Wig adhesive: how to choose the right one.
In the highly lauded action-adventure film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, our titular hero faces a life-or-death situation: choose the correct grail and live, or lose your life by picking a false grail.
The process of choosing the correct wig adhesive for the right system is similar, albeit without the threat of death. But the consequences of choosing poorly – a damaged system, irritated skin, an exposed scalp, etc. – are just as dire.
So how does one choose the right adhesive? Well, it starts with:
Base Type
The base type of the system plays a crucial role in choosing the right wig adhesive!
Lace Bases, while built to breathable, undetectable, and comfortable; are also more thin, more fragile, and more prone to damage other system types. That’s why thinner tapes and/or liquid adhesives with fewer residues are recommended for this base type.
Poly Bases, though not as breathable or comfortable as lace, are much more durable and stronger. Since poly bases have a variety of thicknesses, the adhesives chosen should pair with the thickness of the base. Think daily/extended wear tape for thinner skin, or maximum wear liquid adhesives with thicker skin bases.
Mono bases blend the best of both worlds – mixing the strength of poly with the comfort of lace. With that in mind, almost any – if not all – adhesives can be used with this base type. This could be a maximum wear tape like Ultra Hold, or a daily wear liquid adhesive like Mity-Tite.
It is fair to note that there a quite a few different base types than the three above, but most do fall into one based on its characteristics.
Climate & Lifestyle
Different climates (from hot, arid deserts to cooler, more humid tropics) and different lifestyles (from active athletes and more sedentary 9-5 lifestyles) all play a part in choosing the adhesive, along with the overall success of the bonding.
For hot, humid, and sweaty weather, you are going to want an adhesive that will be able to withstand those conditions while also being comfortable and breathable for your scalp. Tapes like Extenda-Bond Plus are ideal for warmer climates thanks to the breathability and hold strength.
For colder, chillier weather, liquid adhesives are going to be the preferred method of attachment. Hair tapes, being stiffer and more shapely, aren’t the most ideal for cold weather. Liquid adhesives, such as Great White, are freer flowing, which helps better with cold weather.
Skin Type
Just as vast, varying degrees of climates can affect the choice of the adhesive, so can the varying skin types of hair system wearers. Wearers with oilier skin may need stronger adhesives for the bond they’re looking for, while clients with sensitive skin or skin conditions may need something gentler, like Pro-Flex II.
Climate and lifestyle can also work in tandem with skin type, forming an unholy trinity of adhesive factors that you, or your stylist will need to take into consideration during installation. Nonetheless, knowing your client’s skin is going to be beneficial in finding an adhesive.
Consult Your Stylist!
When it comes to hair systems and hair system adhesives, a professional stylist has the training and expertise to help you make the right choice for your skin and unit type. It could prove beneficial to consult with one!
Other products, specifically a scalp protector like Max Hold Sport, can help aid whatever adhesive chosen, no matter the factor involved. Scalp protectors help to provide a clean surface for the adhesive to stick to, and provide a protective barrier between the scalp and the adhesive.
We hope we’ve been able to help you find the right adhesive to use on your hair system and scalp! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Service team at [email protected], or 1.800.759.5150.
Choose wisely!
