In partnership with GOO GOO Hair

There’s a specific moment when you clock someone’s hair across a restaurant or in a meeting and think: that’s impossibly good. Not in an obvious, “I can see where the extensions start” way, but in that enviable, “maybe she’s born with it” sense. Glossy, moves beautifully, catches the light just so. Nine times out of ten? Tape-ins.

The reality is, we’ve moved past the era of dramatic hair transformations and into something more subtle, and arguably more sophisticated. Extensions aren’t what they used to be, not in application, not in perception. They’re now about being a slightly elevated version of yourself. More length, more movement, more of that elusive “good hair day” feeling that used to feel entirely down to luck.

Tape-in extensions have slowly become the method of choice for anyone who wants their hair to look expensive and looked after without looking ‘done’. They’re the extensions you can wear to work, tie up at the gym, and genuinely forget about whilst you go about your day.

What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?

Unlike clip-ins you’re constantly removing and reattaching, or the commitment of bonded extensions that require serious lifestyle adjustments, tape-ins exist in this sweet spot of semi-permanent enhancement. Thin wefts of hair with medical-grade adhesive that sandwich around small sections of your natural hair, sitting flat and close to the root. When they’re done well, they’re invisible. Not “quite good,” actually invisible.

The method’s been around for years, but it’s only recently that the quality of tape-in hair has caught up with the application technique. We’re talking 100% Remy human hair that moves and responds to styling exactly like your own, rather than the stiff, synthetic-looking alternatives that plagued earlier iterations.

Kerry-Ann Buckell, celebrity hairstylist and multi-award winning extensionist at KB The Hair Studio, confirms that tape-ins can be one of the gentlest methods available – but with an important caveat. “Tape-ins can absolutely be worn safely when applied and removed correctly. This includes when the hair professional knows that they are the correct method for your scalp and root area,” she explains. The thing about tape-ins is they work with your hair rather than fighting against it – but only if they’re the right choice for your specific hair type to begin with.

Fine hair, in particular, often responds well to tape-ins. The flat application distributes weight evenly rather than pulling at individual bonds. And if you’ve never tried extensions before, it’s an excellent entry point. Less intimidating than permanent methods, more reliable than constant clip-in faff.

How to Choose Quality Tape-In Extensions

When it comes to cost, you really do get what you pay for. That £50 set from a website you’ve never heard of might look fine initially, but three weeks in, when it’s matted and tangled and refusing to behave? This isn’t the area to be stingy with.

The difference comes down to cuticle alignment. Remy hair – the gold standard – has all cuticles intact and running in the same direction, root to tip. It’s what prevents tangling, preserves softness, and allows the hair to last through multiple installations rather than one disappointing round.

GOO GOO Hair has built its reputation on making professional-grade tape-ins accessible, delivering salon-quality results whether you’re working with a stylist or applying them yourself. Their extensions use 100% Remy human hair, with wefts thin enough (0.8mm) to actually lie flat rather than creating those telltale bumps that immediately give the game away.

They work exclusively with Remy human hair and have developed various application methods including their Butterfly Weft and Genius Tape Weft. While their extensions are available to purchase directly, proper application technique matters – which is where expert advice becomes crucial.

The tape-in range includes their classic Tape-In Hair Extensions, Invisi Edge Tape-Ins for ultra-discreet application, and Mini Tape-Ins for more targeted volume – all available in 14-24 inch lengths with over 30 shade options. The hair is designed to be reused multiple times – remove, re-tape, reinstall – which shifts the cost-per-wear calculation considerably. (While GOO GOO also offers clip-ins, wefts, and other extension methods, their tape-in collection remains their signature range.)

Kerry Ann emphasises the importance of proper consultation before committing to any extension method.

“I always recommend booking a proper consultation with an experienced specialist. Be honest about your lifestyle, hair history and maintenance routine so your stylist can recommend the right thickness, length and placement,” she advises. It’s not just about application quality, it’s also important to choose the right method for your specific needs.

“I see a lot of clients who come to me with the incorrect method of extensions in their hair. Knowing the scalp and the client’s root area is key when it comes to extensions – if you apply the wrong method, this could lead to potential damage.”

How Much Do Tape-In Extensions Cost?

Professional-grade tape-in hair – the type that lasts, sits around £200-600 (or $250-750 if you’re US-based), depending on length and how much you need. If you’re having them professionally installed, expect to add another £150-400 / $200-500, varying by location and your stylist’s experience. Then there’s maintenance every 6-8 weeks: removal, re-taping, reinstallation, usually £80-200 / $100-250 per appointment.

It’s not insignificant. But consider this: cheap extensions that need replacing every three months aren’t actually saving you money. Quality tape-ins, properly maintained, can last six months to a year of continuous wear.

The other consideration: how much time and mental energy have you already spent researching deals and bargains? Choosing quality from the start means you’re not dealing with returns, replacements, or disappointing results that send you back to square one.

Should You DIY Tape-In Extensions or Go Professional?

The beauty of tape-ins is flexibility. For first-timers or anyone uncertain about placement and blending, professional application is absolutely the move. A skilled stylist will assess your hair density, create proper sections, and ensure the extensions sit exactly where they should for natural movement.

That said, tape-ins are designed to be more accessible than other methods. Experienced extension wearers often apply them at home – GOO GOO provides detailed application guides and tutorials for this exact reason. The key is honest self-assessment: if you’re confident with sectioning, understand hair density, and have the patience for precise placement, DIY is viable. If not, book the appointment.

Where professional help becomes non-negotiable: colour matching (especially for complex tones), first-time application, or if you have very fine or damaged hair that needs expert assessment.

Kerry Ann’s advice: “Treat your extensions as an investment in your hair and commit to the aftercare. When cared for properly, they can look seamless and support healthy natural hair growth.“

Do Tape-In Extensions Damage Your Hair?

If your tape-ins feel off, trust your instinct. Properly applied extensions shouldn’t be obvious.

You’re looking for: genuinely lightweight (no persistent awareness of extra hair), secure without any pulling or tension at the root, completely invisible when you run your fingers through, and responsive to styling. They should blow-dry, curl, and straighten like your natural hair. If they don’t, something’s off – either the quality or the application.

The damage question always comes up, and the answer is refreshingly straightforward: tape-ins themselves don’t damage hair. “When installed by a trained professional using high-quality adhesive, placed with appropriate spacing and maintained on the right timeline, tape extensions can be one of the gentlest methods available,” says Kerry Ann. “The key is precision in placement and respecting the hair’s natural growth cycle.”

Poor application, questionable adhesive, and neglectful aftercare, however, absolutely can cause problems. According to Kerry Ann, the most common culprits are “improper application, wearing tapes too long beyond the recommended refit time, incorrect removal techniques, or using low-quality hair or adhesive.” Tension is also a major factor. “If tapes are applied too close to the scalp or too tight, this can create unnecessary stress on the natural hair.”

The timeline matters here: Kerry Ann recommends regular professional maintenance every six to eight weeks. Beyond that point, you risk damage as your natural hair grows and the extensions begin to pull or slip.

The Unsexy Maintenance Reality

Your aftercare routine determines whether tape-ins are a revelation or a regret. The essentials:

Sulphate-free everything – shampoo, conditioner, all of it. Sulphates destroy adhesive bonds. Keep conditioner away from the roots (mid-length to ends only). Kerry Ann emphasises the importance of thorough scalp cleansing: “I always recommend two shampoos to avoid product buildup.” Product buildup around the adhesive can cause slippage and affect how long the extensions last.

Brushing technique is critical. “Brushing correctly with a soft bristle or extension brush, particularly at the root area, is essential to prevent matting and pulling,” Kerry Ann explains. (She’s so passionate about this she designed and now sells her own extension brush.) Start from the ends and work upward, never brushing directly where the tapes are attached.

Go easy on heat styling where possible. Tie hair loosely or braid before bed to prevent tangling overnight.

None of it’s complicated, but all of it’s necessary. Extensions require slightly more thought than your natural hair, and anyone claiming otherwise is lying. The question is whether that trade-off – a bit more care in exchange for the hair you’ve wanted – feels worth it.

For most people who take the leap? It does.

Should You Try Tape-In Extensions?

The best thing about well-executed tape-ins is how quickly you stop thinking about them. Not in a “I’ve forgotten to maintain them” way, but in the sense that they simply become your hair. You stop checking your reflection obsessively, stop worrying about wind or updos, stop declining invitations because your hair feels wrong.

It’s the kind of subtle enhancement that shifts how you move through the world – a little more confident, a little less self-conscious. Which, if we’re being honest, is worth considerably more than the sum you spent on adhesive and Remy hair.

GOO GOO Hair’s tape-in collection is available directly from googoohair.com, with detailed shade-matching tools and application guides to help you choose and apply with confidence.