FAQ

Which is right for me - Tape or Glue?

The very first hurdle to clear is to decide the answer to this question: Is it better to work with a "solid" or a "liquid"? Answering that question - which is really based on your personal preference - will steer you correctly from the start.

If you still cannot decide, the pros of each (as well as the cons) will help guide your decision. Listed are some of the more obvious and subtle differences that can help you decide.

The Pros of Tapes:
✅ Tapes are definitely cleaner. They are easier to control in both application and especially in removal.
✅ Tapes are versatile and can be trimmed to accommodate almost any shape you might find useful.
✅ Tapes, especially our SUPERTAPE, can hold as long as and - in some cases - even longer than glue. There is an adhesive coat weight consideration that tapes have baked into their architecture from the start. They have enough adhesive mass to be reliable, but not so much that they become their own burden and release before their proper time.
✅ Tapes are affordable. From the manufacturing process, which is quicker and less chemistry dependent to the final, finished product, tapes just move through machinery quicker and will less expense.
✅ Tapes have very little chemistry. Usually, just acrylic-based polymers and other "solids" that cannot penetrate the skin and be introduced into the blood-stream. For those who wish to have a "healthier" hold by avoiding the chemistry - tapes are optimal.
✅ Tapes are not "smelly" nor do they release solvent from their formulas. They are not flammable nor do they need to be up-charged for special handling. You'll never have tape "leak" on you in the box you receive.
✅ Tapes are available in varying "strengths" from Daily-Wear to Multi-Day wear to Weekly-Wear. You can readily find which tape strength is best for you based on their respective expected hold timeframes - which is to say - how they were formulated. Our Daily Wear Tape: 3M 1522 is designed for those who prefer removing their hair unit at night. ST Low-Profile and Red-e Tape are designed for those who would like to remove their hair unit every few days or once a week. SUPERTAPE, Performance Plus, ALL-Base and Elastibond are all formulated for a hold that can last up to 2-weeks and beyond. (be patient with us as we continue expanding our current tape line in our Shopify Store.)

The Cons of Tapes:
😒Tapes are "shiny". Most tapes, especially acrylic-based tapes, are all processed onto silicone-coated paper or plastic liners. The longer the adhesive stays on the liner, the greater the transference of silicone to the outer surface of the tape. In some cases, this appears as a shine under thinner hair unit bases. That "shine" can be mitigated, but, it can also be a pest!
😒 Tapes can trap skin oils and even skin "gases" which are transferred outward from the surface of the skin. Skin breathes and that breathing process can be trapped by the tape lying over the surface of the skin. Eventually, this tends to wear out a tape (especially one with a solid interior carrier). There are some companies that call their tapes "breathable" simply because holes are punched into the tape layer. Well, that's not breathable as the skin under the adhesive is still trapped by the layer of adhesive over the top.
😒Tapes come in many sizes and shapes - how do I decide? The diverse sizes and shapes are designed to allow accommodation of as many versatile hair styles and hair units as possible. In the end, this "con" is actually a "pro" as you experiment and explore with as many shapes as you believe might be most helpful and most accommodating.

The Pros of Glues:
✅ Without doubt glues are versatile and their thickness can be adjusted depending upon how much adhesive mass one expects to utilize. Keep in mind, too much adhesive mass is actually worse than less. There is a balance between strength and mass - finding the right balance can require experimentation.
✅ Glues usually don't "shine".
✅ Glues, especially water-based glues, can be safely used without the added chemistry.
✅ Glues can have a low-profile and are less detectable at the outermost edges of any hair unit.

The Cons of Glues:
😒 Glues can dry out before their bottles are empty
😒 Glues are hard to remove
😒 Glues are a problem to ship sometimes
😒 Glues formulas can contain harsh solvents and chemistry that, as liquid, can penetrate the skin.
😒 Glues can be flammable and quite aromatic until after they dry.
😒 Glues can be expensive.
😒Glues can be time-consuming to remove and can end up in the hair and not on the proper bonding surfaces.

Some people report that the best combination is one that uses both glues and tape. Application methods usually involve tape around the back and sides to hold things in place where the hair unit has more hair - even over the top for those with a bald crown - and then at the outermost edge up front, just a little thin layer of glue. The tape does the heavy lifting and the glue is there to soften the appearance up front.

Which Glue do we Recommend?
Everything depends upon user preference. Below is a side-by-side comparison and some of the more salient features of each:

ConSEAL Glue FusiON Glue

Water-based Solvent-Based

Non-flammable Flammable

Virtually odorless "Chemical" smell

Dries slowly (slower) Dries quickly

Removes with SAS Removes with SAS

Can ship by AIR Cannot ship by AIR

If you have any questions about our products or require further direction, please contact us by either phone or email during our regular business hours.

Can I return my order?

Due to the nature of adhesive products, we accept returns on unopened items only and within 30 days of purchase. Returns might be subject to a re-stocking fee depending upon the condition in which they were received. Please keep in mind that due to the nature of Liquid products, they cannot be returned.