Have you ever dreamt of a flawless hairline for your wig or hair system, but dreaded the application process? The battle between hair tape and wig glue is a real one, with passionate advocates on both sides. Our customers swear by the ease of tape, while others sing the praises of glue’s long-lasting hold. But fear not…  in the ultimate showdown of hair tape vs. wig glue, we will share the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Hair Tape for Hair Systems

Hair tape continues to be a champion in the world of toupee and wig wearers, thanks to its versatility and user-friendly application. Imagine having two trusty sidekicks to secure your hair system: tape rolls and contour tapes. Tape rolls, just like their name suggests, come in convenient lengths that you can customise for the perimeter of your hair system. This allows for a more tailored fit, especially for areas around the ears and nape of your neck. 

But for the star of the show the front hairline – contour tapes are your secret weapon. These pre-shaped tapes hug the curves of your head for a seamless and natural look. No more tell-tale bumps or ridges – just a flawless hairline that blends perfectly with your own hair or skin.

Pros and Cons of Hair Tape

One major advantage of hair tape is its versatility. It is compatible with various toupee and wig bases, making it a flexible option for our customers. The ease of preparation is another benefit; you can prep the hair system ahead of time by applying the tape in advance, allowing for a quicker application process when your client arrives. Additionally, if you place the tape incorrectly, it can be easily removed and reapplied.

Hair tape is generally gentler on the skin compared to wig glue, as it uses fewer chemicals. This makes it a better option for clients with sensitive skin, although it’s always wise to perform a patch test to ensure compatibility. The breathability of hair tape is another plus, as it doesn’t cover the entire scalp, allowing for better airflow. Tapes with small holes can increase comfort, especially for active clients or those in warmer climates.

However, hair tape can have its drawbacks. It can potentially damage delicate toupee and wig bases, particularly thinner poly systems if not applied correctly. Always choose the correct strength and type of tape for more fragile systems. Another downside is visibility; hair tape can be more detectable near the front hairline, as it is thicker and more visible than wig glue.

Wig Glue for Hair Systems

Wig glue, a champion in its own right, takes a different approach to securing your hair system. Imagine it as a powerful, invisible shield. Available in both clear and white liquid adhesive forms, hair glue offers a strong bond that you apply directly to your skin with a brush. Now, here’s where things get interesting: hair glue comes in two main types – solvent-based and water-based – each with its own strengths.

• Solvent-Based Glue: This glue is the go-getter of the bunch. It dries incredibly fast, creating a long-lasting hold that’s perfect for active lifestyles or those who want maximum security. Think of it as the ultimate defence against sweat, humidity, or even a surprise downpour. Check out our Ghostbond Platinum wig glue here.
• Water-Based Glue: Gentleness is the name of the game with water-based glue. Its lower chemical content makes it a lifesaver for those with sensitive scalps, offering a secure hold without irritation. It may not be quite as tenacious as its solvent-based counterpart, but it’s a great choice for everyday wear and provides a comfortable, flexible bond. Check out our Dermal Loc product here. 

Pros and Cons of Wig Glue

One of the main advantages of hair system glue is its durability and extended wear time. Typically, hair glue provides a longer hold than hair tape, making it ideal for clients who need a secure bond for longer periods. Its transparency when applied to the scalp makes it nearly invisible, which is particularly beneficial for achieving a natural look, especially around the front hairline.

Hair glue allows for more precise application, reducing the chances of air gaps under the toupee or wig bases. This precision is essential for active clients who might experience moisture in their hair systems from swimming or sweating.

However, the application process for hair glue can be more time-consuming. After applying the glue, clients must wait for it to dry before attaching the hair system. Both over-drying and under-drying can affect the glue’s effectiveness. Additionally, removing hair glue requires soaking it in water or solvent, waiting for the adhesive to loosen, removing the residue, and then shampooing and rinsing. This process can be more involved compared to removing hair tape.

Choosing the Best Option for You

Deciding whether to use wig tape or wig glue depends on several factors, including skin sensitivity, hairstyle, duration of wear, and activity level. Here’s how you can determine which option is best for you:

Skin Sensitivity

If you have sensitive skin, you might find wig tape or water-based wig glue to be more comfortable and less irritating. These options generally contain fewer harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of skin reactions. Always perform a patch test before applying any adhesive to ensure it’s safe for your skin. Our For women only glue is perfect for sensitive scalps, shop it here. 

Hairstyle and Wig Type

The choice between wig tape and wig glue can also depend on your hairstyle and the type of wig you’re using. Certain hairstyles and wig types may require the stronger hold that wig glue provides. For instance, more elaborate or heavy wigs might benefit from the additional security of a high-quality wig glue.

Duration of Wear

Consider how long you plan to wear your wig. For short-term wear, wig tape may suffice, offering an easy and convenient option. However, if you need a solution for long-term or extended wear, wig glue is typically the better choice due to its durability and longer-lasting hold. Our Ghostbond Platinum Glue has a higher temperature breakdown level and can handle oily skin better.

Activity Level

Your lifestyle and activity level play a significant role in choosing between wig tape and wig glue. If you lead an active lifestyle, engage in physical activities, or frequently find yourself in situations where you sweat, the stronger hold of wig glue will provide better security. Wig glue ensures that your wig stays in place during all kinds of activities, giving you peace of mind and confidence.

Maintaining Your Hair System for Long-Lasting Results

Whether you opt for the versatility and breathability of hair tape or the strong, long-lasting hold of wig glue, using high-quality products is essential. Ghostbond UK offers a range of hair system glues and tapes that cater to different needs, ensuring your hair system remains secure and comfortable.

We find hair tape to be easy to use and versatile. It’s great for sensitive skin, and it allows your scalp to breathe, especially in warmer climates. However, hair tape can be more visible, and it requires careful handling to avoid damaging delicate hair systems.

On the other hand, wig glue provides a stronger, longer-lasting hold and is nearly invisible, which is perfect for a natural look, especially around the hairline. The application and removal process is more time-consuming, but its durability makes it ideal for an active lifestyle or when you need the hair system to stay in place for an extended period of time.

At Ghostbond UK, we use high-quality hair system glues and tapes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the hair system. Whether you need tape rolls, contours, tabs, or removers, Ghostbond UK has the products to meet all your needs. Choosing the best products on the market can make a huge difference in comfort and confidence, and our customers have always been very satisfied with the results.

Don’t wrestle with the “glue or tape” dilemma any longer. Connect with one of our specialists today on our live chat feature and get personalised advice for a flawless, secure wig experience.