5 hair system tape problems & how to fix them.
Sweat, skin oils, dirt, weather, climate, cleaning, adhesives, placement, etc. – There is a lot of moving factors that go into bonding a hair system with tape. And when these problems arise, it can disrupt a normally smooth install or operation.
That’s why we are here to help!
In this blog, we are going to highlight 5 hair system tape problems & how to fix them. Starting with:
Problem #1: Tape Failures
Tape failures are possibly the most common hair system problem that can occur. It can happen for a multitude of reasons and in a multitude of situations, but the two most common we’ve come across are: improper storage and less-than-ideal install conditions.
To properly store your tapes and adhesives, follow these simple tips:
- Maintain at Room Temperature (60°F-80°F / 15°C-26°C)
- Use Before 1-Year Shelf-Life Expires
- Keep Away from Light & Oxygen
- Store Dry & Well-Ventilated
Nearly any and everything can affect tape – light and oxygen can weaken it, heat can melt it, cold can freeze it, and so much more. With proper storage techniques, Walker tapes can last up to a year, and liquid products up to 6 months.
To create the best conditions for install and help achieve the best bond possible, follow these tips:
Install Tips:
- Perform a Patch Test to find the right tape.
- Thoroughly clean the scalp, hair system, and stylists’ hands before install.
- Wear gloves when applying adhesive.
- Use a Scalp Protector
Dirt, leftover residue and adhesive, skin cells, etc., can all negatively affect the performance of the tape, and cause it to fail. That’s why clean surfaces are key.
Clean surfaces, clean hands, a clean system, and a clean scalp are the ideal solutions to fixing tape failures.
Problem #2: Finding Tapes for Clients w/ Sensitive Skin.
Every client or wearer is going to be different. Every install is going to be different. Some may have more sweaty and oily skin; others may have skin conditions or sensitive skin. And finding a tape that works well with sensitive skin can be quite the challenge.
That’s why we offer quite a few different tapes for clients with sensitive skin, such as:
- 1522 Clear
- Sensi-Tak Select
- Lace Front Thin
- Lace Front
- No-Shine
- Pro-Flex II
- Duo-Tac
All are built with skin-safe, hypoallergenic, and/or medical grade gentleness for skin, and are all wonderful options that we recommend for sensitive skin clients.
Problem #3: Skin Conditions
In some cases, skin conditions – overly oily or dry skin, psoriasis, eczema – can impact how well the tape bonds to the scalp. Skin conditions also happen to be one of the tougher problems to “fix” for hair system wearers, and could potentially cause a flare-up.
Luckily, there are quite a few tips that can help clients with skin conditions achieve the best bond and have the best wear experience possible, such as:
- Choosing a breathable and hypoallergenic hair system base. Lace systems are the recommended option.
- Using medical grade, hypoallergenic, and skin safe adhesives for the scalp. Such as Pro-Flex II or 1522 Clear.
- Using hypoallergenic, skin safe removers to remove adhesives from the scalp. Think Walker Signature Remover or S3 Solvent.
Being gentle and using skin-safe, medical grade products will help reduce problems when installing on clients with skin conditions.
Problem #4: Not using a Remover to Remove Tape
If you’ve ever tried to peel something sticky from something it was bonded to (sticker off an envelope, etc.), you know that the adhesive easily rips whatever material it is holding on to.
The same can happen for hair system tapes and hair units. If the tape is removed without using an adhesive remover, potential and serious damage could be done to the base of the unit – rips, tears, holes, etc., which can leave the system unwearable.
It is important that the tape (or any adhesive, really) is removed from the system using a solvent remover – such as C-22 or Action Solvent. Using a remover to breakdown the adhesive is going to prevent the tape from causing any damage during removal.
Problem #5: Tape Not Bonding/Not Bonding Correctly
Tape can be tricky to deal with, whether it be scotch tape, duct tape, or hair system tape, it can be a tad hard to handle. And hair system tape has its own little tricks that can affect bonding.
To prevent placement issues and achieve the best bond for your hair system tape, simply use our Just-Rite Positioning Spray during install.
- Spray Just-Rite positioning spray on the scalp before applying the adhesive. Just-Rite delays the bond of tape, allowing you to get the best placement for the tape on the scalp.
- Press and hold for at least 10 seconds. To fully activate the adhesive and ensure the best bond possible, press and hold the tape firmly to the scalp for at least 10 seconds.
Just-Rite positioning spray, along with these other tips, can help eliminate those problems.
We hope you’ve learned something about these 5 hair system tape problems and how to fix them! If you any questions or comments about hair tape problems, or comments in general, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Service team at [email protected], or phone at 1.800.759.5150.
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I have a question what if your client is itching what will be the best results what would you do when wearing this hair system what can I put on the scalp before and after during just need some guidance thank you
Great question! There are a few different ways to approach this.
First, would be to do a “patch test” with another type of adhesive to see if they still itch after switching products. You could also try using some of our medical grade or hypoallergenic products, like Pro-Flex II or 1522 Clear.
A second option, would be to use Scalp Protector or Max Hold Sport before applying the adhesive and hair system. These products help create a barrier between the scalp and products to reduce any itchiness, irritation or sensitivity. Plus, it helps the hair system adhere longer.
Hopefully this helps!
can you use pro flex ii on lace front, tried so many tapes, all of them irritate his scalp
Yes, you could definitely try that! As well, feel free to contact our customer service department and they can give you more in-depth help. https://blog.walkertapeco.com/contact/ Thank you!
Hi, I have just acquired a hair system and have ordered some of your products. I propose the following regime for an install: (i) shampoo, wash and dry my scalp; (ii) clean my scalp with rubbing alcohol and leave to dry; (iii) apply scalp protector; (iv) then apply your positioning spray; (v) and finally, put on the hair system. Could you just confirm whether it is OK to follow this procedure i.e. to apply an alcohol rub first and then the scalp protector? Also, how long should I leave after applying the scalp protector before applying the positioning spray? Many thanks
Hello Jordan! Here’s the procedure we suggest for doing an installation:
1. Shampoo your system and scalp with Bond Breaker Shampoo.
2. Prep your scalp with 99% Alcohol and leave to dry.
3. Apply one of our scalp protectors (we recommend giving our popular Max Hold Sport a try!) and give the area time to dry before you place the system.
4. Apply your tape or adhesive product.
5. Spray Just-Rite Positioning Spray to delay the hold of the adhesive product.
6. Apply the hair system.
We hope this helps you out with your installation process. Happy Tuesday!
Hello..I use your ultimate hold double sided tape on my Polly border hair system and it lifts within a week. How can I make it last the 2 to 4 weeks hold as indicated?
Hello! We don’t carry a product called Ultimate Hold, so I believe that you’re referring to our Ultra Hold tape. To achieve the best bond and ensure maximum hold times with our Ultra Hold tape, follow these steps:
1) Thoroughly clean all of the surfaces involved in the installation. Your hands, your client’s scalp, your client’s bio hair, and your client’s skin. Clean surfaces are crucial to better hold times.
2) Apply a Scalp Protector to your client’s scalp once all surfaces have been cleaned thoroughly. Scalp Protectors (such as our Scalp Protector and Max Hold Sport) help to ensure a longer bond for our tapes and adhesives.
3) Make sure to apply adequate pressure when installing the hair system. Pressure is what activates the tape’s bond strength and helps it hold for longer.
We hope this helps! For more information, read our blog on how to achieve the best bond, or reach out to us with any more questions.
Any info on tape causing headaches after installs?
Hello Joe! There are few potential reasons tape may cause headaches:
– The tape is pulling on the bio hair. We always recommend shaving all of the bio hair before applying any adhesives, as this will help prevent any painful pulling on the scalp.
– The tape was misplaced, or was placed too tightly on with the system. This can cause tugging on the scalp, which can then lead to headaches.
We recommend talking with a stylist about these kinds of problems, as they have the tools, knowledge, and products to help deal with them. You can also find a salon/stylist using our “Find A Salon/Distributor” tool.
We hope this helps. Happy Friday!
Hi, i am using walker tape for my system and on my forehead i get black spots from the tape. i dont know if they are permanent. do you have any experience from other customers? what can i do to get rid of the spots.
ofcourse when i put on the system, the spots are not visible. but i just want to avoid any long term skin damage.
thanks for your advice.
Hello Sid, thank you for your comment! We recommend seeking advice and help from a professional licensed stylist. They will be able to help troubleshoot the problem and help remedy what is causing the blackspots. You can find a stylist near you by using our “Find a Salon” tool here. We hope this helps. Happy Tuesday!
Hi – I occasionally have an issue where the tape won’t adhere to the mesh after I’ve cleaned it. It’s not a tape issue,
as it will still adhere to some areas. The company I use always applies a spray after cleaning and it always works.
I’m on vacation and having some issues. Do you have any idea what this spray is called and can it be found at a retailer?
Thank-you in advance
Hello Peter! We are unaware of a product like that, but you can use our “Find a Salon/Distributor” tool to find a stylist or salon that may be able to help you find it while you’re on vacation. As for the adhering issue, from the details you mentioned we believe the tape potentially isn’t sticking as well due to leftover remover or product residue in the system. If this is the problem, cleaning the areas where the tape isn’t sticking to the system thoroughly with Bond Breaker Shampoo should help it adhere better. We hope this helps. Happy Monday!
Hi, i use the ultra hold adhesive but, after some weeks the adhesive from the bottle begins to dry, it becomes like a kind of slime, is there somethig i could do to restore it, at the end i have to throw it away and buy another one
Hello Hector! It may be that the product isn’t being sealed properly after use.
With proper storage (in room-temperature, away from humidity, light exposure, and properly sealed), our adhesives will last up to 6 months and our tapes will last up to 12 months. For individual storage information on each product, please refer to the product listings on our website. If this continues to be a problem for you, please reach out to our Customer Service team and they can help work with you to find a more tailored solution.
We hope this helps. Happy Thursday!
Thanks Walkertape for replying to comments here quickly! I have been using the Ultra Hold mini tabs for my poly skin system. I have hair all over my head evenly, so it’s closely shaved before applying the taped poly skin system. However, around day 3, the front (forehead) starts to lift; but the sides and back are always fine. Can you help me understand why and how to fix the front lift? Is it because I wash my face daily with face products? Thank you!
Hello Andrew! Typically, our tape is attached to the inside of the unit and to the skin of the scalp directly – rather than to hair stubble. Since you’re experiencing lifting, we recommend talking with a stylist about this issue as there can be a variety of factors in play, and a stylist will have the best knowledge and solutions to help you solve this problem. You can find a stylist by using our “Find A Salon/Distributor” tool.
We hope this helps and gives you a place to start. Happy Monday!
Hi
How to avoid sore scalp following hair system fitting after a few weeks.
Do you recommend sudacrem and letting the scalp breathe for a day or so before refitting?
Hi there! It can be normal to have a sore scalp after getting a hair system. To help with that, we recommend talking to your stylist or medical professional for product recommendations for soothing your scalp. Giving your scalp a day without wearing the hair system can be a great way to give it a break before refitting which can ease the soreness. It’s important to keep your scalp clean and cared for, both while wearing the system and while taking a break from wear. Take care!
Hello,
I have a new piece with Polyurethane (PU) Border…
The tapes do not adhere very well to this
Using the No Shine 2-4 Week
Lace Front 2-4 Week Maximum Wear
Comes off very very easy…What could be the issue and what do you recommend to get a strong bond.
This is my second piece… the Polyurethane Border is more shiny than the last… could this be the issue?
Thanks for any help !
Hi! Thanks for reaching out about the tape adhesion issue with the polyurethane border on your new hairpiece. To ensure a strong bond, we recommend trying our Pro-Flex II tape. It’s hypoallergenic, designed for 2-4+ week wear, and is ideal for use with polyurethane systems. This tape should help improve adhesion and give you a better wear experience. Additionally, we suggest consulting a professional hairstylist for personalized guidance on achieving a secure bond with your hairpiece. You can find one near you here! We hope this helps!
Hi There, I have been using a hair system and Walker tape Ulta hold tape for an year now, but from about 3 months ago, it has started melting (more from the front but from the back as well) and sometime literally dripping down from my forehead and crystelising. Sometime this happens after 3days if installing and lately it’s been happening the same day of the installation and next day.. I have not changed anything from starting an year ago, so can’t figure out why has changed. Before this it was perfectly fine to go for 3+ weeks. Please help. I have spoken to the salon few times but they have no idea what is happening.
Hello there! Thank you for getting in touch with us. We’re sorry to hear about the struggles you’re having with Ultra Hold tape. The issues you’re experiencing might be due to using an expired product. To maximize the effectiveness of your tapes, store them in a well-ventilated, cool, dark, and dry environment at room temperature (60-80°F). Also remember to seal the bags or clamshells completely. By following these guidelines, you can maintain the quality of the tape for up to one year. If you need more assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service at 1-800-759-5150 or via email at [email protected]. We’re always here to assist you!
Hi Eliza, Thank you for your reply. Its actually happening with the tape the salon uses (i dont do it my self). I have a friend who goes there as well and his tape doesnt melt like that. They have changed the tape used to hyper allegenic tape as well, they uses non sweat scalp spay product and scalp protector. It just crystelises at the edge the next day now and drips from where were there is space, sometimes through the lace system into the hair as well just been happening since recently.
Hi Ryan! Thank you for providing additional information. It’s interesting that your friend isn’t experiencing the same issue with the salon’s tape. It’s worth mentioning that each person’s experience with adhesive products can vary due to environmental factors and individual skin types. Sometimes, a different adhesive method, like using a liquid adhesive, might work better for you if tape isn’t providing the desired results. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-759-5150 or via email at [email protected]. We’re dedicated to assisting you in finding the best solution for your specific needs!
Hi Bob, are you sure it is poly and not silicone border?
Silicone material is more shiny and otherwise looks identical to Poly but it doesn’t stick to the adhesives at all.
It is just the chemical property it has.
That is why it is important to ensure you are buying poly and not silicone if your intention is to wear it with adhesives.
Just my .02 cents from reading your question.
If even after cleaning the material with alcohol it still doesn’t stick, it is probably it.