Even the best quality and most inconspicuous hairpiece is nothing without a suitable hairpiece adhesive. The attachment is crucial in creating that seamless, natural look and secure bond hair-wearers so badly crave. ‘Which is the best hairpiece adhesive?’ is a recurring question amongst our hair-wearing customers and one which, unfortunately, doesn’t have a straightforward answer. In this blog, we’ll talk you through the different options and help you to arrive at your own informed conclusion on which hair adhesive is best for you.

Hair Adhesives: Wig Tape vs. Wig Glue

The two main hair system attachment methods are liquid adhesive and wig tape. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and lifestyle choices. To help you decide which is best for you, start by answering the following questions:

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

• Do you have an active lifestyle?

• 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 we tell you all about the different hair adhesives.

What is Wig Tape?

Wig tape, or toupee tape, is a transparent, two-sided tape that sticks to the skin and the hair system. This attachment method is quicker and easier to apply and remove than wig adhesives, making it a popular choice amongst first-time wig wearers. Wig tape is available in rolls, pre-cut contours, and mini tabs to accommodate every hair system shape and size. It also comes in different degrees of tackiness that dictate the length of attachment, 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, especially the more delicate types, like lace. Tape is less aggressive than wig adhesive as fewer chemicals are used to produce it, and it is also more breathable, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

There are two main types of toupee tape: daily and extended wear tape. The daily tape has the lowest strength and is easy to remove for a one-day attachment, making it a good choice if you want to take your hair system off at night. 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 under the hair, and bare in mind toupee tape is not the most natural-looking option for the front hairline.

For a longer attachment, opt for extended wear tape. This type of wig tape can hold your hair replacement system firmly in place for between one to six weeks, depending on the degree of tackiness. Euro Flex Tape will hold the hairpiece in place for three weeks and has small holes along the tape for breathability. True Tape’s Super Tape, Walker Tape Ultra Bond, or Max Adhesives Prodigy Tape are reliable options for extended-wear bonds. 

Customer Reviews

Product: Euro Flex Bonding Adhesive Strip 1 1/2" x 12"

‘I have been using these strips for years. I bring them to my place where I get my hair cut, and between the tape and the glue, it holds up to 7 weeks. On the front of my hair, I get about a 2-week hold before replacing it.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Euro Pro-Flex Mini Bonding Adhesive Tabs

‘Euro Pro Flex Mini Tabs arrived quickly and performed well. Lasts about five days. Removal and clean up is easy.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Red Liner Sensi-Tak Roll 3/4" x 12 yds

‘Best hair replacement wearer protection. Red Liner Sensi is the best for bonding a hair system. I have been using this brand for years and will not trust a different brand. I wear my hair replacement system confidently for over four weeks, almost a whole month. Sleep, eat, shower, and swim in it, also. 

The strength of Red Liner Sensi is reliable and very strong and leaves me feeling confident that the wind or a sudden jolt will not knock my hair replacement off. 

I even use this tape for the front of my replacement system and replace it once a month as I wash and clean beneath my unit and on my scalp. Nice and clean... 

I highly recommend this tape and the Top Bond in combination for the whole month. Gets you four to six weeks of secure pleasure and confidence.’ - Rachel.

What is Wig Glue?

Wig glue is 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 for leading 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 liquid adhesive and wig adhesive, wig glue 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 glue 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 glue, check out our blog, Wig Glue and a Healthy Scalp. What a Blend! It also features essential tips on hair system care and maintenance. 

Customer Reviews

Product: Vapon No Tape Silicone Bonding Adhesive

‘Best product I have ever used. Stays in place with a strong seal and no gaps. Love the tube for applications; less messy than a brush. I can’t speak to hold in heat and humidity yet, but it's been great under current fall weather conditions (I use a scalp conditioner beforehand). Will definitely buy again.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Walker Ultra Hold Brush On

‘Really satisfied!! Held securely for three days with intense physical gym activity and soaking washes. Did not allow the system to "slip n' slide." No gooey residue on removal. Total confidence in the product. Will definitely re-order.’ - Anonymous.

Product: Perma Rite #1 Plus Adhesive

‘This adhesive will not wear off the next day. This is the same brand that my hair system stylist uses at the salon. If you want a more solid touch-up bond that will last until your next appointment, this is it.’ - Anonymous.

Hairpiece Adhesive Summary

• Best hair adhesive for a long hold: Wig Glue
• Best hair adhesive for a daily hold: Wig Tape
• Easiest and quickest hair adhesive: Wig Tape
• Best hair adhesive for an active lifestyle: Wig Glue
• Best water-resistant hair adhesive: Wig Glue
• Best hair adhesive for a precise attachment: Wig Glue
• Best hair adhesive for sensitive scalps: Wig Tape

Are you still unsure which hair system attachment method 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 hairpiece.