Are you stuck in the dilemma of choosing the best hair extension for you? Convenience? Style? Quality? Price? Which is better, really–clip in extensions or tape in extensions? To help you out, we have compiled some of the comparisons that we have observed as regards the heated tape-ins vs. clip-in hair extensions debate.
Price
Of course, one major factor that you should consider when getting hair extensions (especially when you just started) is its price point. You must first ask yourself: Which is more worth it for me? Which process do I see myself doing every day?
Majority of the clip-in hair extensions in the market are particularly cheaper than tape-in hair extensions. Prices may vary when it comes to the hair extensions’ quality, thickness, length, or brand.
For tape-in hair extensions, buying the hair alone will cost you more money than the clip-in type. This is not to mention the added cost that you have to pay when you have it installed in a salon by a trusted hair professional. Because unlike clip-ins, it’s not easy to install tape-in extensions Do-It-Yourself (DIY) style. With tape-in extensions, you have to seek professional help and also pay for the service.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, clip-in extensions are hands-down simpler than tape-in extensions for the following reasons:
- You do not need to wash and style your clip-in extension all the time, as opposed to the tape-in hair extension that you have to wash, dry, and style together with your natural hair. With clip-in hair extensions, once styled (straight, curl, or colour), it will remain that way until you decide to change it.
- Clip-ins are very easy to use, you. Just literally clip them in after purchasing your extensions. But for the tape-in type of extensions, you have to go to a salon and have a hair professional install it for you.
Convenience
Tape-in extensions and clip-in extensions are both convenient to use; it just depends on the preference of the user on what is convenient to use on a daily basis.
A clip-in extension is easy to use because you can remove and attach it whenever you like. You can also change its location on your hair. In addition, the extensions can last for six to eight months, depending on how you take care of them
Tape-in extensions are convenient because you literally will wake up with long and gorgeous hair every morning. When you have to go to the gym or go swimming, you don’t have to remove your extension because it is already taped in–and this will be the case for up to four weeks, or until you have to replace the tape with a new one, or when your roots went down, and you have to adjust the location of your tape-ins.
At the end of the day, the vote for convenience relies on what is convenient for the user of the hair extension.
Quality
Whether you prefer using clip-in extensions or tape-in extensions, always go for the all-natural human hair. If you want a hair extension quality that will last for months, it is always better to invest in extensions made of real hair than those made of artificial or synthetic materials.
Clip-in hair extensions can last up to eight months or longer, depending on how you take care or maintain your extensions. They can be worn out through usage, but with proper care and management, you can use them for a longer amount of time.
Tape-in hair extensions, however, can be reused after or when you decide to have it removed. You only have to replace the tapes with new ones.
Similarities
Although there are numerous differences, there are also a few similarities between tape-in hair extensions and clip-in hair extensions.
Both can be styled according to your preference. You can manipulate your hair in any way that you want – whether you like a high ponytail or braids, whether you like your hair curled or straightened, or whether you want to colour it or not.
These are just some of the differences and similarities of tape-in extensions and clip-in extensions. However, there are also other types of hair extensions that you get to choose from. There’s the sew-in, Keratin extension, and I-tips. Find out what suits you best and the differences of these hair extensions before you make a decision and choose one.