- Reaction score
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I’m now 3.5 months on from taking the plunge and wearing my first ever hair system. I received a lot of help from a few guys on here when I started out so I feel it’s my duty to write an honest and open account of how it’s been. Here goes:
Brief History of my hair loss:
I first noticed hair loss at 18, by 23 it was noticeable to many and now, aged 28, had I not become a wizard of comcelears and hairspray it would have been, and occasionally was, completely and blatantly widespread - I’m now at Norwood 4.
Treatments I tried:
I started on propecia and minoxidil when I was 18. I stopped propecia after a year after considering the long term risks to my sexual health. I stopped minoxidil after 2 years as it was causing my face to wrinkle and age prematurely (luckily the damage was not permanent). I started using concealers when I was 21 and continued to use them until I started wearing a system.
Why did I decide on a hair system?:
I booked in for a transplant but, after considering the risks of scarring and irreversible damage I deemed it too risky. A hair system made more sense as there are no side effects which can affect your quality of life in the long term.
Buying process and research: I read a lot online and asked around and eventually went for a consultation, had a template fitted and the system sent out. I opted for a lace base.
IMPORTANT POINT - I opted for less density than the specialist recommended and a slightly higher hairline too - I’m sure that this has been key to my having such a smooth transition with wearing as it doesn’t look like such a dramatic change. If I want to increase the density of lower the hairline in the future the options will always be available to me.
It took me over a year to build up the courage to get my system cut in and wear it. That’s simply because, when the system first arrives and prior to having it cut in, its purposefully much too big in every way so that it can be cut down to fit you exactly.
Costs and advice on finance:
This is certainly the most difficult aspect for many. It is completely unnecessary to pay $3000 for a system - I almost made myself believe that was necessary. I paid $700 for mine - still much more expensive than I’ll pay in future and I’ll explain why.
I think it’s very important to risk parting with more money at the start than risk your point of view on wearing a system just because you wanted to save money. Considering that point, if you can, buy your first system from a reputable salon, get them to cut it in and then go back there for some cleans a refittings - that way you’ll achieve the best possible look and you’ll have time to learn the ropes with that very valuable safety net under you.
Maintenance:
Honestly, I can understand why the maintenance might be tasking for some - I have to remove and clean my system once a week and it takes a full 2 hours to properly clean it and refit it with full comfort and confidence again. I’m already used to that though - the hard part is timing for things like big events or times (like a holiday) when you know you won’t have as much free time to maintain your system. I jumped in the deep end and did my own maintenance from the beginning and I already find it pretty easy. I go for a haircut at a specialist salon once every 3 months to have my own hair cut and maintain things, hopefully I’ll be able to pass on that or do it myself in the future but it’s still early days.
The 2 biggest points coming up and the two which inspired me to write more than anything:
1. Has anyone noticed?
I completed the transition within 6 months of it being too late and definitely noticeable - some specialists have advised that I only really needed a small system for the front rather than a full system on top as I do still have quite a bit of hair. I disagree as I have a lot of diffuse thinning and this way, after months, I already have my template for life and feel settled in that regard.
One person knows because I told them. Apart from him, nobody has said anything or suggested more than something like “your hair looks different - it looks really great!” This includes my parents, brother (whom I’m very close with and see all the time), or any friends. Honestly, this still surprises me a lot but, as the one person who does know often says even when he looks closely, there’s just not way anyone could possibly tell.
2. In what ways has my life changed since I started wearing?
Brutal truth time - I don’t know why but, when I was younger and had a full head of hair, I always received tons of attention from girls. After I lost most of my hair the drop in attention was, frankly, soul destroying because it was so extreme and practically went to zero. Now that I have hair again I’ve returned to the days of old - it’s absoluteky unbelievable and I’m so, so much happier. I feel more respected in a lot of other aspects in my life too - now that I have my looks back I feel other girls, friends and colleagues respect me more too. The change has inspired me to try to do other things as well - workout more, dress better.....if I went to all the trouble to sort out my hair then sorting those is very simple. The list goes on.
What would I do if anyone found out?
I’m sure that time will come and I’m ready for it. I always tell girls that people touching my hair creeps me out - it is more noticeable to the touch than anything else but still not very noticeable but I try to avoid anyone touching my hair at all to eliminate any worry in that regard.
Honestly, if I had to choose right now between everyone finding out or going back to having no hair I would choose that everyone knows - that’s how much happier I feel this way.
If you are considering going for a system I strongly urge you to research as much as you can from as many sources as possible. Once you feel comfortable GO FOR IT! You can opt out at any time and resume life as before. It’s not a lot of money to lose to find out whether or not you could have your hair back and be permanently happy in that regard once again.
Any questions please feel free to PM me
Good luck,
George
Brief History of my hair loss:
I first noticed hair loss at 18, by 23 it was noticeable to many and now, aged 28, had I not become a wizard of comcelears and hairspray it would have been, and occasionally was, completely and blatantly widespread - I’m now at Norwood 4.
Treatments I tried:
I started on propecia and minoxidil when I was 18. I stopped propecia after a year after considering the long term risks to my sexual health. I stopped minoxidil after 2 years as it was causing my face to wrinkle and age prematurely (luckily the damage was not permanent). I started using concealers when I was 21 and continued to use them until I started wearing a system.
Why did I decide on a hair system?:
I booked in for a transplant but, after considering the risks of scarring and irreversible damage I deemed it too risky. A hair system made more sense as there are no side effects which can affect your quality of life in the long term.
Buying process and research: I read a lot online and asked around and eventually went for a consultation, had a template fitted and the system sent out. I opted for a lace base.
IMPORTANT POINT - I opted for less density than the specialist recommended and a slightly higher hairline too - I’m sure that this has been key to my having such a smooth transition with wearing as it doesn’t look like such a dramatic change. If I want to increase the density of lower the hairline in the future the options will always be available to me.
It took me over a year to build up the courage to get my system cut in and wear it. That’s simply because, when the system first arrives and prior to having it cut in, its purposefully much too big in every way so that it can be cut down to fit you exactly.
Costs and advice on finance:
This is certainly the most difficult aspect for many. It is completely unnecessary to pay $3000 for a system - I almost made myself believe that was necessary. I paid $700 for mine - still much more expensive than I’ll pay in future and I’ll explain why.
I think it’s very important to risk parting with more money at the start than risk your point of view on wearing a system just because you wanted to save money. Considering that point, if you can, buy your first system from a reputable salon, get them to cut it in and then go back there for some cleans a refittings - that way you’ll achieve the best possible look and you’ll have time to learn the ropes with that very valuable safety net under you.
Maintenance:
Honestly, I can understand why the maintenance might be tasking for some - I have to remove and clean my system once a week and it takes a full 2 hours to properly clean it and refit it with full comfort and confidence again. I’m already used to that though - the hard part is timing for things like big events or times (like a holiday) when you know you won’t have as much free time to maintain your system. I jumped in the deep end and did my own maintenance from the beginning and I already find it pretty easy. I go for a haircut at a specialist salon once every 3 months to have my own hair cut and maintain things, hopefully I’ll be able to pass on that or do it myself in the future but it’s still early days.
The 2 biggest points coming up and the two which inspired me to write more than anything:
1. Has anyone noticed?
I completed the transition within 6 months of it being too late and definitely noticeable - some specialists have advised that I only really needed a small system for the front rather than a full system on top as I do still have quite a bit of hair. I disagree as I have a lot of diffuse thinning and this way, after months, I already have my template for life and feel settled in that regard.
One person knows because I told them. Apart from him, nobody has said anything or suggested more than something like “your hair looks different - it looks really great!” This includes my parents, brother (whom I’m very close with and see all the time), or any friends. Honestly, this still surprises me a lot but, as the one person who does know often says even when he looks closely, there’s just not way anyone could possibly tell.
2. In what ways has my life changed since I started wearing?
Brutal truth time - I don’t know why but, when I was younger and had a full head of hair, I always received tons of attention from girls. After I lost most of my hair the drop in attention was, frankly, soul destroying because it was so extreme and practically went to zero. Now that I have hair again I’ve returned to the days of old - it’s absoluteky unbelievable and I’m so, so much happier. I feel more respected in a lot of other aspects in my life too - now that I have my looks back I feel other girls, friends and colleagues respect me more too. The change has inspired me to try to do other things as well - workout more, dress better.....if I went to all the trouble to sort out my hair then sorting those is very simple. The list goes on.
What would I do if anyone found out?
I’m sure that time will come and I’m ready for it. I always tell girls that people touching my hair creeps me out - it is more noticeable to the touch than anything else but still not very noticeable but I try to avoid anyone touching my hair at all to eliminate any worry in that regard.
Honestly, if I had to choose right now between everyone finding out or going back to having no hair I would choose that everyone knows - that’s how much happier I feel this way.
If you are considering going for a system I strongly urge you to research as much as you can from as many sources as possible. Once you feel comfortable GO FOR IT! You can opt out at any time and resume life as before. It’s not a lot of money to lose to find out whether or not you could have your hair back and be permanently happy in that regard once again.
Any questions please feel free to PM me
Good luck,
George
