The Complete Wholesale Guide to Tape-In Hair
Wholesale tape-in hair is sold by the pack—usually 20 adhesive wefts weighing 40–50 grams—and a full head takes 4–6 packs, with supplier MOQs—minimum order quantities—around 50–100 pieces. This guide covers quality tiers, quantities, pricing, and lead times so you can order without guesswork. We see buyers waste money choosing cheap skinwefts, then deal with shedding, dry ends, and tape that lifts after two washes.
What are tape-in hair extensions, anyway?
Tape-ins are 1.5–2 inch wefts with adhesive tabs that sandwich around thin sections of natural hair. Most wholesale lines use Remy hair, meaning cuticles face the same direction so strands tangle less. Virgin hair is unprocessed and not silicone-coated; it costs more but takes color more predictably. Cuticle aligned means the outer layer runs root to tip, the real marker of hair that wears well.
How many tape-ins do I need for a full head?
Most adults need 4–6 packs of 20-piece, 40–50 gram tape-ins for a full head. Fine hair can use 2–3 packs for light fullness, while thick hair leaving a bob may need 6–8 to avoid stringy ends. Order one extra pack from the same dye lot for face-framing pieces or repairs. For highlights, mix two shades, and keep backups sealed since opened packs can’t be returned.
What should wholesale tape-ins cost?
Budget processed packs cost $15–$22 but may tangle and look tired in four to eight weeks. Mid-grade Remy runs $25–$38 per pack and lasts three to six months with move-ups. Premium virgin or cuticle-aligned hair costs $40–$65+, retabs two or three times, and colors better. Stock MOQs start around 50–100 pieces, while custom balayage often needs 300–500 pieces. If a virgin price looks too low, read returns first; our virgin hair claims guide covers shortcuts.
What should I inspect in a sample order?
Before ordering big, buy samples from the tape-in line and check:
- Weigh each pack; a labeled 50 grams should measure close.
- Watch for adhesive ooze, uneven tabs, or backing that won’t peel.
- Run fingers both ways; snags mean flipped cuticles.
- Inspect ends for short hairs, splits, or thin fraying.
- Match color in daylight, not warehouse lighting.
- Shampoo once; heavy silicone gets slippery, then dries out.
- Pull gently; a few shed strands are normal, clumps are not.
How long do wholesale orders really take?
Stock colors process in 3–7 days, then US shipping takes 5–10 more, or 3–5 by air. Custom colors, long lengths, and private packaging take 2–4 weeks depending on MOQ. Chinese New Year and fall holidays can add three to six weeks, so don’t launch in February. Save SKUs and lot numbers; natural shades can shift between batches. Give any new salon menu six to eight weeks from sample approval to launch.
Quick buyer questions
Can clients wash and heat-style tape-in hair?
Yes, but wait 48 hours after install and keep sulfate-free shampoo off the bonds. Heat around 300–350°F works, though repeated high heat dries ends. Oils or conditioner on the tabs usually cause slipping.
How often do tape-ins need to be moved up?
Most clients need move-ups every 6–10 weeks as natural growth loosens tabs. A stylist uses solvent, cleans residue, and applies fresh tape to the same wefts. Healthy hair can be reinstalled two or three times before replacement is needed.
When you’re ready, order samples and browse all hair extensions to compare lengths and textures your clients actually request. If MOQs or color matching still feel unclear, the FAQ page covers the basics before you commit to a batch.
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