The key to TransTape is proper application and, well, getting it to stick. A common issue among first time users is the tape falling off right after application or never fully sticking in the first place. There could be a variety of reasons why it isn't sticking to your skin, so let's talk about it!
Good day, my people!
I hope you're feeling magical.
If your TransTape isn't sticking and that's preventing you from feeling magical, I'm here to help.
A common issue with first-time, and many other, TransTape users is that their tape will not stick and stay stuck.
Totally okay if this is happening by the way, it has happened to the majority of us!
There isn't always a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to this issue though, it could be just one, but it could also be a mix of things.
If your TransTape isn't sticking, it could be from wet or oily skin, using oil based lotions or body washes before application or overstretching your tape.
A quick solution to this could be wiping your skin down with rubbing alcohol before you apply your tape, this ensures your skin is clean and oil free.
Just make sure you wait for it to dry first.
If you're sticking around for the really long answer, let's get to it!
It's kind of my thing.
What Is TransTape?
The Original Body Transformation System, didn't you see the giant logo I put there?
Warning, TransTape may cause extreme gender euphoria.
That is nota fact but a very strong opinion that you should treatlike a fact.
I'm only kidding, no I'm not.
Well.
TransTape is the original body transformation system and that is a fact.
So enough funny business.
TransTape is a backless, compression free and waterproof alternative to the many self affirming products out there such as binders, bras and gaffes.
TransTape can be seen being used by drag performers and athletes just as much as it's seen being used by gamers and beach goers.
Why and how do they have such a wide range of individuals using their product you ask?
Because it's made for everyone to use!
No matter who you are or what you do on a daily basis, TransTape is up for the challenge!
Through the sweat, the showers, sand, dirt and the mud, TransTape will be there.
It's better than Jake from State Farm, really.
Sorry, Jake.
Although it's latex free, non-medicated, made with a healthy mix of 95% cotton, 5% spandex and with a hypoallergenic medical grade acrylic adhesive, there is still a chance that your skin may not be best friends with it, even with the highest grade of materials.
With all that said, whether or not you have sensitive skin, known allergies to adhesives or the strongest skin to have ever existed in this mortal realm, it is vital that you perform a test strip before your first application.
If you don't perform a test strip, it becomes harder to decipher the root cause of any issues you may run into with your application later on. And if you ever find yourself in the live TransTape help chat, one of the first things they may ask you is if you've done a test strip. Don't skip this important step!
Test strips let you know whether or not your skin is allergic to the tape. An allergic reaction to the tape or adhesive may present itself as angry, raised and/or red skin, itchiness or pain.
Just be sure to monitor your test strip for 1-2 days and listen to your body.
TransTape is a wonderful product and has the potential to alleviate some discomfort in our bodies which is a beautiful thing.
On a personal level, TransTape absolutely changed my life and how I'm able to enjoy it. I never felt freedom in a binder and after taping my chest for the first time I knew it was finally time to step into myself and who I am.
Taping lets you feel free without adding another layer of clothing on a hot summer day.
Find freedom in your skin.
Now that we've had a quick recap on TransTape and someone started cutting onions, let's move on to the real problem here.
Unsticky tape that keeps unsticking.
Why Won't The Sticky, Stick?
TransTape is tape, tape is sticky, therefore TransTape should stick to my skin. But it won't, so what gives?
First of all, you're absolutely right.
TransTape is tape and tape is indeed sticky.
And TransTape is sticky! I swear!
Aside from the possibility of an ultra rare defective roll of tape, there are a few common reasons why you might be having difficulty with achieving lasting results.
So if you or a loved one are suffering from a bad case of unsticky TransTape, please review the following statements before filing an official complaint with the Department of Tape.
Oily/Wet Skin
First on the list of suspects would be oily or wet skin.
Obviously, I underlined it.
Naturally, our beautiful bodies produce sebum which is an oily substance that helps hydrate and protect our skin.
Those of us who suffer from acne may overproduce sebum while those of us with dry skin may underproduce sebum.
Trackin'?
Fun Fact
Jojoba oil, which is found in TransTape removal oil, is one of 2 things in the entire world with the same natural consistency as sebum (the other is sperm whale oil). Because of this, when added to our skin, jojoba oil is easily absorbed and can help regulate our body's sebum production. It may even help alleviate symptoms of acne and dry skin!
If you have oil on your skin, or if your hands touch the adhesive side of the tape too much, you may experience, unsticky, situations during application.
I'm sorry, I had too.
Think of it like trying to apply TransTape with removal oil slathered all over your skin. It wouldn't really make sense, right?
Right.
Oiliness aside, make sure you're nice and dry too.
If you just took a shower or went for a dip in the lake, it is not the best time to apply TransTape.
You should always dry yourself off before attempting your application.
TransTape is only waterproof after application, not before.
So, do not get the adhesive wet or expose it to oil, it will lose it's stickiness and that's what we're trying to avoid!
Using Oil Based Body Lotion/Wash
Are you a fan of the buy 3, get 3 free deals at Bath and Body Works? Me too, friend.
Before you get too worried, I'm not telling you to get rid of your extensive collection of oil based lotions, I promise.
I will suggest adding jojoba oil every chance I get though.
If you're someone who loves to use lotion, it's a possibility you may be applying oil based lotion too close to the time of application.
The lotion will prevent the tape's adhesive from bonding to your skin.
Feel free to keep using your tastefully scented oil based lotion, just avoid applying it the same day, in the same area that you plan on taping up.
Next!
Over Stretching
We've talked about over stretching a lot throughout the blogs, but did you ever think that this would be a reason for your tape not to stick?
It's typically not the first suspect, but it is a possibility!
This application accident is common and you're likely to experience itchiness or general discomfort from over stretching before it starts falling off.
When you over stretch your tape there's constant tension which makes it difficult for the adhesive to fully bond to your skin. That tension can also cause blisters!
If you continue to wear it like this, you'll likely experience discomfort, including itching, followed by your tape peeling at the edges and slowly falling off.
I had this issue a lot in my earlier applications. I would feel really itchy and try to ignore it, but that only led to my tape falling off early and really irritated skin anyways. Practice makes perfect!
Strip Preparation
Sometimes I feel like a broken record, round your corners!
I'm taking this opportunity to once again remind you wonderful people to round your corners!
You may think this is a tedious step and I understand, I really do.
I'm someone who hates dealing with small details, I'd be a terrible wedding planner.
But this simple tip makes a huge difference!
Rounding the corners of every strip will not only make your application look better, it will feel better and it will stick better.
And that's the goal!
So when you are getting ready to apply, make sure to round all of your corners for bonus points and to get a gold star!
How Can I Make It Stick?
Now that we've gone over why it might not be sticking, lets check out how to make it stick.
Dry Your Skin
This one is pretty simple.
Always be sure to dry off your body if you are wet before applying TransTape.
If I just took a shower and plan on applying, I like to give myself around 30 min to an hour after drying off just to make sure.
Do not apply your favorite after shower body lotion or oils before applying either.
Or at the very least, avoid the areas you plan on taping and thoroughly wash your hands before handling the tape.
Wipe Down Application Area With Rubbing Alcohol
Something you can incorporate in your taping routine is wiping down your application area with rubbing alcohol.
This helps remove any oils and cleans the surface of your skin so that the adhesive can easily bond to your skin for lasting results.
In most cases, TransTape is going to be worn for more than 24 hours at a time. So it's definitely good practice to clean the skin that's going to be underneath.
If you're worried about having sensitive skin and using alcohol, there's another taping method using milk of magnesia that will be covered in a later post. That method helps create a layer between your skin and the tape, here's the how-to video!
Proper Application
Round your corners! Do it!
Aside from rounding your corners, it's very important to take your time with your application.
Set aside time specifically for taping so you're not stressed about taking too long.
Rushing can lead to application accidents, like overstretching, which turns into blistering, itching and a short lived application all-around.
New to the website, TransTape now has a video course to help you every step of the way. There is a tutorial for everything and for different body types. Check it out here!
Adventure Ready
Now that everything is sticking how it's supposed to, how are you feeling?
Magical? Good.
It's normal to run into issues here and there with your applications, it happens to all of us.
Plus, bodies change and our applications change with them so naturally you might run into different problems. Every so often, I experiment with different placements, overlaps and strip lengths to see what might work better for me.
When I first started using TransTape, I mostly used 1 large strip on each side for binding. Now, maybe 5 years later, I use 2 medium strips on each side. It's okay to change things up!
But now that you are taped and ready to take on the day, you are free to go.
Free to go take a nap from all this learning you just did, free to go for a jog, free to go swimming and really free to do whatever you want because there's nothing holding you back now that your TransTape is sticking.
For me, the best part about wearing TransTape is that I know there's nothing I can't do while wearing it. I can go about my life as usual without thinking of things like my binder straps showing or a harness pinching my skin.
I don't feel restricted and I can breathe deeply and freely.
I think TransTape is, dare I say, here to, stick, around.
Much like myself and the rest of our beautiful community.
Until next time,
Stay awesome,
Stay beautiful,
Stay you.
You are loved and it gets better.
Talk to you soon,
Jamie
Welcome to the cool kids club!
My name is Jamie and I'm a young (ish) transman born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York state. I started my transition in May of 2017 and since then, I've made it my mission to live unapologetically as myself and spread awareness through my pursuit of happiness. I am the creator and writer of Spilling T blog, a proud affiliate of TransTape and when I'm not outside with the best dog ever or hanging out with my two cats, I make and sell my own beard care products through Buckaroo's Beard Care. I'm always looking for my next adventure and have been skydiving, road-tripping, hiking in the mountains and even served for a short time in the United States Marine Corps. My life has had its fair share of twists and turns and I hope to use those experiences to create helpful and relatable content that may help someone else navigate a difficult time in life.
Beards, Socials, Tape and Writing
Use code FINALLYME10 and Find Your Freedom with TransTape!
