If you're anything like me, the dream of having long, voluminous hair is ever-present. I’ve spent years envying those with thick, luxurious locks that seem to defy gravity, while my own hair insists on falling flat and refusing to hold any style. Enter: tape hair extensions. These little wonders promise to transform your locks in just a few hours, leaving you with a fuller, longer mane that could rival any celebrity - and, finally, actually hold a curl.
I decided to give them a go and booked an appointment with Beauty Club London – a salon known for their hair extension expertise – to see is they live up to the hype. Spoiler alert: they did. I've shared my full experience as well as all the deets on tape extensions. With help from Moe Harb, Hair Extension Specialist at Beauty Club London, we've broken down what tape extensions actually are, how they work, and well, untangle all of the general details with hair extension tips.
My honest thoughts: My tape-in extension experience
So, did they live up to the hype? 100%.
Let’s start with the salon itself. The moment I stepped into Beauty Club London – tucked just behind the bustling streets of Soho – I knew I was in for a treat. The stylish interiors, the warm welcome, and the perfect blend of luxury and laid-back vibes made me forget I was just seconds away from the chaos of the high street.
And if you're after a full transformation, this is the place. It's not just about hair (though, trust me, they do that incredibly well). They’ve got a nail salon, a brow station, lash services, and even a full-blown cocktail bar – complete with a giant disco ball and chilled dance tunes. You could walk in after work and leave a few hours later feeling like the main character. With the most sought-after treatments all in one spot, it’s the ultimate confidence boost, whether you’re after a fresh mani or a whole new look.
But the real magic? The extensions.
With over 45 years of combined experience applying, styling and colour-matching hair extensions , the salon is led by Moe, as well and Louise Bailey – a legend in the world of hair extensions, having trained many of London’s best. With this dynamic duo – as well as Moe’s brother and hair colour pro, Shady Harb in charge of my transformation, I knew I was in good hands! I showed the team my inspo pics – and they got straight to work.
The application was quick, painless, and even relaxing (a cheeky cocktail and scalp massage mid-appointment? Yes, please). In no time at all, my hair instantly looked thicker, longer, and effortlessly glam, yet still felt like my own – just better. Using my hair-spo as guidance, Shady mixed up the perfect balayage, then hand-picked out extensions to blend in perfectly. The colour match, length and style were spot on – and best of all, I couldn’t tell I had extensions in at all. I’ve never seen anything like it! He even gave me the perfect mermaid-style waves – and a new-found confidence, too!
After my appointment, to my surprise, styling my hair was a breeze. I could now curl, straighten, or even throw it up in a ponytail without worrying about anything peeking through. Even after a sweaty gym sesh, my hair bounced back to life, with zero faff.
Fast-forward a few weeks, and I can confidently say: these extensions are a game-changer. No slipping, no sticky residue, and no damage to my natural hair. Plus, the low-maintenance routine means I spend less time styling and more time enjoying my fabulous new hair. As I opted for a balayage – with a lot of the colour coming from the extensions – getting my natural colour topped up won’t be as frequent, either – saving me money in the long run! Basically, it’s a win-win.
Final thoughts? If you’re debating hair extensions, tape-ins are the way to go. They’re natural-looking, easy to maintain, and completely transform your hair without the hassle. Trust me – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
So, what are tape-in hair extensions?
Exactly what they sound like – hair extensions applied using a thin adhesive tape. Unlike clip-ins (which you take in and out) or bonded extensions (which require heat and some serious commitment), tape-ins sit somewhere in between.
"We always recommend tape-ins – they’re the best for getting length and volume while keeping your natural hair healthy," says Moe Harb, Hair Extension Specialist at Beauty Club London. "They’re lightweight, virtually undetectable, and actually help promote hair growth since they require less daily styling."
The best part? The whole process takes just 1.5 to 2 hours, and once applied, your new hair lasts 6–8 weeks before needing a refit. And with proper care, high-quality tape-ins can be reused for up to three years – so it’s an investment worth making.
The refit process: what to expect
"As your natural hair grows, the extensions move away from the scalp, so they need to be repositioned – this is what we call a ‘reapplication’ or ‘refit,’" Moe explains.
“It’s usually around the 6–8 week mark that you’d come back in," he adds.
The process itself is pretty simple. Your stylist will gently remove the tapes before giving your hair a good wash (hello, scalp massage!) to create a clean base. Then, fresh tape is applied to the extensions, and they’re carefully placed back closer to the scalp.
The result? A seamless, natural look – every single time.
How long do different hair extensions last?
There are three main types of extensions, each with different levels of commitment:
Temporary (clip-ins and wefts) – Perfect for special occasions, clip-in hair extensions give instant volume and can last years with proper care.
Semi-permanent (tape-ins) – Lasting 6–8 weeks before a refit, these are the perfect balance of long-wearing and low-maintenance. The hair itself can last up to 3 years.
Permanent (micro-rings, fusion, sew-ins) – These require more upkeep, with maintenance appointments every 4–8 weeks, depending on the method.
Are tape extensions right for you?
Best for: Anyone looking for natural-looking length and volume without the damage of other methods.
Great for fine hair? Absolutely. “Tape-ins are lightweight – so they won’t pull or damage delicate strands,” Moe says. “Plus, they lie flat against your scalp, so ideal for thin hair”.
Great for short hair? “Yes! Tape extensions are often a go-to for those with shorter hair, as tapes are discreet and blend seamlessly. The key is placement – done right, even those with bobs can enjoy long, voluminous locks,” Moe says.
Can I wear my hair up? “Yep! If applied correctly, you can rock ponytails, buns, and updos without your extensions showing.”
Will they damage my natural hair? “Not at all – provided they’re applied and removed properly. In fact, many find their natural hair grows better while wearing them. When it comes to getting length, volume, and keeping your real hair healthy, they’re the best!”
How much do tape-in extensions cost?
At Beauty Club London, pricing starts at £186 for six pairs of tape-in hair, plus £150 for fitting. They also offer budget-friendly clip-ins if you’re looking for a more temporary fix.
About Beauty Club London
Beauty Club London was founded to redefine the high-street salon experience. Located in Oxford Circus, the salon is home to leading industry experts specialising in colour and hair extensions, offering an unrivalled level of expertise and customer care.
Emma Hawkins is a Life & Style Writer for heat and Closer, where she covers all things fashion, beauty, health and travel. Her team label her "the hair guru," as there isn't a hair style or colour she hasn't tried and tested, including blue-dip dye, a micro fringe, pink extensions as well as a full-head bleach – some more successful than others. Her other loves? Country music, glam make-up, the gym and Harry Potter.