Tape, Adhesive or none- What's your preference?

Tape...glue...nothing- what's your preference?

     When wearing a hair piece, you have several options to feel secure. Most women, who have total hair loss and choose to wear a wig, opt for a piece they can tape down. You are probably thinking, Why?
     The answer is, security. Knowing the wig is taped down means it isn't going anywhere. But, it also provides flexibility. This means you can take the wig off at the end of the day, or after a few days, and it doesn't have to be a full-on, traumatic process.
     The Gemtress Firenze (my current "signature" piece) can easily be taped down. For a woman with Alopecia Areata, tape may not be the best option, though. My hair comes and goes, so the Firenze is a great choice for me- I can tape it down when my head is smooth, but it is fitted enough that I can (and often do) go without tape!
     When it comes to tape, you can definitely shop around. Ask your wig consultant for suggestions based upon the piece you've purchased, and your lifestyle. Some women prefer "wig tape" or "toupee tape" which is ideal for someone who prefers to remove their wig every day or every other day. This is often rather inexpensive, and is less sticky. Industrial strength tape from a craft store is a valuable option for someone with a smooth head because it offers a stronger hold with longer results. It is a little more painful to remove because of the bond, but I have heard it gets less and less painful each removal! Tape is an option for you to apply and remove yourself- without a professional.
     At the Miss America Pageant, I was so terrified of my wig flying off and into Joy Behar's face during the talent competition, that I asked Mario Rispoli to "bond" the wig to my head that night. This means that he used a custom fit piece, created perfectly for the shape of my head, and covered the inner cap with a liquid bond/glue so that I felt secure. Bonding/gluing is the perfect option for someone with Alopecia Totalis/Universalis or extensive hair loss that leaves your head smooth for periods of time. It is not ideal for a woman with Alopecia Areata or frequent regrowth. The reason being when the wig is ready to be removed it will be a much more painful process if it could potentially pull out new hair. Plus, new hair can loosen the bond.
     Bonding can last up to a few weeks depending on your level of activity. If you shower frequently and don't use a shower cap, the water can loosen the bond. If you exercise daily and sweat heavily, the perspiration will loosen the bond as well. I suggest using a shower cap and washing the hair every couple of days. Use as little product as possible in order to lessen the need for washing. And when exercising, consider using a sweat band right around the hairline of the wig to absorb as much sweat as possible. As long as the hair is human, you will be able to live just like the hair is your own! Sleep in your wig, wake up with it and so on!
      For those who wish to have complete flexibility- the ability to throw on and off your wig/s as you please- tape and bonding are not for you. I appreciate the moment when I get home after a long and exhausting day, and I throw my wig on the kitchen table. I appreciate leaving my wig on the passenger seat of my car before I enter the gym to workout. Tape and bonding are not a part of my everyday life. But, I love knowing that I have the choice!
      The Firenze, and all of the other pieces in the Gemtress line, fit my head well enough to not need tape or glue. And if they become stretched over time, Mario darts them and sews them to fit just like they did on day one- prolonging the span of the wigs life.
      However, if you opt for a bonding of some sort, you should know the best way to remove it! When the time comes to take it off, you can either revisit the salon and have it removed there. Or, you can use 100% rubbing alcohol and a q-tip as you gently rub along the hairline to remove the bond- pain-free!
     So, in your life, what do you prefer? What have you tried? Join the conversation and share your experiences on the Facebook Group, Kayla's Corner for Women and Kids with Hair Loss! Have a great week, and enjoy the beautiful weather!