How Long Can You Keep a Hair System with Glue On?

How long can you keep a hair system with glue on before giving a wash to both your scalp and the hairpieces themselves? We’ll get it sorted in this detailed post.

As a fresh-faced hairstylist trained to install hair systems for your clients, you might have frequently been hit with these questions: How long will my hair system or wig last? How much will my hairpieces or wigs cost me per year? How long can my hair systems last on my head before each wash?

Don’t sweat it! Newtimes Hair has been in the hair game with pro stylists for a solid 15 years, picking up all the juicy insider tips and tricks. We’ve got the answers to those burning questions about hair replacement systems and wigs for men – and we’re about to spill the tea!

Read our related posts to have some of the most practical questions answered:

How Long Do Hair Systems Last Plus Experts’ Tips for Extending their Lifespan?

Hair System Tips: A Comprehensive Guide

How Much Does a Hair System Cost an Individual Per Year?

How to Live Your Everyday Life with a Hair System

Get familiar with those toupee tips! The more you know, the more you’ll become the stylist your clients trust—they’ll stick with you for years.

Today, we will discuss another hot question regarding hair replacement systems, which concerns your client’s scalp health and the longevity of the hair system. That is, how long can you wear a glued-on hair system before each wash?

Why Should Permanent Hairpieces Be Taken Off Once in a While?

Most toupees or professional hair pieces for men are permanent hairpieces because once attached, they are meant to stay attached to the head for a long time. The wearer cannot remove them whenever they want.

However, permanent hairpieces or toupees should never stay glued on for over six weeks without a wash. Why? After a while, the glue or adhesive starts to break down into a gooey, starchy mess. This goo will seep through the base of the hair system and into the hair itself, causing tangling and stuck strands.

And trust me, trying to untangle that nightmare will feel like a lifetime of frustration, plus it can easily damage the base and the hair.

Why Should Permanent Hairpieces Be Taken Off Once in a While?

Most toupees or professional hair pieces for men are permanent hairpieces because once attached, they are meant to stay attached to the head for a long time. The wearer cannot remove them whenever they want.

However, permanent hairpieces or toupees should never stay glued on for over six weeks without a wash. Why? After a while, the glue or adhesive starts to break down into a gooey, starchy mess. This goo will seep through the base of the hair system and into the hair itself, causing tangling and stuck strands.

And trust me, trying to untangle that nightmare will feel like a lifetime of frustration, plus it can easily damage the base and the hair.

So, How Long Can You Keep a Hair System with Glue On?

How long can you wear a hair system with glue on? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Your client’s skin type, the environment they live in, how much glue or adhesive was used, and even how much they sweat all play a role in how often the system will need a wash and re-bonding.

To get the closest answer to perfection, we’ve consulted with our partnering salons from all corners of the globe. The verdict? Three to four weeks per wear is the sweet spot.

So, before your client leaves your salon with a fresh hair system, make sure to tell them, “Come back in two to three weeks for a proper wash of both your hair system and your scalp!”  This will give their head a chance to breathe and keep that scalp healthy. Plus, a good wash every few weeks will keep the hair system in tip-top shape.

Here’s another pro tip: Encourage your client to get hair systems in pairs. If they want one, get them to snag two! They can rotate them: wash one and keep it in mint condition, and wear the other. This way, both hair systems last longer and stay in better condition.

And don’t forget, hair system bases come in all shapes and sizes. For example, skin hair systems are great for clients in good condition, but the material of the base affects how often it needs a wash.

However, the two-to-three-week mark isn’t a universal rule. Some bases are delicate, while others can last longer without maintenance. Some need a wash every week or two, while others can stretch to three or four weeks.

Related: Do Toupees Fall Off?

Skin Hair Systems

Thin skin hair systems are the most popular choice among all our hair replacement clients, and for good reason. They’re easy to attach, low-maintenance, and perfect for new users who aren’t quite ready for a full-blown commitment.

For your sporty clients, thin skin hair systems are a dream. They provide a solid grip, meaning your client can dive, swim, or even skydive without worrying about the system going anywhere. While they’re breathable, they’re not quite as airy as lace systems—but they still do a decent job.

If your client tends to sweat a lot, it’s a good idea to leave skin hair systems on and come back for a wash every 3-4 weeks. This will help keep the scalp clean and healthy.

Now, speaking of sweat, most people tend to sweat at the front of their hairline. This is where lace front hair systems (often a skin hair system with a lace front) come into play.

Over the years, these systems have become a fan favorite. The lace at the front goes across the hairline, covering the forehead and ensuring breathability while giving that ultra-realistic look.

And the best part? Lace front systems are affordable, too! However, with lace front systems, it’s ideal to return for a wash every two weeks, depending on your client’s scalp condition.

For those who don’t sweat as much and use a strong adhesive, they might be able to stretch it for 2-3 weeks before needing a wash. But the sooner, the better for that fresh feel and healthy scalp!

Lace Hair Systems

Lace hair systems, especially Swiss lace, are some of the most delicate yet realistic types of hairpieces you’ll find. Once attached, the lace blends seamlessly into the scalp, giving your client a hairline that looks like it’s growing straight from their head. And when the knots are bleached, it’s even more convincing!

But a word of warning: lace hair systems are not for the clumsy or heavy-handed wearer. Lace is thin, fragile, and can tear easily, so your client needs to treat it with extra care.

Lace systems are most often applied using toupee tape, though some experienced pros may use liquid adhesive or glue. But here’s the catch – never apply the liquid adhesive directly to the lace.

Instead, apply the adhesive to the scalp first, wait for it to dry and get tacky, then gently position and secure the hairpiece. This prevents any mess or glue from seeping through the lace and sticking to the hair.

That said, while liquid adhesive can form a secure bond, it’s important to remember that lace has lots of tiny holes. Once the glue turns into that sticky, gooey mess, it can seep through those holes, get into the hair near the roots, and leave your client with a tangled nightmare. Trust me, cleaning that up is no fun and can easily damage the system.

For that reason, lace hair systems should never be bonded for more than a week. Keeping them on longer? Not worth the hassle! Stick to the one-week rule for a fresh, hassle-free look.

Fine Mono Hair Systems

Fine mono hair systems are the heavy-duty champs of the hairpiece world. Known for their durability, they’re often reinforced with a poly skin or lace perimeter to prevent the edges from splitting. So, they’re built to last!

Typically, you can wear a fine mono hair system for about six weeks. But here’s the catch—it’s not the best idea to push it that far. From a hygiene standpoint, it’s far better to take it off no more than every four weeks. This allows you to clean the skin or lace perimeter properly, keeping everything fresh.

And don’t forget—cleaning the scalp is just as important! After removing the hair system, make sure your client follows a solid wig care and maintenance routine to keep both the scalp and the hairpiece in tip-top shape. It’s all about long-lasting results and healthy hair, after all!

Good Quality Adhesive or Glue Is the Key

Let’s wrap this up with the secret sauce for ensuring a long-lasting hair system: quality adhesive or glue. Without it, all the styling, effort, and investment won’t mean much.

For active clients who live in tropical or humid climates and sweat a lot, Ghost Bond Supreme by Pro Hair Lab is an absolute game-changer. This adhesive is latex-free and free of other harsh ingredients, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s adaptable for both lace and poly skin hair systems—talk about versatility!

Now, if your client is looking for a bond that can last up to four weeks, Walker Ultra Hold is your go-to. This waterproof adhesive works wonders for full-head bonding and perimeter attachment, making it perfect for those lace front hair systems. It gives a strong, long-lasting hold that can handle whatever your client throws at it—literally!

Bottom line: using the right adhesive or glue makes all the difference in keeping that hair system secure and in top condition. So, don’t skimp on the essentials!

About Newtimes Hair

At Newtimes Hair, we’ve got your back—and your clients’ too! With over 100,000 hairpieces ready to ship right now, we’re here to provide you with top-quality systems, tapes, and all the essentials you need to thrive in the hair business. But we don’t just stop at products—we team up with salons and hair pros to gather insider tips and tricks for success. Because when you win, we win. Your success is our success, and we’re all about keeping wearers looking fabulous and feeling confident!