How to Make Magnetic Nasal Strips Last 3X Longer Using Wig Tape (2026)
Nasal Strips Last 3X Longer Using Wig Tape (2026)" loading="eager">Photo by cottonbro studio / Pexels
The Problem With Magnetic Nasal Strips and Adhesion
If you've ever used magnetic nasal strips, you know they're fantastic for improving airflow and breathing quality. These innovative strips use small steel discs to gently open your nostrils from the outside, creating a non-invasive way to enhance sleep quality and daytime breathing. However, there's a frustrating catch that manufacturers don't advertise: the adhesive tabs don't last nearly as long as promised.
For people with oily skin, active lifestyles, or those who sweat regularly, magnetic nasal strip tabs can fall off within just 5 days, even though the packaging claims a 15-day supply. This means you're replacing strips constantly and spending significantly more money than the box suggests. The adhesive simply isn't designed to handle moisture and skin oils, which is a common complaint in the frugal and health communities.
This adhesion problem isn't a minor inconvenience—it's a significant expense multiplier. A standard 30-piece pack costs around $10-15, and if it only lasts 5 days instead of 15, you're essentially paying three times more than intended. For regular users, this can add up to $100+ per year in unnecessary spending.
Methods That Don't Work (Or Aren't Worth It)
Before discovering the solution, many people attempt various workarounds with mixed results. Understanding why these alternatives fail can help you appreciate the wig tape method.
The 3M Tape and Hole Puncher Approach
This method involves removing the steel disc from the original tab and reattaching it using 3M tape and a hole puncher. The concept sounds logical—replace the weak adhesive with stronger industrial tape. However, in practice, this is incredibly time-consuming. You need to carefully extract the metal disc, punch precise holes in the tape, and ensure proper alignment. For a process that takes 2-3 minutes per strip, you're only extending life by a few hours. The effort-to-benefit ratio simply isn't worth it for most people.
Lash Glue and Pros-Aide Alternatives
Professional makeup artists use products like Pros-Aide and lash glue to apply false eyelashes, so some people reasoned these adhesives might work for nasal strips. While they do provide decent holding power, the residue is problematic. These products are difficult to clean off your skin, they can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin, and the cleanup process defeats the purpose of a quick, convenient solution. Even gentler lash glue formulations leave sticky residue that requires extra washing and skin care steps.
The Wig Tape Solution: A Game Changer for Frugal Living
The breakthrough solution is surprisingly simple and inexpensive: wig tape. This is the roll-style tape used by costume designers, performers, and wig wearers to secure hairpieces. You can find it online or at beauty supply stores for approximately $4 per roll, and one roll lasts for months of extending nasal strips.
How the Wig Tape Method Works
The process is straightforward and takes seconds per strip. When you notice your magnetic nasal strip tab starting to lose adhesion and slip slightly, simply cut a small piece of wig tape and press it firmly onto the tab. The wig tape reactivates and reinforces the adhesion, allowing the tab to last another full day comfortably. Most tabs can undergo this process twice before the tab itself becomes damaged or too worn to use reliably.
By extending each tab from 1-2 days to 3 days of wear, a standard 15-day pack (30 pieces) now lasts approximately 45 days. This transforms your cost per day from roughly $0.50-$1.00 down to $0.17-$0.33, depending on your pack size and pricing.
Why Wig Tape Works Better
Wig tape is specifically designed to adhere to skin and hair without leaving harsh residue. It's formulated to be skin-safe, moisture-resistant, and removable without irritation. Unlike the original nasal strip adhesive, wig tape is engineered to handle humidity and skin oils—the exact conditions that cause regular tabs to fail. The adhesive is reactivatable, meaning it can bond multiple times before losing its stickiness entirely.
Comparison of Nasal Strip Extension Methods
| Method | Cost | Time per Strip | Hold Quality | Skin Irritation Risk | Cleanup Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Tabs Only | $0.50-$1.00/day | N/A | Poor | None | Minimal |
| 3M Tape + Hole Punch | Low | 2-3 minutes | Good | Low | Easy |
| Lash Glue/Pros-Aide | $5-$15 | 30 seconds | Excellent | Moderate | Difficult |
| Wig Tape | $0.13-$0.33/day | 15 seconds | Excellent | Very Low | Easy |
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Wig Tape on Nasal Strips
What You'll Need
- One roll of wig tape (approximately $4)
- Your magnetic nasal strips
- Small scissors
- Clean, dry skin
The Process
- Wear your magnetic nasal strip normally for 1-2 days until you notice the tab starting to slip or lose contact with your skin
- Gently remove the strip (don't discard it)
- Cut a small piece of wig tape, approximately the size of the original tab or slightly larger
- Press the wig tape firmly onto the existing tab, smoothing out any air bubbles
- Allow the tape to set for a few seconds
- Reapply the strip to your nose and adjust for comfort
- Repeat this process up to two additional times as adhesion decreases
- Once the tab becomes too worn or damaged, replace with a fresh strip from your pack
Key Takeaways
- Magnetic nasal strips provide excellent breathing benefits but suffer from poor adhesion on oily or sweaty skin
- Standard 30-piece packs meant to last 15 days often last only 5 days without intervention
- Wig tape is a proven, cost-effective solution that extends each tab by 2+ additional days of wear
- This simple hack multiplies the lifespan of a 15-day pack to approximately 45 days
- Wig tape costs around $4 and can be purchased from beauty supply stores or online retailers
- The process is quick (15 seconds per application), requires no cleanup, and poses minimal skin irritation risk
- You can extend each tab up to three times total before replacement is necessary
- This method saves regular users $100+ annually compared to replacing packs as originally intended
Frequently Asked Questions
Will wig tape damage my skin or cause irritation?
Wig tape is specifically formulated to be skin-safe and is used regularly on facial skin by performers and costume wearers. It's less irritating than many adhesive alternatives and removes cleanly without leaving residue. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin or known adhesive allergies, perform a small patch test first. Most users experience no irritation whatsoever.
How much does wig tape cost, and where can I buy it?
A standard roll of wig tape costs between $3-$6 and is widely available. You can purchase it from beauty supply stores, Amazon, eBay, and specialty costume shops. One roll provides enough tape for months of nasal strip extensions, making the per-use cost negligible.
Can I use other types of tape instead of wig tape?
While you could theoretically use other medical or fashion tapes, wig tape is optimized for this purpose. It's formulated to be gentle on skin while providing strong adhesion in humid conditions. Regular masking tape or duct tape would be uncomfortable and potentially irritating. Medical tape might work but is less effective at reactivating and costs more. Wig tape remains the best value and performance option.