Hair extensions are a go-to for adding volume, length, and a bit of flair to your hair for thousands of women, and hundreds of salons, and two of the most popular types are clip-ins and tape-in extensions.
Clip-in are great for the quick, temporary at home job.
While tape-ins offer a longer term, less maintenance look.
We wanted to break down the difference between these two types of extensions and help you choose the best type for your lifestyle, budget, and look.
What Are Clip-In Hair Extensions?
Clip-ins are temporary extensions that come in small wefts of hair, all connected to a little clip that you can attach to your natural hair. You snap them in along your scalp, blend them into your natural hair, and remove them whenever you like. No glue, no tape, no commitments.
They are a popular choice for anyone who wants to switch up their hair for a special occasion, or the everyday wearer who doesn’t want to commit to having extensions in full time.
As with any extension, there are pros and cons for clip ins.
Pros of Clip-Ins
-
Zero commitment: Great for weekends, special occasions like weddings or events, nights out or just those “I need good hair today” moments.
-
DIY-friendly: You can install them yourself in a couple of minutes with a mirror and a bit of practice.
-
Low risk of damage: Since they’re not bonded or taped in, there’s less pulling on your natural hair, making them a wonderful low risk extension.
- Reusable: With proper care, clip-ins can last for up to 12 months and beyond.
- Colour flexibility: The freedom with clip-ins means you can try ash blonde one day, purest blonde the next, and dark brown the day after - all without having to bleach or dye your hair!
Cons of Clip-Ins
-
Not suited for 24/7 wear: You shouldn’t sleep in your clip-ins as it can damage the extensions by causing tangling.
-
Slippage potential: If the extensions aren’t clipped in properly or your hair is super silky, they can move around a bit which can lead to some very unwanted hairstyles.
-
Takes time to style: You’ll need to blend them in with your natural hair every time you wear them, which can be a little time consuming.
What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?
Tape-in hair extensions are semi-permanent extensions pre-taped with adhesive. They come in pre-made wefts which stylists place into small sections of your natural hair. Blending in perfectly, these extensions will last anywhere from 4-8 weeks before needing to be lifted due to your natural hair growing.
If you want something that looks natural and doesn’t require daily attaching and removing, this is your go-to.
Pros of Tape-Ins
-
Ultra natural appearance: They lie flat against the scalp and blend seamlessly with your own hair.
-
Comfortable: Once installed, you’ll probably forget they’re even in making them a comfortable choice for extensions.
-
Long-lasting: You can wear them every day without removing them at night, lasting up to 8 weeks without needing an adjustment.
-
Style with ease: You can treat these like your natural hair, giving your endless styling options through straighteners and curling irons.
-
Professional colour matching & install: Done right, they look incredible.
Cons of Tape-Ins
-
Needs a professional install: Unless you’re a hair pro yourself, you’ll want a stylist to apply and remove them, making these a little more expensive to install.
-
Can get slippery with certain products: Oils, conditioners, and some serums can weaken the adhesive.
-
Regular upkeep required: You’ll need to refit them every 4-8 weeks, depending how fast your natural hair grows.
Clip-Ins vs Tape-Ins: What’s the Actual Difference?
Now you have an understanding of the differences between clip-ins and tape-ins, let’s break it down side by side.
Application Process
-
Clip-Ins: Takes 5-15 minutes at home. Simply section your hair, clip in the wefts, and blend.
-
Tape-Ins: Takes about an hour at the salon for a full head. Requires clean sectioning and proper placement for longevity.
Wear Duration
-
Clip-Ins: Put them in and take them out whenever. Great for occasional wear.
-
Tape-Ins: Worn daily for weeks at a time until needing an adjustment. No daily removal.
Maintenance
-
Clip-Ins: Should be cleaned every couple of wears, store them properly in a silk bag, and gently detangle them.
-
Tape-Ins: Avoid oil near the roots, use sulphate-free shampoo, and don’t skip your maintenance appointments.
Hair Type Suitability
-
Clip-Ins: The clips are a little bulkier than other hair extensions, so they’re best for medium to thick hair, since you need enough to cover the clips.
-
Tape-Ins: Good for most hair types - even finer hair, as long as it’s installed properly.
Cost
-
Clip-Ins: Usually more affordable upfront, but no salon appointments are needed making these the cheapest hair extensions to maintain.
- Tape-Ins: The extensions themselves may be cheaper, but you will be paying more for salon time to have them applied & the ongoing appointments to move the extensions up your natural hair.
What Kind of Lifestyle Do You Have?
Choosing the right hair extension ultimately comes down to the type of lifestyle you live. Maiden Hair Extensions recommend thinking about the following questions before deciding which hair extensions to choose.
-
Do I want flexibility or longevity?
-
Am I okay with installing and removing extensions regularly?
-
Do I style my hair daily, or do I want something I can set and forget?
- Am I after something special for events, or an everyday enhancement?
-
Am I okay with regular salon appointments to adjust my extensions?
Choose clip-ins if:
- You’re new to extensions and want to experiment.
-
You only want them for occasional use (dates, events, holidays).
-
You’re on a budget and don’t want regular salon appointments.
Choose tape-ins if:
-
You want hair that feels and looks natural all day, every day.
-
You’re happy to invest in maintenance for a long-term look.
-
You prefer not having to style and install your extensions daily.
Styling Tips for Each
No matter which type of extension you decide to go with, styling plays a huge role in getting the look you're chasing.
For Clip-Ins:
-
Curl your natural hair and the clip-ins together to blend and give a natural look.
-
Backcomb sections before applying the clips for better hold.
-
Use dry shampoo for texture and grip.
For Tape-Ins:
- Avoid applying heat near the tape tabs.
- Sleep in a loose braid to prevent tangles.
-
Use lightweight, extension-safe products to prolong wear.
Final Thoughts
The best hair extension type for you comes down to your routine, your budget, and how involved you want to be in maintaining your look.
If you’re after something quick and commitment-free, clip-in hair extensions are for you.
But if you’re wanting everyday glamour with a low-effort morning routine, tape-ins are your best friend.
Decided which extension type you want but unsure your colour? Visit our virtual colour match and one of our team members will get back to you with the best shade for your hair & goals.
