Imagine extreme body movement without pain. We’d probably call that nirvana. For athletes whose lives revolve around strenuous activity, finding methods of safely and effectively moving our bodies with less pain is worth the pursuit. Kinesiology tape is making strides in solving body riddles – like pain in:
and so much more. If you’re a regular user you may want to learn some tricks of the trade like: how can you make it last longer and stick better?
The official KT Tape brand was specifically engineered to give superior adhesion while the body is in action, staying secure to your skin even if introduced to moisture.
But even with advanced features, it’s not a guarantee that it won’t slip or readjust as your body moves. Is your KT tape not sticking as well as you’d like? There could be a few reasons — let’s look at the best ways to ensure your kinesiology tape stays firmly in place.
Skin Preparation Techniques
One of the most common reasons that water resistant KT tape doesn’t properly stick is simply overlooking skin preparation. Just as you might select the right shoes for your sport, it’s important to ensure your tape is going to stick all the way through your exercise. Here’s how to prepare your skin and maximize the tape’s benefits:
Clean and Dry Skin
KT Tape excels at repelling moisture, but it won’t do any good if your skin is already wet. Finding tape that sticks to sweaty skin is certainly difficult but not impossible. Considering KT Tape is designed for active wear, there are ways to maximize its adhesion strength. Take the extra time to dry the area before applying your kinesiology tape.
This may also mean avoid adding anything to your skin before applying the tape, such as topical creams, oils, or sunscreens. You can, however, use rubbing alcohol to strip the skin of natural oils or dirt for reassurance before you tape.
Do I Need to Remove Hair from the Skin?
You don’t have to remove hair to apply KT Tape, but it will help it adhere. It’ll also improve the effects of the tape since it’ll have closer contact with your skin. But there’s no need to go overboard — a close shave around the area is all you’ll need. Plus, shaving hair before application can make tape removal more comfortable overall.
Are Additional Products Required Before Applying?
Like with hair removal, using other products before applying KT Tape is not mandatory. But if you want your tape to stick better, check out other products like our Skin Prep Wipes. These wipes can help if you’re struggling to get the tape to stick for long stretches of time.
Techniques for Taping Methods
If you’re already following these skin preparation guidelines, but you’re still having issues with getting your tape to stick, consider your kinesio taping techniques. Here’s how even a few slight changes to how you use the tape can dramatically improve your results.
Layering or Using Longer Strips of Tape
You can use a longer strip of KT tape for extra reinforcement. Also, layering the tape in the same area helps fortify it. These are simple but effective ways to boost the tape’s durability.
Following Guides Provided by KT Tape
KT Tape has expert tips and tricks to help you make the most out of our amazing products. Don’t hesitate to check out our YouTube channel for videos on various body taping techniques and ways to ensure it's effectively working for your needs.
KT Taping Mistakes to Avoid
Consider all the benefits of kinesio taping. If you’re new to the taping world, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes. Here are some frequently ask kinesio tape questions about our product:
Can I Shower with KT Tape?
While you need dry skin for proper adhesion, the product itself is water resistant. So that leaves the question: can you shower with KT Tape on? The answer is a resounding yes — as long as the tape is already on your skin, showering should not affect how well it sticks.
Can I Swim with KT Tape?
Like showering, you can swim with KT Tape already applied to your skin. This means KT tape is excellent if you want extra protection for your body's more tender or tense parts. If the tape gets wet from swimming or showering, let it air dry or pat it dry with a towel.
How Long Does KT Tape Last Before I Should Replace It?
Obviously, you want the tape to last as long as possible, but how long can you leave KT tape on before switching it out for new tape? The answer is roughly three to four days. Leaving it on longer can cause skin irritation or discomfort, so don’t forget to swap it out if it’s been a while.
Remember that its durability can depend on where you apply it to your body, how often or intensely your exercise, and how much exposure the tape has to moisture.
Does KT Tape Expire? Can I Use Expired KT Tape?
KT tape doesn’t expire. But for best results, using the tape within a year after opening is recommended. The tape is still usable after a year, but you may find that it won’t stay on as long, especially without proper preparation.
Is KT Tape Reusable?
Can you reuse KT Tape? Unfortunately, what makes the tape so effective at sticking to your skin is the same thing that keeps you from reusing it. It uses a special glue that loses effectiveness significantly once you remove the tape, so you should always use a fresh strip.
Rolling Back the Tape
KT Tape is well known for its stickiness and moisture resistance. But with these tips, you can improve your experience with our product even further. It’s the best tape to stick to skin when submerging in water or undergoing intense physical activity, as its design helps it stick even in the face of extreme moisture.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone trying to move through your daily life pain-free, these tips can help ensure that you’re comfortable and protected through all your workouts.
