Wearing a Hair System at the Gym, in the Heat and on Holiday

A hair system should fit around your life, not the other way round. Training at the gym, playing sport, a hot summer or a week abroad all put extra demands on your bond, mainly through heat and sweat. With the right products and a few simple habits, you can stay active and confident without worrying about lifting. This guide covers what to use and what to do.

Why heat and exercise are hard on a bond

Heat softens adhesive, and sweat creates a layer of moisture and oil between the scalp and the base. Together they are the main reasons a bond fails early, usually starting at the front hairline. The solution is to tackle both: reduce the moisture, protect the skin, and use an adhesive or tape built for demanding conditions.

Step one: prepare the scalp

Good preparation makes the biggest difference. After cleaning the scalp thoroughly:

• Reduce sweat. No Sweat Scalp Antiperspirant helps reduce moisture where the adhesive will sit. Apply a thin layer and let it dry completely.
• Protect the skin. A scalp protector forms a thin film that shields the skin and improves the surface for bonding. Walker Max Hold Sport is Walker's strongest scalp protector, designed for active wearers and hot or humid climates, and it also boosts adhesive hold. It is available in dab-on and brush-on versions. For sensitive skin, Ghostbond Scalp Protector is a gentle alternative.

Step two: choose an adhesive or tape built for heat

• Ghostbond Platinum has the highest temperature resistance in the Ghostbond range and is designed for constant exposure to sweat and oil.
• Ghostbond XL adds extra moisture control for oily scalps, active lifestyles and warm climates.
• Walker Extreme Hold is Walker's strongest liquid adhesive. It is silicone-based, waterproof and rated for four weeks or more.
• Walker Ultra Hold Tape is one of the strongest and longest-holding tapes available, with a stretchy carrier that moves with you.

For a detailed comparison of the Ghostbond adhesives, browse the Ghostbond range, and for tape, see the Walker Tape collection.

At the gym and playing sport

• Let a fresh bond set. Avoid hard training straight after bonding. Leaving several hours, or overnight if you can, gives the adhesive time to cure.
• Manage sweat during exercise. Dab sweat away from the hairline with a towel rather than wiping across it, which can push the front edge up.
• Consider a sweatband or cap for long sessions, provided it does not rub against the hairline.
• Cool down before you shower. Very hot water straight after exercise adds more heat to a bond that is already working hard.
• Check the edges after training. If a small section has lifted, clean it and re-apply a little adhesive or tape to that area before it spreads.

Swimming

Ghost Bond and Walker's maximum-wear products are waterproof, so swimming does not have to mean taking your system off. Chlorine and salt water are harsh on hair, though. Rinse your system with fresh water as soon as you can after swimming, then wash and condition it with a product made for hair systems such as Pro Series. Our guide to shampoos for hair systems explains what to look for.

Hot weather and holidays

• Re-bond shortly before you travel so you start the trip with a fresh, fully set bond.
• Pack a small kit: a travel-size adhesive or tape, a remover such as C-22 Solvent, scalp antiperspirant and a scalp protector. Check your airline's rules on liquids in hand luggage before you pack.
• Protect the hair from the sun. Strong sunlight can dry and fade hair over time. A hat helps, and Ghostmist finishing spray adds moisture and shine.
• Store adhesive and tape out of the heat. Do not leave them in a hot car or in direct sun. Walker recommends keeping tape somewhere cool, dark and dry.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best adhesive for the gym?

Ghostbond Platinum is designed for the most demanding conditions, and Ghostbond XL is a strong choice for wearers who sweat more than average. Pairing either with a scalp antiperspirant and a scalp protector gives the best results.

Is Max Hold Sport an adhesive?

No. Max Hold Sport is a scalp protector that goes on before your adhesive or tape. It protects the skin and helps the adhesive hold longer and stronger, particularly in heat and humidity.

Can I wear my hair system in the sea?

Yes, with a waterproof adhesive or maximum-wear tape. Rinse the hair with fresh water afterwards and condition it to replace lost moisture.

Should I re-bond more often in summer?

Many wearers find their hold is shorter in hot weather. If you notice lifting earlier than usual, re-bonding a little more often is better than letting the edges lift further.