Tape-in extensions

Tape-in extensions are thin, lightweight wefts of hair sandwiched either side of a small section of your own hair using a medical-grade adhesive tape. There's no heat, no glue gun, and no braiding or beads pulling on the scalp. They sit flat against the head, so they're comfortable and easy to hide. Because the wefts are slim and the weight is spread across many small panels, tape-ins are widely considered one of the kindest extension methods for your own hair.

Tape-ins work beautifully for adding fullness to fine or thinning hair, growing out a previous cut, evening up layers that have grown unevenly, or adding length for a wedding or event. They suit most hair types. The one thing they need is enough of your own hair to anchor to — at a consultation we'll tell you honestly whether your hair is ready, and if it's not quite there yet, what to do first. If you've had colour damage or breakage, we may suggest a few weeks of treatment work before we fit extensions.

Every set starts with a consultation and a proper colour match. We match the extension hair to your ends, not your roots, so the blend looks natural as it moves and catches the light. Fitting a full set usually takes one to two hours. Once the tapes are in, we cut and blend the extensions into your own hair so there's no obvious line where your hair stops and the extensions begin. You walk out with finished, styled hair the same day. Maintenance moves are quick — every six to eight weeks we lift the tapes, re-tape and reposition them as your hair grows. With good care the same hair can be reused across several move-ups, which makes tape-ins a sensible long-term option rather than a one-off splurge.

Tape-ins are low-maintenance but not no-maintenance. Brush gently from the ends up with a soft-bristle or extension-friendly brush, tie hair loosely before bed, and keep heat tools away from the tape bonds themselves. Use a sulphate-free shampoo and keep conditioner and oils to the mid-lengths and ends. We'll send you home knowing exactly how to wash, dry and sleep in them, and we stock the right salon products if you need them.

UKIYO is a small, calm studio at 28 Helwick Street in the centre of Wānaka. Extensions here are never rushed and never sold as an add-on you didn't ask for — we'll only recommend them if they're genuinely the right call for your hair. Our colour and cutting background means the blend is the part we obsess over, and that's what makes the difference between extensions that look like extensions and extensions that just look like really good hair.

The extension hair itself can last several months with good care. Because your own hair keeps growing, the tapes need repositioning every six to eight weeks — a quick move-up appointment rather than a full new set.

Tape-ins are one of the gentler methods because the weight is spread across many slim panels and there's no heat or tension on the scalp. The key is professional application, sensible aftercare and proper removal. We apply and remove every set ourselves so your own hair stays healthy.

Usually, yes — tape-in is often the best choice for fine hair because the flat tab spreads the weight and sits invisibly under a covering layer of your own hair. We assess your density at the consultation and use slim, discreet tabs so nothing shows, even with your hair up.

No — tape sits flat and low-tension, so there's none of the tightness you can get with beads or braids. Removal is done with a proper solvent, so it's gentle on your own hair. Any soreness just means something needs adjusting, so tell us.

Book online any time, or call the salon on 03 443 1040. We always start with a consultation so we can colour-match and quote accurately before you commit.