When it comes to installing hair systems, you can use clips, glues or tape. Glues and tapes are the more popular ones, however, and in this blog, we will be looking at the latter in particular and the different types of hair system tapes.
For applying hair systems, wig tape comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes. Some of the most popular kinds of tapes include 3M Super Tape, Red Liner Tape, Blue Tape, Brown Liner, Super Tape, No Shine, Ultra Hold and Extendabond. One common thing they all share regardless of the brand is that they are double-sided with one side sticking to the base material while the other side sticks to your scalp.
Tapes are also divided into certain categories which we’ll look at below:
Table of Contents
Rolls
If you’re looking for value for money, hair system tapes which come in rolls are probably what you need. They come in various lengths, too, as you can choose toupee or wig tapes that are 3 yards, 12 yards or 36 yards for example. While professionals or salons mainly use them for installing hair systems, individual and/or retail hair system clients can also order and install their hairpieces using them. Additionally, they come in different widths as well which is ideal if you need a tape that matches the poly skin perimeter of your hair system which can vary depending on the particular model.
Contours and strips
If you’re one who prefers a quick install and just don’t have the time to cut tape from rolls and match them with your poly perimeters for example, you may be more suited for contours, strips and mini tabs.
Strips come at around 3 inches. They also come in various curved shapes and are cut to size to fit a particular hairline shape or front contour. Among the curvatures include A, B, C, CC and more. They are ideal as it lets the wearer or installer have a more precise application of the adhesive on the base. There is also less chance of any potential wrinkles as opposed to rolls of tape. Finally, you can also design your base to match tape shape as well as combine them with other tape contours for use on the rest of the system for example.
Mini tabs
If you want an easier application, especially around odd curves, you may be interested in mini tabs. They are around 1-1.5 inches in length and are preferred by some because they are smaller, which makes them easier to apply on tough curves in the perimeter or hair system. While mini tabs are usually only available in one curved shape, they can come in different widths.
Hair system tape tips
Now that you know the different types of hair system tapes, here are a few tips you should be aware about. If needed, you can bend some tapes by just a bit while performing a hair system installation. Keep in mind that this only applies to some and too much of a bend can damage the tape.
Tapes can also be cut into smaller pieces or trimmed at the curve to provide further customization to match your hairpiece.
Finally, if you are using Red Liner Tape, Super Tape or Blue Tape, you should know that they come in straight strips, rolls or contours if you are interested in seeing which type of tape works best for you.
Things to consider before purchasing hair system tape
You now know a lot more about tape than you did before reading this blog. But before you decide to purchase whichever one you believe is best suited for you, there are a few variables to keep in mind:
- What is the base material of your hair system? (Poly skin or lace)
- Are you looking for daily wear or extended/semi-permanent wear?
- What is your skin type? Is it oily, sensitive or normal?
- What is your hair density? Lighter hair densities, particularly on lace bases, are recommended to have No Shine tapes.
