#1: Fixes for Reducing Hair System Tape Failures
Note our inclusion of the word “reducing” failures here. Considering all the challenges that are outside of your and our control, failures might happen from time to time. Bonding to skin is actually taping to one of the most complicated surfaces out there.
Here are three overall useful tips to reduce hair system tape failures.
Storage Tips
- Maintain at Room Temperature (60°F-80°F / 15°C-26°C)
- Use Before 1-Year Shelf-Life Expires
- Keep Away from Light & Oxygen
- Store Dry & Well-Ventilated
Proper storage is vital because anything and everything can affect tape: light, oxygen, dust, oils, pressure, shelf life, heat, cold, moisture, dryness (see what we mean?). Heat softens tape and can make the adhesive more likely to become gooey. The cold hardens tape, weakening its ability to hold strong because it becomes glassy.
Both light and oxygen also weaken tape, making it brittle and more prone to failing. Then, of course, there’s the added factor of time! Make sure to keep track of your studio’s tape shelf life, keeping in mind that we guarantee our tapes to last for one year after their purchase date.
Install Tips
- Patch Test for Compatibility
- Clean Client System, Hair, & Scalp
- Wear Gloves
- Use a Scalp Protector
The things to watch out for here are what’s on the surfaces involved: the hair, scalp, and skin. You want to keep the surfaces as clean as possible. This is why it’s necessary to wash your client’s hair before the install. The leftover product in their hair weakens a tape’s hold.
This same principle bears out for the hair system too. You want to make sure that the system’s base is free of any residual dust, oils, or skin cells.
Another important consideration is the importance of matching the right tape to the install method. For example, if you’re working with hard bonds, then we recommend either using PAT Tape or German Brown.
Looking for even more detail into using our products? Check out the Walker Way! This gives you an in-depth look at what we consider to be the best way of working with Walker Tape.
Tips for Clients
- Wait 24 Hours Before Bathing, Using Product, Swimming, & Exercising
- Wear Swim Cap in Chlorinated or Salt Water
Since our tapes grow stronger after install, we urge you to encourage your clients to wait 24 hours before showering, swimming, or exercising. After this point, our tapes should’ve grown strong enough to handle these more challenging environments.
If your clients want to find a way to skip the 24-hour wait, introduce them to our strongest scalp protector, Max Hold Sport. It allows them to go right from your appointment to the gym.
#2: Finding Replacement Tapes for Clients with Skin Sensitivities
At Walker Tape, we offer a diverse portfolio of tapes to choose from. In fact, we’ve made sure that there are hypoallergenic options in all three hold-time categories. These gentle tapes are great options for you to test with your clients with skin sensitivities.
#3: Reducing Stubborn Liners on Hair System Tape
Storage Tips
- Avoid Piling Anything Directly on Tape
- Maintain at Room Temperature
Tape is known as pressure-sensitive adhesives because their stick responds to pressure. If there is pressure on them, such as sitting at the bottom of a pile, then the adhesives can start sticking to their liners.
We’ve created each tape to come with an easy release liner, but these liners can still be stubborn to remove based on how they’re stored. We suggest keeping the tapes at room temperature so the adhesive doesn’t soften and ensuring that no weight is putting pressure on them.
#4: An Easy Fix to Avoid Crinkled Tape
Storage Tip
- Avoid Over-Packing Tape Containers
- Store Dry & Well-Ventilated
Some of our tapes use softer adhesives than others or may be more delicate or stretchy. For this reason, we suggest keeping them in under-packed containers to avoid the tapes from having to bend or crunch in order to fit. We also encourage you to keep them in well-ventilated areas so the tape doesn’t become even softer and more susceptible to crinkling.
#5: Slight Adjustments Needed During Tape Install
- Avoid Adjusting Already Set Tape During Installs
If you’ve already set your client’s system, but need to make an adjustment, you are going to need to retape. This is because the tape will take your client’s skin cells with it upon removal. These skin-cell additions make the bonding potential of the tape much weaker and surely affects hold times.
Instead, if you need a solution to install adjustments, we recommend using Just-Rite Positioning Spray. It’s a super easy fix that allows you the comfort of making adjustments without the headache of having to start over.
Additional Resources to Fix Common Tape Problems
- Tips for Proper Storage
- Achieving the Best Bond
- The Best Conditions for Hair System Installs
- The Walker Way of Using Our Products with 1st-Time Clients
- The Walker Way of Using Our Products with Returning Clients
Want to discuss any tape issues you’ve been having? Call or email us today, and we can help get your tape problems solved!
27 Comments
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I have a question what if your client is itching what will be the best results what would you do when wearing this hair system what can I put on the scalp before and after during just need some guidance thank you
Great question! There are a few different ways to approach this.
First, would be to do a “patch test” with another type of adhesive to see if they still itch after switching products. You could also try using some of our medical grade or hypoallergenic products, like Pro-Flex II or 1522 Clear.
A second option, would be to use Scalp Protector or Max Hold Sport before applying the adhesive and hair system. These products help create a barrier between the scalp and products to reduce any itchiness, irritation or sensitivity. Plus, it helps the hair system adhere longer.
Hopefully this helps!
can you use pro flex ii on lace front, tried so many tapes, all of them irritate his scalp
Yes, you could definitely try that! As well, feel free to contact our customer service department and they can give you more in-depth help. https://blog.walkertapeco.com/contact/ Thank you!
Hi, I have just acquired a hair system and have ordered some of your products. I propose the following regime for an install: (i) shampoo, wash and dry my scalp; (ii) clean my scalp with rubbing alcohol and leave to dry; (iii) apply scalp protector; (iv) then apply your positioning spray; (v) and finally, put on the hair system. Could you just confirm whether it is OK to follow this procedure i.e. to apply an alcohol rub first and then the scalp protector? Also, how long should I leave after applying the scalp protector before applying the positioning spray? Many thanks
Hello Jordan! Here’s the procedure we suggest for doing an installation:
1. Shampoo your system and scalp with Bond Breaker Shampoo.
2. Prep your scalp with 99% Alcohol and leave to dry.
3. Apply one of our scalp protectors (we recommend giving our popular Max Hold Sport a try!) and give the area time to dry before you place the system.
4. Apply your tape or adhesive product.
5. Spray Just-Rite Positioning Spray to delay the hold of the adhesive product.
6. Apply the hair system.
We hope this helps you out with your installation process. Happy Tuesday!
Hello..I use your ultimate hold double sided tape on my Polly border hair system and it lifts within a week. How can I make it last the 2 to 4 weeks hold as indicated?
Hello! We don’t carry a product called Ultimate Hold, so I believe that you’re referring to our Ultra Hold tape. To achieve the best bond and ensure maximum hold times with our Ultra Hold tape, follow these steps:
1) Thoroughly clean all of the surfaces involved in the installation. Your hands, your client’s scalp, your client’s bio hair, and your client’s skin. Clean surfaces are crucial to better hold times.
2) Apply a Scalp Protector to your client’s scalp once all surfaces have been cleaned thoroughly. Scalp Protectors (such as our Scalp Protector and Max Hold Sport) help to ensure a longer bond for our tapes and adhesives.
3) Make sure to apply adequate pressure when installing the hair system. Pressure is what activates the tape’s bond strength and helps it hold for longer.
We hope this helps! For more information, read our blog on how to achieve the best bond, or reach out to us with any more questions.
Any info on tape causing headaches after installs?
Hello Joe! There are few potential reasons tape may cause headaches:
– The tape is pulling on the bio hair. We always recommend shaving all of the bio hair before applying any adhesives, as this will help prevent any painful pulling on the scalp.
– The tape was misplaced, or was placed too tightly on with the system. This can cause tugging on the scalp, which can then lead to headaches.
We recommend talking with a stylist about these kinds of problems, as they have the tools, knowledge, and products to help deal with them. You can also find a salon/stylist using our “Find A Salon/Distributor” tool.
We hope this helps. Happy Friday!
Hi, i am using walker tape for my system and on my forehead i get black spots from the tape. i dont know if they are permanent. do you have any experience from other customers? what can i do to get rid of the spots.
ofcourse when i put on the system, the spots are not visible. but i just want to avoid any long term skin damage.
thanks for your advice.
Hello Sid, thank you for your comment! We recommend seeking advice and help from a professional licensed stylist. They will be able to help troubleshoot the problem and help remedy what is causing the blackspots. You can find a stylist near you by using our “Find a Salon” tool here. We hope this helps. Happy Tuesday!
Hi – I occasionally have an issue where the tape won’t adhere to the mesh after I’ve cleaned it. It’s not a tape issue,
as it will still adhere to some areas. The company I use always applies a spray after cleaning and it always works.
I’m on vacation and having some issues. Do you have any idea what this spray is called and can it be found at a retailer?
Thank-you in advance
Hello Peter! We are unaware of a product like that, but you can use our “Find a Salon/Distributor” tool to find a stylist or salon that may be able to help you find it while you’re on vacation. As for the adhering issue, from the details you mentioned we believe the tape potentially isn’t sticking as well due to leftover remover or product residue in the system. If this is the problem, cleaning the areas where the tape isn’t sticking to the system thoroughly with Bond Breaker Shampoo should help it adhere better. We hope this helps. Happy Monday!
Hi, i use the ultra hold adhesive but, after some weeks the adhesive from the bottle begins to dry, it becomes like a kind of slime, is there somethig i could do to restore it, at the end i have to throw it away and buy another one
Hello Hector! It may be that the product isn’t being sealed properly after use.
With proper storage (in room-temperature, away from humidity, light exposure, and properly sealed), our adhesives will last up to 6 months and our tapes will last up to 12 months. For individual storage information on each product, please refer to the product listings on our website. If this continues to be a problem for you, please reach out to our Customer Service team and they can help work with you to find a more tailored solution.
We hope this helps. Happy Thursday!
Thanks Walkertape for replying to comments here quickly! I have been using the Ultra Hold mini tabs for my poly skin system. I have hair all over my head evenly, so it’s closely shaved before applying the taped poly skin system. However, around day 3, the front (forehead) starts to lift; but the sides and back are always fine. Can you help me understand why and how to fix the front lift? Is it because I wash my face daily with face products? Thank you!
Hello Andrew! Typically, our tape is attached to the inside of the unit and to the skin of the scalp directly – rather than to hair stubble. Since you’re experiencing lifting, we recommend talking with a stylist about this issue as there can be a variety of factors in play, and a stylist will have the best knowledge and solutions to help you solve this problem. You can find a stylist by using our “Find A Salon/Distributor” tool.
We hope this helps and gives you a place to start. Happy Monday!
Hi
How to avoid sore scalp following hair system fitting after a few weeks.
Do you recommend sudacrem and letting the scalp breathe for a day or so before refitting?
Hi there! It can be normal to have a sore scalp after getting a hair system. To help with that, we recommend talking to your stylist or medical professional for product recommendations for soothing your scalp. Giving your scalp a day without wearing the hair system can be a great way to give it a break before refitting which can ease the soreness. It’s important to keep your scalp clean and cared for, both while wearing the system and while taking a break from wear. Take care!
Hello,
I have a new piece with Polyurethane (PU) Border…
The tapes do not adhere very well to this
Using the No Shine 2-4 Week
Lace Front 2-4 Week Maximum Wear
Comes off very very easy…What could be the issue and what do you recommend to get a strong bond.
This is my second piece… the Polyurethane Border is more shiny than the last… could this be the issue?
Thanks for any help !
Hi! Thanks for reaching out about the tape adhesion issue with the polyurethane border on your new hairpiece. To ensure a strong bond, we recommend trying our Pro-Flex II tape. It’s hypoallergenic, designed for 2-4+ week wear, and is ideal for use with polyurethane systems. This tape should help improve adhesion and give you a better wear experience. Additionally, we suggest consulting a professional hairstylist for personalized guidance on achieving a secure bond with your hairpiece. You can find one near you here! We hope this helps!
Hi There, I have been using a hair system and Walker tape Ulta hold tape for an year now, but from about 3 months ago, it has started melting (more from the front but from the back as well) and sometime literally dripping down from my forehead and crystelising. Sometime this happens after 3days if installing and lately it’s been happening the same day of the installation and next day.. I have not changed anything from starting an year ago, so can’t figure out why has changed. Before this it was perfectly fine to go for 3+ weeks. Please help. I have spoken to the salon few times but they have no idea what is happening.
Hello there! Thank you for getting in touch with us. We’re sorry to hear about the struggles you’re having with Ultra Hold tape. The issues you’re experiencing might be due to using an expired product. To maximize the effectiveness of your tapes, store them in a well-ventilated, cool, dark, and dry environment at room temperature (60-80°F). Also remember to seal the bags or clamshells completely. By following these guidelines, you can maintain the quality of the tape for up to one year. If you need more assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service at 1-800-759-5150 or via email at [email protected]. We’re always here to assist you!
Hi Eliza, Thank you for your reply. Its actually happening with the tape the salon uses (i dont do it my self). I have a friend who goes there as well and his tape doesnt melt like that. They have changed the tape used to hyper allegenic tape as well, they uses non sweat scalp spay product and scalp protector. It just crystelises at the edge the next day now and drips from where were there is space, sometimes through the lace system into the hair as well just been happening since recently.
Hi Ryan! Thank you for providing additional information. It’s interesting that your friend isn’t experiencing the same issue with the salon’s tape. It’s worth mentioning that each person’s experience with adhesive products can vary due to environmental factors and individual skin types. Sometimes, a different adhesive method, like using a liquid adhesive, might work better for you if tape isn’t providing the desired results. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-759-5150 or via email at [email protected]. We’re dedicated to assisting you in finding the best solution for your specific needs!
Hi Bob, are you sure it is poly and not silicone border?
Silicone material is more shiny and otherwise looks identical to Poly but it doesn’t stick to the adhesives at all.
It is just the chemical property it has.
That is why it is important to ensure you are buying poly and not silicone if your intention is to wear it with adhesives.
Just my .02 cents from reading your question.
If even after cleaning the material with alcohol it still doesn’t stick, it is probably it.