How to choose the right hair system glue

Using a hair replacement system is a great solution for men suffering from temporary or permanent hair thinning and hair loss.

It’s an affordable, non-surgical option that’s undertaken by millions around the world. But feeling confident about wig wear depends on facts more than your hair system choice.

The hair system adhesive you use will determine comfort and fit, as well as leave you confident in your decision to opt for a hair replacement system.

There are however tons of hair system glues, tapes and other adhesives to choose from, which can make finding the best bonding method particularly troublesome.

In this post we talk you through how to select the right glue so you can attach your hair system correctly and enjoy your new-found follicles day and night.

Determine your needs

Before finding a hair system glue to bond your hair system to your scalp, it’s important to acknowledge that your choice of adhesive is just as crucial as your hair system selection.

Your hairstyle, the base type of the system you’ve chosen, and how long you’d like to wear your system for can all influence the type of adhesive that is right for you.

Explore water-based and solvent adhesives

Whilst water based is kinder to the skin, which will be appreciated by men with sensitive skin or allergies, solvent-based adhesives are by far the most commonly used.

Here Holistique explains why:

“A water-based adhesive will go on clear and is not stringy like the traditional solvent-based alternative, which makes for an attractive appearance that requires very little touch-up.

However, even the strongest water-based adhesive will not last as long as a solvent-based. If you do not have sensitive skin or allergies and you need to wear your hair system for more than two months, the solvent-based adhesives could be a better choice.”

For those taking part in swimming or sports regularly, opting for a waterproof adhesive is also a good call.

Choose between tape and liquid

After you’ve decided between water-based and solvent-based, there are yet more decisions to make.

Identifying whether a tape or liquid adhesive is right for you doesn’t have to be difficult, however.

All you have to do is consider if you’ll be using your own front hairline with your hair replacement system.

If you don’t intend to use your hairline, a low profile tape like this one will provide the perfect adhesion and a natural look.

Liquid adhesives also make hair systems that don’t use the front hairline pretty much undetectable.

If you are using your own hairline, avoid liquid adhesives. Tape is easier to apply and create a natural look as your own hairline will conceal the front of your hair system.

Perform a patch test

Once you’ve shortlisted a few liquid and tape adhesives that are suitable for you and your hair replacement system, be sure to perform a patch test.

Simply clean behind one ear and apply a small amount of adhesive. You can patch test two adhesives at the same time if you like.

Wait for 24 to 48 hours, and if no redness or irritation occurs, the adhesive should be safe to use on your scalp.

Don’t forget to prep

So you’ve made your choice, what’s next? Before you go ahead and apply your chosen adhesive, make sure you prep your scalp.

Shaving the area where your hair system will attach is vital and using a scalp protector/cleaner ensures a stronger, longer-lasting bond between the adhesive and the hair replacement system.

Shaving also minimises irritation, which is particularly common as your hair grows under the system. Bonding to a shaved head makes attaching your system even easier too.

To get started create a template of your hair system to ensure you’re shaving in exactly the right area.

Place the template on your scalp and adjust accordingly, using a washable marker to trace around the template.

Check the trace line before parting your hair and clipping away section by section. If you have longer hair, it’s best to cut it with scissors before clipping to a smooth finish.

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