Aftercare is how a 6–8 week hold stays a 6–8 week hold. The tape is not magic. Oil, conditioner, and a tight bun at night will walk a tab down faster than any “weak adhesive” story.
Wash as often as your scalp needs — not on a schedule invented for marketing. Keep conditioner and oil off the bond. A sulfate-free shampoo is kinder to the weft; it is not a religious requirement if your scalp is unhappy.
Dry the bond. A weft that stays wet at the tape is a weft that mats. Sleep in a loose braid or a silk scrunchie, not a high bun on day two.
Swim. Then rinse. Chlorine and salt are fine; sitting in them is not. The same for the gym: sweat at the nape is normal; a soaked, unwashed bond for twelve hours is not.
When the tabs are due, they are due. Aftercare does not replace a move-up. It just makes the hair you still have worth re-tabbing.