Best Hair System Type Lace Or Skin -uk

[henry22]

Hi all.

This is a great forum.

Needed some advice on UK companies that supply Hair systems.
My main predicament is the type of System. Either the artificial skin one or the lace type.
Anyone have any experience of the different types of systems and which is the best one to go for?

I am also not sure which company to go for out of these 2 below. They both charge a similar price. £500 per piece including fitting an cutting.


My background

I have used 1 hair system before that I was fairly happy with that I still have. I attached the piece with tape as I did not want to use glues due to having a sensitive itchy scalp. It was great I could easily remove it and wash my head instead of the glue/artificial skin option which is more of long term attachment, I didn't want to buy one of those as I am not sure how my scalp will feel as its quite sensitive. My previous system was only £180 including fitting. It looked very good but slightly detectable close up from looking and feeling it. The hairline from the front was also not that good to be able to have my hair rolled back. I have done some research and found two companies that seem reputable from the UK. I purchased this sytem from an asian country while on holiday there spontaneously.

There are a couple of uk companies I am looking at.

The first one is https://www.totalcoverplus.co.uk/

They seem to be quite professional. But they only offer the glue attachment option not tape which I am use to. This I presume is because they only use a breathable skin systems not the lace type which needs to be fitted with glue instead of tape. But with my scalp dermatitis I have serious doubts if it would be suitable for my head.

The second option is http://www.menshairpieces.co.uk/

They offer the tape attachment option which I am more leaning toward but I have heard that the lace system is more detectable then the breathable skin one.

Anyone have any advice on the best type of system to go for?

I am aware that there are some online companies that do pay to order pieces and also some some advertised on ebay. But I would prefer to go somewhere where they will actually cut the system in a salon to your desired style.

 

[Noah]

Hi Henry

The big distinguishing feature for me between lace and skin is that lace is breathable, whereas skin is not. If you are physically active, I think there is a big advantage in having the breathable base. With skin, sweat gets trapped under the base and is uncomfortable, whereas with lace it just evaporates away. I also like the sensation of feeling the rain or the shower or the wind on my head.

If sweating is not an issue for you, both lace and skin can be good. Skin mimics human scalp better, so looks really good when seen from above, and on partings and crowns and on short cuts and low density systems, and you can have it injected rather than knotted, which is a really nice look. On the other hand lace disappears better at the hairline, so it is better if you want a fully exposed hairline.

With skin you have to use glue (tape would tear the membrane when you remove it) and you really have to glue the whole of your bald area (otherwise the skin makes a plastic bag sound when you scratch it), but skin is easier to clean up. With lace you can use tape or glue, and most just bond it around the perimeter.

Noah

 

[Izzyloveslife]

Hi Henry,

I came across this post on one of my many (and frequent) Google searches about hair systems. It's something I've been looking at for a while now as I swear it just seems to be getting worse. Anyway I hadn't actually come across this forum before but I joined as soon as I saw that you'd mentioned Total Cover Plus as I've been looking at them!

I rarely come across someone online who can actually give me first hand advice so this is genuinely great as you can never tell these days which reviews are genuine or which are just made up! Anyway going off this, I was wondering if you'd gone with Total Cover in the end or not? And if you did if you'd recommend them? I know as a woman it will be slightly different but if you could tell me overall if they'd been good or not then that would be such a massive help! The thing is as I haven't used a hair system before I'm quite a rookie so I don't know the ins and outs of what is good or not.

I came across a post a while ago (I literally can't remember where) but it mentioned Total Care and also a company called Optima Hair and I didn't know which to go for? On the off chance have you heard/used Optima - because if you could provide any insight on them that would be a dream and might officially make you my advice guru!

Anyway it would be fantastic to get any feedback on those companies from you - or any other suggestions/recommendations really! Thank you very much for your help!

Best,

Izzy

 

[Goldie Locks]

Hello Izzy and Henry,

I am debating on exactly the same thing. I am unsure which is the least detectable... and natural looking. Have you made your decision yet Henry?
I have eventually arranged a consultation with one of the Total Cover Plus salon partners in Manchester. They use only Active Skin systems and although they look and feel FANTASTIC the most wear you could take out of one is 7-8 weeks. Now it may seem long, and system ITSELF may seem affordable, but the salon prices on top of that are just a killer charging another £300 on top of the system to install it. So now the cost goes up to £620 every 7-8 weeks (only for the system itself and installing). Of course on top of that you have your maintenance kit, regular maintenance visits and god forbid something goes wrong and you have to revisit the salon... I have made a the total calculations and if you wish to go with Total Cover Plus in Manchester (prices may vary in different cities) you are looking at £420 FIXED cost per month (at least) + your variables (which are unavoidable) And this is only for the Standard System! If the salon was to colour it to match better your own colour or you have the "bespoke" system installed of course the cost is even higher (by approximately 25%). If you can afford it, great! But to me this is not something I am willing to pay much more than mortgage! I have narrowed down few different companies and arranged some more consultations. But if you have tested some already and have the "hands on" experience please share!

Many thanks,

G

 

[Tom Williams]

Hi Guys,

I too have a similar question. I have booked in and I'm having a system fitted that is a skin system.

I'm not sure I've made the right choice. Suppose with anything new it's a learning curve.

As for total cover plus I looked into it and it's not for me. I have decided to go with thomas samson hair in kidderminster. Pic posted below of his systems.

Izzy, not sure where you are in the UK but check out weavesandwaves on instagram. They aren't the best at mens hair but specialise in womens hair. They are located in Wigan Lancashire

 

[Goldie Locks]

Hi Guys,

I too have a similar question. I have booked in and I'm having a system fitted that is a skin system.

I'm not sure I've made the right choice. Suppose with anything new it's a learning curve.

As for total cover plus I looked into it and it's not for me. I have decided to go with thomas samson hair in kidderminster. Pic posted below of his systems.

Izzy, not sure where you are in the UK but check out weavesandwaves on instagram. They aren't the best at mens hair but specialise in womens hair. They are located in Wigan Lancashire View attachment 71259

Hey Tom,

It's great that you have made your decision. You must let me know how was your experience as Thomas Samson is only 2h drive from me. I have got my system since the last post. I have opted for the lace system with company called hair revive. It is an independent person that does this, not a proper salon. But he will visit you at your home and do it all there. The benefit is that he is extremely nice guy and very easy to get on with. I will be honest tho that he is not a great hair dresser nor stylist which is a shame really. I am also.... semi-satisfied with the quality of the hair. Imediately aftwr installing the hairline was extremely sticky for the next 2 days. My hair was so think I could not style it at all. It happened that I was travelling to London couple of days after and decided to visit Frankie Cochrane salon which specialises in hair systems. They looked after me extremely well. Fixed my haircut slightly, thinned the hair density, cleaned properly my front line and styled it the way I wanted it. They also gave me a lot of information how to look after my system and which products to use. I must say that I left the Salon extremely happy and confident with my hair. They also charge slightly less for the system and styling than hair revive. I think my next system will be done at Frankie Cochrane! I visit friends in London every few months anyway. I can wholeheartedly recommend them!

 

[NMLondon]

Hey Tom,

It's great that you have made your decision. You must let me know how was your experience as Thomas Samson is only 2h drive from me. I have got my system since the last post. I have opted for the lace system with company called hair revive. It is an independent person that does this, not a proper salon. But he will visit you at your home and do it all there. The benefit is that he is extremely nice guy and very easy to get on with. I will be honest tho that he is not a great hair dresser nor stylist which is a shame really. I am also.... semi-satisfied with the quality of the hair. Imediately aftwr installing the hairline was extremely sticky for the next 2 days. My hair was so think I could not style it at all. It happened that I was travelling to London couple of days after and decided to visit Frankie Cochrane salon which specialises in hair systems. They looked after me extremely well. Fixed my haircut slightly, thinned the hair density, cleaned properly my front line and styled it the way I wanted it. They also gave me a lot of information how to look after my system and which products to use. I must say that I left the Salon extremely happy and confident with my hair. They also charge slightly less for the system and styling than hair revive. I think my next system will be done at Frankie Cochrane! I visit friends in London every few months anyway. I can wholeheartedly recommend them!

Hi - I’ve got a first appointment at Frankie Cochrane tomorrow - I don’t have a system at the moment - use Caboki to hide crown and temples. I’m pretty nervous but excited that this might make life easier. Thanks for the post it reassured me a bit

 

[Noah]

Hope it all goes well NMLondon!

 

[NMLondon]

Hope it all goes well NMLondon!

Hey - so I haven’t had anything done yet but Paul at Frankie Cochrane was awesome. He invited me in today to meet two guys having their systems cleaned and refitted - who were both so great. Their systems looked so unbelievevably real - they let me get so close to them to check them out and answered loads of questions - feeling very positive about this! I also got a quote today from Dr. Feriduni for a hair transplant (approx 18k euros! With limited hairline restoration) some I’m thinking maybe the system might be better. Just thought I’d share with u you’re posts are on here a lot and really helpful

 

[Goldie Locks]

Hey - so I haven’t had anything done yet but Paul at Frankie Cochrane was awesome. He invited me in today to meet two guys having their systems cleaned and refitted - who were both so great. Their systems looked so unbelievevably real - they let me get so close to them to check them out and answered loads of questions - feeling very positive about this! I also got a quote today from Dr. Feriduni for a hair transplant (approx 18k euros! With limited hairline restoration) some I’m thinking maybe the system might be better. Just thought I’d share with u you’re posts are on here a lot and really helpful

HeyNMLondon! How did you get on with the system? Did you make the big step yet? Either way I hope you're well.

 

[Goldie Locks]

Hi Henry,

I came across this post on one of my many (and frequent) Google searches about hair systems. It's something I've been looking at for a while now as I swear it just seems to be getting worse. Anyway I hadn't actually come across this forum before but I joined as soon as I saw that you'd mentioned Total Cover Plus as I've been looking at them!

I rarely come across someone online who can actually give me first hand advice so this is genuinely great as you can never tell these days which reviews are genuine or which are just made up! Anyway going off this, I was wondering if you'd gone with Total Cover in the end or not? And if you did if you'd recommend them? I know as a woman it will be slightly different but if you could tell me overall if they'd been good or not then that would be such a massive help! The thing is as I haven't used a hair system before I'm quite a rookie so I don't know the ins and outs of what is good or not.

I came across a post a while ago (I literally can't remember where) but it mentioned Total Care and also a company called Optima Hair and I didn't know which to go for? On the off chance have you heard/used Optima - because if you could provide any insight on them that would be a dream and might officially make you my advice guru!

Anyway it would be fantastic to get any feedback on those companies from you - or any other suggestions/recommendations really! Thank you very much for your help!

Best,

Izzy

Hello Izzy,

I saw you mentioning TotalCover Plus. I came across this company before I had my system installed. I visited a salon in Manchester that fit their systems (David Rozman). I actually had a chance to get my hands on one of their systems there and also one of their customers let me "inspect it" on his head.
I must say that if you have resources to regularly visit a VERY expensive salon to have it fitted and styled, go for it girl! I can wholeheartedly say that I looked at the edge of the system inbetween the customers hair, touched it and could not see where the hair finished and system started. Their fitting and blending skills were absolutely outstanding! I've never seen a system being fitted so well. Hair itself were soft, natural and very high quality. If i remember right when I added it all up, it came to approximately £750 every 6 weeks. I could not justify spending this much money so ended up going elswhere. But honestly(!) I wish I could. I am not familiar with the other companies you mentioned but just wanted to give my view of the company and this salon in particular.
Wishing you best of luck!

Nick

 

[grincher]

£750 / 6 weeks is more than I spent in a year on systems

 

[Goldie Locks]

£750 / 6 weeks is more than I spent in a year on systems

That's exactly what I mean!
Do you have trusted supplier? I'm sort of looking around at the moment. Got a system from MHE which is fitted today, can't wait as mine faded like a b...ch!

 

[grincher]

I have been using the same supplier for a few years now. Its perfect if you can DIY.

 

[Goldie Locks]

Good start then! I'm slightly anxious because I've been doing only the front by myself up until now

 

[yurguardianangel]

LOL, total cover plus are trash.
Overpriced poor quality, awful stylists and they only use one glue which is rebranded ghost bond regular.
My first system was from there and £420 in the bin after 4 days as lifted and looked like a wig.

 

[yurguardianangel]

Hello Izzy and Henry,

I am debating on exactly the same thing. I am unsure which is the least detectable... and natural looking. Have you made your decision yet Henry?
I have eventually arranged a consultation with one of the Total Cover Plus salon partners in Manchester. They use only Active Skin systems and although they look and feel FANTASTIC the most wear you could take out of one is 7-8 weeks. Now it may seem long, and system ITSELF may seem affordable, but the salon prices on top of that are just a killer charging another £300 on top of the system to install it. So now the cost goes up to £620 every 7-8 weeks (only for the system itself and installing). Of course on top of that you have your maintenance kit, regular maintenance visits and god forbid something goes wrong and you have to revisit the salon... I have made a the total calculations and if you wish to go with Total Cover Plus in Manchester (prices may vary in different cities) you are looking at £420 FIXED cost per month (at least) + your variables (which are unavoidable) And this is only for the Standard System! If the salon was to colour it to match better your own colour or you have the "bespoke" system installed of course the cost is even higher (by approximately 25%). If you can afford it, great! But to me this is not something I am willing to pay much more than mortgage! I have narrowed down few different companies and arranged some more consultations. But if you have tested some already and have the "hands on" experience please share!

Many thanks,

G

They are a rip off/scam that only want your money.

 

[deg_dilemma]

TCP's systems aren't the best and their range is very limited - I would agree with that. I had a TCP system fitted a few months ago and I hated it, completely. But over time I have come to appreciate it, especially after having had it cut and thinned out, and after I took some scissors to the hairline to re-shape it to suit me.

The cost of the system was £500 fitted. I would say it lasts around 4 months if you take care of it.
​

but the strength of the business is in their supply chain and retail stores. By that I mean that you can order a stock system and have it fitted in 7 days at the hairdressers. And their system is easy to self-maintain because it's a thin skin base bonded with glue.

I have found it to be my detriment when ordering online from independent suppliers. The quality is good but I cannot find a stylist to cut and fit the system, not unless I am willing to pay extortionate prices at somewhere like Frankie & Cochrane, miles away in London.

I'm OK with (and prefer) self-maintenance, but you will find it very hard to find a stylist to do the initial cut and fit, when you buy the system online.

 

[yurguardianangel]

TCP's systems aren't the best and their range is very limited - I would agree with that. I had a TCP system fitted a few months ago and I hated it, completely. But over time I have come to appreciate it, especially after having had it cut and thinned out, and after I took some scissors to the hairline to re-shape it to suit me.

The cost of the system was £500 fitted. I would say it lasts around 4 months if you take care of it.
​

but the strength of the business is in their supply chain and retail stores. By that I mean that you can order a stock system and have it fitted in 7 days at the hairdressers. And their system is easy to self-maintain because it's a thin skin base bonded with glue.

I have found it to be my detriment when ordering online from independent suppliers. The quality is good but I cannot find a stylist to cut and fit the system, not unless I am willing to pay extortionate prices at somewhere like Frankie & Cochrane, miles away in London.

I'm OK with (and prefer) self-maintenance, but you will find it very hard to find a stylist to do the initial cut and fit, when you buy the system online.

Mine isn't much more than £500.
From Optima Hair birmingham, and ALOT better quality and very friendly service there.

Plus a stock system is sh*t.

 

[deg_dilemma]

Optima looks good but unfortunately too far for me (I'm near Windsor), especially if I need to go for refits etc.

@yurguardianangel are you happy with your system now? Any chance you can post pics? Do you maintain it yourself at home?