Adhesive strapping tapes like EAB, zinc oxide sports tape, kinesiology tape need to stick securely to be effective. Obviously, tape that peels off easily provides no advantage on area. No tape job is indestructible-especially if you wear it during sport- but there are some simple things you can keep in mind to get reliable hold and adhesion.

1. Clean the area to be taped

Surface dirt and the natural oily secretions of your skin will interfere with the adhesion of the tape. Therefore, the first step to achieving a good stick on your injured area is to properly clean the area with an ointment like Dettol to apply the Strapping Tape. The most simplest way of doing this is with some kind of cleansing wipe. Don’t use the beauty product style of wipe that contains moisturizers as they leave a residue on the skin.

2. Trim back the hair

If the area you need to apply a tape is very hairy, you will face two problems. Firstly, the hair will prevent full contact with the skin thus weaken the tape adhesion. Secondly, the tape will be painful to remove after its cure or while dressing. Trimming that body part hairs with trimmer or razor will help avoid these problems. You can also wet shave that area for smoother skin.

3. Use an underwrap

Underwrap is a thin form that you can wrap around the area prior to sports strapping taping. It provides an excellent surface to stick to. Generally, the Sports Strapping Tape adheres immediately and permanently to the underwrap. Because the tape is not stuck directly to the skin, there is much less chance of you ‘sweating off’ the sports tape as you or athlete become active.

4. Use a pre-trapping spray

Pre-traping sprays are available at medical shops and you can coat it in a thin to provide a good surface for the tape. This slightly adhesive film has waterproof properties that can help maintain adhesion if you sweat.

5. Warm the tape

At warmer temperatures, the sports tape becomes more fluid and sticky. If you’ve ever left a roll of tape in a hot car and then tried to unwind it you will get its full strength. You can boost this process by applying a little extra heat on the tape. Simple start by rubbing on the tape to create enough friction to heat it up. Alternatively, blow it with a hairdryer on a gentle setting.

Thanks for reading this article! Share if you have more ideas and tricks to apply bandages, & sports strapping tapes.