Usually it's one of two things. Your skin is either too sweaty or too dry. Both cause slipping, but they need completely different grip products. Using the wrong grip can actually make the problem worse.

If you're not sure which one you need, take our Pole Grip Quiz and we'll match you with the right product.

It all comes down to your skin type.

If your hands get sweaty, you'll usually need a drying grip. If your skin is dry and slippery, you'll need a tackier grip. Our Pole Grip Quiz takes the guesswork out of choosing the right pole grip for your skin, your pole and the season.

Sweaty hands need a grip that absorbs moisture.

Popular choices include Monkey Hands Dry, Dancing Dust Make Me Dusty, Enviro Grip and Gripinite. These products help reduce sweat so your hands can grip the pole more effectively.

Dry skin needs grip products that add tackiness rather than drying your skin further.

Products like Monkey Hands Hydro, Dancing Dust Make Me Dewy, ITAC2 and Dew Point Pole are designed to help dry skin create better friction on the pole.

Yes.

Hot, humid weather can make your skin sweat more, while cold weather and air conditioning can leave your skin feeling dry. Many pole dancers use different grip products throughout the year depending on the season and how their skin is behaving.

Absolutely.

Using too much grip can make your hands feel sticky instead of secure, making spins and transitions more difficult. Start with a small amount, test it, then apply more only if needed.

Some products leave very little residue, while stronger tacky grips like ITAC2 or Monkey Hands Gluey may need a more thorough clean after training.

Cleaning your pole regularly helps maintain grip and keeps it performing at its best.

Not always.

Many beginners can learn without grip aids, but if you're struggling with sweaty or dry hands, the right grip can make learning far more enjoyable. The key is choosing the right product rather than buying the strongest one.

Yes, but timing matters.

Applying moisturiser immediately before class will make you slippery. If you have naturally dry skin, moisturising the night before training can actually improve your grip because your skin is hydrated without leaving residue on the surface.

Your hands, thighs, knees and other grip points often behave differently.

Many pole dancers use one grip for their hands and another for body contact points like their thighs or knees. Having the right combination can make a huge difference to your confidence on the pole.

Not always.

Chrome, stainless steel, brass and powder-coated poles all feel different, and some grip products perform better on certain finishes than others. That's why our Pole Grip Quiz asks what type of pole you use before recommending a product.