Get A Grip: Why You’re Slipping On The Pole (And How To Fix It)
TL;DR
Grip changes because of your skin, the weather, the pole finish, pole diameter, strength, fatigue and even your hormones.
Dry skin, sweaty skin and moisturiser all behave differently on the pole.
Brass, chrome and stainless poles offer completely different levels of natural grip.
Grip aids can help, but they aren’t the whole solution.
A simple strength routine for your wrists and forearms can improve your grip dramatically.
Every pole dancer has had that moment where they jump onto the pole expecting to stick…and instead slide straight back down like a sad fireman. And it’s frustrating because no one explains why it happens. People either throw a grip product at you or tell you to “build more strength,” but grip is far more layered than that.
Some days, your skin grips perfectly. Other days, it feels like no part of your body wants to play the game. And that’s because grip isn’t one thing. It’s a blend of your skin chemistry, the environment, the pole itself, how tired you are, what your hormones are doing, and even how much water you’ve had that day.
Once you understand what’s actually affecting your grip, everything becomes much less confusing. You stop blaming yourself, and you can start making small adjustments that genuinely help. This guide walks you through all of it in a clear, practical way.
Why You’re Slipping on the Pole
Grip feels inconsistent because there are multiple variables at play, and they shift from day to day. Here are the biggest contributors.
Your Skin Type
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of grip.
Dry skin isn’t automatically “good for grip,” and sweaty skin doesn’t automatically mean you need chalk. Both can slip. They simply slip for different reasons.
Dry skin:
Your skin may feel soft but has almost no tack.
Winter makes things worse.
If you moisturise too close to class, you might slide instantly.
Sweaty or oily skin:
You might start class gripping well and lose it once your body heats up.
Stress and nerves make sweat worse.
Your hands can feel fine one second and give up the next.
And here’s the tricky part: two people with “dry skin” may need completely different routines. Your skin chemistry is unique.
The Environment
Australian weather is… a choice. Especially in Queensland.
Summer humidity means your body warms up fast, your hands sweat, the air feels heavy and even the pole seems to have opinions.
Winter, on the other hand, dries your skin out so much that nothing sticks unless you consciously prepare for it.
Even with air-conditioning, humidity and room temperature will change how you grip.
The Pole Itself
Not all poles behave the same.
Chrome
Slippery, especially in humidity. A lot of beginners start on chrome and think their grip issues are their fault. Often, it’s the pole.
Stainless steel
Smooth and consistent but can feel slidey for some skin types.
Brass
Warms up quickly and becomes naturally tacky.
Many dancers barely use grip aids on brass.
Silicone
Extremely grippy. Usually used with clothing.
And then there’s pole diameter:
38–40 mm is great for hand grip.
45 mm is the studio standard is great for leg grip.
If you switch studios or poles, your grip will absolutely change. It’s not you, it’s the pole.
Your Body on the Day
Grip is surprisingly sensitive to your internal world. Things that don’t seem related can change everything.
Stress increases sweat.
Fatigue drops your grip strength.
Dehydration makes skin slide.
Your cycle changes your energy and skin texture.
Poor sleep affects everything from strength to focus.
This is why you can nail a trick on Monday and feel useless by Thursday.
Grip Aids: What They Actually Do
The grip shelf at your studio might be overflowing, but every product falls into one of these categories. Understanding them helps you choose what works for your skin instead of guessing.
Drying grips
Best for sweaty hands. Helps remove moisture.
Tacky grips
Adds stickiness. Often used for comps or slippery poles. Strong and long-lasting.
Moisture-balancing grips
Designed for dry skin that needs a bit of tack without getting sticky.
Chalk-adjacent products
Absorb moisture and help hands that get progressively sweatier.
The Australian classics
Shaving cream and hairspray.
Shaving cream gives dry skin a light tack.
Hairspray is sometimes used in photoshoots or performances for specific holds.
How to test grip aids effectively
Most dancers mix too many products too soon. Try this instead:
Test one grip aid at a time.
Use it on only one area (hands or legs, not both).
Train with it for two full sessions.
Clean the pole afterward so you're not fighting someone else’s residue.
Strength: The Part People Skip
Grip isn’t only skin and weather. Strength plays a massive role, especially later in class when you’re tired.
Your grip strength is influenced by:
wrist mobility
forearm strength
finger flexors
shoulder stability
core engagement
Pole naturally builds strength over time, but a small, consistent routine will fast-track it.
A Simple Grip-Strength Routine
Do this two to three times a week on non-pole days or after light sessions.
Wrist Extensions
3 sets of 12–15 reps per side.
Helps with upward wrist strength.
Wrist Flexions
3 sets of 12–15 reps per side.
Great for balance and control.
“Unscrew the Pole” Drill
Hold 8–10 seconds. Repeat several times.
This activates your forearms deeply without overloading your joints.
Dead Hangs or Assisted Hangs
10–20 seconds for 3–5 rounds.
Builds raw grip endurance.
Finger Band Opens
20 reps.
Works the often-ignored finger extensors.
This routine alone can transform the way your hands connect to the pole.
FAQs
Why am I slipping on the pole?
Usually, because your skin, the weather, the pole finish or your fatigue levels aren’t working in your favour. Grip is rarely “just strength.”
Can I moisturise and still pole dance?
Yes. Moisturise earlier in the day and remove residue before class. Many dancers need moisturiser for their skin health and still grip perfectly well with the right routine.
Do I need grip aid or strength?
Both. Grip aids help you train safely and confidently. Strength keeps you secure long-term.
Why is my grip inconsistent?
Hormones, hydration, stress, sleep, humidity and pole type all affect grip. It’s normal to have good and bad grip days.
Does shaving cream actually work?
For many dancers with dry skin, yes. Use a small amount, keep it off your hands and let it settle before touching the pole.
Will pole dancing naturally improve grip strength?
Absolutely. Consistent training builds strong wrists, fingers and forearms over time.
Grip Myths You Can Let Go Of
“You shouldn’t need grip products.”
Most advanced dancers use something. Grip aids aren’t cheating; they’re tools.
“Grip is just about strength.”
Strength is one piece. Skin, weather, pole finish and technique matter just as much.
“More grip product is better.”
Too much product often makes things worse. Less is almost always better.
Final Thoughts
Grip isn’t a mystery. It’s a collection of moving parts that all influence each other. When you understand what your skin needs, how different poles behave and how your body responds to stress and weather, everything becomes far easier to manage.
You’re not bad at pole. You don’t have “terrible grip.”
You just haven’t discovered your personal grip formula yet and now you know exactly where to start.
