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The Art of the Peel: How to Remove Sports Strapping Tape Safely and Without Pain

By David Tweedie | June 11, 2025
Categories: Education

You’ve pushed your limits, protected your joints, and maybe even set a new personal best – thanks in part to the reliable support of sports strapping tape. But now comes the less glamorous, often dreaded, part: taking it off. We’ve all been there, wincing as we rip off a strip of tape, taking a few precious hairs (or even a layer of skin!) with it.

It doesn’t have to be a painful ordeal! At Multifit, we believe that applying and removing tape should be as comfortable as possible. Here are our top tips for a smooth, pain-free removal process, ensuring your skin stays happy and healthy.

Why Does Tape Removal Hurt?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly understand the “why.” Sports strapping tape, especially rigid varieties, is designed to adhere firmly to the skin for maximum support. This strong adhesive, combined with body hair and sometimes even dry skin, can lead to discomfort during removal.

The Gentle Approach: Your Step-by-Step Guide

The key to pain-free removal is to be slow, gentle, and smart.

1. Prepare the Area (and Yourself!):

  • Relax: Take a deep breath. Tensing up will only make it worse.
  • Warm Water (Optional, but Recommended): If possible, take a warm shower or bath. The warm water helps to loosen the adhesive and soften the skin, making the tape easier to peel off. You can also apply a warm, damp cloth to the taped area for a few minutes.

2. Break the Seal, Don’t Rip:

  • Use Lister Scissors: For safe and effective removal, consider using Lister scissors. These scissors have a blunt, angled blade designed to slide under the tape without cutting the skin. Carefully cut the tape close to the skin, avoiding direct contact with the skin to prevent injury.

or

  • Start at an Edge: Find a loose edge of the tape. If there isn’t one, gently lift a corner.
  • Pull Back, Not Up: This is crucial. Instead of pulling the tape straight up and away from your skin, pull it back on itself, parallel to the skin. Imagine you’re folding the tape over itself. This minimises the pulling force on your skin and hair follicles.
  • Keep It Close: Keep the tape as close to the skin as possible while you peel. The sharper the angle of pull, the more painful it will be. Aim for a 180-degree angle if possible.

3. Skin Counter-Tension is Your Friend:

  • Press Down on Your Skin: As you peel the tape with one hand, use your other hand to gently press down on the skin behind the tape you’re removing. This creates counter-tension, helping to keep the skin taut and reducing the pull. It’s like stabilising the area as the tape comes off.

4. The Oil or Lotion Trick (Especially for Hairy Areas or Sensitive Skin):

  • Before You Peel: If you have particularly sensitive skin or a lot of body hair, apply a generous amount of baby oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or even a rich moisturiser directly onto the tape.
  • Let it Soak: Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes (5-10 minutes is ideal). The oil will penetrate the adhesive, breaking down its bond with your skin.
  • Peel Gently: After soaking, proceed with the “pull back, not up” method. You’ll find the tape slides off much more easily.

5. Adhesive Removers:

  • For particularly stubborn tape or sensitive skin, consider using a specialized adhesive remover. These products are designed to dissolve the adhesive, making removal easier and less painful. Apply the remover according to the product instructions, usually spraying or wiping it onto the edge of the tape and gently peeling.

6. Short, Controlled Sections:

  • Don’t try to remove a huge section of tape all at once. Work in short, controlled sections, peeling a few centimetres at a time. This allows you to manage any discomfort and ensures you maintain the correct removal angle.

7. Aftercare for Your Skin:

  • Cleanse: Once all the tape is removed, gently wash the area with mild soap and water to remove any adhesive residue.
  • Moisturise: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to rehydrate your skin. This is especially important if your skin feels dry or irritated.
  • Check for Irritation: Keep an eye out for any redness, itching, or blistering. If irritation occurs, a soothing cream (like aloe vera or a hydrocortisone cream) can help. If it persists, consult a healthcare professional.

Pro-Tips from the Pros:

  • Shave if You Can: If you regularly strap an area with significant hair, consider shaving it before applying the tape. This will significantly reduce discomfort during removal and improve tape adhesion.
  • Patch Test for Sensitivity: Before extensive strapping, apply a small piece of tape to a discreet area of your skin for a few hours to check for any adverse reactions.
  • Don’t Rush: Patience is key. Rushing will almost always lead to pain.

Removing sports strapping tape doesn’t have to be a painful post-workout ritual. By following these simple steps, you can protect your skin and ensure a comfortable experience every time. Your body works hard for you; give it the gentle care it deserves!