How to Apply FLAIR® Strips

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For best results, apply 30 minutes prior to any exercise, riding or activity that might cause the horse to sweat.

For most horses, the appropriate position of the bottom edge of the Strip is two finger width's above the horse's nostrils.

Clean and dry nose
1

Prepare

Clean and dry nose (dirt, moisture or skin oils reduce adhesion), brush hair up to increase surface area.

Bend side edges
2

Pre-Bend

Bend side edges of Strip down along score marks to improve adhesion.

Remove liner
3

Remove Liner

Lift center piece of liner, fold back at score marks, hold Strip as shown, and remove side pieces of liner.

4

Apply

Position Strip two finger widths above nostrils. Press center, remove center liner, and secure by pressing down firmly.

Removal Instructions

Allow horse to cool down and fully recover before removing.
Peel gently, but firmly from the top corner toward the middle.The adhesive may cause slight loss of hair, as experienced with normal shedding.

Tips and Tricks

  • No adhesive will work properly if applied to a dirty, dusty, wet or oily surface. This includes a horse’s nose.

    The adhesive on FLAIR Strips is designed to work on clean, dry hair.

    • Make sure the horse’s nose is free of dirt, dust and oils.
    • Brush the nose thoroughly with a dry soft brush. This can be followed by rubbing the application area with vet wrap, microfiber towel or a lint brush to lift remnant dust.
    • After brushing, washing the application area with a mild detergent (such as dish soap) and wiping with isopropyl alcohol (see below) may help in humid weather. The detergent helps remove oils in skin and sweat and the alcohol helps remove and evaporate non-oily moisture.
    • Brush the hair in the application areas up (towards the forehead) to increase the contact surface area for adhesion.

    Placement Adjustments:

    • For horses with minimal hair on their muzzles (especially after shedding winter coats), make sure the Strip is not applied too low. Make sure the top support is positioned over the nasal incisive notch.

    Strip Preparation:

    • Bend the edges/form creases along the score marks (refer to application images and application videos above). This increases tissue support and improves adhesion to the horse's nose.
    • Do not use additional adhesives particularly if they are not medical-grade. They may be harmful and are NOT recommended. FLAIR Strips have a biocompatible medical-grade adhesive.
    • Do not touch the adhesive prior to applying the Strip. Touching the adhesive will reduce the Strip's ability to stick.

    Timing:

    • Apply well before exercise begins, before the horse begins to sweat
    • Best applied before tacking up, when the horse is relaxed and cool.
    • Clean the hair in the application area thoroughly when dry first to make sure all dust, dandruff and loose hair is removed.
    • Washing the application area with a mild detergent (such as dish soap) and wiping with isopropyl alcohol (see below) may help in humid weather. The detergent helps remove oils in skin and sweat and the alcohol helps remove and evaporate non-oily moisture.
    • Brush the hair in the application area up (toward the forehead) to increase contact surface area for adhesion.
    • DO NOT SHAVE THE APPLICATION AREA
    • After brushing the nose thoroughly, washing the application area with a mild detergent (such as dish soap) and wiping with isopropyl alcohol may improve adhesion in humid weather. The detergent helps remove oils in skin and sweat.
    • Alcohol helps remove and evaporate non-oily moisture.
    • Wipe the nose with an isopropyl alcohol pad and allow it to fully evaporate.
    • With a clean cloth, brush the horse's hair upward.
    • PRO TIP: Our FLAIR™ Prep Pack contains isopropyl alcohol wipes in a convenient and easy to use pad.
    • If Strips are cool, warm to room temperature before applying (for example, tuck inside your jacket and allow to warm before applying). In cold temperatures the adhesive will get stiff and not flow onto the horse’s hair. Warming softens the adhesive.
    • Strips that are exposed to extreme heat or cold may damage the medical-grade adhesive and not adhere properly.
    • If you have adhesion issues after trying these tips, please call us at 763-972-9056 or email us at info@flairstrips.com.
    • We're committed to ensuring you have a positive experience with our products