What Base Would Be Right For Me? Trying To Get This Right

[WheeljackG1]

Could anyone help me find what would be a good base for my needs. I did a bunch of reading but am still kind of confused what would be best.

This would be the first I'd try do this, so I have no skills yet. I'd also need to take it off to treat/clean my scalp fairly regularly. So it would need to be fairly durable for my needs?

I think I'd want it to breath a bit. Seems like some are sealed, so I don't think that would work for me.

I wouldn't have my hairline showing, if that changes anything. My hair is dark, does that need I'd need bleached roots, even though that would effect durability?

 

[Noah]

Hi Wheeljack

There are 2 basic types - fine polythene film ("skin") and fine nylon netting ("lace"). Each comes in different grades of fineness.

Each has pros and cons.

Lace is breathable, is usually attached at the perimeter only, can be attached with either tape or glue, and requires careful handling when taking it off and cleaning it, so that you don't stretch the mesh out of shape.

Skin is not breathable, is usually attached with glue over the whole surface of the base (unattached areas of base make a "plastic bag" noise when touched), and is easier to clean (you are cleaning a smooth shiny surface). The thinner grades of skin base are not suitable for attaching with tape, because there is a risk of tearing the base when removing the tape.

They cost roughly the same, and their lifespans are comparable, although the finest grades of skin maybe have a shorter lifespan. Personally I think lace gives a better hairline, although both can look very good. Skin looks best seen from above - a skin crown or parting are better than lace.

As you may have detected, I prefer lace myself, and I only wear lace. Lace hairpieces are the older technology, which has been around since the 50's - Bing Crosby, Humphrey Bogart, Gene Kelly all wore lace hairpieces. Skin is newer technology, and often seems to be pushed by salons, but I am not convinced it is better. If breathability is a significant factor for you, it has to be lace. I would say French lace for your first unit if you don't plan to expose your hairline.

I would strongly advise you to order bleached knots. You can still get 4 - 6 months' wear from a lace piece with bleached knots.

Good luck with the process. Please feel free to ask if you need any help or info.

Noah

 

[WheeljackG1]

Thanks so much for the reply! Glad to get some direction on this front.

Makes sense. For French or Swiss lace, which is more durable, and which more undetatable?

How much longer would it last if the knots weren't bleached? Is it that much better it's worth the extra expenses?

I'm also thinking about the glues. My skin is weird with what it reacts to. sometimes it can react to a soft cleanser, while durable against something that would seem harsh. Should I just try different glues or tapes and see which works, or are there certain ones I should try first?

 

[Hair Newbie]

Could anyone help me find what would be a good base for my needs. I did a bunch of reading but am still kind of confused what would be best.

This would be the first I'd try do this, so I have no skills yet. I'd also need to take it off to treat/clean my scalp fairly regularly. So it would need to be fairly durable for my needs?

I think I'd want it to breath a bit. Seems like some are sealed, so I don't think that would work for me.

I wouldn't have my hairline showing, if that changes anything. My hair is dark, does that need I'd need bleached roots, even though that would effect durability?

When it comes to what bases and glues. it is always a different person by person. I started wearing full lace about 10 months ago and maximum I have ever stayed the same lace system was about 2.5 weeks during the winter season. I get used to wearing lace system and DIY everything myself such as: cutting my bio hair/ detach/clean/reattach.... BTW, I've never been to a solan. I do everything myself so wearing a hair system is super economy for me. However. after I've tried skin base. I changed it to a daily (or 2-3 days) wearer and I love wearing HS even more (you can read my old posts for more detail). Majority wearer will tell you skin systems are not good in a variety of reasons. A different base / glues / tapes ... feels a little differently so you won’t really know what works best for you unless you give them a try.

 

[cottonReville]

What about mono pieces? In pictures, the monofilament looks like lace, but I'm sure it doesn't actually.

What does a mono piece look like on the head? I'd rather have something lace-like that isn't as delicate as french lace. I wouldn't even entertain swiss...