By Richard Gillespie, hair system wearer, technician and product designer with 14 years in the industry
Short answer: Ghostbond and Walker Tape aren't really rivals. Ghostbond is a range of water-based liquid glues (plus removers), while Walker Tape Co. makes tapes, liquid adhesives, scalp prep and removers. Choose Ghostbond if you want an invisible glued hairline and a gentle water-based formula; choose Walker tape if you want a quicker, cleaner fit you can refit at home. Plenty of wearers use both.
We supply both brands every day. Chapter VI is the UK distributor of Ghostbond and a preferred UK distributor of Walker Tape Co. So this isn't a sales pitch for one over the other. It's how we'd talk it through with you if you rang us.
What's the actual difference?
The question usually gets asked as "Ghostbond vs Walker", but you're really comparing two different ways of attaching a hair system:
- Liquid glue is painted on in thin coats, left to dry clear and then the system is pressed into it. Ghostbond is glue only.
- Tape is double-sided adhesive that you cut (or buy pre-cut) and stick to the base of the system, then press onto the scalp. Walker is best known for tape, but it also makes liquid adhesives.
So the fairer comparison is Ghostbond glue vs Walker tape, with a side note on Walker's own glues.
| Ghostbond (Pro Hair Labs) | Walker Tape Co. | |
|---|---|---|
| What it makes | Water-based liquid adhesives, removers, scalp care | Tapes, liquid adhesives (acrylic, water-based and silicone), scalp protectors, removers |
| Typical use | Glued hairlines and full-head bonds, especially lace | Taped perimeters, poly systems, quick refits; glue for long wear |
| Look at the hairline | Dries clear; Supreme and Phantom are designed for low shine | Depends on the tape: dull tapes such as Lace Front suit lace; high-shine tapes suit poly |
| Application time | Several thin coats, each left to dry clear before fitting | Cut, stick, peel and press |
| Removal | Ghostbond removers such as Ultra-Safe on the scalp | Walker removers such as C-22 Solvent |
| Skin | Pro Hair Labs describes its adhesives as latex-free and dermatologist-tested | Range includes hypoallergenic tapes such as Lace Front and Sensi-Tak Select |
When Ghostbond is the better choice
Ghostbond is our go-to when the hairline has to disappear. Because it's a liquid, there's no tape edge to show through fine lace, and every adhesive in the range dries clear.
It suits you if:
- you wear a lace front or full lace system and want the most natural hairline
- you prefer a water-based adhesive (all the core Ghostbond glues are water-based copolymers)
- you're happy to spend a little longer on each fit for a longer wear cycle
- you have an oily or sweaty scalp and want a formula built for it
Which Ghostbond? In short:
- Ghostbond XL: the everyday all-rounder, with extra moisture control. It also comes in scents.
- Ghostbond Platinum: Pro Hair Labs' highest heat resistance, for heavy sweat, oil and humidity.
- Ghostbond Supreme: a matte finish for bright lights, cameras and video calls.
- Ghostbond Classic: the original formula with a medium hold.
- Ghostbond GlowUp: a peelable, short-term formula for people who take their system off often.
We compare XL, Platinum and Supreme in detail in GHOSTBOND XL vs Platinum vs Supreme.
Worth knowing: on a lace base, Pro Hair Labs' instructions say to apply Ghostbond to the scalp only, never to the lace itself. On a poly (skin) base, you add one thin coat to the base as well.
When Walker tape is the better choice
Tape is the quicker, tidier option, and the one most people find easiest to manage at home.
It suits you if:
- you wear a poly or skin system, or a hybrid with a poly perimeter
- you want to refit weekly or fortnightly and don't want long clean-ups
- you'd like to take the system off overnight or between wears
- you're newer to self-fitting and want something more forgiving to position
Walker's hold times vary a lot between tapes. These are Walker's own ratings, assuming good prep:
| Walker tape | Walker's wear rating | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Hold | 2–4+ weeks | Semi-dull | One of the strongest, tackiest tapes |
| Walker Signature | 4+ weeks | Dull | Thin (6.5 mil) maximum-wear tape |
| Lace Front | 2–3 weeks | Dull | Hypoallergenic, made for lace |
| Duo-Tac | 1–3 weeks depending on prep | Dull on the lace side | One side for poly, one for mesh |
| Sensi-Tak Select | 1–10 days | High shine | Hypoallergenic, clean removal, best on poly |
| Super Stick | 1–10 days | High shine | Stiff carrier, best on poly |
Our Walker Tape buyer's guide goes through each tape in depth.
Read next: Walker Tape Buyer’s Guide: Ultra Hold vs No-Shine vs Lace Front vs Signature vs Sensi-Tak Select
What about Walker's liquid glues?
Walker also makes glue, so you can stay within one brand if you prefer. Walker's own figures:
- Ultra Hold Glue: acrylic, maximum wear (3–5 weeks in Walker's training material).
- Great White: water-based and skin-safe, 3–5 weeks.
- Extreme Hold: silicone-based, 4+ weeks.
- Mity-Tite: Walker's touch-up adhesive for lifted edges.
If you want a water-based glue, the choice is usually between Ghostbond and Great White. If you want an acrylic glue, Ultra Hold is the one we're asked about most.
Can you use Ghostbond and Walker tape together?
Yes. This is one of the most common set-ups we see, and it often gives the best of both:
- Ghostbond along the lace front, where an invisible hairline matters most.
- Walker tape around the sides and back, where it's quicker to apply and remove.
A few rules make the combination work:
- Prep once, properly. Clean the scalp with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and let it evaporate fully before anything goes on.
- Use one scalp protector under both. Walker's Scalp Protector and Max Hold Sport are made to go under tape or liquid adhesive. Pro Hair Labs' No Sweat is described as compatible with all wig adhesives.
- Keep the zones separate. Don't lay tape over wet glue or glue over tape.
- Remove each one with the right remover (see below).
Removing them: this is where people go wrong
Most damage to systems and scalps happens at removal, not during wear.
- Ghostbond: Pro Hair Labs recommends Ultra-Safe on the scalp. To clean the system itself, it recommends Ghostbuster, which its instructions say is for hair systems only. Our step-by-step hair system adhesive removal guide walks you through it.
- Walker tape: Walker recommends C-22 Solvent or Walker Signature Remover for Ultra Hold tape. For delicate lace there's Lace Release.
Never peel a system off dry. Let the remover do the work.
Shop now: GHOSTBOND XL hair system adhesive
How to decide in five questions
- What base do you wear? Lace front: lean towards Ghostbond at the hairline. Poly: tape is often simpler.
- How often do you want to refit? Weekly: tape. Every few weeks: glue or a maximum-wear tape.
- How oily or sweaty is your scalp? Look at Ghostbond Platinum or XL, Walker Ultra Hold tape, and Max Hold Sport underneath.
- Is your skin sensitive? Patch test first. Water-based glues and hypoallergenic tapes such as Sensi-Tak Select are good starting points. See Best Toupee Tape for Sensitive Skin.
- Who fits it? If a stylist fits it, ask what they use. Consistency usually beats switching brands.
For the general pros and cons of glue versus tape, read Should I Choose Tape or Glue for My Hair System?
FAQ
Is Ghostbond stronger than Walker tape?
They're different products. Pro Hair Labs rates its extended-wear glues (XL, Platinum, Supreme) at up to around four weeks. Walker's maximum-wear tapes, such as Ultra Hold and Signature, are rated 2–4+ and 4+ weeks. Your prep, skin and climate matter more than the brand. If your tape lets go well before its rating, see why hair system tape is not sticking.
Does Walker Tape make glue?
Yes. Walker makes liquid adhesives including Ultra Hold, Great White, Extreme Hold, Safe Grip and Mity-Tite, as well as tapes and removers.
Can I put Walker tape on top of Ghostbond?
We don't recommend layering one over the other. Use them in separate zones, such as glue at the front and tape at the back, on the same clean, prepped scalp.
Which is better for beginners?
Most beginners find tape easier to position and remove. Pre-cut contours take the guesswork out of shaping. Read Pre-Cut vs Roll Hair System Tape.
Do I need a different remover for each?
Ideally, yes. Use a Ghostbond remover such as Ultra-Safe for Ghostbond on the scalp, and a Walker remover such as C-22 for Walker tape. Walker says its oil-based removers work on all adhesive types, which helps when you've used both.
Still torn? Tell us about your system, skin and routine, and our specialists will recommend a set-up. If you're a barber or salon, a Chapter VI PRO trade account gives you both ranges at trade prices.
