Before You Buy: Understanding Your Needs

Assess Your Hair Loss Pattern

Your first step is understanding exactly what you need to cover:

• Receding Hairline Only
  Consider: Frontal hairpiece
  Coverage: Front third of the head
  Best for: Early to moderate hair loss
• Crown Thinning
  Consider: Hair topper/crown piece
  Coverage: Top and crown areas
  Best for: Maintaining your hairline with thinning on top
• Diffuse Thinning
  Consider: Full cap or large topper
  Coverage: Most or all of the scalp
  Best for: Overall thinning without complete baldness
• Complete Baldness
  Consider: Full cap system
  Coverage: Entire scalp
  Best for: Advanced hair loss or total baldness

Set Your Budget

Be realistic about both initial and ongoing costs:

Initial Investment:

• Entry-level stock systems: $200-$400
• Mid-range quality: $400-$700
• Premium stock: $700-$1,200
• Custom systems: $800-$2,000+

Ongoing Costs:

• Replacement systems: Every 3-12 months
• Adhesives and products: $20-$50/month
• Professional maintenance: $50-$150/visit (every 4-8 weeks)
• Styling: Initial cut and styling ($50-$200)

Pro Tip: Budget for at least 2 systems. Rotating between two units significantly extends their lifespan.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your daily activities should guide your choices:

• Active Lifestyle (Exercise, Swimming)
  Choose: Polyurethane (skin) base
  Why: More durable, better water resistance
  Attachment: Strong liquid adhesive
• Hot Climate / Sweating
  Choose: Lace or mono base
  Why: Maximum breathability
  Attachment: Combination of tape and adhesive
• Low Maintenance Preference
  Choose: Mono or thick skin base
  Why: Less frequent maintenance needed
  Attachment: Clips or strong adhesive for longer wear
• Professional Environment
  Choose: Custom or premium stock with lace front
  Why: Most undetectable appearance
  Attachment: Whatever feels most secure for confidence

Key Decision #1: Base Material

The base is what sits against your scalp—your most important choice.

Lace (French or Swiss)

Best For: Natural appearance, breathability

Pros:

• Extremely natural-looking, especially at hairline
• Excellent ventilation (coolest option)
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Can see scalp through the material
• Versatile styling options

Cons:

• More delicate; tears more easily
• Shorter lifespan (2-4 months average)
• Requires gentler handling
• Can be visible up close if not blended properly

Recommended For: First-time users wanting the most natural look

Polyurethane (Skin/PU)

Best For: Durability, easy maintenance

Pros:

• Very durable and long-lasting (4-8 weeks, sometimes longer)
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Excellent for active lifestyles
• Water-resistant
• Creates perfect seal against scalp
• Affordable

Cons:

• Less breathable (can be hot)
• Visible shine if too thick
• Less natural appearance up close
• Can trap moisture against scalp

Recommended For: Active individuals, swimmers, those in humid climates

Monofilament (Mono)

Best For: Comfort, durability

Pros:

• Very comfortable and breathable
• Durable (4-6 months average)
• Natural scalp appearance
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Versatile parting options

Cons:

• More expensive
• Heavier than lace
• Hairline may look less natural (often combined with lace front)
• Longer production time for custom orders

Recommended For: Those with sensitive skin, wanting longer lifespan

Hybrid/Combination Bases

Best For: Maximizing benefits of different materials

Common Combinations:

• Lace front + PU back: Natural hairline with durable back
• Lace front + Mono center: Natural front with comfortable, breathable center
• Silk top + Lace perimeter: Most undetectable option (premium)

Recommended For: Those willing to invest more for optimized performance

Key Decision #2: Hair Type & Quality

Hair Origin

• European Hair — Finest texture, most natural luster; rarest and most expensive; best for light-colored, fine hair matching; Price: $$$$
• Indian Hair — Versatile medium texture; wide availability; best for most hair types and colors; Price: $$-$$$
• Chinese Hair — Straight, strong, thick texture; very durable; best for Asian hair types and those wanting longevity; Price: $$

Remy vs. Non-Remy Hair

Remy Hair (Recommended)

• Cuticles intact and aligned in same direction
• Looks more natural
• Less tangling
• Lasts longer
• Costs more but worth it

Non-Remy Hair

• Cuticles may be stripped or misaligned
• More prone to tangling
• Shorter lifespan
• Lower cost
• Acceptable for first budget system

Synthetic Hair

Consider Only If:

• Very tight budget
• Temporary need (costume, theatrical)
• Don't plan to use heat styling

Note: Synthetic hair can't be heat-styled and looks less natural. For hair systems, human hair is almost always the better choice.

Key Decision #3: Stock vs. Custom

Stock Systems

What They Are: Pre-made units in standard sizes, colors, and styles

Advantages:

• Immediate availability: Ships within days
• Lower cost: Typically $200-$700
• Good for testing: Try the concept before investing more
• Can be customized: Stylists can cut and color to suit you
• Less commitment: Lower financial and time investment

Disadvantages:

• Limited size options (may not fit perfectly)
• Standard densities (might be too thick or thin)
• Compromise on specifications

Best For: First-time users, those unsure about commitment, budget-conscious buyers

Custom Systems

What They Are: Made specifically for your head shape, color, density, and style preferences

Advantages:

• Perfect fit: Templated to your exact head shape
• Precise color match: Including gray percentage and highlights
• Density control: Exact hair thickness you want
• Customized features: Hairline design, wave pattern, hair direction
• Best results: Most natural and comfortable

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost: Typically $800-$2,000+
• Longer wait: 4-8 weeks production time
• Bigger commitment: Significant upfront investment
• Can't try before buying: Must commit to specifications

Best For: Those who've tried stock systems and know what they want, perfect-fit seekers, long-term users

Pro Tip for First-Timers: Start with a quality stock system. Learn what you like and don't like, then order a custom system with that knowledge.

Key Decision #4: Specifications

Color Matching

Getting It Right:

• Match in natural daylight (not indoor lighting)
• If between shades, choose slightly lighter (easier to darken than lighten)
• Consider gray percentage if applicable
• Include highlights if your natural hair has them
• Remember: Hair can be professionally colored after purchase

Common Mistake: Ordering too dark. Lighter looks more natural.

Hair Density

Measured as percentage:

• 60-80%: Very light, see-through (too thin for most)
• 80-100%: Light (good for older men, natural thinning look)
• 100-120%: Medium-light (most popular, natural)
• 120-130%: Medium (good coverage, still natural)
• 130-150%: Medium-heavy (full look, may look thick)
• 150%+: Heavy (often looks unnatural, wig-like)

Recommendation: 110-120% density looks most natural for most men.

Common Mistake: Ordering too much density. Remember, even young men with "full" hair have some scalp visibility.

Hair Length

Guideline:

• Order 1-2 inches longer than your target style
• Allows your stylist to cut and shape properly
• Easier to trim than to add length
• Consider: Shorter = easier to maintain

Popular Starting Length: 6-8 inches (versatile for most styles)

Where to Buy Your First System

Online Retailers

Pros:

• Wider selection
• Better prices
• Easy comparison shopping
• Reviews and photos from real users
• Convenience

Cons:

• Can't see/touch before buying
• Color matching more difficult
• More overwhelming with choices
• Shipping time

Best Online Sources:

• Specialized hair system websites
• Direct from manufacturers
• Reputable marketplaces with buyer protection

Local Salons Specializing in Hair Systems

Pros:

• Expert guidance and consultation
• See and touch samples
• Color matching in person
• Professional fitting and styling included
• Ongoing support and maintenance

Cons:

• Higher prices (markup for service)
• Limited inventory selection
• Pressure to buy

Best For: First-time buyers wanting guidance

Your First System Checklist

Before you buy, ensure you can answer these:

• Coverage area identified: Do you know what parts of your head need coverage?
• Budget set: Have you allocated funds for initial system + products + styling?
• Base material chosen: Lace, poly, mono, or hybrid?
• Stock vs. custom decided: Starting with stock or investing in custom?
• Color determined: Do you have an accurate color match?
• Density selected: Have you chosen appropriate density (recommend 110-120%)?
• Length decided: Ordered 1-2 inches longer than target?
• Supplier vetted: Read reviews, checked credentials, confirmed return policy?
• Stylist identified: Do you know where you'll get it cut and installed?
• Products purchased: Do you have adhesive, remover, and special shampoo?

Common First-Time Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering too much density → Results in unnatural, "wiggy" appearance
• Choosing the wrong base → Discomfort or poor durability for lifestyle
• Color too dark → Most noticeable sign of a hair system
• Skipping professional styling → System looks obvious without proper cut and blend
• Buying cheapest option → Poor quality disappoints and discourages continuation
• Not researching seller → Risk of scams, poor quality, or no support
• Rushing the decision → Taking time to research pays off significantly
• Not budgeting for ongoing costs → Surprised by adhesive, maintenance, and replacement costs

After You Buy: What's Next?

1. Unbox and Inspect

• Check for correct color, length, and specifications
• Look for any damage from shipping
• Try it on (don't attach yet)
• Take photos if any issues for supplier communication

2. Find a Qualified Stylist

• Look for "hair replacement specialist" or "hair system stylist"
• Many barbers and hairstylists aren't trained in cutting systems
• Ask to see examples of their work
• Expect to pay $50-$200 for initial cut and styling

3. Professional Installation

• Have professional attach your first system
• Learn proper technique by watching
• Understand adhesive application
• Get instructions for home maintenance

4. Learn Maintenance Routine

• Daily: Gentle brushing
• Weekly: Washing (if wearing continuously)
• Monthly: Professional reattachment
• As needed: Touch-ups, styling adjustments

Final Advice for First-Time Buyers

Start Simple

Don't overwhelm yourself with options. A quality stock system with lace or lace-poly hybrid base in medium density is a safe, versatile first choice for most men.

Invest in Quality

Your first system sets the tone for your entire experience. Spending $400-$700 on a quality stock system is far better than $200 on something that disappoints you.

Get Professional Help

At minimum, have a professional cut, style, and install your first system. The investment in expertise is worth it.

Be Patient

There's a learning curve. Your first system is an education. Your second one will be better because you'll know what you want.

Join Communities

Online forums and groups for hair system wearers offer invaluable advice, supplier recommendations, and troubleshooting help.

Ready to order your first hair system? Browse our curated collection of beginner-friendly options, or contact our team for personalized guidance. We're here to make your first hair system experience successful and confidence-boosting.