Hey Brandon
Avoid Hair Club like the plague, whatever you do: it's the worst place you could go. Going DIY is not that hard, and there is a wealth of information on the Internet now to help you along, and places like this for additional support.
Average cost for a good quality lace hair system off the Net - around US$200 -250. That should last 4 or 5 months; maybe a bit less for the first one while you are learning the techniques. You can either order a custom system (takes about 6-8 weeks) made to match your hair color, texture and bald patch, or if you have a standard hair color you can order a stock system off the shelf and cut it to fit your bald area. Either way you need a template of your bald area, so that is the first step. There are a number of good videos on YouTube showing you how - here is one for starters:
One Internet seller - Hair Direct - does sell systems pre-cut-in and ready to wear direct from the box, but it is a bit more expensive. Several others have an arrangement with an independent stylist who will do cut-ins remotely from a photo - in effect offering the same service. Toplace and NorthWest Lace do this. Or you can just go to a local salon and get them to cut it in, depending on where you are. Sometimes it is not that easy to find a suitable place.
Attachment - there is a multitude of different types of tape and glue, depending on whether you want a long hold or short, whether you are active or sedentary, whether you live in a sweaty climate or a cold one etc etc. Most younger guys aim for a hold period of 7-10 days, which is pretty reasonable. I use tape on the back and sides of my system, where the hair is thicker and it is concealed, and glue for the front hairline where I want the best and most undetectable result. Broadly, tape is usually stronger and easier to clean up, but glue gives the most undetectable result. You will probably want to experiment with several different types to get the adhesive(s) which suit you best.
Hope that gives you some useful starting points. To educate yourself, I suggest you put "hair system" into YouTube and have a look at the information on there, and also look at the videos on the Hair Direct website. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Good luck
Noah
