HCM vs Salons

[mdk112]

I've had my hair system for a month through HCM. This is the point at which I have to decide if I want to sign up for membership. I don't have a full system but rather top and crown. I was hoping with the first month of watching HCM put the pieces on, I would be able to replace the system myself which doesn't seem likely so if I want to buy a hair system on my own, I need to find a local salon. I have a few questions:

- On average, how much do local salons charge for A-la-carte services like putting on a new hair piece and hair-cuts.
- Does anyone (who doesn't work for HCM) recommend HCM over other salons?
- For those of you that replace the hair system on your own or with help at home, do you have any techniques to make life easier or a video guide that you can show to someone living with you so they have an easier time putting it on?
- Is there a list of Salons available? I've googled the hell out of this but I only found 1 salon in Southern California that was not HCM. They specialty is tattooing black dots on your head to make it seem like you have hair and have a 1.5 rating on yelp so a big no to that.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

 

[Noah]

Hi MDK112

I haven't used HCM, but I did start wearing with a similar kind of place where they hard bond the system on, you can't take it off, and you are dependent on having to come back to them for maintenance, which is quite expensive.

I don't think these places are quite the horror story that some people make out. My systems looked good and I'm glad I did it, BUT:

(1) they are very expensive, especially over the long

(2) the system you get is not the best. To stand the rigors of being glued on a month at a time, they have to be pretty heavy-duty and rugged (no pun intended), and those characteristics are incompatible with the most comfortable undetectable results. Mine looked good, but the hairline couldn't be exposed without giving away the system, and it was easily detectable if anyone ran their hands through your hair.

(3) You are totally dependent on the "Club", and you can get a bit panicy if anything happens when they're shut or you're away from home.

(4) the monthly bonding is a bit unhygienic, and isn't great for your scalp. The last thing you want is people being able to tell you're wearing by the smell (I'm not suggesting this comment applies to you of course). I am a bit fan of weekly maintenance, but that would be unfeasibly expensive at the Club.

The bottom line is that if you have decided that wearing hair is for you, I would really encourage you to go DIY. You will be glad you did. You will save a fortune, have a better hairpiece and a healthier scalp, and you'll be in control of your own look. It's truly not that difficult, and there are people on the forum who will talk you through any problems you encounter.

I don't have any person experience of salons in SoCal, but one that has been well reviewed by others is F&T Hair Design in Los Feliz Blvd, LA, Maybe worth a look?

noah

 

[mdk112]

Hey Noah! Thank you so much for your feedback! I'd preferably go DIY but now that I have the piece on (1 month in), I'm scared when I get the replacement I may order myself I may not be able to put on or it may not look right or go on right. It'd be nice if I could find a local salon to help ensure all is well until I can get a hang of it for myself. I really appreciate your feedback. I'm going to check out this location that you mentioned as well and give them a call tomorrow morning. Thanks again!!

 

[grincher]

With all these forums and youtube vids out there its never been so helpful to wear. It might all seem like a mystery but once you know there isnt much to it.

Of course these places will be more expensive and people use them for various reasons, but if you are on a budget DIY is the only real option.

Im sure in LA you will soon find a regular salon to help.