Are you thinking of wearing? This may help with some of your questions

grincher

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This week several forum members have contacted me. All are thinking of wearing and have similar questions.

One has urged me to start a thread for those thinking of wearing with some helpful hints on getting started.

The below isnt intended to be anything more than a brief introduction on some of the early choices you need to make; and in a way keeping it short will keep it simple and helpful. You need to find a good supplier who will take you through the steps in more detail.

I am unashamedly pro hair system. I can honestly say, that wearing a hair system has positively changed my daily life. I feel younger and more confident, but I know that it can seem daunting at first.

CHOICE 1 - CLINIC OR DIY?
CLINIC Pro
1. Clinics will measure you up, order, fit and cut in the hair system for you - very easy for those lacking effort.
2. They will then service it regularly.


CLINIC Cons
1. It will cost you. Up to 10 times more per year to go down this route. Prices from £700/$1120 to £2,500/$4000 per system are not uncommon
2. You will also need to regularly visit them, which to me is more of an inconvenience than DIY
3. Some will tailor stock pieces to present them as "custom" made giving you limited choice.
4. They will not educate you in hair systems as keeping you in the dark will keep you visiting.
5. You are often locked into a contract, which you cannot cancel.

Do It Yourself - DIY
Pros

1. Will work out much more affordable over the year and more sustainable over time. I do DIY and I spend a fraction a year.
2. You will have more options on base, density and other choices which can produce more natural looking results
3. You can do it at home in your own time
4. You will learn more doing it yourself including dealing with emergencies

Cons
1. You need to invest time, like reading forums and then convert that research to your needs
2. You need to find a reliable supplier - there are a wide range out there from bad to great and all those inbetweeners

By reading forums you have started to educate yourself, if you can find members to answer your questions and make suggestions as well as a good supplier then DIY isnt that difficult. I am a supporter of DIY as a way to avoid clinic rip offs.


CHOICE 2 CUSTOM Vs STOCK
Custom systems are individually designed based on the template and hair sample you submit. They will be sized and coloured closely to your requirements. However, delivery can take 6-10 weeks.

Stock hair pieces come in a standard size, density and contour. They are also limited on available colours. IF they are in stock then you should receive them inside a week, else you will be waiting. You need to cut them to size and sometimes colour them too.

My preference is for custom made. You will have to be confident in making a template, which itself isnt so hard and when you think of the savings its positively motivational to attempt it until you are happy.


CHOICE 3 - THE BASE
There are really three choices here; French Lace, Skins systems and Swiss Lace.

I find Swiss Lace is lighter (relatively less detectable) than French and more durable than Skin. Its my preferred choice as an experienced wearer, but also for beginners I recommend it. If you are active, then lace will let sweat escape and air ventilate. It can take a bit of roughness from clumsy hands.

Dont be dazzled by the terminology used by clinics as its either skin or lace they are offering. I also recommend new wearers to ask for a PU/poly perimeter - its just some plastic around the perimeter - makes taping and clean ups much easier.

In all the time I have been wearing my hair system I have never been found out by anyone that didnt already know and its never come off unexpectedly!


CHOICE 4 - THE DENSITY
The bases nowadays are so good, there is no need to bury it under a mountain of hair. A lighter density is more natural.

Ultimately, you need to consider your age and the density of any hair on the side and back of your head. As a guide a 45-year old man with thinning hair on the sides and back will need a significantly lower density than a 23 year old with thicker hair there.

Its quite individual and any good supplier will take time to advise on the right density.

The other tip I would make, is you want a natural looking hairline. That doesnt mean a wall of hair, so go for a reduced density at the front of your piece - a good supplier will let you vary the density so go 10% lower at the front. It will give a more graduated hairline.


PRODUCTS
I tend to side with supertape and glue for front touch ups. I like Argan Shampoo, a knot sealer, C22 and Moroccan oil. Its best to buy the minimum and add to it if there is a need.


SHAVING YOUR HEAD
Its not obligatory, but its wise to clipper shave the area where the hair system will cover. This will give the adhesive the best chance to cure strong and be stable. It doesnt affect hair growth (you will need to clipper shave #1 every time you reattach, which I do at home). If a hair system isnt for you then let you hair grow back and you will be back to where you are now.


If you have any feedback or questions PM me or add it below so we can keep the thread up to date for new readers and members.
 

smile4mesweety

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Hey bro thanks for this wonderful input.

It's getting late here but I have one question...custom made is your preference as well as mines now hehe

Fill me in like how to make custom size one...am at the website of hollywoodlace.com the instructions are not well written for dummies like me

Basically what am asking is how to make custom size for yourself at home without making any mistakes? What supplies do you use to make one?

How often do you get a new hair system or basically how long does yours last? And will the company I get it from know what I exactly I want again without always going through the step of making a custom one again?

Thanks grincher :) drinks on me if you come to nyc
 

grincher

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Generally....use sellotape and clingfilm. Put the clingfilm over your scalp and add the sellotape from front to back and then from side to side.

Use a marker to outline the area you want to cover and then seal in the markings with more sellotape. Every supplier will have slightly different instructions so check with them.

Its not an exact science, so you cant really make glaring mistakes as long as you a) cover the area you want b) give it a good hair line.

I get two at a time and use in combination. I then get well over a year use. A good company will keep it on file, but if your hair loss is continuing you will need to make new templates at appropriate intervals.
 

smile4mesweety

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This makes sense...thank you so much

I actually watched video on youtubecom that demonstrated it and was exactly how you said it.

So far I understand the concept of custom made and base part. Thanks.

Question about the density- how will I know what density to pick? I don't know the density to the sides and back of my head? Is there a scale or some form of measurement?
In regards to hairstyle- who cuts the hair and what type of hair style should I be looking for? As far as am concern once you receive the product you place it on and than you get the haircut right? If I cut how will I know if its being cut right? would a regular barber cut it for me for a good price? Do you do it yourself?

Do you get your product in UK or in USA? if you have an idea of good companies in USA-pm me please
 

grincher

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thanks.

the density will depend on those factors in my original post. You need to check the hair on your sides and with a mirror the hair at the back. Is it thick, medium, thin? Was it thicker a few years ago or has it held the same?

I use an online service and I sent a few photos at different angles and my age and they pretty much worked it how from them. There is no universal scale like for time or weight. Every factory/supplier seems to have their own quirks, which is one of those things you need to live with. A good company will assess this, talk to you and explain recommendations. A bad company will just listen to a new wearer without guidance. To that end its important you get a personal service (and that doesnt mean a walk in clinic) so you can discuss it all. Too many of these clinics know we are vulnerable and mug us.

No limit on hairstyles really within reason - short or long. I used a specialist to cut in the UK for the first cut, then my local barber to blend my growing natural hair. Now my local barber is confident, I go to him and pay £20 including a turkish shave.

Any confident barber or salon thats good with hair can do it. Its like cutting real hair. The blend is the important thing. Alternatively, if you are in New York - it wont be difficult to find an excellent place.

I order from a place in the UK even when Im working abroad as they ship worldwide.
 

smile4mesweety

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So far so good grincher...this is awesome back up to hair transplant.

I think my hair is a little less thick from sides and back compared to few years ago. Top hair is clearly thinning. So when I order for the appropriate density- I should request for something that is not so thick. Is there actually different density types- like extremely thick, lightly thick, medium thick, etc etc.

I am willing to go for it but I just need to know a good company without being fudged now as my next step.

Once I find a good company that is reliable than I will look for a salon/barber to cut it and blend it with my existing hair.

Quick ?- the hair underneath my future hair piece- before I go to salon or barber- Do I shave the area on top my head and than place the hair piece on before going to the salon to have it cut properly? Sounds dumb because I would assume yes haha

Do you know anyone in the forum that is getting great quality pieces in USA?
 

grincher

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So far so good grincher...this is awesome back up to hair transplant.

I think my hair is a little less thick from sides and back compared to few years ago. Top hair is clearly thinning. So when I order for the appropriate density- I should request for something that is not so thick. Is there actually different density types- like extremely thick, lightly thick, medium thick, etc etc.

I am willing to go for it but I just need to know a good company without being fudged now as my next step.

Once I find a good company that is reliable than I will look for a salon/barber to cut it and blend it with my existing hair.

Quick ?- the hair underneath my future hair piece- before I go to salon or barber- Do I shave the area on top my head and than place the hair piece on before going to the salon to have it cut properly? Sounds dumb because I would assume yes haha

Do you know anyone in the forum that is getting great quality pieces in USA?

yes there is a scale like light, medium, light-med etc. refer to your supplier.

yes the area needs to be shaved. if you go to an experienced stylist they will do it.

Im sure others will come along and answer your usa question, but if you are going to order online, it doesnt matter where they are as long as they have a great product, a super service and affordable prices.
 

smile4mesweety

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OK so shave or buzz it short as possible before going to see the stylist/barber...so do I place the hair piece on before leaving my home to see the barber or do I put it on when I get to the stylist place?

I am searching for stylist here in NYC and unbelievable they are all females salons...how do i get the balls to just ask female salons to cut a piece for me? should I ask my male barber who been cutting me hair for years?

- - - Updated - - -

Also for the hair piece to stay attached...I hear there is glue/ tape/ clips...how much stuff do you have to put on to keep the system in place?
 

grincher

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Surprisingly or unsurprisingly the female salons are very good with this type of hair as they work regularly with wigs and extensions. That said, I understand some chaps prefer to see a male barber or stylist. It shouldn't be that hard in NYC!

If your local barber is willing to do it, then ask him if he is happy to attach it. Show him some youtube links. In terms of difficulty its not so painful. Granted the first time, its all new and you need to take time, but in time you will develop your own technique and fly through it. The first time I did it with my stylist it took us 15 minutes as it was fiddly and new and we had short nails. Now I do it myself in less than 5 minutes.

It will be easier if he clipper shaves your area down to #1 then together you add tape (its my preference) and attach. Much easier than you trying first time at home.

Glue is messy for me. I think clips are more for extensions.

On the other hand, a specialist place will do all this for you.

You dont need much to keep it in place. Adage of less is more rings true here. I put one strip around the perimeter only and once cured (24 hours), it aint coming off for 3 weeks. Never had any issues with bond. Again I use tape with 3-4 week hold and change after 3-weeks.
 

smile4mesweety

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Hey grincher, In order for me to order one- I have to send my template with the following filled:

Template to be mailed, or dimensions of base you need in inches (standard orders are up to 8" x 10"):


Hair Sample to be mailed or color number:

Base requested (French Lace, Swiss Lace, Thinskin, etc):

Hair Length:

Gray Hair Percentage, if any:

Graduated Hairline?

Hair Density (SEE DENSITY SCALE AT BOTTOM OF PAGE):

Curl (Bodywave, Straight Hair, Etc):

Ventilation/Style (Freestyle, Flatback, Center Crown, etc):

Bleached knots at hairline and exposed areas such as parts or crowns:

I don't know what hair length to order? what the hec is graduated hairline (like my hair went to college and graduated-corny I know haha)- you get my point!
What the hec is Curl? a bodywave or straight hair- I just want spikey hair what I always had :(
Now what the hec is ventilation style?
What is bleached knots at hairline?
sorry am so confused am dying to order I just don't want to order without getting it right
 

JimmyJones

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Hey grincher, In order for me to order one- I have to send my template with the following filled:

Template to be mailed, or dimensions of base you need in inches (standard orders are up to 8" x 10"):


Hair Sample to be mailed or color number:

Base requested (French Lace, Swiss Lace, Thinskin, etc):

Hair Length:

Gray Hair Percentage, if any:

Graduated Hairline?

Hair Density (SEE DENSITY SCALE AT BOTTOM OF PAGE):

Curl (Bodywave, Straight Hair, Etc):

Ventilation/Style (Freestyle, Flatback, Center Crown, etc):

Bleached knots at hairline and exposed areas such as parts or crowns:

I don't know what hair length to order? what the hec is graduated hairline (like my hair went to college and graduated-corny I know haha)- you get my point!
What the hec is Curl? a bodywave or straight hair- I just want spikey hair what I always had :(
Now what the hec is ventilation style?
What is bleached knots at hairline?
sorry am so confused am dying to order I just don't want to order without getting it right
I pmed you mate.
 

Kinglewis121

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Hey grincher sorry to bump this thread but I couldn't pm you yet (not enough posts) I'm getting my first system in about 6 weeks time as I've ordered a custom one the first time I'm going to a "clinic" as I'm totally new ... My usual barber however comes to my house so I've briefed him on what I'm doing and hopefully he will start blending it in after the first one ... There's only really one question really rotting my brain I've seen tons of photos of system wearers and videos but they all seem to have a similar style ... I can't ever see the one I want ... Like the cropped over almost combover style with tightly blended sides ... Is this style possible do you think and would look quite good ,?
 

Kinglewis121

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i couldnt PM so il attach it here after i edited it slightly

photo.jpg

Edit this board is hard work ... heres a link so its larger sized image http://s3.postimg.org/tc7mrcper/photo.png
 

Benz9

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how was the new system

just posted a picture then it vanished straight away ..... http://s3.postimg.org/tc7mrcper/photo.png

Hey Kinglewis121 was just wondering how was the first system and if you have any pictures to share with us. im a young guy and there arent many younger guys with pics on here so i am curious to see how did your hair cut come out cuz that is more or less what kind of style i would aim for.
 

Incursio

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Thanks for all your help Grincher if it wasn't for your advice I doubt I'd have gone down the hair system route. I've been lurking your posts for a year before I made the jump towards a system. Should have pictures in the next arduous 5 weeks.
As I'm 23 went for a topper with 100% rear 90% front with bleached knots. Swiss base with poly perimeter.
Will test the waters for the first month before ordering a second piece.
 

veddarmesnch

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Do you know any great online supplier I can order from Germany?

Thanks for the tips, it really helps. This will be my first time using a hair system, thing is that my hair is really long (I´m a guy), about 20 inches, straight and thin. Would that mean a lot more money? I wouldn´t want to spend more than $700 (US Dollars) on a single piece. Is that an issue?

Thanks again.
 

grincher

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Thanks for the tips, it really helps. This will be my first time using a hair system, thing is that my hair is really long (I´m a guy), about 20 inches, straight and thin. Would that mean a lot more money? I wouldn´t want to spend more than $700 (US Dollars) on a single piece. Is that an issue?

Thanks again.

The supplier I use does hair over 20 inches according to their charts.

PM if you want details or terimon@hotmail dot co dot uk
 
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