I was wondering what would generally be the most comfortable full cap system to wear 24/7, an all-lace or a hybrid lace/poly system? What are the benefits of all lace vs. hybrid and vice-versa? How would you attach an all-lace system to the scalp? Would it be possible to attach a full-cap just to the front and sides of the scalp, I read that attaching it to the nape is rather problematic.
Full cap: all-lace vs. hybrid system
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Noah
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I would say all lace, particularly if you are physically active or you live somewhere hot or humid. The benefits of poly are ease of clean-up and security (good surface to stick tape or glue to for a secure bond) rather than comfort. But it depends how much of the hybrid is mesh and how much is poly. Basically the higher the proportion of mesh, the more airy and comfortable it will be. All mesh but with a poly rim is probably the best of both worlds.
Most people use double-sided tape to attach lace to their scalp. You can also use liquid glue, but it is messier to apply and to clean off, and also not as strong. However it does give a more undetectable result, so some people (including me) use glue for the front hairline and tape for the rest.
You could definitely just attach the front and sides. Obviously if you have anyone touching your hair, for example in an intimate context, it would pretty quickly become apparent that the back is not attached and that you are wearing a hairpiece. That may not be an issue for you, depending on your life context. If it is an issue, and you are still capable of growing out your natural hair on the nape of your neck, you could use that natural growth and get a three-quarter system ending at the edge of your skull bone. That avoids the problem. Even if your nape hair is weak, you can probably still get a good look once it has been supplemented with the system hair. The only downside is that it looks pretty odd when you take the system off.
Noah
Most people use double-sided tape to attach lace to their scalp. You can also use liquid glue, but it is messier to apply and to clean off, and also not as strong. However it does give a more undetectable result, so some people (including me) use glue for the front hairline and tape for the rest.
You could definitely just attach the front and sides. Obviously if you have anyone touching your hair, for example in an intimate context, it would pretty quickly become apparent that the back is not attached and that you are wearing a hairpiece. That may not be an issue for you, depending on your life context. If it is an issue, and you are still capable of growing out your natural hair on the nape of your neck, you could use that natural growth and get a three-quarter system ending at the edge of your skull bone. That avoids the problem. Even if your nape hair is weak, you can probably still get a good look once it has been supplemented with the system hair. The only downside is that it looks pretty odd when you take the system off.
Noah
All lace is my vote. And I attach with 1.5 inch wide Walkers No Shine tape, one long strip from temple to temple across the top, another full length strip across the nape, and a shorter shaped strip across the hairline. Attaching, including cutting the tape to length, takes less than two minutes for a very secure bond that lasts a week.
I've always worn all lace full cap. I made the mistake of wearing a poly system and it was very uncomfortable especially in the gym. Constant itching and irritation. I've ordered a full cap system from a lavivid which is mostly all lace but has some poly trim. I tape the whole perimeter and have never had a problem.
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I will try full french lace base eventually, after I get used to the hybrid base...
Only had full thin skin base before and hated it.
I think all-lace would be the only choice for me as I am looking for something that I can wear at night as well as in hot climate. I think hot climate might actually be my main concern when wearing a hair system.
There seem to be some basics that I still do not understand. You cannot actually have the entire system made out of lace because you will need like an area to put tape or glue on. If you would put glue or tape on the lace it will just tear the lace apart upon removal right? Also, are all-lace systems necessarily custom made based on a mould or can they be ordered in standard sizes? Would it generally be advisable to have swiss lace at the front because I read that it is softer to the skin and less noticeable? Another question, if you attach a full-cap all around the scalp wouldn't you feel it pretty much constantly as you move around with your head? I imagine that if you move your head backwards it will start to bulge and that this becomes noticeable, maybe even visually.
There seem to be some basics that I still do not understand. You cannot actually have the entire system made out of lace because you will need like an area to put tape or glue on. If you would put glue or tape on the lace it will just tear the lace apart upon removal right? Also, are all-lace systems necessarily custom made based on a mould or can they be ordered in standard sizes? Would it generally be advisable to have swiss lace at the front because I read that it is softer to the skin and less noticeable? Another question, if you attach a full-cap all around the scalp wouldn't you feel it pretty much constantly as you move around with your head? I imagine that if you move your head backwards it will start to bulge and that this becomes noticeable, maybe even visually.
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You spray lace release through the hair and wait a few mins. And peel it back. The tape stays on your head instead like that. And makes cleaning the hair system easier.
That only works on a full lace base.
Use tape also as its much less likely for the adhesive to seap through the lace.
Re-do it weekly in hot weather and 2 weeks in cooler weather.
Going longer than that risks the adhesive of seaping through the lace which is a bastard to clean using a solvent soak.
Yes you can get them custom made but usually takes 12-14 weeks or longer during the pandemic to arrive.
Noah
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Hi Sjeng88
The problem with poly systems is not really heat - they are extremely thin, so not hot to wear - but humidity. They don't let air in or sweat out, which makes if somewhat uncomfortable if you sweat.
You can have the entire system made of lace, because you can put tape (and glue) directly in contact with lace. You don't always have to have poly. It is true that poly is a smooth shiny impermeable surface, so if is a better material than lace for sticking things to, and that means the adhesion you get with poly is probably a bit stronger. But the adhesion you get with tape or glue on lace is fine, and strong enough for normal purposes. Poly is also a little easier to clean up than lace, because it is a shiny wipeable surface.
It is true that if you just tried to rip a freshly attached lace piece off you would almost certainly tear the base. You have to break the adhesive bond by applying isopropyl alcohol before you attempt to remove the piece. Provided you do that, there is no danger of ripping the lace.
In normal market conditions it would definitely be best to order a full cap (whether lace or thinskin) on a custom-made basis, because fit is more important when you are covering the whole head. In the current market turmoil you will have to 'phone around to see what is available, and what the lead time would be for ordering a custom cap. I think it could be both long and unreliable. Some vendors do sell stock full caps, so you might be lucky and be able to get what you need from stock. To get the best result I think you will need to do plenty of phoning.
Swiss lace is the finest of the mesh materials, and in my view gives the best most undetectable hairlines. If you are planning to go for a fully-exposed hairline - e.g. a slicked-back style or a pompadour style, then you really need Swiss lace. If you don't require a fully-exposed hairline, then French lace is also fine. You will likely find French lace easier to get as a stock piece.
I don't wear a full cap myself, but from talking to guys who do, my impression is that the caps are comfortable, and you can basically forget it's there most of the time. They don't bulge, certainly not visibly. There is tension on the adhesive at the nape of the neck as you move your head (we have already talked about that, and how you might avoid it). Also, if you are lying down with your head on a pillow, you might feel a bit of tension on the adhesive, and maybe even a little bulging. That is true even with a conventional topper hairpiece. In my experience it is not visible, and obviously you can move your head around to avoid it happening.
Noah