One slip-up with your hair could lead to an embarrassing moment, like when Pat Boone flipped his wig on live TV! Granted, he had a pretty decent recovery from the incident— but he still wound up in internet infamy. The guy has sold over 45 million albums, had 38 Top 40 hits, and starred in over a dozen movies. He even holds the Billboard record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the charts. But he couldn't hold on to his toupee. Don’t be like Pat. Make sure you have the right adhesive for your hairpiece!

If you ask us, Pat Boone could’ve done with a reliably strong wig adhesive, like MAX Adhere 360. It provides the kind of sturdy security and resistance suitable for all types of physical activities, even lassoing on live television! Read on to find out all you need to know about wig adhesives to prevent embarrassments like Pat’s! 

Wig Tape vs. Wig Adhesive

There are two main hair system attachment methods: liquid adhesive and wig tape. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and lifestyle choices. Start by answering the following:

• Do you want to be able to remove your hairpiece every night or leave it in place for a few weeks? 

• Do you do lots of sports or other physical activities? 

• Do you frequently participate in water-based activities or live in a hot and humid climate? 

• Do you have sensitive skin? 

• What is the base of your hair system made of?

Keep your answers in mind as you read about each hairpiece attachment option.

What is Wig Tape?

Wig tape, or toupee tape, is a transparent, two-sided tape that sticks to the skin and the hair system. It is available in rolls, pre-cut contours, and mini taps to accommodate every hair system shape and size. Wig tape typically comes in several liner colors - red, white, brown, and blue - that indicate the degree of tackiness, making it suitable for both day and permanent wig wearers. This hairpiece attachment method is compatible with any base material, though careless removal may cause damage to the hair system base. Tape is less aggressive than wig adhesive, and fewer chemicals are used to produce it. It is also more breathable, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

There are two types of toupee tape: daily tape and extended wear tape. Daily tape does what it says on the tin: it keeps your hairpiece in place on a daily basis, making it a good choice if you want to take your hair system off at night. Daily tape has the lowest strength and is easy to remove. Walker’s No Shine Tape and Blue Lace are great daily tape options for lace and Fine Mono bases. Avoid using tapes with a shine for light-density hairpieces, as they will be visible. Bare in mind toupee tape is not the most natural-looking option for the front hairline.

If you want a longer attachment, extended wear tape is a good bet. This type of wig tape can hold your hair replacement system firmly in place for between one to six weeks, depending on the level of adhesion. Euro Flex Tape will hold the hairpiece in place for three weeks and has small holes along the tape, allowing the scalp to breathe. True Tape’s Super Tape, Walker Tape Ultra Bond, or Max Adhesives Prodigy Tape are reliable options for extended-wear bonds.

Toupee tape tends to be quicker and easier to apply and remove than wig adhesives, making it a popular choice amongst first-time wig wearers. Simply place the tape, attach the wig to your head, and let it cure. If you make a mistake, apply Walker’s Tape Weft Release Drip to loosen up the hold enough to adjust it into the correct position. 

Customer Reviews

Product: Red Liberty Tape

‘I use this tape to bond the front of my hairpiece. Till recently, I have used Sunshine tape. I find the Liberty tape is curved perfectly, it bonds really well and is easy to remove.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Walker No Shine Tape

‘This tape is amazing for two reasons. One, it does not show through shiny, and two, it comes off the system without pulling hair out or through. I highly recommend it. I’ve been wearing hair for 30 years, and this is definitely the best!!’ - Anonymous.

Product: Blue Lace Hairpiece Tape

‘Great product. Adheres to hairpiece where normal tape will not. Highly recommend.’ - Gerald A.

What is Wig Adhesive?

Wig adhesives are a popular hairpiece attachment method for permanent wig wearers because they provide a stronger, more precise hair system bond and a natural hairline. This hairpiece attachment method is excellent if you lead an active or highly social lifestyle. Bonding can vary from weekly to 6-8 weeks, depending on the strength of the wig adhesive. Though, we recommend wearing your hair replacement for a maximum of six weeks and giving your hair system and scalp time to breathe in between wears.

Also called wig glue and liquid adhesive, wig adhesive is suitable for perimeter and full-head bonding and is available in a silicone-based and water-based formula. The main difference is that solvent-based glue dries faster and offers a longer-lasting hold, whereas water-based adhesives use fewer chemicals, making them better for sensitive skin. Walker’s Extreme Hold is the newest silicon adhesive bonding technology with a four-week hold time. The waterproof adhesive includes a built-in brush and works on all base types, including skin grafts, PU skin, and French lace. 

Wig adhesive can take longer to apply than wig tape, though you can use it more precisely. It also takes more time to remove from the scalp and the base of the hair system than tape; however, you’d only have to tackle it every three to six weeks, so it’s swings and roundabouts! For information on how to correctly attach your hair system with wig adhesive, check out our blog, Wig Glue and a Healthy Scalp. What a Blend! It also features essential tips on wig care and maintenance. 

Customer Reviews

Product: Walker Extreme Hold Brush On

‘Is not messy and does not get into your hair, it does not feel sticky when it dries, and it holds really strongly.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Max Adhere 360 Waterproof Adhesive

‘Works as advertised! Very easy to use. It's only been a week since I used this product; however, there's been no issues with my wig. I'm hopeful it will keep my wig secure for at least another three weeks, if not longer.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Permarite #1 Plus Adhesive Tube

‘It is long-lasting and easy to apply—the best adhesive I’ve found.’ - Anonymous.

Still trying to decide which hairpiece attachment is best for you? Have a chat with one of our hair replacement system experts. They will point you in the right direction for hair systems for men and women and advise you on the best attachment method for you and your wig.