Choosing the right adhesive for your hair system can make all the difference in comfort, security, and confidence. But with so many options—tapes, liquid adhesives, and varying hold times—it can be hard to know where to start.
Walker Tape created a simple quiz to help you explore your options. Below, we’ve adapted it so you can total your points and find a starting point for choosing an adhesive that suits your lifestyle and skin type.
Quiz and scoring adapted from Walker Tape’s Choosing an Adhesive for Your Hair System. The product examples below are selected from that guide.
Watch the Video
Step 1: Take the Adhesive Quiz
Answer these four questions and total your points:
1. How long do you want your bond to hold?
1–7 days (Daily wear): 1 point
1–2 weeks (Extended wear): 2 points
3–4+ weeks (Maximum wear): 3 points
2. What’s your typical climate?
Cool/dry: 1 point
Warm/humid: 2 points
Hot/tropical: 3 points
3. What’s your activity level?
Minimal: 1 point
Moderate (light workouts): 2 points
High (sweating, sports, gym): 3 points
4. What’s your skin type?
Dry or balanced: 1 point
Slightly oily: 2 points
Very oily or sensitive: 3 points
Allergic/hard to bond: 4 points
Use your score as a starting point, not a guarantee of suitability or hold time. Check the adhesive’s system compatibility and ingredient warnings, and follow Walker Tape’s patch-test guidance before a full application. A higher score does not mean an adhesive is suitable for a known allergy.
| Your Score | Selected Adhesive Examples |
|---|---|
| 4–6 (Daily Wear) | Tapes: 1522 Clear™, Natural Hold™ Liquids: Mity-Tite® |
| 7–9 (Extended Wear) | Tapes: Lace Front Thin™, Sensi-Tak™ Liquids: Liqui-Tape® |
| 10–11 (Max Wear) | Tapes: Ultra Hold™ Strips, Blue Lace Front™ Liquids: Great White™, Ultra Hold™ Adhesive |
| 12–13 (Max Wear + Scalp Protection) |
Tapes/adhesives: Pro-Flex II™, No-Shine™, and Extenda-Bond Plus, plus the other maximum-wear options above. Walker’s prep-product examples: Max Hold Sport™, Scalp Protector™, and Just-Rite® Positioning Spray. Just-Rite provides extra positioning time during application; it is not listed here as a substitute for scalp protection. |
Why It Works
Adhesive performance depends on your environment, activity level, and scalp. Matching your product to your personal routine can help with:
Longer, more comfortable wear
Less lifting and slippage
Easier cleanup
Fewer issues with irritation or buildup
At Changing Images, we help people who wear hair systems every day find the right products to simplify their routine and protect their investment.
Jackie’s Tips for Success
Start small: Instead of buying a large adhesive right away, try a single 36-piece tape pack or a smaller bottle of liquid adhesive. This lets you test how it works with your skin and lifestyle before committing to a larger size.
Do a patch test first: Follow the manufacturer’s patch-test instructions before full application. Learn how to do a patch test ›
Prep properly: Always clean your scalp and use a scalp protector if you’re active or have oily/sensitive skin.
Re-evaluate as needed: Lifestyle changes, new climates, or even seasonal shifts can impact your adhesive needs.
Still Not Sure What to Choose?
We’re here to help. Browse our selection of Walker Tape products, read customer reviews, or reach out via our contact form. Tell us about your hair system and routine, and we’ll help you explore your options.
– Jackie, Changing Images