FIRST THINGS FIRST
Adhesives - Where Hair Styling, Chemical Research, And Client Safety Collide All adhesives contain ingredients that may cause skin irritation on certain individuals. The chemicals themselves may be flammable and the vapors can be noxious if inhaled. If adhesive is accidentally spilled into a client’s eye, it is a very serious situation. This will try to give you a road map to develop safe working habits and keep out of trouble. 

Do A Proper Predisposition Skin Test: 
1) Cleanse a small area 1/2”x 1/2” behind the ear with a mild shampoo. Let dry.
2) Apply a small amount of the adhesive to be used directly to the cleansed area. Allow time to dry. Cover with a small piece of tape. Leave in place 24 hours covered. 
3) After 24 hours, make a visual inspection of area to be certain that no redness, irritation, burning, itching, swelling or other abnormal reaction has occurred in or around the skin test area. If negative reaction is found, then that particular adhesive may be used. If a positive reaction is found, use another product - preceded by a skin test behind the other ear. 
4) If any irritation or abnormal reaction is found after continued use of any adhesive, it is recommended that you discontinue usage of that product immediately. If a client informs you that they have an irritation developing, remove the application immediately and document the situation for future applications. Let the skin heal completely by adding an antibiotic such as Neosporin directly to the affected area. Do not reapply a product in the area no matter how much pressure your client puts you under. You will be held responsible. 

ADHESIVE TYPES & APPLICATIONS
There Are Four Basic Categories: 

• Cyanoacrylate (“Crazy Glue”)  • Silicones

• Polymer Resins  • Latex

Each one has its strengths and weaknesses. The challenge to their manufacturers is to achieve the best balance of stickiness and safety. Acrylics are the most allergic and, after a period of some popularity, are infrequently used today. Latex can also create allergic reactions and has the additional handicap of creating heightened skin sensitivity with each successive application. The FDA recently debated requiring manufacturers to post a warning on products containing latex, but decided to postpone the decision. Silicones have good short-term “stickability,” but tend to become less tacky over time. Resins offer good long term “stickability.” 

Application Chart:
USAGE GUIDELINES
Silicone Based Adhesives
Application: perimeter bonding. Not recommended for skin bonding. FDA regulations forced Dow Corning to make formulation changes to this adhesive, eliminating the freon content to bring it into compliance with new government requirements. As a result, the bonding power of the revised formulation is not as strong as it used to be. Silicone based adhesives come in two different application methods. One is packaged in a tube. The other comes in a bottle or jar. They both contain the same material. The contents of the jar can be placed into a high quality plastic applicator with a twist top to be more efficient. 

Track bonding option #1 (two-part silicone bond) 1) Prepare the client track area by cutting the hair 1/8” to 1/4” long by 1” wide. Skin prep may be applied to the skin in the track area as extra protection. 2) Apply a thin layer of silicone based adhesive with a brush as thinly and evenly as possible on both the scalp and on the tape on the polyurethane perimeter of the system using a back and forth motion. In the past, cloth tape has been the tape of preference with a silicone bond producing a bonding time of 4-6 weeks. 3) Allow both parts to dry to tacky 3-5 minutes and press firmly together (a cool dryer can be used to speed up the curing time). 4) Continue styling as usual without excessive water. 5) For best results, keep away from water for 8 hours. 

Track bonding option #2 (one part silicone bond) 1) Apply a thin layer of silicone-based adhesive with a brush or directly to the prepared scalp area as discussed above. Let dry to tacky 3-5 minutes (or use a cool dryer to speed up the curing time). 2) Prepare the polyurethane perimeter with a tape of your choice. Do not apply adhesive. Press the two parts together firmly. 3) Finish styling as usual without excessive water. 4) For best results keep away from water for 8 hours. Solvent for a soft bond is a citrus oil based remover. When re-applying your system, be sure to thoroughly cleanse the track area with a clarifying shampoo so it is squeaky clean. Any remaining oil left on the scalp will affect your new bond. If you choose to re-use your brushes, be sure to strip and clean them thoroughly with a strong solvent. Any oil remaining will contaminate the bottle when dipped back into the bottle. 

Acrylic Bonds
Application: perimeter bonding only, No lace fronts, or skin bonds. 1) Apply the tape of choice to the polyurethane perimeter on the base of the system. 2) (Working quickly) following manufacturer’s directions, apply a fine bead of the adhesive in small circles on the tape, being careful not to get it too close to the edge of the system or into the system hair. 3) Immediately position the hair system directly on the prepared scalp area. 4) Continue to press firmly around the perimeter while the bond cures to the hair. 5) This adhesive works best if kept away from water for 8 hours. Otherwise it may crystallize. THERE IS NO SOLVENT FOR AN ACRYLIC HARD BOND! USE EXTREME CAUTION! NEVER USE AN ACRYLIC BOND DIRECTLY ON THE SCALP.  Immediate removal is very difficult. If you need to make an emergency removal of an acrylic bond, do so by separating the tape from the perimeter of the system, removing the system which will leave the tape and the acrylic material on the scalp. Continue working the tape and acrylic adhesive with an oil based remover until it gives way. Do this very cautiously as it can cause severe scalp irritation! Upon removal, re-evaluate the scalp condition. Document the removal situation. 

Resin Based Bonds
Application: perimeter, lace fronts, and skin bonds. For a skin bond 1) Begin by cleaning the hair system using no conditioner. 2) Clean the scalp thoroughly using no conditioner and cut the application area as short as possible. 3) Dry the system and scalp thoroughly. 4) Pour a small amount of resin based adhesive into a small resealable plastic container. 5) Using the disposable applicator brush or makeup sponge, apply the adhesive material to the polyurethane areas on the unit (do not use tapes) and the client's scalp area. Work the brush or sponge applying a thin continuous layer onto each surface. 6) After allowing both to dry separately for a minimum of 5-7 minutes, carefully position the hair system and press firmly into place. Slight adjustments may be made if needed. 7) Wait 5-7 minutes while pressing firmly in place. 8) Client should avoid wetting hair for 24 hours. Use of oily conditioners and creme rinses will reduce the life of the bond. Normal duration of bond will be 3-4 weeks. 9) To remove the bonding material use the manufacturers recommended solvent. Skin bonding can be done with all mesh bases using a resin based material. If you choose to apply this material to the mesh be careful not to push it up into the root area of the system. Use the tips of a comb or brush to put the system in place. The duration of the bond will be less than that of the polyurethane bases. 

ADHESIVES
Latex Based Bonds
Applications, perimeter, lace front, skin. The latex based bonding comes with many different labels and strengths. Repackaging has made it difficult to keep up with all the names. If it is white in color, it's latex based. 1) Prepare the client by cleansing the scalp thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo. Some distributors recommend a mud pack to the scalp for clarifying. Isopropyl alcohol is sometimes recommended also. Do not use conditioners or creme rinses in any way. 2) Shave the areas of the scalp where the adhesive will be applied within the size of the unit. 3) Apply one coat of the latex material to the scalp area as thinly as possible with a make up sponge. Wait until it turns clear and apply a second coat. Again, wait until it turns clear. The use of a cool dryer will speed up this process. 4) When both surfaces have dried completely to a clear consistency, place them together being careful with the alignment. Repositioning is difficult, so take your time. 5) Removal is possible using citrus based oil solvents sold by the same distributors. 6) Skin bonding can be done with an all mesh base. When placing the system on the client use the tips of a comb or brush, not your fingers. If you choose to apply the latex to the mesh be careful not to get it into the root area of the system. The duration of the bond will be less than that of polyurethane. 

ATTACHMENT LEXICON
Clips
Metal clips, Silicone coated clips, Guillotine clips, etc. A temporary method of securing a system to the client's hair. This allows a client to remove the system at their convenience. Unfortunately it is also the most insecure. Comfort is an issue as the clips will pull the hair unevenly. Clips can also cause traction alopecia since they frequently use the same hair over and over, permanently damaging the hair in that area. 

Foundations
Cable, Weave, or Braiding, etc. These are all methods of attachment for hair extensions and hair replacements. This technique twists or braids the client’s own growth hair below the thinning area to create a base or anchor to which the perimeter of a hair system can be sewn or attached. This technique originated in the ethnic market back in the 60's for adding hair extensions to the client’s own hair. "Hair Club For Men" popularized this procedure for the male Caucasian client in the 70's, giving men "permanent" hair. The attachment typically lasted 4-6 weeks. No adhesives were involved. One of the biggest problems with this method is traction alopecia. As a result of over-directing the follicle in the same place it can cause the affected hair to eventually fall out permanently. Discomfort was also a frequent problem and clients were sometimes advised to use a silk pillow case to lessen the friction of the hair pulling. Depending on the skill of the technician, a perceptible bump or ridge around the edge was sometimes a concern also. 

Fusion
Micro Points, Bonding Rings, Links etc.-
All of these methods fall into a version of a twist of some sort secured off the scalp either by a drop of acrylic adhesive or invisible thread. They are placed around the perimeter of the system about every 3 inches, leaving a gap between each attachment point. The comfort for the client is better than the so called weaves because these methods allow some flexibility around the perimeter of the system. The attachments can be moved slightly every time the client needs to be tightened, as to not stress out the same hair each time. 

Perimeter Bonding
A method started back in the mid 70's and popularized by Hair Club For Men. Gives a high level of security and is by far the most comfortable attachment method. An adhesive is used to secure a hair system to the client's existing growth hair. This method requires a track area, usually 1" wide encircling the perimeter of the system. Growth hair in the track area is typically trimmed down to 1/4" to 1/8". Durability is usually 4-6 weeks, depending on the client and their lifestyle. 

Skin Bonding
A method by which an adhesive covers the entire hair loss area front to back and side to side. Hair in the thinning area is almost completely removed by either shaving or clipping it very short. A hair replacement system made of solid polyurethane or all mesh can then be applied. This method is even more secure, undetectable and comfortable for the client. This system has even less chance of moving or flexing since it becomes one with the client as a second skin. This method requires special adhesives and additional training. Almost all the manufacturers have specialty marketing programs to go along with this concept and method. A documented skin test must be performed before an application regardless of previous applications to guarantee your client not having a reaction to the chosen bonding material. A release form should be signed and dated by each client to confirm you are operating with the best of care and intentions. Some clients are allergic or hypersensitive to certain substances. Cautionary statements and instructions essential to safe use must be followed at all times, with no exceptions. 

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