Tape or capsule hair extensions: understanding and choosing

A common method for giving your hair instant length and volume is to use hair extensions. Extensions give you a lot of options, whether you’re looking for a subtle boost or a dramatic transformation. However, with so many options available, selecting the appropriate type can be challenging.

Tape and capsule hair extensions are two of the most popular techniques. Both are widely used and have advantages, but they are not the same in terms of application, upkeep, and appearance. Making the best decision for your hair goals can be aided by knowing these distinctions if you’re trying to choose between the two.

We’ll weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both tape and capsule extensions in this post so you can choose the one that most closely matches your look and way of life.

Features of extensions

Let’s examine the characteristics of the tape and capsule extension methods, including the types and techniques employed.

Capsule

There are three different ways to use capsule hair extensions: Italian, Spanish, and English. All techniques are basically the same: natural and artificial strands are joined together with capsules made of glue, resin, or keratin. Capsule hair extensions can be either hot or cold, depending on the polymer:

  1. Cold includes the Spanish technique (the capsule is created using glue) and ultrasonic (the same as the Italian, only keratin is melted by ultrasound). The Japanese technique, in which the capsules are metal rings/beads, is also classified as cold capsule extensions.
  2. Hot techniques:English (the capsule is created by resin), Italian (keratin extensions). In both cases, the polymers are heated with special tongs. The most popular is the Italian method.

Tape

Cold methods are used for tape hair extensions. Using specialized adhesive tapes or scotch tape, artificial strands are attached to natural ones to complete the process.

There are various kinds of tape extensions:

  1. Express. The curls are connected using a very wide tape, which reduces the duration of the entire procedure.
  2. HairTalk (German technique). Strips up to 1 cm wide are used. This makes them less noticeable. Correction is done using a polymer and correction strips.
  3. AngeloHair. The principle is similar to HairTalk. But here the tapes are attached to keratin, and the correction is done using scotch tape.

It’s critical to comprehend the main variations in application, upkeep, and appearance between tape and capsule hair extensions. Tape extensions are perfect for short-term or infrequent use because they are easier to apply and kinder to the hair. Although they require more time to install, capsule extensions provide a more long-term solution with more styling options. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so the best decision will rely on your desired outcome, lifestyle, and type of hair.

Differences between tape extensions and capsule extensions

The strands’ volume and length are increased by tape and capsule extensions. Specialized strips are used to create the tape attachment to the hair. The process is quicker, but the correction itself needs to be made frequently—once every one to two months. Additionally, people with short hair should not use this technique. You also can’t create intricate or elaborate hairstyles with it. Additionally, following the extension, specific care protocols will be required; during these protocols, alcohol-containing products should be avoided.

The capsule technique requires a lot of time and work to complete. An experienced specialist must perform the procedure in order to achieve the desired outcome. The curls in the most common Italian extension are subjected to intense heat. The capsules are practically invisible, and the strands come out neat. You have the ability to create various hairstyles, such as a high ponytail. It needs to be corrected after two to four months. Very short hair (more than 8 cm) can use this method, and no special aftercare products are needed. However, it is important to remember that people with weak hair should not use this technique.

Which is better

You can use the tape method if you need to temporarily increase the length and volume. It is less expensive, and the process won’t take too long. Furthermore, removal will be simple and quick.

However, the capsule method is the better option if you like to experiment with hairstyles or need luscious hair for an extended period of time.

This type of strand extension does not require correction for a considerable amount of time, and the attachment points are nearly undetectable.

Apart from these suggestions, there exist additional characteristics that ascertain which option is superior in each particular scenario.

Choosing by hair type

The type of hair is one of the key elements in deciding whether to use a tape or capsule extension:

  1. Oily hair. Capsule hair extensions are prohibited, since fat destroys keratin.
  2. Thin. The best option is the tape technique. Due to the fact that the tape captures a large area of ​​the hair when attaching, individual strands are not so damaged. Also, with this type of cold extension, strands do not get tangled, which is important for thin hair.
  3. Rare. Due to the connection technique, the tape method is preferable.
  4. Short. The best choice is the capsule method.
  5. Dense, thick. Extended using the capsule technique.

Comparison in cost

When it comes to cost, the tape method is less expensive. Thus, 100 Slavic strands or 17,000 rubles can be used for capsule extension, while 20,000 rubles can be used for tape (40 tapes). The quantity, length, and quality of artificial curls all influence the cost.

Crucial! Slavic hair is the best material and looks great, but it costs more than other hair types like Asian, European, and South Slavic hair.

What is more difficult

The tape technique takes about an hour to complete and involves nothing more complicated than gluing pre-made tapes together.

The three key steps in the capsule technique are choosing strands, forming a capsule, and melting keratin. It’s critical to choose curls that are uniform in thickness and to shape the capsules neatly. Additionally, the ideal temperature must be chosen so that the keratin melts qualitatively without damaging the hair. It is therefore preferable to trust this technique to a knowledgeable expert. The process takes two to four hours to complete.

Photos before and after

Advantages and disadvantages of both procedures

Benefits of extending a capsule:

  • strength of the extended curls;
  • can be used in visible places: bangs, temples, back of the head;
  • saunas, baths are allowed;
  • the ability to create high hairstyles;
  • almost invisible attachment points;
  • the interval between corrections is 3-4 months;
  • can be dyed;
  • almost all care and styling procedures are allowed (the main thing is that there is no direct impact on the capsules).

Cons:

  • high cost;
  • duration of work;
  • tangles are formed;
  • with each correction, the length of the artificial strands decreases.

Benefits of using the tape method:

  • speed of the procedure;
  • safety (no temperature exposure);
  • easy and quick removal;
  • cost;
  • can be used on hair of any thickness;
  • extensions do not decrease in length during correction.

Cons:

  • you cannot do high hairstyles;
  • strands are combed out;
  • frequent correction is needed at intervals of 1-2 months;
  • you cannot dry with a hairdryer. Thermal exposure is allowed only on the ends of the curls;
  • use of special care products.

Important nuances

  1. Whichever option you choose: tape extensions or capsule, the main thing is to choose high-quality material. Do not try to save on artificial strands. After a couple of washes, low-quality curls will look artificial.
  2. Do correction in time. Otherwise, the attachment points will become visible, and the strands themselves will begin to tangle.
  3. You should not resort to any of the procedures if you have scalp diseases or baldness. They are also contraindicated in antibiotic,-hormonal,-chemotherapy.
  4. It is better not to wear extended strands for more than a year, giving them periodic rest.
  5. You can"t go to bed with wet hair, and also comb it without drying it.

You should speak with an expert to determine whether tape or capsule hair extensions are preferable. Depending on the state of your natural hair, he will precisely assess which technique is most important. He will also make recommendations for the best course of action that take your preferences and circumstances into consideration.

It’s critical to understand hair extensions:

  • criteria for choosing natural hair for extensions, their differences;
  • is it possible to extend hair during pregnancy;
  • what is the difference between cold extensions and hot;
  • capsule-free hair extensions;
  • consequences of hair extensions;
  • extensions of curly hair, which technique is better to choose.
Tape Hair Extensions Capsule Hair Extensions
Quick application, usually taking about 1-2 hours Longer process, often around 3-4 hours
Gentler on natural hair, less likely to cause damage More secure but may cause strain on natural hair
Lasts 6-8 weeks before needing adjustment Lasts 3-6 months before maintenance is required
Easier to remove and reapply Removal takes longer and requires heat or special tools
Ideal for thinner hair types Better suited for thicker hair types

Your individual hair needs and preferences will determine which type of hair extensions—capsule or tape—you should use. Longer, fuller hair can be achieved with either technique, but each has pros and cons of its own.

For those looking for a temporary or manageable solution, tape extensions are a great option because they are easy to apply and cause less damage to the hair. Conversely, although they take longer to apply and require more maintenance, capsule extensions offer a more long-lasting and natural appearance.

In the end, the choice should be determined by your hair type, lifestyle, and desired amount of maintenance time. When completed correctly by a professional, either option can yield stunning, long-lasting results.

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Anna Lebedeva

Hairdresser-stylist with a special interest in creative haircuts and hairstyles. I am inspired by avant-garde ideas and strive to bring them to life. I am sure that every hairstyle should reflect the uniqueness of the personality and emphasize individual style.

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