Your Muse extensions have arrived.
Follow these steps and you'll love them for months.
"I did it myself at home in like 15 minutes and it looks SO good."
Real customer reviewBefore you start
About 15 to 20 minutes once you've washed and dried. A bit longer your first time while you get the hang of it.
- A sulphate free, oil free, alcohol free shampoo (this is essential for a strong bond)
- Your hair freshly washed and completely dry. Even slightly damp is a problem
- A straightener to smooth your hair before applying
- A mirror you can see the back of your head in
The 5 steps
Wash your hair properly
Double shampoo so your roots are completely clean. Only condition the ends. Keep conditioner well away from your roots and anywhere the tape will go. If your roots have any product, oil or conditioner residue on them, the tape will not bond and your extensions will slip out in the first wash.
Dry completely, then straighten
Dry your hair fully. Even a little damp is a problem. Straighten it once dry. This makes the install easier and the result much better.
Apply the tape to your wefts
Unbundle all seven wefts. Apply the tape firmly to the top plastic strip of each weft, on both sides. Press it on really hard.
Section and place each weft
Section your hair cleanly with no flyaways. Flyaways will affect the hold. Peel the tape backing off and place each weft just below the section line. Most people place them too high. They should sit lower than you think. That's how your natural hair fully covers the band when your hair is up.
Press firmly for 30 seconds
Press your natural hair down onto the tape really, really firmly. Hold the press for at least 30 seconds per weft. If your hair isn't fully pressed onto the tape, it will slip in your first wash. Press hard and take your time. Then leave them alone for 48 hours before washing. That's how they fully bond.
The 5 mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the double shampoo. One wash isn't enough to remove all oil and product buildup from your roots.
- Conditioning the roots. Conditioner anywhere near the tape means no bond. Mid lengths to ends only.
- Installing on slightly damp hair. If you can feel any moisture at all, dry it more.
- A quick press instead of a 30 second one. Light pressure means slippage in the first wash.
- Washing before 48 hours. The bond needs time to set. Leave it alone.
What to expect from your first wash
Your first wash can feel different to what you're used to. Here's what's totally normal and what to do about it.
The texture changes, and that's normal
Your extensions arrive with a light protective coating that we use during shipping to stop the hair tangling on its way to you. After your first wash, that coating rinses away and you'll see the hair's true texture, usually a soft natural wave. This is completely normal. The hair hasn't been damaged.
If your own hair is straight and you want them straight too, just blow dry and straighten as you normally would. They take colour, heat and styling the same as natural hair.
The hair might feel slightly drier than the day you opened the box
Also normal. It's the coating coming off. To bring softness back, apply a light oil or serum to the mid lengths and ends only. Keep oils away from the tape bonds.
Use warm water and the right shampoo
Use warm water, not hot. Hot water weakens the tape bonds.
Stick to a sulphate free, oil free, alcohol free shampoo. This isn't a marketing line. The wrong shampoo is the number one cause of slip out within the first month. If your shampoo isn't safe for extensions, replace it before you wash.
Brush before you get in the shower
Gently brush the lengths with a wet brush or wide tooth comb before getting in the shower. Wet hair tangles more easily, especially in the first wash.
When you wash, work the shampoo in gently with downward motions. Don't pile your hair on top of your head and scrub. That causes tangling at the bonds.
How to dry, and where not to put heat
Pat with a soft towel. Don't twist or rub. Air dry partially, then blow dry on a medium setting if needed.
Keep direct heat away from the tape bonds. Heat on the tape weakens the adhesive. Style the lengths however you like. Just don't blast a hairdryer or straightener directly on the band.
The first wash is the anxious one, and the most important
If you waited the full 48 hours after install, your bonds are set and ready. Pressing your tape down properly for 30 seconds per weft (Step 5 above) is what carries you through this wash. Trust the prep work.
Troubleshooting
The most common issues and exactly what to do about each.
My extensions feel like they're slipping
Almost always one of these:
- Tape wasn't pressed firmly enough on install. Press for a full 30 seconds when you reapply.
- Hair wasn't fully clean and dry. Oil, product or moisture under the tape stops it bonding.
- You're using a shampoo with sulphates, oils or alcohol. Switch to a shampoo that's safe for extensions.
- You washed within 48 hours of install. The bond needs that time to set.
Take them out, re wash your hair, dry completely, apply fresh tape, and press for 30 seconds per weft.
I can see the tape bands through my hair
Placement and width. The wefts should sit lower than most people think. That lets your natural hair fully cover the band when your hair is up or moves around.
If the band still feels too wide, trim the weft into smaller pieces. Smaller wefts mould to your head shape, sit flatter, and disappear into your hair.
The ends look dry or fried after my first wash
That's almost certainly the protective shipping coating washing out, not damage. It's expected.
To bring softness back:
- Apply a light oil or serum to the mid lengths and ends only
- Use a sulphate free, oil free shampoo (a harsh shampoo will keep stripping the hair)
- Avoid heavy alcohol based styling products
The tape isn't sticking to the wefts properly
Try this:
- Pull the tape tight across the weft as you stick it down
- Press down really firmly
- If a roll of tape has been open for a long time or stored in a hot or humid spot, the adhesive can lose tack. Try a fresh roll.
They feel uncomfortable or bumpy on my head
Two things usually fix this:
- Trim the wefts smaller. Wide wefts on a smaller head feel bumpy. Smaller pieces mould flatter.
- Sectioning matters. Clean, precise sections (no flyaways) keep the wefts sitting flush.
I need to remove them
Use our DIY remover. Apply a few drops along the tape bond, let it sit for a few minutes, and gently slide the weft out. Don't pull.
In a pinch, coconut oil also works. Apply, let it sit, then glide out.
I've followed everything and they're still not working
Send us a message via the chat below or email support@museforhair.com with a photo of how they're sitting. We'll work through it with you. Most "they don't work" cases come down to one or two small details we can fix together.
Stuck on something?
Chat to Jessica, our colour match and install concierge. She answers in real time.
Chat to JessicaLoving them already?
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