My Top 4: The Most Sustainable Pole Dance Grips

My Top 4 Compared

Surrounded by my eco-bubble of reusable cups and secondhand polewear, I’ve often wondered: Why does the world of sports – a realm of strength and community – so often ignore that its future is tied to the planet’s? Sure, sports should be fun. But as we spin on the pole, we tend to forget that every choice – from grip aids to studio lighting – sends a message.

Every product here is a compromise – not perfect, but a step toward mindful choices.
Sustainability isn’t about saving the planet with a single grip. It’s about asking: Which materials align with my values? What production practices do I want to support? And crucially – what works with my skin? True sustainability isn’t black and white; it’s a journey of intentional steps.

Now, the interesting question:
Which grip would you choose if money were no object?

Let’s take a closer look at the different grip options and what makes them special! 😊

Beeswax

Beeswax is a popular grip aid in pole dancing, offering several benefits in terms of sustainability and skin-friendliness. It’s a natural product derived from bee honeycombs and contains no harmful chemicals, making it a great option for many users. Beeswax provides excellent grip on the pole by creating a tacky surface without leaving behind heavy residues. Plus, when sourced responsibly, it supports sustainable beekeeping practices.

One specific product that uses beeswax as its main ingredient is ITAC2. Known for its effectiveness, ITAC2 comes in different strengths to suit various needs. Its formula ensures strong adherence while also helping to regulate moisture, which is particularly beneficial for pole dancers with dry skin.

That said, there are some downsides to ITAC2. Some users have reported that it can leave sticky residues on the pole, which are harder to clean compared to other grip aids like liquid chalk. Additionally, it might not be the best choice for people with very sweaty hands, as the grip may diminish under those conditions. Personally, I use ITAC2 primarily for leg grip and only apply tiny amounts—one jar lasts me forever!

Liquid Chalk / Magnesium Carbonate

Liquid chalk (or magnesium carbonate) is another popular choice. It’s not to be confused with magnesium itself—magnesium carbonate is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. This property helps prevent slipping while you’re dancing on the pole. However, liquid chalk often contains alcohol, which can dry out your hands even more. If you already have dry or cracked skin, you might want to think twice before using it.

It’s worth noting that the terms “chalk” and “magnesia” aren’t legally protected or clearly defined. This means that manufacturers aren’t required to disclose all additives in their products. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your chalk.

Magnesium carbonate is produced in two main ways:

1. Natural Mining: Extracted from magnesite rock through chemical processes, often in countries like China, Europe, or the U.S.—but this method comes with a significant environmental footprint. According to Climbing Magazine, over 70% of the world’s magnesium carbonate comes from mines in China’s Liaoning Province.

2. Synthetic Production: Created as a byproduct of seawater desalination, this method typically results in purer and more sustainable magnesium carbonate that’s free from heavy metals.

When I use chalk, I always go for liquid chalk because powdered chalk can release fine dust particles that irritate the respiratory system. I’m a big fan of Monkey Hands grips—they offer different levels of tackiness for various skin types and don’t contain harmful substances like parabens or petroleum derivatives. That makes both my skin and nature happy! The gel requires only a small amount per use, reducing waste and lowering its environmental impact overall. However, it does contain microplastics (Acrylates Crosspolymer), which can enter water systems when washing your hands.

Grippy Leggings

I love wearing grippy leggings—especially on cold days! My warm body tends to slip more easily on a cold pole, so these leggings help me stay motivated to practice even when the pole feels icy. However, they do have their downsides: they need to fit very tightly for optimal grip, which can feel restrictive for some people.

It’s also worth noting that most activewear contains plastic materials that may eventually contribute to microplastic pollution depending on how they’re disposed of. That’s why I think it’s important to wear these leggings (or any other polewear) for as long as possible—to truly appreciate and make use of the resources that went into creating them.

What about you? Which grip product do you swear by? Let me know in the comments! 😊

Sources:

Chalk: Wie umweltschädlich ist das Hilfsmittel der Kletterer? | National Geographic

Magnesia & Chalk – Einflüsse auf Gesundheit & Umwelt

iTac2 Pole Fitness Grip 200 g – PoleShop.De – Pole Dance…

Poledance Grip: Tipps für Halt an der Stange | poledance.blog