5 Secrets To Longer Hold Times

There are two things hair system wearers want more than anything in the world: 1) an all-natural look when wearing a unit, and 2) a strong and secure hold. As a stylist, those are just some of your ultimate goals. 

 

Below are the 5 secrets to longer hold times that can help you achieve those goals, helping your clients achieve that all-natural look while also getting a strong and secure hold. 

 

1. Make Sure to Clean Any Leftover Residue or Adhesive Buildup from the Hair System

 

Leftover liquid adhesive, tape, or solvent remover in the hair system can affect the bond of the new adhesive. It can cause the new tape to slip off, break down quicker, and not bond correctly. 

 

Make sure to wash the system completely in a bowl of warm water, with Bond Breaker Shampoo. The silicone beads in the shampoo and the gentleness of the water will help to rid the system of the leftover adhesive and residue buildup in the hair. 

 

If needed, you can also perform a solvent soak to get an even deeper clean of the unit. 

 

2. Apply Max Hold Sport Before Application of the Tape or Adhesive

 

As you know, a clean surface is vital to achieving the best bond for your clients. And there is a Walker Tape® product that can help achieve that bond and get longer hold times – Max Hold Sport. 

 

Similar to a good shoe on the dance floor, Max Hold Sport provides a thin barrier of protection to the scalp that can protect bonds from sweat, humidity, and more. Along with protecting your client’s scalp from any irritation or reaction. 

 

It is a great product for your clients who live active lifestyles, and/or those who live in hot and humid climates. 

 

3. Avoid Harsh & Intense Water Conditions

 

Salt water, chlorine, and being under water for a prolonged period of time can work away the adhesive bond, loosening and loosening until the bond disappears!  That is why we, and stylists everywhere, recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours after installation to get wet, exercise, swim, etc. 

 

While a good scalp protector (such as Max Hold Sport!) can help strengthen bonds for more gentle, immediate exposures; intense water conditions can overcome it and rip the system right off the head. 

 

If your clients do choose to swim, a swimming cap is highly recommended to be worn to protect the unit against these factors. 

 

4. Cater Adhesives to Your Client

 

Every single one of your clients is different – skin types, body types, activity level, etc. – so whatever combination of products works for a client who works out in cold weather; may not work for one in an office in warm weather. Which leads to shorter hold times and rather uncomfortable wear experiences. 

 

Tailoring products to the needs of your client, such as using Extenda-Bond Plus in hot and humid weather for more air circulation, can help achieve longer hold times and even comfier wear experiences. 

 

5. Apply Firm Pressure to the Unit for 10 Seconds

 

Once the scalp has been cleaned, the tape or liquid adhesive applied and dried, and the hair system has been laid down on the foundation, there is one more, very important, and crucial step: pressure. 

 

Pressure is what will activate the adhesive bonds (or tack), securing the hair firmly in place and helping to get the hold times your client is looking for. 

 

Walker Tape® recommends applying firm pressure evenly across your client’s scalp for at least 10 seconds to achieve the best bond possible. 

 

 

Looking for even more secrets and products for longer and stronger hold times for your clients? Visit our website at WalkerTapeCo.com to find them!