Wigs have become a powerful tool supporting people in overcoming hair-related issues and providing flexibility in revamping one’s looks. For people who suffer from irreparable hair loss or thinning, wigs become the go-to tool for boosting confidence in their appearance. However, many people face trouble in keeping their wigs in place. This happens when they make the following 7 mistakes with wig glue or tapes. Have you been facing similar challenges, too? Let’s see what you may be doing wrong and how it can be fixed.
Top 7 Mistakes To Avoid
If you have been unsatisfied with the performance of your wig adhesives, tried multiple brands, and still haven’t found a solution, chances are you are making one or more of the following mistakes with the application.
- Skipping Skin Prep: Similar to preparing your skin before makeup, preparing your scalp before applying wig tape is essential. This is often overlooked and is one of the biggest reasons behind improperly attached wigs. Dirt, oil, and impurities can impact how the wigs are attached to one’s scalp because these can prevent the glue from adhering securely to the scalp.
To prevent this, clean your scalp thoroughly to remove any buildup. Use alcohol wipes for best results. After cleaning, dry the scalp properly and apply the glue or tape.
- Choosing the Incorrect Adhesive Type: Another common mistake many people make is using the wrong kind of wig tape or glue. The market is flooded with options, many of which are trending all over the internet, encouraging people to buy them. However, they may not suit your exact needs. Whenever choosing which adhesive to use, consider things like suitability for your skin, climatic conditions, duration of wear, and activity type.
Based on these parameters, you may need multiple adhesive types in your inventory. For instance, if you are planning a day of activities, a stronger hold and long-lasting and sweat-resistant adhesive are essential features. However, lighter adhesives may do the trick for regular wear for short durations or controlled climatic conditions.
- Skipping Patch Tests: Patch tests are essential when buying any wig adhesive. This is critical to ensure that your skin is not sensitive or allergic to a particular kind of adhesive and that you will not suffer any harmful effects like skin irritation caused by unsuitable ingredients. For the patch test, apply a small amount of glue on your inner wrist and wait for 24 hours to ensure there is no skin irritation. If there is any irritation, find a different adhesive option.
- Using Too Much Glue: If you use too much wig glue, the wig will likely not stick strongly enough on the scalp. Many people think that the more adhesive you apply, the more secure the wig will be. This is a misconception. Too much glue generally results in uneven application, which means uneven drying and, therefore, uneven wig application.
Ideally, you must only apply a single uniform and thin layer of the wig glue or one layer of the tape on the scalp before attaching the wig to it. However, if you use lighter glue, you can apply one layer and, if needed, a second one once the first layer has slightly dried and become tacky.
- Adhesive Application On The Wig: A widespread mistake people make when using wig tape or glue is applying the adhesive on the wig instead of the scalp, as it seems easier and less messy. However, this is the wrong approach and leads to improper and weak adhesion of the wigs. So, make sure you apply the adhesive on the scalp in the prescribed manner as suggested by the makers. Use the appropriate tools, such as a brush for applying the glue and strategies, like cutting small strips of tape to ensure greater control.
- Applying the Wig Right After Adhesive Application: Applying a wig to your head is a process that must be completed appropriately. This includes allowing the adhesive to become a little dry and tacky before you go on to attach the wig to your head. Many people forget this or skip this step in a hurry and directly apply the wig as soon as they finish applying the adhesive.
As a result, the wig does not attach properly to the scalp and risks sliding away or getting displaced. Allowing the glue to dry is essential for a stronger bond. However, in the case of tape, this is not an essential step, so when in a hurry, use tape instead of glue.
- Wrong Removal Practices: As important as it is to choose the right adhesive and use the proper application techniques, it is equally important to follow the right wig removal techniques and adhesive removal to ensure your scalp does not suffer damage. To ensure proper removal, use a glue-dissolving chemical, apply it in the right manner, allow it to soak, and once it has dissolved the adhesive, take off the wig.
Do not try to rip the wig off your head, as it will cause injuries to the scalp and even damage the wig. Make sure you do this slowly. Once the wig has been removed, clean the scalp to get rid of any residue. Use an alcohol wipe to remove all remaining residue, and then clean the scalp with water and soap.
Conclusion
Many people use their wig adhesives incorrectly, which leads to underperformance or quick spoiling of the wig and even skin irritation and damage. Avoiding these challenges is simple if you follow the right methods of adhesive selection and use. To make sure you make the most out of your wig adhesive, avoid the most common mistakes people make and learn how to use the adhesive correctly.