Yes those thick skin type systems can last a long time. I dont know about a whole year and still look good at the end of that year though.
The idea is to get one thats thin, with thin density of hairs so that it looks real and not like a wig.
Which means it wont last as long, so you need to get them at the least cost as possible so you can do this.
I use glue only, as tape has too much shine and its not as thin as a thin coat of glue.
My bond will go for 2 weeks but I change it every week to keep everything clean and sanitary. Since I use a lace base, wehn I shampoo the scalp will get cleaned pretty good, but you should still change it out at least every week.
The length of my hair is the same where my own hair meets with the hairpiece hair, and my own hair is a bit shorter below the hairpiece, and a bit longer above it. In the pics I posted, my own hair is about 1/8th inch length going up to almost 1/4 inch on the sides, then just under a half inch on the top.
I buy my systems/wigs/rugs 2 at a time, and they last me 3-4 months depending on the time of year. Summer is harder on them.
I use Mastey shampoo for my hair it is very good for the hair and it has no harsh chemicals I buy it online
http://www.mastey.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4
I use the Traite shampoo. I currently use Tea Tree conditioner b/c I bought some online for cheap, but when that big bottle is empty I`m not using it anymore it has harsh chems in it.
I shampoo the hair, then spray in something called Nearly Natural before using the condidtioner. This spray will mix with any condidtioner and help it work alot better.
I buy it online too
http://www.softhairsolutions.com/hairsoft_004.htm
Very good for the hairpiece hairs. If you have human or Remi hairs and not synthetic, that is.....