Getting started with hair systems often comes with a learning curve for both you and your clients. From choosing the right adhesive for each client to preparing the scalp and ensuring a comfortable removal, there are a lot of details to master along the way.
Fortunately, many beginner mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Here are eight things to keep in mind as you build a hair system routine that works for your clients.
1. Choosing an Adhesive Based Only on Hold Time
The strongest or longest holding adhesive isn’t always going to be the best choice for your clients. The hair system base, skin type, lifestyle, climate, and desired wear time can all influence which adhesive you should choose for your client, and what will work best for them.
Some wearers prefer the convenience of shorter wear, while others want an extended or maximum-wear option. Some may need a stronger adhesive if they live active lifestyles. Be sure to consider all client factors before landing on an adhesive.
2. Skipping Preparation
Without preparing the scalp, skin oils, leftover adhesives, sweat, dirt, and other buildup can interfere with the bond of the adhesive and negatively affect performance.
That’s why a good installation starts with proper preparation.
Prep products like 99% Alcohol® can help remove residues and provide light cleanup, while Scalp Protector® creates a thin protective barrier and can help improve hold times. For stronger protection against sweat, humidity, and oils, Max Hold Sport® may be another option.
3. Using Too Much Liquid Adhesive
When it comes to liquid adhesive, more doesn’t mean a stronger bond. In fact, applying too much can make it harder for the adhesive to dry properly and create unnecessary mess during installation and removal.
Follow the application instructions for the specific adhesive you’re using, including the recommended number of layers and dry time. Applying thin, even layers and allowing each one to dry as directed helps set your client up for a cleaner installation and a more reliable hold.
4. Rushing the Placement
Once the system is placed on the scalp and adhesive begins to grab, repositioning and getting correct placement can become difficult.
Just-Rite Positioning Spray™ is made to temporarily delay the initial tack of the adhesive, allowing you extra time to make positioning adjustments before completing the installation.
5. Not Considering the Client’s Lifestyle
Sweat, humidity, water, physical activity, and weather/climate can all affect the wearing experience for your client. Someone who exercises frequently – and sweats more – is going to have different adhesive and preparation needs than someone with a less active routine or someone who lives in a colder climate.
Finding products that will best fit the conditions your clients will face can help set them up for a more comfortable, reliable, and secure wearing experience.
6. Using an Adhesive That Isn’t Right for the System
There are a variety of hair system bases, and not every adhesive can be used for every system. Lace systems, mesh, poly, and other materials each have different characteristics. What works well on a poly base may not be suitable for a delicate lace system, and vice versa.
Always check for system compatibility before selecting your tape or liquid adhesive. If you’re not sure where to start, we offer a quiz to help you find the right adhesive for your specific system.
 
7. Improper Removal
When it’s time for removal, do not pull and tug the system away from the scalp, as this can damage both the system and your client’s skin. This is where adhesive removers come into play.
Adhesive removers help break down the tape or glue so the system can be gently released from the scalp. Be sure to choose a remover based on the system and cleanup needs.
C-22® Solvent, an industry favorite, is designed to quickly break down and remove adhesive, while a remover like Lace Release™ is made specifically for mesh systems, helping release the delicate base while leaving adhesive behind for easier cleanup.
8. Forgetting About System Care
Regular system care is crucial to maintaining the health, appearance, and condition of your client’s hair system.
Thoroughly cleaning the base, detangling and conditioning the hair, and regularly checking for shedding, loose knots, tears, or other signs of wear are all part of a consistent system care routine.
Proper storage between wears can also help protect the hair and base from unnecessary damage.
You don’t have to master everything about hair systems on day one. As you become more familiar with your client’s system needs, different systems, and adhesive options, you’ll better understand which products and techniques fit your routine.
What Are the 8 Most Common Hair System Mistakes and How Can You Avoid Them?
Avoiding these eight most common mistakes can help ensure a smoother installation and a better wearing experience for your clients.
- Choosing an Adhesive Based Only on Hold Time: Consider skin type, system base, lifestyle, and wear preferences.
- Skipping Preparation: Clean and prepare the scalp for better adhesive performance.
- Using Too Much Liquid Adhesive: Apply thin, even layers and allow proper drying time.
- Rushing the Placement: Use Just-Rite Positioning Spray™ for easier adjustments.
- Not Considering the Client’s Lifestyle: Account for activity levels, sweat, humidity, and climate.
- Using an Adhesive That Isn’t Right for the System: Choose adhesives compatible with the system base.
- Improper Removal: Use the right remover to gently release the system.
- Forgetting About System Care: Regularly clean, condition, inspect, and store the system properly.
New to hair systems? Explore our Hair Systems 101 guide to learn more about attachment, preparation, removal, and system care.
Why Buy from Walker Tape?
For over 40 years, Walker Tape® has provided high-quality, reliable products designed to support every step of the hair system journey We’re committed to giving professionals and wearers the products, education, and support they need to feel confident every step of the way.
The Walker Tape® Marketing Team consists of experienced employees with a wide knowledge of hair systems, tapes, liquid adhesives, hair extensions, and hair replacement products.
The team writes and publishes trusted blogs and other resources designed to help stylists, wearers, and distributors achieve better installs, longer hold times, and more confident results.
