Lace Wigs 101

We want to empower you by giving you knowledge on how to make the best selection for your personal preferences. By reading through Lace Wig 101, you will learn the industry terminology, frequently asked questions (FAQ's), the best practices utilized to find the best wig to suit your needs. Let's start with adhesives.

There are a variety of application methods and adhesive types. Remember that lace wigs are customized and personal. For example, one person may love a 18” 4/ 27 highlighted unit while another prefers an 10” 1B Deep wave unit. Your personality, lifestyle, etc all play a part in your lace wig selection. The same is true when choosing an adhesive(s). Your body chemistry, the climate that you live in, your activity level all play a role in determining which adhesive will work best for you. There are no one size fits all lace wigs likewise, no one size fits all adhesive exists. Some come close, but you will still need to add your personal touch to make the application just right for you. That’s why we are here to help you through this process!

Keeping this in mind, the following descriptions of adhesive types are simply descriptions and generalizations. There have been no studies on the safety of prolonged use of adhesives on the skin. Until proper studies are available, your use of these adhesives is at your own risk. It is HIGHLY recommended to do a 24 hour patch test before trying any new. Place a small amount of the adhesive on the inner of your wrist area and observe 24 hours later to insure that you do not have an allergic reaction to the adhesive. If the adhesive begins to sting, tingle or burn, more than likely you are allergic to that particular adhesive. This same theory applies to adhesive tapes as well. It has been proven that 1 out of 100 people have a skin allergy which prevents them from wearing any type of latex or toluene.

We believe that wearing a lace wig can fun and glamorous but shouldn’t be too much work! Our trained professionals will guide you through the proper fitting process and allow you to browse our huge inventory of lace wigs and hair pieces. We take the time to make sure you will not have any allergic reactions to any adhesives or tape BEFORE applying your unit. We also offer the “Sew in Method” which has been the number one requested application method over the past few sweltering months here in Houston. Be sure to stop by and see how it’s done!

SOFT BOND ADHESIVES

Spirit Gum Medical Adhesive: This extra strength formula is perfect to for those hard to hold area. Fast Dry, No wait time, only one layer. This Medical Adhesive cannot be removed with alcohol based remover.

Mastix P Spirit Gum: This adhesive combined with sew-in method is known to prevent thinning of your hairline. Specialized synthetic spirit gum for beards, toupees lace wigs, when perspiration is a problem. Gives ultimate hold. Requires Spirit Gum “P” Remover. this product has also been used for underwater photo shoots! This is a super-stick adhesive is especially useful in cases of extreme perspiration. Because it is a sealer type of adhesive, it dries quickly.

Kryolan TV Spirit Gum: Matte Mastix ~ Spirit Gum without the shine – specially formulated for the glare of television camera lights.

Ultra Hold: Soft bond acrylic adhesive for up to 4 week hold. Waterproof . Used extensively in the medical industry. Some use as a combo with tight grip adhesive or tape for extra strong hold. Advantages: Strong bonding confidence. Tip: use the thinnest possible coat to help with clean up. Great for ocean diving, contact sports, etc. Disadvantages: Must be released thoroughly with lace release or adhesive remover. Can present a clean up challenge, and can begin to lose adhesion on very oily skin after a few days. This product contains 2.6% toluene.

Oil Resistant White Glue: Dries clear in minutes. Designed for oily-skinned, hard-perspiring hair wearers who cannot get satisfactory results from existing products. Applies easily with one single coat applied via brush or fingertip and no special preparation or additional steps or combining of potentially incompatible products. Contains no toxic or harmful ingredients or solvents, just acrylic polymer and water. Dive and swim safe. Works better without barrier products such as Scalp Protector which are designed for solvent-based glue.

Vapon No-Tape: A medically safe, contact, liquid adhesive. Can be used over existing tape or applied to the tape tab material on the hairpiece. Will not release from the effects of water, heat or perspiration. Apply to the bonding track on hair and the hairpiece and allow to dry. Attach hairpiece to the bonding track on hair. Can be applied directly to the scalp for partial, perimeter, or full-head bonding. Typically holds for 4-6 weeks.

Tight Grip: A waterproof clear adhesive. Easy to use dabber bottle – dab on the skin, allow to dry then push the lace down onto. Designed specifically for lace front adhesion but works wonderfully on thin skin and poly. Some use as a combination with ultra hold, ~I~ glue or NX gen for extra adhesion. Contains toluene – a carcinogen. Up to 2 week hold - depending on skin oiliness, perspiration and heat. Tip: use the thinnest possible coat to help with clean up. Great for ocean diving, contact sports etc. As strong as or stronger than Ultra Hold, but easier to release and leaves less residue. Great for Polyskin! Disadvantages: Too much bonding strength for daily removers. More expensive than Ultra Hold. This product contains 2.4% toluene until it is dry.

Mity Tite: Specially formulated acrylic based adhesive for daily and extended wear. Contains Toluene. 7-8 day hold

Super Grip: An aqueous/latex adhesive that is white and dries clear. Easy to use brush-in bottle makes it perfect to take along for touchups.

Max Bond Skin Safe Adhesive: A white acrylic aqueous acrylic adhesive that dries clear. Easy to use, easy to clean. Great for daily wearers. Specifically designed for hair replacement skin use. No harsh chemicals. Daily – 5 day hold.

Liqui-Tape: A clear silicone adhesive that is great to reactivate tapes. Great size to bring along for touch-ups. Daily – 5 day hold.

Max Grafting Solution: Super strong hold for skin bases, polyurethane, and lace – not for use on monofilament bases.

HARD BOND ADHESIVES

Endurabond: (I do not particularly like this adhesive) Endurabond is an ethyl cyanacryalate hard bond adhesive for extended wear up to 6 weeks . Use a toothpick and move quickly in small sections when using this adhesive, as it dries quickly. The consistency is similar to nail glue and requires 100% acetone or Endurabond remover for removal. Once removed from skin the edges of the lace may be soaked in remover for easier removal. Place in the refrigerator for extended shelf life.

Bond 007: Bond 007 is an ethyl cyanacryalate hard bond adhesive for extended wear up to 6 weeks . Must be used with red liner sensitac and adhered to a hair stubble track .

At My Trendy Place/Houston Lace Front Wigs, our mission is to stand out from our competition by building a brand where we are known for our integrity and for providing excellent customer service. We offer personalized service to every customer and are always willing to address any concerns you may have.

SCALP PROTECTION

Scalp Protector: A superior product that creates a barrier between the adhesive and your skin. Greatly extends adhesion time!

Skin Shield: Similar to Scalp Protector in that it creates a dermal barrier. However, this product also contains a polymer that increases the effectiveness of your chosen adhesive.

ADHESIVE TAPES

Walker No Shine, Pro-flex No Shine, OR SuperTape No Shine: Strong tape hold. Less shine through the lace. Easy clean up and removal with lace release. Great 1-2 week hold. Walker No Shine seems to give a better hold for oilier skin types.

Air-Flex tape: Air-Flex tape has special processing which allows air to pass through to the skin which is better for the skin and extends hold times.

TDI Dura Flex: Strong tape hold. Great for vacationing and swimming. Clean-up could be a challenge unless you put red liner sensitac down first and then the Dura Flex. Makes clean-up a breeze. 4 week bonding time is achievable with this tape.

Blue Lace Tape Rolls: Great for swimming and vacationing. Very strong. To ease the clean-up, lay down red liner sensi tac first and the blue lace tape over it. 3 week bonding can be achieved with this tape.