What to Expect at Your First Tape In Hair Extensions Install
By Hair By Camille | October 15, 2026
Serving Lexington, Nicholasville, Versailles, Georgetown, Winchester, and Richmond
Our salon is a small, comfortable three-room space, and parents often tell us they love being able to keep their toddler in view while they’re in the chair. If this is your first time booking tape in hair extensions, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about the unknown. Most of the anxiety comes from not knowing how it feels, how long it takes, or what you need to do beforehand.
Here’s the straight answer: a first Tape In Extension Install is a multi-step appointment, typically 1.5 to 3 hours, where we apply extension wefts using tape bonds to clean, product-free sections of your natural hair. It should feel comfortable, it doesn’t require pain relief for most people, and we finish with blending and styling so you can see your new length and volume before you walk out.
Before you sit in the chair: 6 prep steps that make tape-ins lay flatter
When someone tells us “My dream hair! Perfect extensions”, that result usually starts with simple prep. Tape bonds hold best when your hair is clean and free of anything slick at the root area. Here’s what we recommend for day-of.
- Arrive with clean, dry hair. Shampoo and dry thoroughly. Damp roots and tape bonds don’t mix well.
- Skip heavy conditioner at the scalp. Keep conditioner mid-lengths to ends so the tape area stays grippy.
- No oils, serums, or dry shampoo that day. If it leaves residue, it can shorten wear time.
- Bring 2 to 4 reference photos. One for length, one for thickness, and one for how you like the front to frame your face. Photos keep us aligned fast.
- Tell us the honest details. Thinning spots, sensitive scalp, postpartum shedding, recent color, or a big event coming up. We’ll plan your placement and blending around your real life.
- Plan your travel time. We’re in Lexington’s Regency area near the Hamburg and Polo Club corridor, with easy access from New Circle Road and I-75 exits. If you’re coming in from Georgetown, Winchester, or Richmond, give yourself a little buffer so you’re not stressed walking in.
Quick note on timing: our listed Tape In Extension Install service is priced at $175 and includes the install of 20 sets of tape-ins. If we’re also doing color or extra blending work, we’ll talk through that during the consult so there are no surprises.
Your Tape In Extension Install, step by step (and what it should feel like)
When you arrive, we start with a real conversation, not a rushed check-in. People stick with us for years because we listen closely to what you want, then we’re honest about what will look natural on your hair and your density. If you’ve had “hair nightmares” in the past, you’re not alone. This appointment is built to feel calm and controlled.
1) Consult and game plan
We’ll confirm your goal, length, and how much fullness you actually want. We also look at your natural color in indoor light so your extension shade blends. Several clients mention we match color “perfectly”, and that starts here. If blending color is needed, we’ll map that out before we place a single tape.
2) Sectioning and placement
Next comes clean sectioning. Tape-ins work best when placement is tidy and consistent so the bonds sit flat and the hair moves naturally. You’ll feel light, gentle tension as we part and isolate sections, but it shouldn’t feel sharp or painful. If anything feels pinchy, let us know right away. Small adjustments early make a big difference in comfort.
3) Tape application
We apply each tape weft to your hair so it’s secure without feeling bulky. Our standard install includes 20 sets of tape-ins. During application, you’ll usually notice the work is surprisingly quick and organized. Clients regularly mention we’re efficient and responsive to questions, and we keep that same energy throughout the install. You can absolutely speak up if you want a mirror check at any point.
4) Blending cut and style
This is where tape-ins go from “I got extensions” to “that’s just my hair.” We blend with a cut so the extensions disappear into your natural hair, then we style so you can see the final shape and movement. A lot of people leave feeling confident because it looks natural, not obvious or heavy. That’s the goal every time.
"I always leave so satisfied with my hair, I love the location, the atmosphere, and the fact that I can bring my child when there’s not an option for me to take him to a sitter."
one of our long-time clients
The first 72 hours with tape-in extensions: aftercare that protects your bonds
Right after your install, it’s normal for tape-ins to feel “new” for a day or two. Most people notice the bonds when they touch around their scalp, especially if they’re not used to added hair. That awareness fades quickly as you get used to the placement.
Our non-negotiables for healthy wear: Brush gently and start at the ends, work up, and hold the hair at the root so you’re not tugging on bonds. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and always use heat protectant when you style. Keep oils and heavy masks away from the tape area so the adhesive doesn’t break down early.
Maintenance matters. Tape-ins are not a “set it and forget it” service. As your natural hair grows, the tapes move down and need to be repositioned. Most people book maintenance every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on growth and daily habits. Staying on schedule keeps your natural hair looking full and helps the extensions wear comfortably.
And yes, you can still live your life. Swimming and workouts are doable. You’ll just treat your hair like something you invested in: rinse after chlorine or salt, dry your roots well, and don’t let wet hair stay bundled up for hours.
Insider tips we tell every first-timer in Lexington before they commit
A detail that surprises a lot of first-time extension clients is how much the atmosphere affects the experience. Our private, quiet salon setup means you’re not competing with a row of chairs, and many people tell us it feels comfortable and relaxing. You’ll often be the only customer in the space, which makes it easier to speak up, ask questions, and actually enjoy the appointment.
If you’re coming to us through the Regency and Hamburg Pavilion area, it’s also an easy meet-up point for families and weekend schedules. We’re right near New Circle Road and close to I-75, so people coming in from Nicholasville, Versailles, or Georgetown usually find the drive straightforward.
If you want a broader overview of what we do with extension services, take a look at our extensions services in the Regency Lexington area. It’s a helpful read if you’re still deciding between adding length, adding fullness, or doing both.
If you’re unsure you’re “a good candidate”: We work with people who want pure length, people who want fullness, and people rebuilding confidence after health changes that affected their hair. If your goal is to look like yourself again, just with thicker, longer hair, tape-ins are often a smart place to start.
Ready to book your install and talk through the plan first? Call +18596128793 or email elexis72@gmail.com. If you’re already in the area, we’re easy to find at 2627 Regency Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40503.
Pricing note: Tape In Extension Install is $175 and includes the install of 20 sets of tape-ins. Timing varies by hair density, desired fullness, and any blending work needed.