Walker Tape Guide: Ultra Hold, No-Shine, Lace Front, 1522 and German Brown Compared

Walker Tape is the best-known name in hair system tape, and for good reason: its tapes are used by wearers and salons around the world. But Walker makes several different tapes, and they are not interchangeable. Each one is built for a different length of wear, skin type or base. This guide explains what each Walker tape is for, so you can choose the right one first time.

How Walker groups its tapes

Walker describes its tapes by wear time. Daily-wear tapes are designed to come off easily at the end of the day or week. Maximum-wear tapes are designed to hold for several weeks between re-bonds. The finish matters too: a dull or semi-dull finish is less likely to catch the light through a lace or thin poly base.

Ultra Hold Tape: Walker's strongest, longest-holding tape

Ultra Hold Tape is one of the strongest and tackiest tapes Walker makes. It has a stretchy carrier for comfort, a semi-dull finish and, according to Walker, provides a reliable bond for up to four weeks or more. It is one of our best-selling tapes.

Best for: wearers who want the longest possible hold from tape, and anyone whose current tape lets go too early.

No-Shine: maximum wear for sensitive skin

No-Shine is a maximum-wear tape, rated by Walker at two to four weeks or more, made with a hypoallergenic adhesive and a dull finish that is almost invisible under the system.

Best for: wearers with sensitive skin who still want an extended hold, and anyone who wants the least visible tape under a lace base.

Lace Front: a natural look at the hairline

Lace Front tape is rated for two to three weeks of wear. It has a dull finish and a hypoallergenic adhesive, giving a natural look and comfortable wear, which is why many wearers use it along the front of a lace system.

Best for: the front hairline on lace systems, and wearers who prefer a slightly gentler maximum-wear tape.

1522 Clear: Walker's most popular daily-wear tape

1522 Clear is designed for daily wear, typically one to seven days. It is hypoallergenic and low-residue, so removal and clean-up are quick. Walker recommends it for wearers who want to give their scalp a rest at the end of each day or week.

Best for: anyone who removes their system regularly, new wearers getting used to a system, and those with sensitive skin who prefer shorter wear.

German Brown: the firm tape for hard bonds

German Brown is Walker's firmest tape. It is mainly used with hard-bond adhesives, where it acts as a protective barrier between the adhesive and the system. It is skin-safe, low-residue and has a semi-dull finish that suits poly (polyurethane) systems. Please note that German Brown contains latex, so it is not suitable if you have a latex allergy.

Best for: poly systems and wearers or stylists using hard-bond adhesives.

Rolls or minis?

Walker tapes come on rolls in several widths and in 3, 12 and 36 yard lengths, so you can cut strips to suit your base. If you prefer not to cut your own, Ultra Hold Minis and No-Shine Minis are pre-cut pieces that save time and reduce waste. Shorter rolls are useful for trying a tape; longer rolls are better value once you have found the one that suits you.

Tape, liquid adhesive or both?

Many wearers combine tape with a liquid adhesive, for example tape around the back and sides with a liquid at the front hairline. Walker's own liquids include Ultra Hold, a maximum-wear adhesive that dries clear, and Extreme Hold, Walker's strongest silicone-based adhesive, both rated for four weeks or more. Our guide to glue versus tape explains the pros and cons of each approach.

Applying and removing Walker Tape

• Make sure the scalp is clean, dry and free of oil before applying tape. A Walker Scalp Protector can help the bond and reduce irritation.
• Apply tape to the system first, smooth it down firmly, then remove the liner and position the system.
• Press firmly along every edge, working from the front backwards.
• To remove, use a solvent such as C-22 Solvent, Walker's fastest-working remover, or Lace Release, then clean any residue from the scalp and the base. See our full guide to removing glue and tape.

Storing your tape

Walker advises keeping tape away from heat, humidity and light, stored somewhere cool, dark and dry, with the bag completely sealed. Stored properly, Walker tapes have a shelf life of up to one year.

Frequently asked questions

Which Walker tape lasts the longest?

Ultra Hold Tape, which Walker rates for four weeks or more. No-Shine is close behind at two to four weeks or more.

Which Walker tape is best for sensitive skin?

No-Shine and Lace Front are both hypoallergenic maximum-wear tapes. For shorter wear, 1522 Clear is also hypoallergenic and low-residue.

Which tape should I use for a lace front?

Lace Front tape is designed for a natural look at the hairline. No-Shine is a good alternative if you want a longer hold with a dull finish.

Can Walker Tape be used with Ghost Bond?

Yes. Many wearers use Walker tape around the perimeter or back of the system and a liquid such as Ghost Bond at the front.