Rose & Onyx Hair Company
Client How-To Guide
Adhesive
Application Guide
Select your application type, then your method
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01 — Prep
Preparing for Your Touch-Up Liquid
- Gather your supplies: bond remover, scalp protector, liquid adhesive, application brush, and a fine-tooth tail comb.
- Work in a clean, well-lit area — a bathroom mirror with good lighting is ideal.
- Clean your hands thoroughly before starting. Skin oils are the enemy of a good bond.
- If your system has been on for 2–3 weeks or more, consider a full removal and re-application rather than a touch-up.
02 — Removal
Lifting & Cleaning the Edge Liquid
- Apply bond remover along the lifted perimeter using a dropper or applicator tip. Allow 30–60 seconds to penetrate.
- Use your tail comb or fingers to gently ease the edge away from the scalp — never pull sharply.
- Work in small sections, reapplying remover as needed rather than forcing the bond.
- Once lifted, clean the scalp area with a cotton pad and remover to remove all old adhesive residue before reapplying.
- Allow the area to fully dry before applying fresh adhesive — residual remover will prevent bonding.
03 — Application
Applying Liquid Adhesive Liquid
- Apply a thin, even layer of liquid adhesive to the scalp using a small brush — not the system base.
- Allow the adhesive to become tacky but not wet (typically 2–4 minutes depending on the product). This is the most important step — patience here makes the bond.
- For extra hold, apply a second thin coat, allow to tack again, then press.
- Press the system edge down firmly and evenly, working from front to sides. Hold each section for 10–15 seconds.
- Apply scalp protector first if you have sensitive skin or are doing frequent touch-ups — it extends wear and protects your skin.
04 — Finishing
Blending & Finishing Liquid
- Once the edge is pressed, use a fine-tooth comb to blend the hairline hair over the bond line naturally.
- If using a concealer or scalp shader at the hairline, apply after the bond has fully set (at least 10 minutes).
- Avoid water contact for at least 24 hours after a touch-up to allow the bond to fully cure.
Pro tip: A touch-up done right extends your wear by 1–2 weeks. The key is clean skin, fully tacky adhesive, and firm pressure. Rushing the tack time is the #1 reason touch-ups fail early.
01 — Prep
Preparing for Your Touch-Up Tape
- Gather your supplies: tape remover, replacement tape strips, scissors, scalp protector (optional), and a tail comb.
- Work in a clean, dry area. Humidity affects tape adhesion.
- Clean hands are essential — even a small amount of oil on your fingertips will reduce tape tack significantly.
- Tape touch-ups work best when the existing tape is still mostly intact — if it's shredded or heavily soiled, do a full re-tape.
02 — Removal
Lifting & Cleaning the Edge Tape
- Apply tape remover along the lifted edge and let it soak for 30 seconds before easing the system away.
- Peel old tape from the base gently — never scrape. Use tape remover to soften stubborn residue.
- Clean the scalp area and the system base with remover and a lint-free cloth until completely residue-free.
- Make sure both scalp and base are completely dry before applying new tape — moisture kills tape adhesion instantly.
03 — Application
Applying Tape Tape
- Cut tape strips to fit your perimeter sections precisely — overlapping or bunched tape creates visible ridges.
- Apply tape to the base of the system first, then remove the backing and press to the scalp.
- Press firmly along each section for 10–15 seconds to activate the bond.
- For a stronger hold, warm the tape slightly with a hairdryer on low for 5 seconds before pressing — heat activates the adhesive.
- Work from front hairline to sides and back for the most natural result.
04 — Finishing
Blending & Finishing Tape
- Comb the hairline hair over the bond line to conceal the perimeter naturally.
- Tape bonds are ready immediately — no cure time required unlike liquid adhesive.
- Avoid heavy sweating or water for at least a few hours to allow the bond to fully seat.
Pro tip: Tape is faster and cleaner than liquid for touch-ups, but requires a very clean, dry base to perform. Keep a small tape removal kit with you for on-the-go fixes between appointments.
01 — What You'll Need
Tools & Products Liquid
- Bond remover
- Scalp cleanser / prep spray
- Scalp protector
- Liquid adhesive
- Application brush
- Tail comb
- Mirror (front + hand)
- Cotton pads / lint-free cloths
02 — Removal
Full Removal & Scalp Prep Liquid
- Apply bond remover generously around the entire perimeter. Allow 1–2 minutes for full penetration before lifting.
- Ease the system off slowly from back to front — never rip or force. Add more remover if resistance is felt.
- Clean all old adhesive from the scalp and the system base thoroughly. Any residue will compromise the new bond.
- Wash your scalp with a scalp cleanser or clarifying shampoo and allow to dry completely — 15–20 minutes minimum.
- Apply scalp protector evenly across the bond area. Allow to fully dry before moving to adhesive. This step significantly extends wear time.
03 — Application
Applying Liquid Adhesive Liquid
- Apply a thin, even first coat of adhesive to the scalp using your brush. Allow to become fully tacky — 3–5 minutes.
- Apply a second thin coat for a stronger bond. Allow to tack again fully before placing the system.
- Position the system carefully before pressing — once it contacts fully tacky adhesive it is very difficult to reposition.
- Press down firmly from front hairline first, then sides, then back. Hold each zone for 15–20 seconds.
- Use a fine-tooth comb or your fingers along the bond line to press and smooth the base onto the scalp as you work around the perimeter.
04 — Blending
Blending the Hairline Liquid
- Use a tail comb to blend your bio hair with the system hair at the perimeter for a seamless transition.
- Apply scalp shader or concealer at the hairline if needed once the bond has set (10+ minutes).
- Style as desired — avoid excessive heat at the hairline on your first day to let the bond fully cure.
05 — Tips
Troubleshooting Liquid
- Bond not holding? Scalp likely wasn't fully dry or adhesive wasn't given enough tack time. Remove, clean, and start again.
- Edge lifting quickly? Try applying scalp protector and using two coats of adhesive with full tack time between each.
- Adhesive stringy when pressing? It's over-tacky — it will still bond well, just press firmly and hold longer.
- White residue visible at hairline? Adhesive was applied too thick. Use thinner coats next time.
When in doubt, book in. A full installation done by your stylist will always outlast a home install. Use this guide for maintenance between appointments — and reach out if you're ever unsure.
01 — What You'll Need
Tools & Products Tape
- Tape remover
- Scalp cleanser / prep spray
- Tape strips (correct width)
- Sharp scissors
- Tail comb
- Lint-free cloths
- Mirror (front + hand)
- Hairdryer (optional, low heat)
02 — Removal
Full Removal & Scalp Prep Tape
- Apply tape remover around the full perimeter and allow 1–2 minutes to work before peeling.
- Peel the system back slowly and evenly — never yank. Tape removal is generally gentler than liquid removal.
- Remove all old tape from the base and scalp. Use remover on any stubborn residue and a lint-free cloth to wipe clean.
- Wash your scalp and allow to dry completely — this is non-negotiable for tape. Even slight moisture kills the bond.
- If the system base has any tape residue remaining, clean it before applying new tape or the new tape won't adhere flat.
03 — Taping the Base
Applying Tape to the System Tape
- Cut tape strips to match each section of the perimeter precisely. Neat cutting = invisible bond line.
- Apply tape to the underside of the system base first, smoothing flat with no bubbles or wrinkles.
- Leave the tape backing on until you're ready to place the system on the scalp.
- Do a dry placement first — hold the system over your head without pressing to confirm positioning before committing.
04 — Placement
Placing & Pressing Tape
- Remove tape backing and position at the front hairline first. Press firmly and work toward the sides and back.
- Press each section for 15–20 seconds with firm, even pressure.
- Use a hairdryer on low heat for 5 seconds per section to activate the adhesive fully after pressing.
- Blend your hairline hair over the bond and style as normal.
05 — Tips
Troubleshooting Tape
- Tape not sticking? Scalp wasn't dry enough or has product residue. Clean and dry completely before retrying.
- Tape visible at hairline? Use a narrower tape and ensure hair is combed fully over the bond line.
- Edge peeling quickly? Heat-activate the tape with a hairdryer on low and press again firmly.
- Tape leaving residue on scalp? Use a proper tape-specific remover — oil or water won't break it down effectively.
When in doubt, book in. Tape installation done by your stylist gives you the cleanest hairline and the longest wear. Use this guide between appointments — and never hesitate to reach out with questions.