Does A Shorter Cut/lighter Density Affect Durability?

[NYCHairGuy]

After months of going back and forth on it, I've recently decided to take the plunge and try a system! My current plan is to do it at the end of December, when I have a couple of weeks off of work.

This may be a total newbie question, but does the length of the cut on a hair system affect its durability? For instance, if I got the system cut to 2 inches or something, would it not last as long as it would if I opted for a longer cut? Similarly, does a lighter density system not last as long as a heavier density system?

 

[Noah]

Hair length shouldn't make any difference. Density does a bit, because some shedding inevitably occurs over time, and so if your system is low density to start with, it will get more quickly to the stage where it is too low, and you will need to replace it or have hair added. But that probably only really applies if you are opting for a starting density of 70% or below.

 

[Steve Marz]

What about 80% Noah? The hair replacement company gave me a choice of 80% or 100%. I heard the more density the longer it will last, however because I am 40 and I guess not knowing any better I chose 80%. I was going to go with 100%, but was not sure. So did I make a mistake, the specialist told me that 80% was the best for me. If it was wrong then what kind of haircut should I get? I want to get the most time out of the unit. Again you expertise are needed for this 1st timer as December 4 my cut it begins. Thanks

 

[grincher]

Hair length should not make a difference to the life of a piece.
As said, density will. This is particularly noticeable at extra light or light density.
I have ordered from different companies in the past and 80% or 100% at one place isn't the same at another place.

 

[NYCHairGuy]

Good to hear that length isn't a factor, but I'm slightly worried about the density thing. It's a tough call--on the one hand I want my system to be at least reasonably realistic for a guy my age (53), but on the other hand I don't want to set myself up to have to buy a new system every month or whatever. What's the trade-off here? Are we talking lighter density pieces lasting just a bit less long or would it generally be more than that?

Also, it seems like different companies use different scales/descriptions for density. Company A sells stock pieces at 65% density, which they call "medium." Company B calls 65% "medium light" and uses a different scale where it's called 100%. So that I'm clear, when we're talking starting densities of 70% or below, we're most likely using Company A's scale, yes?

 

[deg_dilemma]

As Grincher says, the density will vary depending on the supplier and so unfortunately this is a bit of a gamble. But if you speak to someone at a decent supplier, like Eric at NWL or Richard at Ukhairsystems, then they listen to what you want and advise accordingly.

For example, NWL's light option sounds like it might suit you, or even extra-light. I ordered (from Ukhairsystems) a light density with an 'extra-light' inch at the front (graduated hairline) and it just arrived today - and it does not look or feel too "light" , so I am happy with it. It's age appropriate for me (I'm 44).

Yes the lighter density system will need replacing more often but with good care you can probably get 3 or 4 months use out of it. I know some people get more. Depends how you treat the system... keep it conditioned, don't wash too often, don't get it wet in swimming pools etc etc.

BTW if this company (who are they?) only offer 80% or 100% then that is a problem right away. I know, because I was only offered 80% and 90% when I bought my first system and so I went for the 80% … and it felt like 200% when it was on my head!! I looked and felt awful. So be wary of even the 80%. At the very least, ask to see what it looks like on someone else's head.

2 inch length is short, and I would suggest 3 inches because then you can eventually go shorter if you want to. If density is light then the hair will hopefully sit flat anyway and so the length won't be such an issue.

As with many things in life the only real way to learn is to dive in and begin wearing. It's great that you're here talking to us all, and like you I did the same: lots of research and lots of questions. But guess what, I still ended up with a nightmare of a system for my first attempt. But I worked through it. And you will too.

Keep asking questions, and start buying self-maintenance products like glue/tape, conditioners, shampoo, those little scissors that you can cut excess lace off with, 99% isopropyl alcohol, tweezers etc.

Good luck!

 

[AxC123]

Hi NYC and welcome
Yeah.. different vendors have different density definitions and color ring codes..
I also prefer a light density given my age, but I can't get more than 2 months out of a piece. I have switched to synthetic grey, which represent 80% of my piece and found that hair doesn't shed as much as natural hair or yak.
If you buy stock pieces then it's not a big deal (approx 150 us per piece)...
Note that the majority of pieces come from china...the different codes on colors, density,contours, etc is to mix people up so they end up going to expensive salon and clubs. (My opinion...)
Have a look at superhairpieces website. They have a sorting feature,for stock pieces, by hair density, longevity, etc...helpful in choosing a piece

https://www.superhairpieces.com/in-stock-1/

 

[NYCHairGuy]

"BTW if this company (who are they?) only offer 80% or 100% then that is a problem right away." Sorry for the confusion--I meant to point up that this company (which is NWL) seems to use a different scale than other vendors. If you look at the first stock piece on that page, they say "these are medium light (100% density on my scale/65% on those used to the lower scale)." I take this to mean that what others call 65%, they call 100%. Does that sound right, or am I misunderstanding?

 

[BaldBearded]

I am going to add a caveat to this one and say the length of hair can make a difference if you are dealing with very long hair that is over 10" (25.5 cm).