I don't know about you, but taping doesn't always go as smoothly as I would like it to go. Sometimes I have to re-tape, sometimes it starts to itch and sometimes it won't even stick and stay stuck! We've all been there, whether we're brand new to TransTape or an expert. So let's chat about it!
Hello, good friends!
And the rest of you future good friends.
If you're finding yourself on this post, I'm going to assume you might be getting a little frustrated.
And I hear you!
No, really. I can literally hear the steam blowing from your ears as you attempt to tape for the zillionth time TODAY.
I know, it's not fun when the application seems to go wrong somehow every time.
And I know I'm making jokes, but I really do empathize with you!
I've been using TransTape for quite a few years now and I still have days where it takes me forever to get it right.
And it drives me mad.
The very day I'm writing this blog, I had a tape mishap on one side and it sent me through the ROOF.
Thank goodness for homeowners insurance though, am I right?
So this post is for those of us who swear we're doing everything right, even when the tape tends to disagree with us from time to time.
What's TransTape?
You didn't think we were going to skip the recap did you?
Ha ha, you fool!
We can't do that.
But, as always, if you like to make me cry, you can skip this section and move onto the common issues people run into with taping.
I won't really cry, but I do work very hard on these posts.
I might cry a little, just don't tell me.
Anyways, TransTape is the ORIGINAL Body Transformation System!
And in case you didn't know, transformation is where the Trans in TransTape comes from!
More often than not, it's assumed that TransTape is only for people who identify as transgender. But that's just not the case at all!
TransTape is an all-inclusive, compression free, gender affirming product that can be used in place of things like binders, bras, compression clothing, gaffes and harnesses.
Users are free to live, laugh, love to their hearts desire.
You can wear TransTape for multiple days at a time, the average is usually about 3-5, and you're able to sleep, shower, sweat and swim as your authentic self!
The name of the game is gender euphoria for all and TransTape is out here taking names.
TransTape is made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex.
And this fantastic blend is accompanied by hypoallergenic, medical-grade, acrylic adhesive that is latex free and non-medicated.
TransTape strives to provide the best experience for all users by using quality materials, but this doesn't guarantee that it's the right product for you.
Now, what do I mean by that?
What I mean is, everybody is different and our bodies react to materials, no matter how great the quality is, differently.
This is totally normal and completely okay, by the way! It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you or your body!
I know that's not the answer we ever want to hear when we're in search of gender affirming products, but it happens. And that doesn't mean you should give up your search for the right product for YOU, either!
But the easiest way for you to see if TransTape is right for you is with a test strip.
We're all doing the test strip, right?
If you don't know, the test strip is this not-so-mythical thing that all the best people take the time to do before applying TransTape for the first time.
In summary, you can cut a piece of TransTape as small as 1" x 1" (2.5cm x 2.5cm) and apply it to a part of your body that you are able to easily monitor for 24 hours.
You're monitoring for any redness, tenderness and just overall discomfort.
Keeping the test strip small makes it easier to avoid overstretching and other common application accidents.
If you're looking for a better step by step breakdown, check out this other blog post I made a while back!
I think that just about wraps up our recap, so let's move on to the juicy stuff.
Common Application Issues
I mentioned a few earlier like itchiness and the tape not sticking.
If you're looking for more in depth information on itchiness or not sticking, check out those blog posts separately!
But if you're just looking for a more brief overview or just preparing for things you may encounter, you're in the right place.
And I'm going to tell you right now, a lot of the issues people run into are caused by overstretching the tape.
I can hear you again, "I'm not overstretching the tape!"
You might be, though.
Itchiness
If you just applied your tape and the itchiness is absolutely unbearable, take it off.
That's the first step, end your suffering.
Assuming you did the test strip and passed with flying colors, we can likely check off that you're not allergic to the adhesive.
This is why we do the test strip, to make sure you're not allergic but to also make the troubleshooting process a little bit easier.
But if you're not allergic, why are you so itchy?
The first thing that comes to mind, you guessed it, overstretching.
"But I apply TransTape all the time, I know what I'm doing! I never overstretch the tape."
Okay, I hear you.
Now hear me.
Just because you are not obviously overstretching, as in dramatically yanking the tape to it's full capacity, doesn't mean the tape isn't overstretched.
Overstretching could mean the tiniest little extra pull that you didn't even register, isn't sitting right with your skin.
And depending on how sensitive your skin is, that can cause irritation and itchiness.
So just because you're not maxing out the flexibility of the tape when you apply, doesn't mean you didn't overstretch this time.
And listen, we've all done it.
All of us!
Using TransTape comes with a learning curve and even if you've done it a million times like it feels like I have, things happen.
We're only human, friend.
Also depending on your skin sensitivity, you may benefit from the milk of magnesia technique.
Jamie, are you telling me a laxative is going to solve my itchiness?
Why yes, I am.
Don't leave me, it's not what you think, let me explain.
Every once in a while my skin is feeling a little extra tender and I'll lather up in some nice milk of magnesia before applying.
Don't really lather, apply an even layer where it's not dripping in excess.
Without going into too much detail, you take a cloth, or just dump it on your hands like me and the heathen I am, spread it where you're about to tape and wait for it to dry. And after it dries, about 5 minutes, it becomes kind of chalky, so you can easily brush off any excess residue.
This creates a thin barrier between your skin and adhesive, making your application more comfortable and hopefully alleviating some itchiness.
If you'd like an in-depth tutorial on this method, check out this entire post on milk of magnesia!
In general, allergies aside, itchiness is mostly caused by overstretching or your skin being on the sensitive side.
It could also be because you aren't letting your skin rest long enough between applications, I'm especially guilty of this one.
Also if you get an itch here and there a couple times a day, that's not really too abnormal and I wouldn't stress about it.
But when in doubt, take it off.
Sometimes we get an itch and it's just an itch and nothing more.
Not Sticking
I think we've all been here too.
And this isn't due to overstretching either.
More often than not, if your tape isn't sticking, your skin is likely oily or wet.
Or, maybe your fingers touched the adhesive too much before you went to apply the tape.
When you apply TransTape, you need to apply to oil free, dry and undamaged skin.
And by undamaged, I mean no open wounds, sores or any rashes. Never apply if you have any of those things in the application area!
This means no oil based beauty products like lotions and body oils should be applied prior to taping.
And also that you should be completely dry if you just took a shower or bath.
You can always use whatever products you want to use, but it's important to be mindful of what you're using before your application.
And let's say you forgot and applied lotion an hour before, it's actually not a huge deal.
All you have to do is take some basic rubbing alcohol and wipe down the application area and then wait for it to dry.
That seems like a pretty easy fix, right?
It can be overwhelming if you're in a time crunch and nothing is sticking, but in times like this the solution is simpler than we think.
And personally, to avoid the problem altogether, I wipe my skin down with rubbing alcohol before every application.
Is That All?
Sometimes it seems like the end of the world when taping isn't going right and I completely understand that, believe me.
These problems always happen on the days where we're already on the verge of a mental break and at times, it can be a cracking point.
And I'm here to tell you that it still happens to me and has me feeling like I need to throw a temper tantrum in the middle of a Walmart every single time.
But guess what?
TransTape has resources outside of this blog for all your application complications on days like that!
In the live chat, you'll receive one on one guidance and helpful tips to assist with your application process, no matter what you're using the tape for.
If the chat isn't helping as much as you'd like and you need more of a visual, they also offer video chat guidance upon request within the live chat.
Not a fan of talking to humans?
Same.
So TransTape also has a video course that takes you step by step through the entire application process from prepping strips to removal for chest binding of all sizes and packing!
If you're a TransTape user who tucks with TransTape and are willing to share your technique in a tutorial, please reach out!
And, of course, there's always the handy-dandy blog and user manual.
But you knew about the blog.
There are a bunch of resources, including the official TransTape social media accounts, where you can find tips, tricks and solutions from a whole bunch of beautiful and different people!
It can be really disheartening when taping doesn't go the way you expect it to, and that's why it's so important to be patient with yourself a long the way.
Easier said than done, but patience is key when it comes to new and vulnerable things.
But keep your head up, you're doing great.
And the first step to getting even better, is taking advantage of free resources and the massive loving community who wants to see you thrive.
You're not alone.
We're in this together.
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!
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