Recently I have been getting more and more questions about problems with extended wear hair system bonding. So I'd like to discuss the more popular methods used to maintain a stronger, longer bond.
There are literally hundreds of variables with regard to different types of products, application methods and body chemistry as well as the climate in which you live.
Over the next couple of weeks in future blogs, I will narrow these variables down to a few common denominators. Because this is a lengthy subject, I'm going to break it up into 3 or 4 different posts. These posts will cover the most important aspects of hair system attachment including preparation, application, cleansing the scalp, and maintenance between bonding applications.
Today, I'm going to talk about scalp preparation. One of the most common reasons a bond will break down is because of improper preparation.
- Removing the hair system: Gently lift the front of the hair system, then dab or spray the area with a toupee adhesive remover and peel gently from front to back.
- It is very important to completely remove every minuet particle of adhesive residue from the scalp and from the growing hair. Any remaining residue will contaminate the new bond and cause it to break down prematurely.
(The easiest way to do this is with a citrus or oil based adhesive remover on a paper towel then working the area over and over again until you are absolutely sure you've removed every trace of adhesive residue.)
You will probably need to use more then one paper towel to remove the entire residue. If your bond does not hold it could probably be because you may not have removed all of the previous adhesive residue. Even the smallest trace of prior residue will retain particles of adhesive remover and break down the new bond. The reason I sound redundant is because of the importance on this matter.
- Equally as important, is removing any trace of adhesive remover from the scalp and hair because the adhesive remover is an oil base. If there is as little as one part per million (1/1000000) adhesive remover remaining on the scalp or the hair, it will shorten the life span of the new bond.
Because the adhesive remover is an oil base it is difficult to remove. You will need an aggressive emulsifying agent to break it down. Before you get into the shower, I highly recommend spraying a liberal amount of Adjust-A-Bond on the scalp and hair were the adhesive remover is and wipe it dry with a clean paper towel.
In the shower, wet your scalp and vigorously scrub with bar soap. Scrub and rinse at least seven times using an exfoliating mitt to aid in cleansing and exfoliation making sure your entire scalp is squeaky clean when you run your fingers across it.
I realize this all sounds like a lot of work but in reality it takes only a few extra minutes to ensure a long lasting bond. In my next blog, I'll discuss methods of applications for a one, two, three and four week bond.
Have a great hair day (oh yea and Happy New Year!)
Bill