How easy should it be to comb the hair back to expose the hairline on a freestyle direction hair system?

[Hair2019]

I've had a few hair systems now - several stock systems, and 1 custom system - all of which were Swiss lace, medium-light density with freestyle hair direction. Although I don't expose the hairline fully for my style (I wear it in a central parting), I have tried experimenting with combing the hair back and the hair does not naturally want to go back at all. I have had longer hair, either 6 inches or 10 - 12 inches. The only time I was able to do it was when the hair was wet after being washed on the shower (I do know it's not advised to comb hair systems too much while wet, but that was the only time I was able to slick it back). With the hair system dry, it pulls the lace back as well as the hair if I try to comb the hairline back. I've heard wetting the system then combing back and drying with a hairdryer can help this.

Is this the case on all freestyle hair systems, and do you need to 'train' the hair for it to be easy to comb back? It might be a case that the density on the hairline isn't graduated enough, or just that the direction needs 'training'. For custom systems, presumably you can ask for the hair direction to be slicked back so it's easy to do right out of the box? For those of you who comb your hair back, how do you do it and get the hair to stay that way, and what are your hair systems like when you receive them?

 

[BaldBearded]

A system with Freestyle venting will take to whatever style you chose but as you said, it needs to be "trained". You can use a bit of product to keep it that way until it sets, usually a few days.

The one thing to understand that it is not recommended to change your style. The knots get "set", and it's hard to change direction after that.

If you are intent to wear your hair back, order a custom system with "straight back" or "flat back" venting.

 

[Noah]

In the good old days before Covid I would have suggested getting a flatback- or brushback-ventilated custom piece. But at the minute I don't know how easy that would be, or whether they are even available at all. If you are sure that is the style you want, you can adjust the lie of the hair on your freestyle unit by soaking the lace and knots in warm water for 10 minutes (off your head, obviously!) and then very gently tugging the hairs into a more backward-facing direction. The warm water gives the knots enough lubrication to slip around the threads on the base onto which they are tied. Start with the hair at least an inch back from the hairline, and gradually work forward. The key word is 'gentle' though. If you pull too hard the hairs will come out.

 

[Fanjeera]

But how easy is it to comb a flatback, brushback or straight back venting forward on some days when you can't expose the hairline? Can it stay that way for a day or two?

 

[Hair2019]

But how easy is it to comb a flatback, brushback or straight back venting forward on some days when you can't expose the hairline? Can it stay that way for a day or two?

Why would there be some days when you 'can't expose the hairline'?

 

[BaldBearded]

In the good old days before Covid I would have suggested getting a flatback- or brushback-ventilated custom piece. But at the minute I don't know how easy that would be, or whether they are even available at all. If you are sure that is the style you want, you can adjust the lie of the hair on your freestyle unit by soaking the lace and knots in warm water for 10 minutes (off your head, obviously!) and then very gently tugging the hairs into a more backward-facing direction. The warm water gives the knots enough lubrication to slip around the threads on the base onto which they are tied. Start with the hair at least an inch back from the hairline, and gradually work forward. The key word is 'gentle' though. If you pull too hard the hairs will come out.

Custom systems with non-freestyle venting are available.

 

[Fanjeera]

Why would there be some days when you 'can't expose the hairline'?

Dirty hairline, lifted hairline. No need to look perfect, so to preserve the hairline for a future event.