10 Best Wig Glues to Keep It On

Water-Based Wig Glues

Water-based wig glues hold the wig in place for anything between two to three weeks. These types of wig glues are particularly excellent for people with extra-sensitive skin and scalp because they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Water-based wig glues are usually white or translucent in color. After application, they become transparent as they dry. Water-based wig glues are usually not waterproof.

Silicone-Based Wig Glues

Silicone-based wig glues are very strong and can keep your wig secure for up to six weeks, in perfect conditions. However, these types of wig glues can also cause allergic reactions. This is why it is best to use them only after applying a layer of scalp protector onto the application area.

Polymer-Based Wig Glues

In terms of effectiveness, polymer-based wig glues fall somewhere between the silicone-based and water-based wig glues. They tend to keep the wig in place for up to two weeks for most people.

These types of wig glues typically also have a strong smell and may not be ideal for people who are very sensitive to strong scents.

Acrylic-Based Wig Glues

Acrylic-based wig glues are the strongest type of wig glues. Because of their strength, they’re also very difficult to remove, often requiring specialized removers. Their strength also means that they can hold a wig in place for up to six weeks. Further, they’re more resistant to water, sweat, and the oils produced by the body.

Moreover, acrylic-based wig glues are most likely to cause allergic reactions in people, making the use of scalp protectors mandatory in most scenarios. It is also advisable to patch test these types of wig glues on the inside of the elbow before full use.

Preparing the Scalp for Application

Here’s a simple fact. Adhesive removers are very strong. Every one part per million of adhesive remover you leave in the application area will reduce the effectiveness of your wig glue by 10%!

In other words, you can’t just remove the previous application’s wig glue with an adhesive remover and start with the next application. You need to be much more careful about cleaning the application area. Here is how you should prepare your scalp for applying wig glue.

Applying the Wig Glue

If the application area has been prepared properly, the actual application of the wig glue becomes very easy. All you need to do is follow the instructions provided on the wig glue. In some cases, these instructions may come in the form of full-fledged manuals or digital documents.

We’re listing the steps below, but please note that manufacturer instructions should take precedence over these steps.

1. Walker Tape Ultra Hold Acrylic Adhesive (Best Budget)

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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The Ultra Hold Acrylic Adhesive from Walker Tape is one of the best options available in the market despite being one of the cheapest. In fact, it is the chosen option for most people looking for wig glues because it offers premium-level effectiveness at an unbelievably low price.

This wig glue is very strong and offers long term holdbecause it is acrylic-based. The strength of this wig glue can translate to a hold time of up to six weeks. However, in practice, the hold time is usually closer to three to four weeks. Its acrylic base also means that it has a very strong scent. The scent, though, doesn’t linger and dissipates in about 24 to 48 hours.

An even more impressive quality of this wig glue than how long it keeps the wig secure is that it is waterproof. While this doesn’t mean freedom to go swimming wearing the wig owing to the chemicals in the pool and salt in seawater, it does mean that your wig can handle a quick splash or shower.

Even though this wig glue is waterproof, it isn’t entirely sweatproof. However, most wig glues aren’t sweatproof. They just aren’t capable of handling the mix of oil and salt that comprises sweat.

The strength of this wig glue doesn’t mean that it contains harmful ingredients. In fact, it is completely non-toxic and even free of harmful ingredients such as latex. As a result, it is less prone to cause allergic reactions. We still recommend doing a patch test on the inside of your elbow before using it fully, though.

The biggest flaw of this wig glue is also a result of its acrylic-based formula. Its formula makes this wig glue very stringy. This, in turn, makes it very messy to apply. Even though the travel-sized bottle comes with a brush applicator, the moment you pull the applicator out, you’ll see glue spreading everywhere.

We recommend keeping a cleaning towel or napkin ready every time you apply this wig glue. In fact, you should have an alcohol-based cleanser in place as well, just in case the glue ends up drying on the counter.

Who’s it for: If you want to save money while also getting a long-lasting, strong wig glue, go for this one.

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2. BMB Super Lace Glue for Lace Front Wigs Super Hold

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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The Super Lace Glue from BMB is another very pocket-friendly option worth considering mainly because of one reason – holding power. BMB markets this wig glue by calling it “Super Strong Hold”. The hold of this wig is, in truth, very strong.

In practical terms, if applied in the right way, this wig glue will see the bond between your scalp and your wig last for anything between four to six weeks. The hold time isn’t definite because your body chemistry and surrounding environment will impact the wig glue’s holding power.

Speaking of the surrounding environment, this wig glue is also waterproof, which means that you can continue wearing your wig in water, provided the immersion isn’t in water contaminated with chemicals. However, this wig glue isn’t entirely sweatproof, as is usually the case with most similar products.

Applying the wig glue is very easy, especially since the bottle comes with two wooden sticks as applicators. Apart from this, it also comes with a separate manual containing clear instructions on how you should be applying this wig glue.

You need to be very particular about following the instructions too. If you don’t let the wig glue dry in the right way or apply too much of it, it won’t dry clear. Instead, it will end up looking cloudy and leave behind a distinctly visible white crust. Following the described steps properly will prevent this from happening.

You should also note that this is a very messy wig glue. It is stringy, which will result in it spreading everywhere unless you have experience of handling the applicator sticks. Keeping a warm towel or alcohol-based remover on hand is strongly recommended.

As soon as you begin applying the glue, you’ll notice a very strong chemical smell. There’s no way to avoid this smell when it comes to super-strong wig glues. So, you might as well accept it or find a way to mask it by using other products with stronger perfumes and fragrances.

The wig glue is amazingly affordable, especially if you buy the bigger pack. It is available in two packs, with one containing a single bottle while the other holds two bottles. Each bottle holds 3.4 ounces of wig glue.

Who’s it for: If you don’t want to spend a lot, but want a long-lasting wig glue that is also waterproof, consider this one from BMB.

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3. Walker Tape Great White soft bond Adhesive

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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A lot of people buy wigs only to realize that their scalp is breaking out owing to the adhesive they’re using. Usually, this happens to people with very sensitive skin because a wig glue, at the end of the day, is nothing but a chemical compound.

However, it is possible to make those chemical compounds less prone to causing allergic reactions. This will make the wig glue more suitable for people with sensitive skin and scalp. The Great White soft bond adhesive from Walker Tape is one such wig glue since it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals or ingredients such as latex.

To make it suitable for people with sensitive skin, though, the company had to take away some key features. The foremost of these is resistance to water. This wig glue is neither waterproof nor water-resistant, making it unsuitable for activities involving water or even inclement weather.

Moreover, it is also not sweatproof. However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, seeing how even the strongest wig glues aren’t completely sweatproof. This doesn’t mean that this wig glue is weak, though. In fact, it astonishing strong, considering it is so gentle on the skin.

The company even claims that it offers up to six weeks of wig security. However, most users say that two weeks of holding time is more realistic. This wig glue is adaptable too as it can be used on all types of wigs, including poly type skin caps as well as lace wigs.

It is opaque white, however. The application of this wig glue is fairly easy. When applying, you need to take a very small amount of the wig glue and spread it very thin. You’ll have to arrange for your own applicator since the bottle doesn’t come with one. After the first layer dries up, you can apply the next layer and so on.

One thing you’ll need to keep in mind is that you can’t apply the subsequent layer unless the first one dries up. The glue will become clear when dry, so you should wait till the white completely disappears. It will not even shine in the light. The wait will be significant, so you’ll have to be a little patient.

Who’s it for: If you have very sensitive skin and scalp, get the Great White from Walker Tape.

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4. Esha Absolute Lace Wig Adhesive Glue (Strong Hold)

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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The Esha Absolute Lace Wig Adhesive Glue is another mid-level wig glue that has gained a lot of following amongst wig wearers because of its power. In fact, most of its users seem to praise its holding power, some even complaining how hard it is to take it off when the time comes.

While this wig glue is great in terms of how tightly it keeps the wig secure, this doesn’t translate into holding time. This wig is best used if you need wig security for up to two weeks at a time because it won’t stay longer than that. Further, you should know that this wig glue is neither waterproof nor sweatproof. You’ll have to keep your head clear of these threats if you value your wig security.

The application process of this wig glue is the same as all others, with one exception. It starts normal but as it starts drying, it becomes bluish. It is only when it is completely dry that it becomes clear. You won’t need a lot of it for every coat either since a little of it goes a long way.

Once you’ve applied a sufficient number of coats, you can put the wig in place and press it down on the scalp with your hands or a scarf. The drying time is fast too as the entire application process doesn’t take more than 15 minutes. Also, be prepared to smell like Elmer’s glue in the initial period. The smell, though, will fade away after the initial period has passed.

While not expensive, this wig glue is not cheap either. It falls in the middle. It is available in three different sized packs containing one tube, two tubes, and three tubes. Each tube will contain 1.06 ounces of the stuff.

One significant flaw of this wig glue is that it doesn’t come with an applicator. You’ll either have to apply the glue straight from the tube or use your own applicator.

Who’s it for: If you want extremely strong hold for a short period of time, get this wig glue from Esha.

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5. Letian Hair Lace Wig Glue Hair Replacement Strong Hold Adhesive

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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Everybody doesn’t need Fort Knox level wig security. After all, everyone doesn’t lead a physically active lifestyle or a lifestyle that involves a lot of water and sweat. If you have a placid lifestyle as well, then it is likely that you don’t need your wig glue to offer extra-strong hold.

If this is indeed the case, then the Lace Wig Glue from Letian Hair should work well for you. It is a light hold wig glue that offers high levels of performance, nonetheless. For instance, it is designed for difficult conditions, including a lot of sweating, humidity, and oil release from the skin. While it can weather all these conditions excellently well, it isn’t completely waterproof. It is only water-resistant.

The fact that this wig glue only offers light hold is because its compounds are not very strong. However, this also means that they’re not very harsh. In fact, they’re completely non-toxic and free of all harsh substances, including latex. As a result, this glue’s mild nature makes it ideal for people with very sensitive skin.

Applying this wig glue could prove to be a challenge for those of you who don’t already own an applicator since the bottle doesn’t come with one. Instead of using your hands, we recommend investing in one.

If you have the applicator, the application process will be fairly straightforward. You apply a layer, wait for it to dry, then apply more and so on. The sign that the layer is dry is that it will become transparent. Once you’ve applied all the layers, you just place the wig, hold itin place for ten minutes, and you are done.

Who’s it for: If you don’t need a super-strong hold wig glue or one that is flawlessly waterproof, get this light hold wig flue from Letian Hair.

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6. Ghost Bond XL Hair Replacement Adhesive (Best Value)

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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Ghost Bond is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to wig glues. Wig wearers particularly appreciate them because of the resilience of their wig glues. For instance, this adhesive from Ghost Bond is not only waterproof but also sweat resistant.

In fact, this wig glue product was specifically developed for those with oily scalps and those that sweat a lot. Due to the same qualities, it also does well in high humidity. While it is designed to handle all these conditions, there are a few users who say that it falls short of expectations.

For example, many say that it isn’t completely sweat and waterproof. We’re not alarmed by this because we know that complete resistance to water and sweat is impossible for any wig glue.

This wig glue has one unfailing quality that will appeal to every user too. It has a much higher melting point than most of its competing wig glues. This means that it is more stable in hotter environments. Further, this is an invisible wig glue. Once dry, it disappears and becomes virtually impossible to spot.

This Ghost Bond product is also good for sensitive skin since it doesn’t contain any toxic substances or ingredients. It is even free of latex, which is known for causing allergic reactions in a lot of people.

The smell of this wig glue may bother a few of you, however. It doesn’t smell bad, but its smell is similar to commonly used school glue. The problem is that the smell is a bit too strong. You’ll smell it the moment you open the bottle.

You should also know that Ghost Bond doesn’t provide any applicator with this product. So, you’ll have to arrange for an applicator or get your hands dirty. The lack of applicator is particularly annoying, since this wig glue is a little on the expensive side, within the mid-level spectrum.

The only saving grace is that you can get it in two different sizes. The smaller one contains 1.3 ounces while the larger one weighs five ounces. Obviously, the bigger bottle is more pocket-friendly than the smaller one.

Who’s it for: If you want a light hold wig glue that is also waterproof and oil resistant, get this one from Ghost Bond.

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7. Bold Hold Extreme Cream Adhesive for Lace Wigs and Hair pieces

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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Bold Hold is another well-established brand in the world of wig glues. They have multiple products in the market, but the Extreme Cream Adhesive stands apart. It is designed to be suitable for all types of wigs and hairpieces, which is one of the reasons for its popularity.

Another is that it has no smell. This makes it ideal for men and women with existing cosmetic regimes. Since this wig glue doesn’t have a smell, it doesn’t clash with the scents of other products that the person may use.

This wig glue is fully waterproof and considerably resistant to humidity. It is also fairly resistant to oils and can resist sweat to a certain extent. However, we should add that this wig glue, while useful in its own way, isn’t as effective as other more expensive options available in the market. It is non-toxic and latex-free, though.

This glue differs from its competitors in terms of how many coats it allows. The manufacturer says that you can apply up to five coats of this wig glue, with each one strengthening its hold. This is more than what most wig glues allow.

To apply this wig glue, you use the provided smoothing stick. You have to focus on making very thin layers, then wait for them to dry until they become tacky. Every subsequent layer can only be applied if the previous layer has become tacky.

The wig or hairpiece can be put in place once a sufficient number of layers have been put in place. The company also recommends a curing time of 24 hours. If applied properly, this wig glue can keep the wig in place for up to two weeks.

This wig glue is available in four different variants. However, each variation comes with an applicator stick. They vary in terms of their other accompanying equipment. One bottle only comes with a stick, while three other options come with brown caps, beige caps, and tape.

The additional equipment available with every 1.3-ounce bottle is important because, without them, this product would be too expensive. It is only this equipment that makes it financially prudent to buy this wig glue.

Who’s it for: If you want an odorless wig glue that is waterproof and sweatproof too, get this one from Bold Hold.

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8. CLING Edge Safe Nontoxic Glue for Lace Front, Wig, Toupee, Weave Hair Closures

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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Before wigs became commonly used for fashion and style, it was usually cancer survivors who used to rely on them. However, as any cancer survivor will tell you, the disease can really take away the person’s immunity.

This means that these people have a greater tendency to react to foreign substances such as wig glues. CLING took note of this problem and managed to develop the ultimate wig glue for people with incredibly sensitive skin and scalp.

This product will not react with your scalp, regardless of how sensitive your skin is. It is a polymer glue that is not only completely non-toxic but also gentle and mild on the scalp. However, this also means that it is only slightly resistant to water and sweat instead of being entirely waterproof and sweatproof.

Unless exposed heavily to water or sweat, this wig glue performs quite well. It contains a high number of micro bonding glued sealer particles that combine to offer a very strong hold on the wig.

In fact, the more coats you apply, the stronger its hold. At the same time, the holding strength of this wig glue will vary according to the body chemistry of each user as well as the severity of their environments.

In terms of appearance, this wig glue is quick to dry invisible. It dries completely clear, without leaving any residue or sign. Applying it is a little difficult, mainly because the bottle doesn’t come with an applicator.

It is also quite expensive, but for people with very sensitive skin, its cost may not seem much.

Who’s it for: If you’re very sensitive to wig glues and no product has worked for you, get the cling Wig Glue.

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9. Bold Hold ACTIVE Adhesive for Lace Wigs and Hair pieces

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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This is the second Bold Hold wig glue on this list. The one we reviewed earlier was Extreme, while this one is Active. This just means that this one is slightly more sweatproof than that one.

Like the other wig glue, this one is also completely odorless, waterproof, and resistant to humidity. The absence of smell means that it will fit into any cosmetic regime seamlessly, and the fact that it is waterproof will benefit you if you ever get caught in the rain.

While not entirely sweatproof, this wig glue does resist the oils produced by the skin to some extent. However, you can’t sweat profusely and expect wig security with any wig glue.

The good bit is that this wig glue offers all these qualities while being completely non-toxic. This should suit those of you who tend to breakout when in contact with harsh chemicals and strange ingredients.

The application process is the same as well. This wig glue dries clear, which means that you can apply the subsequent layer as soon as the first one becomes transparent. Once you’ve applied all the layers you need, you need to place the wig and avoid wetting it for the next 24 hours.

The maximum number of layers you can apply is five. Depending on how well you apply the wig glue, your unique body chemistry, and the environment you spend your time in, you can expect this wig glue to give you up to two weeks’ worth of hold time.

Unlike the Extreme Bold Hold wig glue, this one only comes in three variants. In one, you’ll get a bottle with only a smoothing stick, while in the other two, you’ll get a smoothing stick along with either brown caps or beige caps.

The main flaw of this wig glue is also the same as the other one, i.e. it doesn’t deal with water and sweat as well as its competitors. When exposed a bit too much, the glue reverts to being tacky and the wig starts slipping.

This happens to most wig glues. It wouldn’t have bothered us either except for this wig glue’s price. For the money they’re asking for, the manufacturers could’ve at least made this wig glue sturdier against water and sweat.

Who’s it for: If you lead a relatively active lifestyle and need a waterproof wig glue, get this Active adhesive from Bold Hold.

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10. Davlyn Wig glue Adhesive for Lace Front Wig and Toupee (Top Pick)

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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This wig glue from Davlyn may be the most expensive option on our list, but it also happens to be the most effective. In fact, we’ll go as far as to say that this is the strongest wig glue available in the market right now.

It is a solvent-based adhesive that retains its effectiveness, regardless of which type of wig you use it on. In fact, it is so versatile that you can use it on lace and polyurethane bases, with or without tape.

This wig glue also happens to be unmatched when it comes to resisting water, humidity, oils, and sweat. It can take on all comers and nullify their effects with aplomb.

It is even good in very hot and humid temperatures. The company, in fact, says that this product was specifically formulated to handle such temperatures, not to mention excessively oily skin. Once in position, the wig glue keeps a tight hold on the wig for up to two weeks.

The strength of this wig glue, however, has a downside. This wig glue is so strong that it isn’t suitable for people with sensitive skin. In fact, we will recommend the use of a scalp protector even if you don’t have an extra-sensitive scalp. It will prevent allergic reactions and will keep irritation to a minimum.

Another downside of all this strength is smell. This wig glue has a very strong odor. Many users say its scent is similar to what you find smell from nail glue.

Unlike most wig glues in the market, this one doesn’t have any color. In fact, it is completely clear in the bottle, completely clear during the application, and completely clear after drying. This takes away the risk of white, cloudy flakes and crusting at the edge of your wig, even if the application process is not perfect.

Applying the wig glue can be a little challenging, even though the company has provided a very nifty built-in brush-on applicator. The glue is simply too stringy and sticky to be neat. We feel that it will be messy to apply even with the best applicator in the world.

This wig glue also dries much more quickly than its competitors. In fact, you don’t need to wait for a coat more than three to five minutes to dry off. Moreover, after putting the wig on, you don’t need to give it time to cure either.

Who’s it for: If money is not a concern for you and you want the strongest, most effective wig glue, go for this superb product from Davlyn.

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