DIY: How I clean and reattach my hair system...are you the same?

grincher

Experienced Member
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As a DIYer, I think the hardest part is reattaching. I remember the first time, counting down the days knowing I would have to do it. In short, practice, like anything helps, but really its not that difficult.

I thought this brief outline will help others compare as well as let others advice me of anything they do differently that they recommend :)

I usually reattach every 3 weeks on a Sunday evening. It takes me about 30 mins.

After 3-weeks my piece is usually ready to remove. I can do this by applying upward force without any products. It peels off.

I then remove the tape carefully, always giving support within 1cm under the piece as I do it. I then apply a solvent remover and leave for a few minutes. At the time, I apply the remover to my scalp.

I wipe both the piece and my scalp with a tissue. I usually do this twice more so everything is squeezy clean. Any balls of adhesive I pick out of the hair.

I shampoo my unit and my scalp. I pat dry with a towel both the hair and base.

I use tape on a roll, so I then sit with a sharp pair of scissors and add tape around the poly perimeter. This was tricky at first to remove the backing, but now its a breeze. After I remove the tape backing I know its ready to reattach.

In front of a mirror, I find my hairline and using the teeth of a comb mark it. I then gentle apply the unit onto my head. No pressure at first as I line up. I know there are sprays that you can use which will not let the adhesive take immediate. Maybe I should use them!

I usually, have to remove and realign a couple of times before Im happy using a second mirror to see the top and back. It was the same when I started and today. I guess thats something we all do, but it shows thats normal to need several attempts.

Once I am happy, I apply pressure for a few minutes.

As at this time the hair is still damp, I style it remembering the adhesive is strengthening for a few hours.

Now I actually look forward to do it, knowing my hair system and scalp will be all clean and almost new for another 3 or 4-weeks.
 

EvilLocks

Senior Member
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Does your hair system ever feel like it's coming off? I'm thinking about doing a system but my #1 fear is that the system will come off before it's time to rebond, especially since I have an oily scalp...
 

grincher

Experienced Member
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I am quite lucky in that I can get 3-weeks without much bother and sometimes Im a little lazy and it goes to 4-weeks. It never really causes me concern, but towards the end you know its time to clean and reattach. Its not that its loose, in fact you still have to pull off, but it feels like its sensible to clean everything including the scalp.

If you have an oily scalp, you can use a protector or just reattach more regularly. When you start to feel its time to rebond, then thats the time. Over time, you will find the right balance. Its hard to predict what that time is as its based on unique factors and only you will know.
 

Notcoolanymore

Senior Member
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Does your hair system ever feel like it's coming off? I'm thinking about doing a system but my #1 fear is that the system will come off before it's time to rebond, especially since I have an oily scalp...

I never saw your pics, but it sounded like you still had a good amount even though you have lost a bunch. If you are going to attach a system you need to be completely shaved/bald. I have never wore a system so please correct me if I am wrong. I am just mentioning this because I know your hair is in bad shape, but pulling out the razor and shaving is a huge step. Not sure if you are ready to do that. I sure as hell am not. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 

grincher

Experienced Member
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I never saw your pics, but it sounded like you still had a good amount even though you have lost a bunch. If you are going to attach a system you need to be completely shaved/bald. I have never wore a system so please correct me if I am wrong. I am just mentioning this because I know your hair is in bad shape, but pulling out the razor and shaving is a huge step. Not sure if you are ready to do that. I sure as hell am not. Good luck with whatever you choose.


you are correct, a shaved head say 0-2 will give it the best chance to bond for a longer time
 

tkster95

Member
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For a guy that is just going with a topper than yes, you'd need to shave your head down to achieve a good bond. I'm not sure what the state of EvilLocks hair is, but I'm pretty sure if you have longer hair there are other options besides glue / tape to attach a wig. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if your existing hair is a bit longer, I think wigs can be weaved into it or clipped on, even if your existing hair is very thin. I've also seen women who first put a "weave cap" or "due rag" on then somehow attache the wig to that. I wore a topper for about a month and by far the worst part about wearing was having to glue it. I couldn't stand that so I gave it up. If you can find a way to attach your system besides glue then wearing would be a lot easier.
 
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