How to do a skin patch test at home before applying your hair system

One of the biggest benefits of hair systems is that assuming you have installed and maintained it properly, they will not damage your hair or cause any side effects. However, there is the possibility that your skin could have an allergic reaction or experience an itching redness.

This is usually because of the toupee or wig adhesive which is why we always recommend to do a patch test first before applying any glue or tape on your scalp. Not sure how to do one? Read on below to learn more.

Steps to perform a skin patch test at home

1. The first thing you need to do is cleanse a small area on the inside of your forearm with mild shampoo before rinsing it off. Alternatively, you can apply or spray alcohol. This is to make sure the test area is clean and free of any oil.


2. Let it dry for a few minutes.


3. Once it’s dry, apply a small amount of the adhesive you plan on using on your skin before covering it with either a surgical tape or adhesive bandage. This is to prevent any contact with clothing for example.


4. Allow the adhesive to sit and dry on the skin. Leave it unwashed on the area for 24 hours.


5. Once 24 hours have passed, check to see if there is any redness, irritation, swelling, itching or any other adverse reactions in or around the area where you performed the skin patch test. If there is none, you are free to use it on your skin. If there isn’t, the product is not compatible with your skin and you’ve just avoided doing the same to your entire scalp.

An alternative is performing a skin patch test behind your ear. While most people perform the test on their forearm, which is completely fine, it has been suggested that testing behind the ear is the best way to determine whether a particular tape or glue is suitable for you. That’s because the ear is closer to your scalp and so, is the truest indication of whether you’ll experience itchiness, redness or any other reaction. The process is mostly the same as well.

1. Clean the area behind your ear. Preferably use rubbing alcohol given that the area is smaller.


2. Let it dry for a few minutes.


3. Once it has dried, apply the tape or glue you plan on using before covering it up surgical tape or an adhesive bandage.


4. Allow it to dry and sit untouched for 24 hours.


5. Once 24 hours is up, check to see if there’s any irritation, redness or if any other reaction occurs. You will now be able to determine if the adhesive is suitable for your skin.

Why do some adhesives cause irritation?

If you find that you are experiencing an adverse reaction from the skin patch test, we recommend going to a doctor or dermatologist. It is imperative that you do not attempt another test until your skin test area is completely healed and you have permission from your doctor or dermatologist.

While you may have an unwanted reaction to one adhesive, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience the same with others. So why do some adhesives cause irritation while others don’t? The main reason is the chemicals present within the adhesive with some people being allergic which could result in irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. There’s also the fact that everyone’s skin is different with some being sensitive to certain chemicals while others aren’t. Hence the need for a skin patch test.

For added protection, you can also use a scalp protector to provide a barrier on the skin. Just apply it on your scalp before applying your choice of adhesive. Keep in mind that even if you’re using a scalp protector, we highly recommend performing a patch test with any tape or glue you’re trying out for the first time.

Can I do a patch test at Superhairpieces?

You are more than welcome to do a patch test at our locations in Sunrise, Florida, and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Simply ask our staff at the reception desk that you want to perform one and we’ll let you use a sample of the adhesive you plan on using! Interested in learning more? Browse through our website at Superhairpieces (US & International) or Superhairpieces Canada