The tape is on but now its been a day or two and you're not sure whether or not you should remove it. I totally get it and I've been there! When you're still getting used to wearing TransTape, it can be difficult to determine whether or not it's ready to come off. And that's why I am here to help!
Howdy, partners!
This town IS big enough for the two of us!
I hope you're feeling euphoric and like you can take on the WHOLE planet!
If not, that's totally cool too. Maybe I can even help boost your mood!
If you have found yourself reading this exhilarating post, you might be wondering, "Is my TransTape ready to come off?"
If you're asking, it might just be a yes.
There's more than one reason why you might remove your TransTape and we're going to go over some of those reasons.
But first.
We have to talk about TransTape and what exactly it is.
As always, if you're a professional taper, feel free to skip to the juicy part.
If you're new to TransTape, I would recommend sticking around and reading this part to have a better understanding about what it is and how it works.
But either way, if you skip it I won't be offended.
Or will I?
What Is TransTape?
TransTape is The (ULTIMATE) Original Body Transformation System.
You may be wondering, "What exactly does that even mean?"
Well, I'll tell ya.
When we say body transformation system, we mean that TransTape gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to feel home in their own body.
And in case you didn't know, the Trans in TransTape is for transformation, not transgender.
Binding, tucking, packing or replacing the dreaded bra with that pesky and pokey underwire are just a few examples of how TransTape can provide gender euphoria.
Please keep in mind, you do not need to identify as transgender to benefit from TransTape. It is made for everyone! Cis, Trans, Non-Binary, no matter how you identify, it doesn't discriminate! We ALL deserve to feel safe and at home in our bodies.
TransTape is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex.
I always think about a bright red speedo when I think of spandex and now you might too, so you're welcome.
The adhesive used is a latex free, non-medicated, hypoallergenic and medical grade acrylic adhesive.
That's always a mouthful.
But although the adhesive is hypoallergenic and medical grade, among other things, it is always recommended to apply a test strip before your first full application to check for any allergies or skin sensitivity.
Do not skip this step!
Not only is it extremely important to check in with your body to prevent skin irritation or damage, this will likely be one of the first things the help desk will ask you if you're looking to troubleshoot your application.
That's right, we have a live chat help desk!
So instead of skipping your test strip, just apply it.
This helps ensure TransTape is safe for your skin and it'll even save you time troubleshooting down the road if you ever find yourself having problems.
Should I Take It Off?
Like I said before, if you're asking, the answer might be a yes.
TransTape is meant to last for multiple days.
This could mean 3 days or even over a week in some cases.
Try not to push it too far past a week without a break.
Regardless of how long you wear it, it will have to come off at some point.
Well duh, Jamie. I'm not going to leave it on forever.
You never know, okay? I'm just making sure.
Anyways.
I'm going to assume you want to get the most wear out of your tape and that means you probably want to know what to look for so you know when it's time to reapply.
Right?
Right.
So here are a few things to look for before you go ahead and remove your tape.
This one is probably pretty obvious but it's a sure sign that your application is about ready to be removed.
You might start to notice pieces of the tape starting to form little strings.
These strings may even trick you into thinking you have a bug on you, true story.
I typically notice the strings around the edges of my tape, primarily around the spot where the anchor of my application is placed.
Definitely not the only spots it can happen but those are common for me.
The tape peeling is also a big sign that your tape has reached its maximum length of application.
For me, the peeling happens mostly under the armpits.
This is from a combination of high activity, sweat, deodorant and from me constantly checking to see if it's folding yet.
Good job, me.
Your anchor point is another spot where you may start to notice peeling towards the end but I'd say it's a little less common than the armpit.
Peeling is not super common during the first couple of days after properly applying the tape, so if you notice your application peeling on day 1 or 2, consider reaching out to the help desk for some free tips!
Start Seeing Residue
You know that super sticky annoying stuff that sticks around after removal?
That's the adhesive.
If you start noticing some of this residue around the edges of your tape, you may be coming up on removal day.
Typically for me, if I start seeing residue along the edges of my tape, I guesstimate that I have around 3 days before I'll have to change my application.
I can't give you a sure reason as to why the adhesive does this, but my best educated guess is that the adhesive starts separating from the tape.
This is actually what happens if you let your tape soak too long in oil during removal!
Letting your tape soak for too long causes the adhesive to completely, or mostly, separate from the fabric but then it begins to bond right back to your skin after a few minutes.
Leaving you with ultra sticky residue that's an absolute pain to get rid of.
But lucky for you we have tips about that in another post!
Discomfort
If you are suddenly feeling some discomfort in your application after a few days of wear, it's best to remove it.
TransTape should be a comfortable and pain free experience.
If you are feeling any extreme discomfort after applying your tape, remove it as quickly and safely as possible with oil and avoid ripping or tearing it from the skin like a band-aid.
Look out for itchiness, burning, blisters or red and irritated skin.
When you apply your test strip that you're definitely not skipping, these same things apply.
You know your body the best and if you start to experience these symptoms or other abnormal sensations, remove your tape.
If its only been a day and you're not feeling it anymore, take it off!
There's no harm in removing your tape if it has already served its purpose.
Removing it on day 1 will most likely be very similar to removing it on day 4.
Or maybe not, who knows. Bodies are weird and wild.
I don't think your tape will mind only being worn for a day or two, pretty sure it would actually be ecstatic that you were living your best life while wearing it.
But Jamie, it's expensive and I don't want to waste it!
Waste it?
There is no such thing as wasting TransTape.
Especially when you are learning or living!
No if, whats or buts.
So if you wore it to the beach and the beach day was yesterday, go ahead and take it off!
It might be a little sandy anyways.
You applied it, went for a swim maybe, tanned a little and now you're ready to move on.
There's nothing wrong with that!
There is no minimum length of time to wear TransTape.
Only a suggested maximum of a week.
Let Your Skin Rest
There is no wrong reason to remove your TransTape.
That's why my last reason was just because!
TransTape can last for over a week sometimes, but that doesn't mean you have to wear that application until it's hanging on by just a literal thread.
I know for me, removing TransTape can be a lot more difficult, or emotional, than applying it.
Working closely with a part of my body that can make me feel uncomfortable is, well, uncomfortable.
But as lackluster as removing TransTape may be, it still doesn't change the fact that my skin, and yours, needs a break.
Everyone's skin needs a break, especially after a week!
If you struggle the most with removal like I do, try to plan ahead and give yourself a full day.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very guilty of removing my tape at night just to reapply in the morning some days. But even then, at least your skin can rest while you sleep.
Having a full day to remove your TransTape may not always be possible, I really understand that, but it lets you relax and take your time without the pressure of needing to reapply.
If you hate leaving the house without your chest being binded, like me, pick a day where you can find household tasks to accomplish.
Maybe you need to go through your closet, clean your toilet, dust the fan or maybe you just want to hang out in bed all day and play video games. Either way, there's no shame, take a day and let your skin breathe, recover and relax. You and your body both need it!
And whether you're applying or removing your tape, take some time to get in the right head space. Working with our body isn't always easy or enjoyable, and that's okay.
Try lighting a candle, running a bath, brewing some coffee or tea, whatever helps you relax.
And know that you are not alone and your body is beautiful.
Just like you.
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!
