Hair glue is a popular hairpiece attachment method, especially for permanent hair system wearers. Also known as liquid adhesive, it provides a stronger, more precise hair system bond and a natural hairline. That said, there are some minor drawbacks and things to be wary of. So, before you reach for the glue, read on for our full disclosure of hair glue, its pros and cons, and how to apply it. 

When should I use hair glue?

Hair glue is suitable for full-head and perimeter bonding and is available in silicone-based and water-based formulas. While solvent-based glues dry faster and offer a longer-lasting hold, water-based adhesives use fewer chemicals and are better for sensitive skin. Some liquid adhesives are waterproof, like Walker Extreme Hold Adhesive, catering to the needs of wig wearers with an active lifestyle or living in hot and humid climates. 

Can hair glue damage my hair? 

There are two instances when hair glue could damage your hair replacement system: in the attachment and removal process.

Liquid adhesive is more complex to apply than wig tape. It requires a lot more time and patience, and there is more room for error, so we don’t usually recommend it to hair system newbies. Hair glue is applied directly to the scalp with a brush, cosmetic sponge, or hand-wrap, and the challenge is not to overdo it on the glue as it will run and cause a sticky mess. Waiting for the adhesive to dry for a few minutes before attaching the hairpiece is essential. If the glue is not dry, it will seep through the base, and that’s when it could damage the hair. 

Hair glue is trickier to remove from the scalp and base of the hair system than tape. Whatever you do, don’t try to remove it when you’re in a rush, as a quick impatient tug could easily rip the hair or hair system base.

How do you remove hair glue without damaging your hair? 

The answer to safely removing hair glue without damaging your hair replacement system lies in one faithful product: an adhesive remover or solvent. These magic potions are often formed from an alcohol or citrus oil base and come in liquid or spray form. If you’re using a spray solvent, don’t spray it all over your hair. Get the bottle’s nozzle as close to the base of your hair system as possible and spray it on the area where the adhesive is attached to the scalp. Liquid solvents should be dabbed on the spots where the hair system meets your scalp. Then, wait a few minutes for the solvent to work. This step is crucial as if you try lifting the hair system off too early, you run a high risk of ripping the hair system or damaging the hair. 

You’ll know when the hair system is ready to be lifted off because it will feel loose and move easily with a gentle push if it doesn’t, apply some more solvent and wait a bit longer for it to work. 

For more information on removing hair glue, check out our blog, How to Remove Wig Glue the Easy Way.

How long can I leave wig glue on?

There isn’t one straightforward answer to this because it depends on many factors: the material your hairpiece is made of, the adhesive used to bond the hair system to your scalp, your skin type, your lifestyle, the temperature, and climate, how much your scalp sweats, and how often you want to clean up your scalp and re-bond the hairpiece. 

Liquid adhesives offer a stronger and longer hold than wig tape, making them popular amongst people with an active or highly social lifestyle. Depending on the adhesive, bonding can range from one to six weeks. 

Generally, we recommend you wear a wig for no more than two to three weeks at a time. Ideally, you want to give your scalp and natural hair some time to breathe and your hairpiece a thorough wash and condition before attaching it again. If you have two hair replacement systems, rotate between them to extend the lifespan of each piece.  

There are many types of hair systems, some more delicate than others. That is why some can go more weeks with uninterrupted usage, while others need maintenance after just one week.

Can hair glue irritate your scalp?

Most liquid adhesives are flammable and contain chemicals and other ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Always apply a small amount to your skin to test for allergic reactions before applying it to your scalp. Water-based adhesives are more suitable for sensitive skin as they contain fewer chemicals. And, although wig glue might keep your wig tightly secured, if you don’t have a breathable lace wig base, it can be easy to overheat and cause oils to build up underneath the hairpiece causing skin irritations. 

What can I use instead of hair glue?

For a safer, quicker, and all-around easier hair attachment option, bonding tape is the one. Also known as wig tape, it consists of 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. 

The versatile hairpiece attachment method is compatible with any base material and is much quicker and easier to apply and remove than liquid adhesive. For that reason, we often recommend it to first-time wig wearers. Simply place the tape on the wig, attach it to your head, and let it cure. If you make a mistake, it can be quickly and easily resolved with a tape-release solvent to loosen up the hold just enough to adjust it into the correct position. Take care when removing the hair system and tape to avoid unnecessary tears, especially with thin, delicate hairpieces.

Wig tape is a better option for sensitive skin as it tends to be less invasive and aggressive than liquid adhesive. Bonding tape is not flammable, and fewer chemicals are used to produce it. Any remaining chemicals dissipate during manufacturing, reducing your exposure to them. Wig tape is breathable as it doesn’t cover every inch of the skin like liquid adhesive. 

Have you seen our range of hair products?

At Advent Hair, we don’t just sell hair replacement systems. That would be like selling a car without any wheels - pretty useless! We have a wide range of professional products from leading hair suppliers that allow you to attach, remove, and care for your hair system, safe in the knowledge that you are using good quality, professionally approved products. Order your supplies online for immediate worldwide shipment.