Hair Extensions Taped Versus Bonded What Is The Difference?

In this article I want explore the differences between the two main hair extension methods in the market today.

They both have the positive and negative sides. I hope this article will help explain and give you a better understanding to make a better informed choice.

Bonded Hair Extensions

Background

These were the very first way in which hair extensions attached to existing hair. Because of this they have seen lots of development over past years. The way in which bonds applied has changed so has the bond material.

In the earlier days of extensions bonds where simply hair friendly glue that the user rubbed around the hair. Resulting in messy heavy bonds difficult to remove and easily seen. Sometimes this type of application is still seen and applied by un-reputable stylists.

This changed and small keratin bonds developed. Keratin is the main ingredient of our hair this protein is first choice to combine both hairs.

Instead of the application being made with the fingers this change to heat gun well know today in extension application.

A major problem for bonds is patches that occur on the scalp. This is due to the weight of the bond and hair pulling out the hair. To fix this hair weaves are hung in the hair to correctly distribute the weight this and better bonding techniques helped stopped the risk.

Problems

• If not applied properly visible in the hair.
• Can pull on the hair shaft due leading to patches on the scalp.
• Time consuming if not fitted by qualified stylist.

Benefits

• Fitted correctly can last longer than taped
• Feel more secure
• Can resist elements better due to bonds

Taped Hair Extensions

Background

The taped hair extensions method addresses the problems of bonds outlined above. But that does not mean that they are not without their own problems.

They came about as a quicker system for hairdressers to apply which ultimately reduced the price. They are still made with human hair from the start taped hair came on strips that could be applied cleaner with no heat.

They quickly became popular with salons because there speed and cost. Clients began to like them because of the lower profile to touch in the hair.

Problems

• Poor quality of tape leads to problems.
• Tape can react severely than bonds with wrong aftercare.
• Do not last as long as bonded.

Benefits

• Have a lower profile than bonds.
• No risk of patchy scalp.
• Lower in cost.

Conclusions

It is obvious a split has occurred in the extension market. Taped have started to dominate the lower end. Applied properly there a lower cost alternative to bonded and also be a slightly more expensive option over clip-in.

If you are on a budget taped will be the answer but you still need to ask all the right questions. In particular the tape quality used and how long they expected to stay in.

If cheap hairs used chances are the tapes poor quality.

For extensions that last go for bonded when fitted correctly they offer the reliability and volume that taped at times cannot give. When proper after care used with bonded extensions they will last the longest.