Weaves can give you the long, thick, lush, flowing hair you always dreamed of having. You know the kind you see in magazines? However, to ensure it remains in place and you don’t have weave-rific disaster, complete with your hair coming out at the wrong time, you need to use some type of adhesive. And it needs to be one that will hold.
With so many weave glue options available, you may wonder which one to use. We’ve created a guide to help you compare your options. You’ll learn about what they consist of, how long they last, and more.
Keratin polymer glues
You may have heard the word keratin in reference to a protein that makes up the skin, hair, and nails. This same protein can serve a purpose in the hair care industry as well. It’s found in conditioners and shampoos. However, when larger keratin structures are used, they can be utilized as a hair adhesive.
It’s an incredibly strong protein similar to glue when melted and allowed to cool and dry.
This is a long-lasting option that tends to hold anywhere from three to five months with proper care. At that point, you’ll either need to remove the weave or reapply the glue to reattach it.
Keratin polymer glue isn’t water-soluble, so you can get it wet. It’s also not oil-sensitive, so you may apply oils to your hair while using it without damaging the bond. As a result, this is an excellent option if you want to connect a weave with little hassle for a long length of time.
To remove the weave before the glue bond dissolves, you’ll need to use a specialized solvent, such as one with acetone in it.
Liquid wig adhesive
Liquid wig adhesives are another weave glue option. These consist of either acrylic or silicone glue. The air exposure dries the adhesive to form a bond that lasts for possibly up to six weeks.
The only way to break that bond before that time is with alcohol or a solvent specifically for dissolving the adhesive bond.
Bonding glue
Bonding glue consists of latex, making it imperative for anyone who’s using weave glue to read the ingredients carefully. For those with a latex allergy, it can trigger a rash or even worse — send the individual into anaphylactic shock, depending on the severity of the person’s allergy.
You’ll notice that a latex-based bonding glue is a thick liquid. Upon drying, it becomes a rubber-like substance that connects the hair. It needs heat exposure for this process to happen, though.
Bonding glues are most suited as a temporary solution because it tends to only last three weeks before you must either remove or reapply it.
Fortunately, you may easily break the bond of this adhesive with a heavy conditioner. You may also use baby or citrus oil to break the bond because it’ll react with the oil.
Hair styling glue
Hair styling glue is an extremely temporary option to connect a weave. It forms a bond using wax or alcohol, making it not technically a glue but a product that can create a short-term bond. It’s an option if you’d like to connect a weave for one night or even a few days, depending on how often you wash your hair.
Hair styling glues are like any usual hair styling product, such as gel or hair spray; they dry from the air. And just like both of these products, they’re water-soluble, so once you get them wet, the bond breaks.
Hair extension glue beads
While this isn’t an actual type of weave glue, it’s important to know that this type of product comes in this form.
You can find these in a variety of colors to match your hair so they’re not detectable. Clear ones are also available, which are discreet.
With this particular option, the pellets or beads are melted using a specialized gun when they’re attached.
Glue sticks
Glue sticks are a type of weave glue that comes in stick form, like glue sticks for crafting. However, the stick uses a glue that’s hair and body safe.
The device used to melt the glue to apply it looks similar to a standard crafting glue gun but is specially designed for keratin-based hair glue products.
The process even works like a standard glue gun. The sticks are loaded into the device, and the applicator end is directed toward the desired location. By pushing the glue stick through, it’ll release the glue in small amounts at the desired location.
Tape
If you’d prefer not to have any type of weave glue used on your hair, you may choose tape instead. The hair tape is generally a safe option and easy to remove. It does still keep the hair in place, though.
Tapes use various adhesives, so it’s helpful to read before you choose one. For instance, some tapes use a thin layer of polyurethane. Some use an acrylic adhesive. And these are only a few examples.
Choosing the right one
Since everyone’s bodies react differently to different products, it’s important to choose one carefully. Sometimes, it’s a bit of trial and error to find one that works well for you. You must consider if you have any allergies. And if you’re unsure and it’s the first time you use the glue, monitor yourself for a reaction.
As you’re choosing, also consider how long the glues last and how long you plan to leave the weave in before either replacing, reattaching, or going natural.
Bottom line
There are several different types of weave glue to choose from, and they all work. However, it’s vital to compare your options and choose the one most fitting for your needs and wants.