Expert Advice

What Is C-22 Solvent and How Do You Use It?

By Richard Gillespie, hair system wearer, technician and product designer with 14 years in the industry Short answer: C-22 Solvent is Walker Tape's most popular adhesive remover. It's a fast-working, oil-based, citrus-scented solvent that Walker describes as skin-safe and safe for all hair systems. You spray it onto tape or glue to break the bond, lift the system, then wash the oily residue off your scalp and base. What is C-22 used for? C-22 Solvent removes tape and liquid adhesive from: your scalp, when you take a hair system off the system's base, to clear old tape and glue before you refit solvent soaks, where the whole system sits in a bowl of remover to lift heavy build-up Walker calls it its fastest-working skin-safe solvent. It's the remover Walker recommends for its Ultra Hold tape (alongside Walker Signature Remover), and it works across Walker's tapes and glues. Because it's oil-based it cuts through adhesive quickly, but it leaves an oily film behind. That's why you always wash it off afterwards. How to use C-22 Solvent On the scalp: Lift the system at a back or side edge and spray a few pumps of C-22 onto the exposed adhesive. Let it sit for a moment. Walker says it starts working almost immediately, but heavier build-up needs longer. Keep spraying along the scalp as the system lifts away. Don't pull against resistance. Wipe the residue off with paper towel. Wash your scalp with soap and water, then Bond Breaker Shampoo, so the oily residue doesn't stop your next bond sticking. As a solvent soak for the system: Fill a bowl with C-22 and place the system in base-side up. Wearing nitrile gloves, work the residue off while it's submerged. Walker gives soak times of 5–30 minutes, depending on the system and adhesive. Shampoo and rinse the system, then let it dry fully. If you soak systems often, Walker suggests Walker Solvent or Rapid Release as the more economical soaking options. Rapid Release is for systems only, not skin. Read next: How to Remove Hair System Tape (Without Damaging Your Base) Safety tips Walker's cautions for C-22: It's flammable. Keep it away from heat, sparks and naked flames, and use it in a well-ventilated room. Don't apply it to broken, cut or irritated skin, and keep it away from your eyes. Patch test on a small area first. Store it somewhere cool, dark and dry. Walker recommends 60–80°F (roughly 15–26°C). If your skin reacts easily, S3 Sensitive Skin Solvent or Walker Signature Remover are gentler alternatives. FAQ Is C-22 Solvent safe for skin? Walker describes it as skin-safe and says its oil base helps reduce irritation compared with some other solvents. Still patch test first, and don't use it on broken or irritated skin. Shop now: Walker Tape C-22 Solvent Adhesive Remover Does C-22 work on glue as well as tape? Yes. Walker says C-22 breaks down tapes and liquid adhesives, and its oil-based removers work on all adhesive types. Is C-22 Solvent oil-based or citrus-based? Both. Walker describes it as an oil-based remover with a citrus formula and scent. What sizes does C-22 come in? We stock 4oz and 12oz spray bottles and a gallon for salons. See C-22 Solvent Adhesive Remover. Why won't my tape stick after using C-22? Usually because the remover residue is still on your skin or the base. Wash both thoroughly, then wipe the scalp with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol before you refit. For the other reasons tape loses grip, see why hair system tape is not sticking. Need a remover matched to your adhesive? Ask our specialists. Salons can buy C-22 by the gallon with a Chapter VI PRO trade account.