What Are Pole Dancing Grip Aids & Will They help You Stick to the Pole?

Pole dancing grip aids, when used responsibly can be a great tool to have in your pole bag. They can be great for when you just need a little extra stick if you’re trying a new move and the fight or flight response has kicked in and you’re a little bit scared and you have sweaty palms. Or it’s really quite hot and humid and the pole is just a sweaty mess.

They are available in a variety of forms. These include products that are applied to the body including powders, liquids and antiperspirants. Wearable grip aids include gloves, kneepads and wrist protectors. Products have been recently developed that can be applied directly to the pole.

What Are Grip Aids?

Pole grip aids have been designed to help you stick to the pole by increasing the tension or your ‘grip’ on the pole. They come in a variety of forms. Some you apply to your hands and/or body, others you apply to the pole and others you wear.

Those that you apply to your body come in a variety of forms. Some are liquids, others are gels, lotions, sprays, or resins. Some of these can be applied directly to the pole as well.

The main ingredient can be:

• Magnesium, Chalk, Alcohol, Silica, Thermoplastic, Aluminium Sesquichlorohydrate, Glycerine, Beeswax or Resin.

The main ingredient in your preferred grip will be determined by what it is intended for. If you are getting sweaty palms, elbows, backs of the knees will need a grip like chalk that will absorb that moisture. Moisture with tac is good for those with dry skin. In the winter if the skin is really dry and adherent, one that contains beeswax will be really useful.

It may come in one of several forms:

• Powder, Liquid, Solid, Spray, Cloth or a Bag

They can be applied to the hands, feet, body or even the pole.

Should I use a pole grip aid?

There is a bit of a debate about whether students should use grip aids. One argument is that using it prevents the participant from developing their own grip strength and they become reliant on the grip aids. However, if the fight and flight response is so strong, or you live in a humid climate there can be so much moisture that someone can become disheartened by their lack of progress and may actually injure themselves if they can’t grip the pole. A balance between using a little product so that a student can grip the pole without becoming dependant on it.

Grip Aids that are applied to the Body

There are three different kinds of grip aids that are applied to the body. The type that works best for you will depend on what sort of skin you have. Grip aids with anti-perspirant properties are best for those with sweaty hands. Moisture with tac is best suited to those with dry skin. Adherents are generally made from natural beeswax and these grip aids increase grip, repel water and stop sweat. The issue with this category is that once applied to your hands it is very difficult to perform spins on a static pole, they are also very hard to remove from poles so some studios don’t allow them to be used.

The type of grip aid you need might vary from week to week depending on factors like hormones, how much sleep you have had, if you are hydrated, if you’ve drunk a ton of caffeine or alcohol the day before.

Did you know that the climate of the country you live in plays a part in which grip aid you will need? We’re here to help you decided which pole dance grip aid product is right for you.

Factors that affect which type of grip aid you need

• Type of skin
• Climate you are training in
• If you’ve

Anti-perspirant

These do what it says on the label. They mop up sweat. Think chalk. They are especially great for the hands but can be applied anywhere on the body. Some like to apply a small amount to the pole.

These are best for people who get a bit sweaty.

Moisture with Tac

These bring more moisture to your skin while making it more healthy with continuous use. These products often contain water and aloe vera. Aloe vera gel absorbs easily and can seal moisture into your skin when used after a bath. There are quite a few of these products now available.

Adherants

These products actually stick to the pole creating a better gripping surface. They are made from beeswax. They work well on the legs and in the wintertime on any part of the body when the skin is dryer.

If too much of this type of product is applied to the pole directly or from transfer from the skin it can be difficult to remove from the pole. You will find that in most cases only a small application is required ahead of the class.

Application to the hands might mean that you can perform any spins with ease. I find that it works really well on the behind the knees, on the inner thigh and the elbow pit.

Grip Aids Applied Straight onto the Pole

As well as giving your pole a good clean before you start with vodka or specially designed pole cleaner there some product available to buy that you apply straight onto the pole.

Lupit Pole and Gorilla Gold have both produced a wipe or towel that you give your pole a wipe down with 5-10 minutes before you start your session. It adds some grip to the pole’s surface. The manufacturer’s suggest that you will notice that you’re able to grip with more confidence. It helps to warm yourself up well after you have wiped the pole with the grip aid.

Wearable Grip Aids

Pole Grip Gloves

These gloves specially designed with pole dancers in mind have tack added to the areas that are used to hold on the the pole.

Knee Pads with tac

Knee pads with a tacky front help you grip with your knees and protect them from bruises and friction burns, which is handy for floorwork and knee holds.

Arm bands

Grippy arm bands add a little tack to your inner arm for holds like the elbow grip, and protect the skin while you learn.

Thigh Guards

Thigh guards add grip and protect the inside of your thighs while you learn leg holds. They are useful when your skin is tender, but take them off once you can, because bare skin grips best.

Ankle Sleeves

Ankle sleeves give your ankles and lower legs extra grip and protection for moves where your feet or ankles hook the pole.

Leggings

Grippy pole leggings have tacky panels on the legs, so you can practise leg holds while covered up. They are great for cold rooms, outdoor sessions or if you would rather not train in shorts.