Totally not made peace with baldness, but I doubt the experience I’ve had was poor because I was doing this on a salon and my scalp was being cleaned every two weeks same for hair piece. I’m talking oils, sauna, etc. Hair piece of 0,03mm, human hair, German company, freestyle direction. If that constitutes as a poor experience then idk what DIY is. I think we both can agree that the edges of any hair piece are detectable to touch. Factor in this is the hair knots and generally the fact that fake hair - human as it is - can’t move 360* like real hair. The edges are also detectable because u need the gradual thickening of the hairline, there’s glue under the hairline and tape is even worse as it elevates the base even more. The back of the hairline is the worst because wig hair is generally placed to direct down to blend in with existing hair. So if Im a woman and I run my fingers into the back of your scalp from your neck up, my entire hand will bump into the wig and the entire part of hair of that wig will slightly lift. Don’t tell me it’s not the case ESPECIALLY with the basic lace you wear because I’ve worn lace and I know.
IF there are hair pieces thin and undetectable replaced every week, by all means I’d love to know more. Take into account that many folks have thin hair overall which means they have to go for a super thin hair density to blend in properly with their existing miniaturized sides and back. No way in hell the standard 0,03mm lace can go undetected. It CAN visually yes. But to the touch? absolutely not.
Im waiting to be pleasantly surprised, PM/post anytime.
You say you had a .03mm base. I assume that this was skin then?
Lace bases mitigate two of your issues: the back edge, even if not bonded perfectly, won't feel too inordinary since it's made of a fiber similar to hair. That being said, if you bond it very well against your horseshoe line, it feels natural.
Secondly, the hair flows so much better in a lace base, especially when single flat knotted throughout. Many will not be able to have this since factories double knot the majority, or use split knots. You can request this from a custom order, potentially. Making my own pieces, the flow is beautiful. And natural hair doesn't exactly flow 360°. Natural hair also has a direction. It's why your natural hairline has an upwards lift when you brush it back.
I once had an intimate moment with this woman who was into my hair so much she was treating it like she was in a fight with it, and she was oblivious. I had to condition extra well after that. But the point is, if people expect something to be a certain way (real hair), their mind will subconsciously explain their senses to them to make it feel real.
The front hairline edge is really the most concerning in regards to feel. Just don't let anyone feel it too much.
You also mentioned that the hair in the back is directed downward. What is it supposed to be directed? Granted, a little should flow slightly to the side to match the crown swirl, which I do in my pieces, but it's really negligible. And if you take due diligence to actually attach it accurately, there should be no line visible if it is brushed upward.
As for density, you
should be going for a lower density piece. They look better, feel better, and more natural. You just need to do a good and accurate job of attaching. It takes effort.
In the end, it is a decision of: if putting in the effort and restricting some areas to be touched is worth the added aesthetic and attraction you receive with it vs a shaved head. As I've said before, in my experience women (and myself) find me much more attractive with it than without. It's not even a contest.