Glue vs Tape: Which Is Better for Attaching Men's Hair Systems?
- Written by Lordhair Team
- Aug 7, 2024
- |
- 11 min read
Today, we're going to talk about whether tape or glue is better for attaching hair systems.The content comes from a video transcript by Aaron O'Brien,,who shared his experience and insight. You can either watch the video below or read through this transcript we've put together. So here we go: which is better adhesive for the men hair system installation: glue or tape?
Which Holds Better: Tape or Glue?
First off, I gotta say—each has its benefits. Since wig glue is liquid, it can bond with the skin and the hairpiece, block out air and moisture, and take on more movement and humidity. Flowing well to adapt to our various daily needs, just this characteristic makes it more resistant. Wig Tape, on the other hand, is easier to apply, making it very suitable for beginners. Moreover, with the constant enhancement in technology, tapes' holding power has increased a lot, so in terms of durability and adhesion, it is almost on par with glue. However, compared to glue, tape is relatively easy to replace, making it very convenient for normal maintenance. This is so cool.
Which Is Easier to Apply: Glue or Tape?
Wig glue is a liquid and calls for more precision in application. It also calls for a certain level of control in the amount used, as excessive application can not only be messy—sticking to your hands and scalp, really frustrating—but it can also ooze into the base of the hair system and make it really difficult and annoying to remove. Tape is much easier to apply. Also, for a newbie, it's much easier and faster, as far as removal is concerned, with considerably less drama. If you're a beginner to hair systems or have found the challenges of using glue all a bit too much to handle, tape can offer a much more user-friendly solution.
Which Is More Comfortable: Glue or Tape?
Some find glue more comfortable than tape because it is applied so thinly, hence leaving the scalp a little bit more able to breathe. Besides, it is this light and thin texture of glue that lends to the general appearance of a much more realistic aspect on the scalp. Tape does have thinner variants now than it did before, but most still offer less breath-ability compared to glue. So in this wear comfort department, I'll have to vote for glue. Obviously, individual preferences and sensitivities would throw in a lot of variability here.
Which Is Easier to Remove: Glue or Tape?
Most of the time, glue needs a solvent for its removal, and it needs to be done carefully so that it will be totally cleaned up with no residue. If there is a little glue left behind, this can affect a next application and decrease the life expectancy of the men's hair system. Thorough cleaning can be very time-consuming and complex. Compared to adhesives, tapes are much easier to remove and leave less residue on the scalp; quicker and easier, we do not have time for unnecessary hassles. I must nevertheless point out that, while removal of tapes is much simpler, extra care still has to be taken in this process. If it is not handled gently, it will accidentally tear hair from the hairpiece and cause damage to the hairpieces.
Which Has Lower Irritancy: Glue or Tape?
The tape is, therefore, more mildly irritating and comfortable to the skin as compared to glue, which contains many chemical compositions that may sometimes react to or irritate one's skin. For this reason, a patch test is necessary to be done before the glue is applied to avoid reactions that might arise while using the glue. This helps reduce the risk of discomfort and ensures much safer application.
Which Has Lower Usage Costs: Glue or Tape?
The glue differs in brand and the quality involved; normally, the tape is cheaper. This can make it a better alternative on a tight budget person. Still, while calculating the prices, one should not just look at the cost of tape or glue but should also judge which adhesive technique would give more life to the men's hairpiece. Such rigorous criteria of assessment can help you find out the cheapest method of gluing.
Discuss whose adhesive method is more appropriate based on the type of base. If, for instance, you are using a thin skin or ultra-thin skin hair system, I will recommend glue. It is less to damage our base. When your men's hairpiece has a thin skin base, wig glue is the more economical choice, as thin skin bases easily tear under the stress of tape removal.
However, if you use lace or a combination of lace and thin skin, you can use tape. I always recommend tape, and I use tape in most of the hair systems that I do, as the tape allows a higher degree of flexibility through my experience.
If you want it to be more resistant and long-lasting, then you really need to listen to the advice of Lord Hair and use glue on thin skin bases or tape on lace bases. After all, it will boil down to personal preference, lifestyle, and skin sensitivity on whether to use glue or tape. I would suggest doing both so that you'll know which one serves you better. You could try both to deduce which adhesive method might help you best in your particular case.
Exploring the Different Types of Glue and Tape for Hair Systems
Types of Tape for Hair Systems
Tape for hair systems comes in different shapes, sizes, and types, and thus application can be varied and tailored to the needs and preferences of the user. Detailed below is a variety:
- Rolls: The tape comes in rolls, whereby you can cut the exact length you want to use for your hair system. This is very good at adjusting the fit and coverage in different areas of the scalp.
- Pre-cut Shapes: Pre-cut tapes make application convenient, stress-free, and much easier, with same dimensional applications. This includes:
- "A" Shape: Suitable for those areas of the hair system that have dips or specific contours requiring more precise adhesion.
- "C" Contour: Used along the hairline, these tapes curve gently, simulating the natural curvature of the head, to assure a seamless fit.
- Extender tapes: As the name suggests, these tapes are for long-time use, as they have high adhesion nature. Some may last several days; others several weeks, depending on their type, having a strong bonding property in various conditions.
- Adhesion Levels: The tapes come in different strengths of adhesiveness. The lower adhesion tapes can be used up to a day or two at best and are designed for short term applications, whereas higher adhesion tapes are known to hold a hair system in place for three to four weeks.
- Finish Options:These tapes come in different finishes in order to cater to the specific needs of the user:
- Matte Tapes: These are non-reflective, hence less noticeable, and more suitable for those that want a more natural look.
- Shiny Tapes: These have a different look and feel which makes them less popular because of their finish, that is, they can be seen.
Having this wide range of options means you could pick a tape based on your lifestyle, specific requirements of your hair system, and the problems associated with comfort individually.
Types of Glue for Hair Systems
There are various types of glues, all of which have different characteristics and advantages, making it versatile for the adhesion of the hair system. Here's a closer look at some common types of glues and their features
Water-Based Glues:
Most people appreciate that water-based adhesives are mild in makeup and very easy to clean. The good thing about it is the fact that it does give one a strong hold, yet it's suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin like mine. On the not-so-good side of things, it may not be as resistant in humid environments and might require more frequent touch-ups, so it's something to keep in mind when you're on vacation or engaging in physical activities.
Acrylic-Based Adhesives:
Acrylic-based adhesives have an extremely strong hold and are waterproof, so they may work well for swimmers. They also come in extremely strong forms that don't give up to humidity and sweating, thus preventing the men's hair piece from slipping. On the other hand, acrylic glue is much harder to remove, and some forms may cause allergies on the skin, but it is really not common at all and a risk worth taking.
Silicone-Based Adhesives:
I particularly like silicone-based glues because they are very flexible and feel nice on the skin. They have very good adhesion, are gentle on the skin, and are hence suitable even for the most sensitive skins. They do have a couple of downsides, though: they may need more frequent touch-ups, and they tend to be a little more expensive than other types, which increases investment.
Solvent-Based Glues:
Solvent-based adhesives are very strong and durable—sometimes, they happen to be so strong as to be hard to remove from the head. They work great in humid environments and last for weeks, which is actually a big requirement I have from the adhesives, though this depends on your personal needs. Solvent-based adhesives tend to be hard on skin or irritate/react with some users' skin, though this is quite rare. Patch testing should be done on a continual basis. They do require a solvent to remove them, and this can be quite time-consuming as well.
When choosing adhesives for the hair system, skin type, lifestyle, and climate of residence should be considered. Then, it is also necessary to test them. Always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer regarding application and removal in order to have the best results, avoid skin irritation, and maintain a long-lasting beautiful hair system.
Ultimately, whether tape or glue is better at holding a hairpiece in place depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and the type of hair system worn. One has to decide on the method of adhesion that best fits the situation. Consider comfort, durability, and skin sensitivity when applying and removing the attachment. Be sure to research your adhesives wisely to make sure you can elongate the life of your hairpiece, yet feel comfortable while wearing it.