very very messy LG

amm the similarities that some of us have had with the shrinkies curling up, rolling up, completely frying is that we all used a flatiron I think weve all used 'cheapies' with temperature control on high. Also I think we all clamped them for longer (maybe.)than the 5-10 seconds. I know that my experience with them rolling into a little ball was when removing them so I definitly had them clamped for a little longer than the 10 seconds as I slid the shrinkie down the hair.

SO Im thinking that 1: the cheapy flat irons dont hold a true temp (maybe they get hotter than they are actually supposed to). 2:as Rapunzelwannabe said, it may have something to due with the duration of the heat.

Either way I think I will invest in a doc locks heat wand because it concerns me that if the flatiron isnt the right heat or a constant true temperature that it will mean problems with them slipping, coming out or not holding as long as they should. If I was only going to be using shrinkies for a few streaks or highlights I wouldnt worry about it but since I intend to use shrinkies for full head applications I dont think I want to have them falling out or coming loose.

I'm thinking this has something to do with the duration of heat. Some of my (CableOrganizer) shrinkies look and feel exactly like I want them to--when I'm taking them out!

They sometimes seem to become clearer and softer with longer exposure to low-level heat.

I find it interesting that shrinkies are melting into little balls under 170 degree temps for some but do fine at 300 degrees for others.

Opinions?

Just purchased mine from dr locks, can't wait xx

With the fusion wand at 105 c, I have shrinkies that have lasted 8 weeks. I'm sure they would have gone longer but my hair had grown to the point I had to take the shrinkie out and put a new one in higher. Although the flat iron works, perhaps that level of heat is what's needed to get the adhesive fluid enough to thoroughly disolve and give it longer staying power?

Holy SH*T....I cant believe they get that hot. Ill have to check my fusion wand again. I thought it only goes to 200 F. And my flatiron is 170 F and it shrinks the shrinkies. I am suprised my flatiron works then?

woaaah can that be right? I think my fusion wand only goes up to 180 or 200. My flat iron only goes to 170 and at a little less than high it shrinks the shrinkies. I used it at high for removal and it curled the shrinkies into a little ball! I think someone 'mis-spoke'!

I always recommend the 1/2 oz size of LG. The smaller the better. It does become messy and the opening can get clogged. After the LG dries around the threaded portion of the glass bottle, you can peel it off and get a secure closing which protects the remainder of the glue. You can't just leave that there or it'll ruin what's left. And I rarely open a bottle unless I have at least 100 tips to do. The hot water thing never worked well for me either.

You're not the first to mention problems with that final step of nail glue.

I use and recommend Nailene that I get at Walgreens. It's about $2 a bottle and it sets up beautifully. All the others I can't vouch for and consider them "User and Buyer Beware." Tips need to cure as well. Strands ideally should never be installed the same day they're made.

The last recommendation is to always use the right tools. Yes, you can put shrinkies in with a flat iron or some other device but what is the temperature you're at when it gets around the shrinkie. Shrinkies apply best right around 150 degrees. Anything less may cause it not to shrink uniformly creating an uneven bond (you'll lose it and your hair strand quicker), and any more may cause it to distort, melt or create problems with the adhesive.

Personally, I'm just waiting for someone to report they set their head on fire.

When you find out what kind of shoe glue that is, post it... 'k?