Nano Rings vs Tape-In Hair Extensions: Pros & Cons
by BRENDA L. / OCT 26, 2022
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
Index
If tape-in extensions and nano hair extensions are both the best choice for thin and fine hair, how do you choose between the two? Surprisingly, tapes and nanos actually have a lot of differences, they use different application methods, and have their own advantages and disadvantages. In today’s blog, we will explain who each type is more suited to and why.
1. What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?
Tape extensions are small, 4cm wide wefts of human hair topped with a sticky tab, made from medical-grade adhesive. They are attached to the hair semi-permanently by neatly sandwiching a small piece of your own hair in between two tape wefts. They can stay in the hair for around 6 to 8 weeks, before needing to be removed and re-applied.
2. What are Nano Ring Hair Extensions?
Nano ring extensions are tiny, keratin-bonded individual hair extensions. They are tipped with a miniscule metal loop that’s clamped to the hair inside a nano-bead with a piece of your own hair. They require no glue nor heat to apply, which makes them super gentle, even on the finest of hair.
3. Tape Hair Extensions Pros
Super quick and easy application. A full head can be applied in under 1 hour in most cases, making it one of the fastest full-head applications available.
Gentle on fine hair. As the sticky tabs are made from the same adhesive as plasters and medical tape, they are far less damaging than wig glue or other glue methods.
Budget-friendly. Due to the fast and simple application, this method tends to be cheaper than other options. They can also be re-taped and reapplied after removing them, making them even more cost-effective.
Discreet. As the tape tabs lay completely flat to the head the extensions are virtually impossible to see when the hair is down making them super discreet even in very fine hair.
Suitable for all hair types. Whether your hair is very thin or very thick, tape-in hair extensions will work.
Very secure. Unlike other methods where you can lose up to 10-15 extensions during usage, tape-in hair extensions stay stuck to the hair until you remove them.
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4. Tape Hair Extensions Cons
Time-consuming removal and re-application. Even though tape-in can be re-taped and re-applied, this can be a lengthy process, and some customers prefer to buy new hair each time to avoid this. The hair must be fully removed, cleaned, and dried before it can be re-taped and applied.
Not ideal for wearing the hair up. As the tabs are 4cm wide wefts, they can be difficult to hide when the hair is put up into ponytails or braids. Most Tape hair extension users prefer to wear the hair down or in loose, low styles to keep the extensions discreet.
@cliphairextensions Tape in hair extensions application#hairstyle #hairextensions ♬ I Can't Stop (Ekali Tribute) - Flux Pavilion
5. Nano Hair Extensions Pros
Very natural finish. As nanos are so tiny and individually added, the finish is very real looking. Due to their small size, they will also mimic the natural hair pattern when drying too, which gives an even more natural appearance.
Most discreet method. Nanos are so small that they are almost invisible, even in the thinnest, finest hair. Due to their tininess, they can be placed closer to the natural hairline than any other method, meaning they are perfect for wearing your hair up or adding thickness around the front.
Suitable for thin/fine hair. As there is no glue involved nor any heat required for the application, nano bond hair extensions are kinder to the hair than other permanent methods, causing virtually no damage throughout use.
Easy removal and repositioning. No glue or heat is used to apply nanos, so they are very easy and gentle to remove and re-apply. They are simply clamped in the opposite direction with a clamper tool and pushed back up with a new bead.
Easy to re-use. Nano-tip hair extensions can be reused for numerous applications, providing the hair is still in good condition, making this method cost-effective in the long run. You simply need to replace the bead with every use.
@cliphairextensions Fiery mane❤️🔥 it’s the shade for us 😍 @leighvinel wears our Nano Rings in shade ‘𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧’ 🔥 Tap 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙞𝙤 to shop ✨ #WearCliphair #hair #fyp #fypシ #explore #explorepage #hairtok ♬ original sound - Cliphair Extensions
6. Nano Hair Extensions Cons
Long application time. As each hair is individually added and they are so very small, the application time can take from 2 to 4 hours, and sometimes longer - in case of dramatic hair transformations. The results are 100% worth it as they have the most natural finish, however, you will need to block out at least 4 hours of your day for your application!
Less secure. As the hair is not glued or melted onto the hair, you can expect to lose up to 15 strands between applications. This is very normal for any micro/nano ring method.
More expensive. Due to the long application time and intricate process, nano-tip hair extensions normally cost a little more to apply compared to other methods. However, as the hair is so long-lasting and easy to reuse, they are actually very cost-effective in the long run.
Not suitable for thick hair. The process would take way too long to apply nanos to thick hair, and you would need too many packs to make a noticeable difference. We would advise using Micro Rings instead, which follow the same gentle application but are slightly larger.
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7. Which Is Better: Nano Rings or Tape Extensions?
Nano ring hair extensions are better for those with fine hair looking for extremely discreet extensions that can be placed closer to the hairline and stay hidden when the hair is up.
Tape-in hair extensions are best for those with fine hair that need a cheaper and fast application and prefer wearing their hair down.
8. What Should You Not Do With Tape-Ins?
With tape hair extensions, you should avoid using any conditioner near the roots of your hair as this can loosen the stickiness and cause the hair to slip out. This applies to all permanent hair extensions, as even nano rings can slip away from the overuse of conditioner on the roots.
@cliphairextensions How Amazing is this Tape-in Transformation by @hairbycalumjenkins ♬ original sound - Cliphair Extensions
9. How Long Do Nano Extensions Take To Put In?
A half head of nano bond hair extensions usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, and a full-head application can take up to 4 to 5 hours instead Even though the application time is long, the natural-looking results are well worth the wait.
10. What Extensions Are Best For Wearing Hair Up?
Nano-tip hair extensions are the best permanent extensions to have if you wear your hair up a lot, as they are so tiny and easy to hide even in very fine hair. If you prefer tape-in extensions, you can always combine the two by having Tapes at the back and Nanos on the sides and top.
11. Are Tapes Better Than Nano Rings?
Tape-in hair extensions are better than nanos if you prefer a speedy application and like to wear your hair down. Tape hair extensions are also more secure than nano rings, as you're unlikely to lose any strands in between applications, whereas you can expect to lose up to 15 with nano ring hair extensions.
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12. What Is The Most Discreet Hair Extension?
Nano ring extensions are the most discreet permanent hair extension type as they are so small. The most discreet temporary hair extensions are Seamless Clip-Ins, as the thin strip lays completely flat on the head.
@cliphairextensions Waves for days🌊🌴✨ Mia wears our 22” Seamless Clip Ins shade ‘𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣’🔥 Tap 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙞𝙤 to get the mermaid look😍#wearcliphair #summer #foryou #fyp #hairtok ♬ Lazy Sunday - Official Sound Studio
13. Conclusion
Both tape-ins and nano ring extensions have benefits and downsides, depending on what you are hoping to get from your hair extensions. One thing they both have in common is that they are great for anyone with thin or fine hair, due to their gentle application and lightweight feel.