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Clip-In vs Tape-In Hair Extensions: Which Is Better?
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Clip-In vs Tape-In: The Quick Verdict
The Short Answer
When it comes to clip-in vs tape-in extensions, neither is universally "better". Clip-in hair extensions win on flexibility, zero commitment, and same-day styling. Tape-in hair extensions win for everyday natural length and volume without daily fuss, as they're professionally fitted and left in for weeks.
The right choice, then, will depend on your lifestyle and hair goals.
After more than 17 years here at Cliphair of fitting and supplying both types of extension since 2007, we've seen what works for different people. Drawing upon first-hand experience, we prefer to give a fair view instead of pushing one method over the other.
Plus, when you buy from Cliphair, your decision between clip-in vs tape-in hair extensions will mean you get 100% Remy human hair quality either way.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Feature | Clip-In Extensions | Tape-In Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | DIY, self-applied with small clips | Adhesive tape wefts, fitted by a specialist |
| Application time | 5–10 mins (multi-piece) / 2–5 mins (one-piece) | Under 2 hours, full head |
| Who fits it | You, at home | A qualified hair extension specialist |
| Lifespan | Up to 12 months with proper care | Classic: 3–6 months / Remy Royale & Invisible: 6–12 months |
| Maintenance | None, just storage and brushing | Refitted with new adhesive tabs every 6–8 weeks |
| Cost tier | One-off purchase, no fitting fees | Hair cost plus recurring specialist fitting/refit cost |
| Best hair type | All types, Seamless is most versatile | All types, from very thin to thick |
| Sleep / swim in them? | No, remove before sleeping, showering or swimming | Yes, worn continuously, but avoid or cover for chlorine/salt water |
| Styling limits | Generally flexible, varies by set | Best for hair-down or loose, low updos, not high ponytails |
What Are Clip-In Hair Extensions?
How Clip-Ins Work
Clip-in hair extensions are temporary pieces that you can apply and remove yourself at home. Small clips are attached to the extension wefts. This allows you to secure the extensions to small sections of your natural hair without a salon appointment.
A multi-piece set can take around five to 10 minutes to apply. This compares to a typical application time of about two to five minutes for a one-piece set. Once you've finished wearing them, you can simply remove the clips and store the extensions correctly.
Cliphair makes available an extensive collection of clip-in extensions. So, you just need to focus on choosing the right one for your hair type, desired volume, and styling goals:
- Classic Full Head Clip-Ins
- Double Weft Full Head Clip-Ins
- Ultra Volume Full Head Clip-Ins
- Seamless Full Head Clip-Ins
- Curly Full Head Clip-Ins
- One Piece Top-Up
- Quad Weft Piece
- Halo Extensions
These sets also vary in their hair grading and construction. For example, the Classic, Double Weft, and Ultra Volume clip-in ranges are AAA grade and single drawn. Hair extensions being "single drawn" means hairs of varying lengths are used, which helps give a more natural-looking and tapered finish.
Alternatively, you might be attracted to our Seamless range, which is AAAAA grade, double drawn, and has a silicone strip seam. "Double-drawn" hair has been sorted so that the strands are more uniform in length, creating a fuller-looking finish from root to tip.
Remember: all Cliphair clip-in extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair, with no synthetic blends.
Who Clip-Ins Suit Best
Clip-ins suit occasional wear, special occasions, or trying a new length or colour without commitment. They can also make sense if you don't yet feel ready for a salon appointment.
Speaking of not yet feeling ready, if you're completely new to extensions, our simple beginners' guide to getting started with extensions can help you understand the basics.
There's a critical limitation to note about clip-ins: you must always remove them before sleeping, showering, or swimming. They aren't designed to stay attached around the clock.
What Are Tape-In Hair Extensions?
@cherriecherry_ Beyond obsessed!!🥰✨ If you were thinking about Tape Extensions… do it! I’m wearing the Remy Human Hair 20” Tape In Extensions in the shade 🌸Barbie Blonde💓 Head over to @Cliphair Extensions and use my code: “CHERRIE12” for 💸 off #wearcliphair #cliphairextensions #blondehair ♬ original sound - Cherrie Skye
How Tape-Ins Work
Tape-in hair extensions are designed for continuous wear. They involve adhesive tape wefts being placed around sections of your natural hair, effectively sandwiching the hair between two extension pieces.
A qualified hair extension specialist takes under two hours to fit a full head of tape-ins. Indeed, a vital distinction compared to clip-ins is that tape-ins should always be installed, refitted, and removed by a qualified professional; they're not a "DIY" application method.
Cliphair offers three main tape-in options:
Our Classic Tape-Ins are supplied in 100g packs containing 40 pieces, or 20 pairs. They're AAA grade and single drawn, with a typical lifespan of about three to six months.
Those opting for Remy Royale tape-in extensions, meanwhile, will receive AAAAA grade and double-drawn hair pieces. Packs contain 50g of hair, made up of 20 pieces or 10 pairs, and the hair can last around six to 12 months with suitable care.
The specifications of the Remy Royale Invisible versions are the same, except that a further hair-coloured tab is included to pull off the most discreet finish.
As with the clip-ins, all our tape-ins consist of 100% Remy human hair, nothing synthetic.
Who Tape-Ins Suit Best
Tape-ins suit everyday wear and those who want natural-looking length and volume without the need for daily application and maintenance.
They're also likely to work well for you if you're happy to commit to having them professionally refitted every six to eight weeks.
For a fuller picture of the upsides and trade-offs, read our article outlining the pros and cons of tape-in hair extensions. Meanwhile, our guide to how long tape-in hair extensions last will give you a sense of what lifespan you can realistically expect.
Clip-In vs Tape-In: Key Differences Compared
Comfort And Everyday Wear
The biggest practical difference is how the extensions fit into your daily routine.
Clip-ins are applied fresh each time, whenever you want to use them. If you have fine hair, overloading with clip-ins might sometimes mean you can feel the small clips. So, it's important to take care over placement and getting the weight right.
Tape-ins, on the other hand, use flat wefts that sit close to the scalp and stay in continuously. So, they save you from the need for a daily in-and-out routine. But the trade-off is that tape-ins do require greater commitment. That includes following the appropriate care measures and returning to a qualified specialist for refitting.
Both types, then, can claim to be the best hair extensions for everyday wear, depending on your preferences, needs, and what you're prepared to commit to.
Longevity And Maintenance
So, how long do tape-in extensions last compared to clip-ins?
There isn't only one answer to this question, as it depends on factors like the specific extensions chosen and how well they're cared for:
- Clip-ins can deliver up to 12 months' lifespan with proper care. They don't require ongoing fitting appointments, but they do need sensible storage, regular brushing, and proper care when you're wearing them.
- Tape-ins can vary greatly in their longevity, depending on the range. For our Classic Tape-Ins, it's around three to six months. The Remy Royale and Remy Royale Invisible Tape-Ins, meanwhile, can both last about six to 12 months.
However, if you're considering tape-ins, it's crucial not to confuse the hair lifespan with the gap between refitting appointments. Tape-ins need to be refitted every six to eight weeks, a process that involves new adhesive tabs.
So, to answer the question of which hair extensions last longest, don't only look at how long the hair itself can be reused. That's because you'll also need to consider the maintenance schedule, the quality of the hair, and how frequently you'll need appointments with a professional extensionist.
Styling and Versatility
Clip-ins give you considerable control and flexibility, as you can decide where and when to replace them. You might, for example, remove them for certain hairstyles and reposition them the next time you wear them.
The exact styling possibilities depend on the specific set used. Among the clip-in options, our own Seamless Clip-Ins at Cliphair are particularly well-suited to updos. Clip-ins do, however, need to be taken out before sleeping or swimming.
Tape-ins, meanwhile, generally lend themselves best to hair-down styles or loose, low updos. They aren't built for high ponytails or tightly scraped-back looks; if that's the vibe you're after, nano rings or nano bonds may be the better fit among permanent extensions.
Cost Compared
Of the two types, clip-ins are generally the most straightforward to budget for. This is because they're a one-off purchase, with no specialist fitting or refitting fees to pay.
So, as far as the costs are concerned, it's simply a case of looking at the various specific clip-in ranges available and making your choice. The options available from Cliphair go from AAA grade sets to AAAAA grade Seamless Clip-Ins and Halo extensions.
The situation for tape-ins is a bit more complicated to work out. That's because it's not just the initial hair cost involved with these pieces; you'll also need to factor in expenditure on professional and recurring fitting, as the extensions need to be moved up with new adhesive tabs every six to eight weeks.
Again, the particular range chosen will affect the cost. Our Classic Tape-in packs, for instance, are 100g with 40 wefts, while our Remy Royale tape-in extensions come in 50g packs with 20 wefts. So, you'll typically require more Remy Royale packs to achieve the same coverage.
Whatever method you eventually settle on, Cliphair's Free Colour Match Service can help you find a suitable shade before you buy your extensions.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Clip-Ins If…
- You want to try a new length, colour, or volume without commitment
- You only intend to wear extensions occasionally, for events or nights out
- You'd rather not commit to a specialist appointment schedule
In situations like these, the flexibility of clip-ins is hard to beat. They're also a useful starting point if you're unsure whether extensions will fit your lifestyle at all.
Choose Tape-Ins If…
- You want natural-looking length and volume every day without daily application
- You're comfortable with a specialist fitting appointment and a six-to-eight-week refit routine
- You mostly wear your hair down or in loose, low styles
If you're considering other options too, our guide to clip-ins vs permanent hair extensions can help you compare the broader range of methods.
Can You Use Both?
Yes! Choosing clip-ins or tape-ins doesn't necessarily mean you can never use the other option.
Some customers of ours use tape-ins as their everyday base and add clip-ins when they desire greater volume or a more dramatic look for a special occasion.
Others start with clip-ins to get used to wearing extensions, before switching to professionally applied permanent extensions.
If the latter is a change you're thinking of making, read our article on switching from clip-ins to permanent hair extensions, including how to do it and what to consider.
FAQs
Are tape-in extensions better than clip-ins?
Not necessarily. Tape-ins are generally better suited to everyday wear, because they remain attached between professional appointments. On the other hand, you’re likely to prefer clip-ins if flexibility, suitability for occasional use, and straightforward DIY application are your biggest priorities.
Your hair type, preferred hairstyles, and daily routine will all likely influence your choice.
Can you sleep or swim in tape-in extensions?
Yes, tape-in extensions are designed to be worn continuously, even overnight. However, it’s also true that exposure to chlorine and salt water can affect the adhesive. For this reason, it’s advisable to either avoid swimming or cover your hair when you swim.
The situation for clip-ins is different; you can and should remove them before sleeping, showering, or swimming.
Do tape-in extensions damage your hair?
When tape-in extensions are fitted, maintained, and removed by a qualified hair extension specialist, they pose a low risk of hair damage.
Problems can be caused by poor application or delayed refits, which simply further underscores the importance of professional care.
How much do clip-in and tape-in extensions cost?
Clip-ins are a one-off purchase with no recurring fitting fees. Tape-ins, meanwhile, involve the cost of the hair itself plus professional fitting and refitting appointments every six to eight weeks.
The amount that you spend on extensions will also depend on the specific range and how many packs of hair you need.
Can I switch from clip-ins to tape-ins?
Yes! Many people begin with clip-ins. Once they know what they like, they may then decide they want a permanent extension method for everyday wear. Others continue using both extension types, depending on the circumstance or occasion.
Whether you choose clip-in hair extensions or tape-in hair extensions, sourcing them from Cliphair will mean you benefit from 100% Remy human hair that can be coloured and styled like your own.
If you decide to switch to tape-ins, remember that fitting and removal should always be carried out by a qualified hair extension specialist.
Looking for flawless, salon-worthy hair without breaking the bank? At Cliphair, we’ve got you covered with luxurious clip in hair extensions for quick transformations and permanent hair extensions for long-lasting glam. Extensions require special care and maintenance to preserve their quality, which is why we have all the top-notch hydrating haircare products needed to keep your style on point.
Need the perfect shade? Browse our full range of human hair extensions in over 70 rich, silky shades or check out our FREE Express Colour Match Service to ensure a seamless blend every time.
