Newbie To All This Hair Replacement Stuff

[Stubilaroo]

Hi There,

Complete newbie to the world of replacement systems

What questions would you ask before comitting to buying a system?

 

[BaldBearded]

I am assuming you mean from a salon, or company that offers hair replacement service?

Before you ask the questions, make sure to get knowledgeable about Hair System lingo. Read posts here, and go here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2VTiuzuax5HbyYvLLDu_A?sub_confirmation=1

This way, when they answer you, you know what they mean.

Do they offer a free consultation?

Are they full-service, meaning will they do the following:

1. Create a template

2. Take hair samples or match color

3. Discuss your options about the different base, or base combinations, based on your lifestyle, etc.

4. Discuss your options for hairline, density, direction, curl, proposed style, etc.

5. Offer to train you how to do your own service at home (detach, clean, attach).

Do they have a good, knowledgeable, experienced hair stylist who will do the cut-in?

Offer to show you before/after pics of their own clients?

Things to avoid:

Companies that want to lock you into a monthly subscription, like hair club.

Companies that don't explain how their systems are constructed, or the type of hair to use.

Companies that want you to order more than one system at a time, especially the first time, this is a HUGE no no! Nothing is more frustrating than paying for ONE system that needs tweaks, then paying for TWO that need tweaks. And, be prepared you may need to tweak your system for a myriad of reasons (color, density, hairline, length, etc).

And finally, understand that time is money. Buying from a salon is going to cost more, because they are going to invest time with you, especially in the beginning. Once you get going and are comfortable with it, you certainly can opt for trying less expensive options, like some of the more reputable internet-based operations.

Be picky, don't be in a rush. There are lots of people in this business (depending on where you live), the ultimate goal is to look good, and feel good about your choice.

Good luck!

 

[Noah]

That's all excellent advice. I can only add a few thought, which are mostly rephrasing what BB has just said.

- hair system salons fall into 2 categories. The first category has a product (often it seems to be a stock skin-based system) and a business model, which you are basically made to work around. That includes the adhesives you use, maybe the other products you are told to use, the kind of hair style you can have, how frequently your system gets maintained, whether you have to maintain the hairline yourself etc. The second category is looking to match you with the best product for your lifestyle and has a number of options available. They will do everything for you if you want, but they will also educate you and empower you to be independent if you want. Obviously the second is far preferable, but the first is much more common, and nearly all the big chains are in the first category. The second group tend to be privately owned one-off operations. Not to say that you can never get a good result from a category one place - they have some very decent well-meaning people working in them too - but your experience is likely to be less favourable. You will soon get a sense of which is which.

- Of the guys I have talked to through the process of transitioning to a system through a salon, the biggest gripe has been lack of support. It is not uncommon to have teething troubles in the first month or so. Maybe the adhesive doesn't stick, or causes irritation, or the system loses hair, or comes up, or you decide you don't like the cut. If you are doing some of the maintenance yourself, maybe you take the system off and suddenly you can't get it on straight, or whatever. Guys often panic when these things happens, and they need to know that the salon will be there to support them immediately. Being told that they are fully booked, and they can come back in a week's time is very stressful. You need to get a commitment from the salon that they will give you an emergency appointment on a day's notice anytime in that initial period, no questions asked. Obviously the best time to get that commitment is before you have put down your money, and certainly before you have let them buzz your head.

Noah

 

[Kieran25]

I am assuming you mean from a salon, or company that offers hair replacement service?

Before you ask the questions, make sure to get knowledgeable about Hair System lingo. Read posts here, and go here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2VTiuzuax5HbyYvLLDu_A?sub_confirmation=1

This way, when they answer you, you know what they mean.

Do they offer a free consultation?

Are they full-service, meaning will they do the following:

1. Create a template

2. Take hair samples or match color

3. Discuss your options about the different base, or base combinations, based on your lifestyle, etc.

4. Discuss your options for hairline, density, direction, curl, proposed style, etc.

5. Offer to train you how to do your own service at home (detach, clean, attach).

Do they have a good, knowledgeable, experienced hair stylist who will do the cut-in?

Offer to show you before/after pics of their own clients?

Things to avoid:

Companies that want to lock you into a monthly subscription, like hair club.

Companies that don't explain how their systems are constructed, or the type of hair to use.

Companies that want you to order more than one system at a time, especially the first time, this is a HUGE no no! Nothing is more frustrating than paying for ONE system that needs tweaks, then paying for TWO that need tweaks. And, be prepared you may need to tweak your system for a myriad of reasons (color, density, hairline, length, etc).

And finally, understand that time is money. Buying from a salon is going to cost more, because they are going to invest time with you, especially in the beginning. Once you get going and are comfortable with it, you certainly can opt for trying less expensive options, like some of the more reputable internet-based operations.

Be picky, don't be in a rush. There are lots of people in this business (depending on where you live), the ultimate goal is to look good, and feel good about your choice.

Good luck!

@BaldBearded any recommendations for Internet based companies to order from?

 

[BaldBearded]

@BaldBearded any recommendations for Internet based companies to order from?

If asked, I reckon @Noah would be happy to, I will PM you with my supplier.