TrendSetter

If your sitting in a room with daylight and maybe overhead bright light and people sitting next to you and in front of you.

Is it still not possible to see that it is a hairpiece?

if you have your hair combed back or up in the hairline and a person is talking to you face to face up close, really close, Then what?

These were the some of the questions I had, when I started researching hair systems up. Having used them for over a month now - here's my take

1) The lace systems are very good nowadays, and it is almost impossible for folks

to notice you are wearing one!

2) Having your hair combed back, it is difficult to notice. What I have observed though is after about 14-17 days, there is a slight lift - that's because the hold of the tape is decreasing and it's time to apply a new tape

3) I have met a few of my friends after about a few years - and they did not notice my system at all!!

Cheers

Trendsetter can you pleasse give the name of supplier,

I would like advice.

Since this was my first shot at this, I went to a salon in Toronto.

Ordered two custom ones, took about 10 weeks to arrive and then went had the cutin done. I am not sure where you are from, but depending on your location, you could either find a local salon or order it online from Toplace, HD Direct, etc..

Let me know if you have any questions..

Thanks and me lovvinggg it!. Those caps have all gone back to the closet!!

DIY will come in time as you increase confidence.

 

I still find the tape sometimes fiddly. I have been doing in a few years now and the reattachment is tricky even with two mirrors, but you will improve. Often you will feel if its too far back, forward, right and left and have time to push and try again. Dont apply too much pressure straightaway.

 

Sometimes I will mess the tape up and have to reapply.

 

Just keep to stay cool and focused.

 

Now you have seen how the salon do it, it will at least give you a heads up on the steps.

 

My quickest from start taping to attached is about 10 mins and my slowest 30 mins - some attempts are smoother than others but even the longest will get there in the end.

Woww! That is some speed, Grincher! It will take me light years to reach that speed.. I am going to let the tensions settle down a bit and use the local salon here for a few weeks before I attempt this again... Thanks!

Here are a few more pics...

I have two systems -

pic 1116 (first pic) is with the second system - cut and styled.. This style is with hair slightly combed back

the other pics are of the system iam wearing presently - hair falling slightly down..

From the pictures, you could see the density is very light... this was intentional.

Cheers,

I just don't think it looks natural based on the pictures.

I know a guy with a hair system and although it's good, it

can be spotted as a "hair system" as soon as you see it.

I believe the same point has been debated for long here as well as other forums..

Having undergone two hair transplants - and now a hair system - here's my take:

With close friends and family - who have seen you at close quarters - they will definitely

know we have done something to our hair - whether it is a hair transplant or a hair system.

On the flight back, from Toronto to Brussels, my co passenger was a Belgian - He was always wearing a cap - so when he was taking a nap - he had taken out his cap - and he was bald... After some time, I started a conversation with him - how even I used to wear a cap all the time to hide my baldness.. He looked at my head and said but you are not bald- He would not believe when I told him I have a hair piece on -- He touched my hair and for the next 2 hours would only talk about how natural my hair looks...

Seems he travels to Toronto often, and has taken the salon contact details and now wants a hair system ASAP!

IMO, when strangers see you and hardly give you a second look - that to me means - your hair system is looking natural! As said earlier - with family and close friends having seen us at close quarters - they will definitely know we have done something to our hair

irrespective of how natural it looks...

As one of the HT doctors put it some time back - A patient is very self conscious when he goes from no hair to more hair - he is always looking at other people - observing them closely if they are watching his hair or not! As the doctor said - people have more important stuff to do than watch that head of yours!!

Cheers,

Hi Grincher,

Tried my first system maintenance but did not succeed. Taking the system out, washing it was a breeze.. It took me almost 90 minutes to apply ultra hold tape but I had a huge problem to make it sit back on the head. The alignment was just not proper and once I placed it - it was impossible to adjust since it had stuck!!

U would know what my situation was! Not able to adjust the system, tension mounting, and the fear of messing it up-- Never realized HAIR could be such a HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE!!!!

Fortunately, I had done my homework right, for situations like this, had already researched on a local saloon here who deals with lace systems.. Took an appointment with him today and he removed it, washed it and placed it back again.. It took him only an hour or so.

I recall, the first time the system was fixed - only tape (Walker tape) was used. Today this guy used Super tape but what was surprising is that, he also used a little bit of glue on the front(over the tape) for better hold. Is this advisable? Will this give me more hold time?

I guess he fixes systems day in and day out - so watching him tape and fix the system was soo easy.- Don't know why it was a struggle for me!

Cheers,

My camera is not high resolution - still will post more pics shortly..

looks very good. well done.

attachment wise 6-weeks is very long. Usually 2-4 weeks is the norm

Thanks, Grincher for all your encouragement and suggestions.

I am still very concerned how I am going to remove and reattach the system by myself but I guess I got to try it and get comfortable with the process...

Is this a topper or a full cap? The blending is really good and the density is good also. I would not advise going any heavier.

 

Did you attach this yourself? Who is your supplier? I suggest getting on the Northwest Lace Forum. Those guys are going to be the experts with systems and I am sure you can learn a lot from them. Very very few suggest a bond that long. Most suggest around a week, but everyone is different. One of the biggest reasons is that the tape will eventually start to break down and make clean up much more difficult. Also, I imagine you have some hair under there that needs shaved and cleaned.

Thanks! It is a topper. I went in for a low density to get a more natural look.

My system was installed by a well known salon in Toronto. Since this was my first

shot at this system - I thought getting professional help initially would bring down the tensions and also allow me time to understand the process.

I could now see a slight lift on the front of the system and it seems the tape is getting a bit loose. Time to reattach I guess!

Cheers

So after a few weeks of research and with valuable inputs from many here, especially Grincher, finally got my hair system fixed. It is lace base with remy indian hair. Went in for fairly low density.

First Thoughts: Feel on top of the world... Friends are amazed how young I look and how natural the hairline is...

Using Walker ultra hold tape to fix the system and have not experienced any

itching.

Feels good to put that cap back in the closet!!!

Attaching a few initial pictures...

Quick Question:

1) Iam using walker ultra hold tape. Their website claims to give a hold time of

upto 6 weeks. I have had the hair system installed for 2 weeks now and so far the hold is strong and I have no itching. I have washed my hair twice under the shower and have had no problems.. So my question is - when should I remove and reattach the system? How do I know the tape hold is becoming weaker? Any pointers?

Thanks,

The wait is over! My systems have arrived!! I have booked an appt to have it fixed (Hopefully middle of Nov)

Thank you Grincher, for getting me started and answering all my questions...

Will post pics once I have it fixed..... Excited!!!

Cheers,

Its very unusual.

 

Usually, you just get a new piece every 6 months or so.

 

You will end up with a system with different aged hair and different donors and no doubt changing colours are different rates from UV exposure!

 

The best hair is from one person (usually their ponytail), collected at the same time and kept in the right polarity. Anything else means cuticles messed up and it will not behave and matt! Think stroking a cat or dog in the wrong direction.

 

Also his approach is useless if lace weakens or frails as will happen.

Makes absolute sense! Thank you!!

1st system probably lace, remy indian - I would stick to one until you know its for you AND because these places tend to charge steeply. How much are they charging for a piece and cut in?

 

You can also order a second one online once you have a template and spec. When I order through my online supplier the other bits I fill out to get the most authentic pieces include:

 

1. bleached knots - all over, front or crown.

2. Lace front

3. base colour

4. grey and its density

5. density at front, crown and elsewhere

6. position of crown

7. freestyle or other

8 straight or wavy hair and the curl

9. all lace or part skin

10. colour of hair - its usually taken from a sample I give

11. poly perimete - all round, back and sides, thickness of poly

12. baby hair

13. european or indian (beware of places that sell korean or chinese hair or pass it off as a different type as the hair structure is all wrong). I know of a salon charging over ?1000 a piece doing this. You wont know until you order though.

14. double or single knots and where

 

Its quite daunting, but any good supplier worth their price would take you through it all so you are more knowledgeable after they know a little about you (well the supplier I use does).

 

Sadly, a lot of suppliers either want to keep you in the dark and coming back or they themselves dont consider all these matters and gloss over them.

This is indeed a daunting list!! Goes to show how much homework is required to hone in on that 'ideal' system! Thanks.

One question: I spoke with a local guy here. He said they do lace base systems and he said they last approx 4 months. What surprised me was that , he said I would not have to replace the entire system after 4 months - I have to send the system to them and he would add hairs to the old lace base to match the old density and will then send it back. Does it make sense? All that I have read, seems to tell me the old piece is pretty much useless and a new piece has to be ordered. Can more hair be added to a existing lace base? If yes, is this recommended?

Thanks again!

Iam told their systems start from $600. Taxes, shipping, etc. Not sure if that includes the cut in. Will inquire. Presently we are communicating by email and will be setting up a Skype consultation shortly. I would then get the opportunity to ask more questions.

All great information! Thanks.

Also, does the template change with time? I know density will, but will the template undergo major changes? The reason I ask, is if I get a template professionally done, can I use it for a number of years. Also when ordering online, do we have to send the template every time we order? Or will they have it on record and they will just despatch the piece? Cheers,

I am not a stylist so I cannot be 100% sure, but there are services out there that will do that, however as a customer, like most others I would prefer to wear it for the cut in and I think stylists would be the same.

 

I only ever buy custom made so I can get the right size, density, colour and other specs. With a stock system you are unlikely to get all you want but you will have something quicker. Hence the reason, when I was happy that wearing was for me, I quickly got spares from my online supplier as back up.

 

There is no reliable way to know the age of a stock piece. I have heard of some salons that sell infrequently having them sit around for a while. Also how they are stored and the conditions can age a piece prematurely.

 

I have kept pieces for 3 years in proper conditions and they have been absolutely fine to wear.

Thank you, Grincher!

In one of my consultations i have been offered a choice of :

Lace or Skin injection

(This being my first system - should I go for Lace?)

Types of human hair -

European, Chinese or Remy Indian

Also does it make more sense, to have 2 systems in hand at any time?

I am planning to keep the hair a bit longer in the second system than in the first one.

So when I change to the second system - there is an look of hair growing (with the longer hair!) Is this practical?

Thank you!

Why not go for another Hair transplant it seems like you still have a substantial donor area maybe you just need the right doctor then you can have your own hair and not have to worry about a system

I did explore that option - Visited a couple of hair transplant doctors in Canada but was

told at best they could get 1000 grafts. That would do nothing given the area I want filled up. Also after having done 2 transplants with one of the best doctors - I believe that unless a person has lots of donor hair, required density cannot be achieved. Plus I am a bit impatient with my current situation now. Wait for 6-9 months for a HT appt and another about 9-12 months for results to show and if the density is not right - back to the drawing boards.

Hair replacements may not have been an option a few years back - but with the latest systems I feel it's worth a shot!

Cheers,

Not really. I intend to surprise them!

Another question. Let's say I get a system and have it cut in at a salon. Is it possible to cut in a system

without placing it on the head? For instance, can a stylist cut in a system if I tell him I need a cut in exactly like the one I have? Does the system have to be placed on the head to get a proper cut in?

Any pointers towards what things to consider when going in for stock systems? Is customised systems preferred over stock so the customised piece could match the native hair or is it for detectability reasons too? Also is there a way to find out how old the stock pieces are?

Cheers,

Thanks a lot, Grincher! Appreciate your point by point replies. You are indeed a source of inspiration for newbies like me. It all feels mind boggling at the amount of research one has to to for a hair system!! But then it's all for a good cause!

I am sure after wearing it for some time, it would be much easier!

I think for a lace system to last 6 months is pretty good. 2 systems for a year should be very reasonable.

Thanks on the heads up on the template! I will make sure I tell them I need atleast a couple to take away with me. I know the template making will get easy for me with time but I think I will take the help of one of the professionals initially. I have scheduled a couple of Skype consultations for this week so I will see where it leads to. Will update here. Thanks!

Hi Guys,

Long story short, after two hair transplants (one in 2005 and another in 2008 - both in Minneapolis) never could achieve the density I had hoped for. Never considered hair replacements all those years since hair systems were bulky, unnatural and dead giveaways. I have done some research on the latest hair systems and have been very impressed with how natural the hairline looks and appears to be virtually undetectable especially with the lace and skin systems. I am in my early forties now.

I am attaching a few pictures so I can get some guidance for my condition.

I am willing to spend the time and effort required to maintain it and need a few clarifications please..

1) How so much I read, watch videos, creating a template myself is beyond me. I am presently located in India and planning a visit to Canada (Toronto and Ottawa). I am veering towards the option of getting a professional hair saloon create a template for me, do the cut in for the first two systems. I know they are expensive but for a newbie with hair systems I think guidance in the initial part would help me immensely. Once I have the template and having used the systems for some time, would enable me to buy future systems online.

2) I am told lace systems last for around 4-5 months with proper care.. Is it an option for me to get, like 3-5 systems at one go, and use them when needed? Does buying in advance damage the hair systems if we do not use them?

3) I love to wear baseball caps. Will the hair system get damaged in any way by baseball caps?

4) For traveling professionals, how difficult it is to carry the accessories to maintain the system? Is it too much stuff and can this be easily managed??

5) I have shortlisted a couple of salons in the Toronto area with whom I will be taking this further. One is New Roots Studio and the other is 3rd dimension studios. I would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with these guys before. Any other recommendations would be be most welcome.

6) How difficult is the cut in? Can a local stylist get good results?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,

Faceless Man,

Come Back as Headful Man!!

Good Luck!!

Thank you Guys! Your comments are so valuable!!

Needless to say, like many others, I have been

very impressed with Dr Shapiro's work but at the same time wanted to explore other options to

understand what best works for my needs.

Cheers!

Iam back here after a long gap.

I had my first transplant way back in 2001 with Dr Rose (2100 grafts) second one with Dr Shapiro

(2600 grafts). I am planning to get my crown

area covered. I hear Dr Hasson and Wong are

well known for crown area transplants. Please

comment - thanks!

Iam back here after a long gap.

I had my first transplant way back in 2001 with Dr Rose (2100 grafts) second one with Dr Shapiro

(2600 grafts). I am planning to get my crown

area covered. I hear Dr Hasson and Wong are

well known for crown area transplants. Please

comment - thanks!

Sorry - I posted this initially in the wrong forum.

I just got my 2nd HT done with Dr. Shapiro the other day. Got about 2600 grafts - filled in mostly the crown area and some on the front. To place the grafts on the front, Dr Shapiro had cut my hair on the front very short. I was initially hoping to cover my native hair on these transplants on the front so the grafts would not be visible. But with the hair being cut so short. I don't have that option. Since i need to get back to work in a week's time, is it safe to use toppik over the grafted areas about 7 days after the transplant? can anyone offer any other suggestions?

Thanks