Aftercare Guide

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Tips
i Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
i Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
i Tilt your head slightly forward
i Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
i Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

We're about to color you happy! Take or upload your photo and instantly get 3 color matches. It's basically magic!

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Tips
i Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
i Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
i Tilt your head slightly forward
i Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
i Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face
Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.
*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.

We're about to color you happy! Take or upload your photo and instantly get 3 color matches. It's basically magic!

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YOUR COLOR OPTIONS

*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.
Still not sure? You can contact our customer service team for help with your color match. Contact Now.
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Tape-In
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Kera-Link
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I-Link
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Flat-Tip
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Hybrid Weft
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COMPARE METHODS

Do Picture

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APPLICATION
QUALITY
METHOD
LENGTHS
PER PACK
AVERAGE WEIGHT
MAINTENANCE
MAIN BENIFITS
PRICE RANGE
Tape In

Tape-IN

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Adhesive
LENGTHS
12”, 14”, 16”, 18”, 22”, 26”, 30”
PER PACK
10 Single Wefts
AVERAGE WEIGHT
15g - 40g
MAINTENANCE
Every 4-8 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Fastest install
  • Stylist preferred
  • No tools needed
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $55 per pack
Hybrid Weft

Hybrid Weft

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Sew-In
LENGTHS
18”, 22”
PER PACK
1 Single Weft
AVERAGE WEIGHT
60g - 120g
MAINTENANCE
Every 6-10 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Most innovative
  • Machine + Hand
  • Tied Weft design
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $160 per pack
Kera Link

Kera-Link

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Keratin Bond
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 22”
PER PACK
20 Single Strands
AVERAGE WEIGHT
14g - 20g
MAINTENANCE
Every 12-16 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Longest-lasting
  • Customizable
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $50 per pack
I-link

I-Link

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Beaded
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 22”
PER PACK
20 Single Strands
AVERAGE WEIGHT
14g - 20g
MAINTENANCE
Every 6-10 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Heat resistant
  • 360 movement
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $50 per pack
Flat-Tip

Flat-Tip

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Beaded
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 22”
PER PACK
20 Single Strands
AVERAGE WEIGHT
14g - 20g
MAINTENANCE
Every 6-10 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Heat resistant
  • 360 movement
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $50 per pack
Clip-in

Clip-in

APPLICATION
Do it yourself
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Clips
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 20”
PER PACK
10 Single Wefts
AVERAGE WEIGHT
  • Deluxe 140g - 160g
  • Regular 120g
MAINTENANCE
None required
MAIN BENEFITS
  • At-home application
  • Instant length & volume in a snap
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $129 per full set
Halo™

Halo™

APPLICATION
Do it yourself
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Halo™
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 20”
PER PACK
1 Single Wefts
AVERAGE WEIGHT
  • Deluxe 145g - 165g
  • Regular 105g
MAINTENANCE
None required
MAIN BENEFITS
  • At home application
  • Instant length & volume in a seconds
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $154 per full set