Is A Long-Lasting Hair Replacement System Always Better?

The lifespan of a hair replacement system is dependent on the base material, hair treatments and products used, ventilation method, and many other factors. 

 

In order to help our clients in choosing a hair replacement system, today’s blog looks at these factors in more detail and their impact on the appearance of the system. 

 

Let’s start with a look at the base of a hair system. 

The base can be made out of many different materials, the most popular being French lace, fine monofilament, clear poly or clear PU, poly with gauze, poly coated, thin skin, silk mono, injected silk and fine welded mono. 

The general rule is that the thinner, more natural and greater the attempt to make the base look invisible, the shorter its lifespan. 

 

Extra-invisible Swiss lace bases, for example, frequently last less than a month. If you’re looking for a longer lasting base then the mono bases like mono lace and injected silk are the most durable and can last over 6 - 9 months with good care, sometimes even over a year. 

 

French lace is the most popular base. It resembles a mosquito net and as such is very breathable, making it an excellent and natural-looking base which is bleached to blend in with your scalp. 

 

However, it is not the longest lasting base as it’s thin and fairly fragile due to the holes. It will last about 3 to 6 months if it’s well maintained, sometimes even longer. 

 

Fine mono, by contrast, looks like cloth and is very durable and strong. It is fine and sheer, creating a natural-appearing, well-ventilated base that doesn’t get too hot and sweaty. It has very small holes and the hair is tied to the net with double knots. 

 

It is not bleached, which makes it more durable than the French lace base, and it can last 6 to 12 months or even longer if it’s well looked after. It works particularly well in creating the illusion of a very thick head of hair. 

 

Thin skin hair systems come in three types of poly: clear poly, poly with gauze and poly coated. 

Clear poly allows for different thicknesses of base which create different appearances. 

 

A lot of KA Hair Solutions’ clients like clear poly, because of its softness and natural appearance, however it’s important to note that thinner clear poly has a shorter lifespan. 

 

Thin skin hair systems come in three types of poly: clear poly, poly with gauze and poly coated. 

Clear poly allows for different thicknesses of base which create different appearances. 

 

A lot of KA Hair Solutions’ clients like clear poly, because of its softness and natural appearance, however it’s important to note that thinner clear poly has a shorter lifespan. 

 

Thin skin v loop is a good example to demonstrate this fact. It’s composed of an ultra-thin clear poly skin, just 0.03mm thick, and there are no knots. Because the base is so thin and the hair isn’t tied on, it’s prone to shredding and lasts only 3 or 4 weeks. Despite this, it’s becoming incredibly popular as it looks very natural and is very soft, comfortable and easy to wear. It’s short lifespan also means it requires very little maintenance. 

 

An easy rule for KA Hair Solutions’ clients to use when deciding on which base their hair replacement system should have is that the thicker the clear PU is then the longer the lifespan of the hair piece, for example: 

0.03mm ultra-thin skin has an expected lifespan of 3 or 4 weeks but is the most natural and thinnest of all the skin bases. 

0.06mm super thin skin has a lifespan of 2 or 3 months 

0.08mm injected hair also has a 2 or 3 month lifespan 

0.08mm thin skin has a 3 to 6 month lifespan 

0.10mm think skin has a 3 to 6 month lifespan 

0.12mm thin skin has a 3 to 6 month lifespan, with a good care could last even longer 

 

Poly with gauze is the next option for your hair replacement system. 

There is a layer of gauze in the middle of this base which increases its strength, meaning it lasts a lot longer than clear PU – over 6 months, and up to a year. 

 

However, because of the internal layer of gauze, it’s not possible to make it as thin as clear PU. 

Poly coated bases have poly applied directly onto them, which adds another layer of material. This means that there are sometimes three layers, which is why it’s the thickest poly and is the most durable, able to last around a year. 

 

If you want both high density (big volume) and a long lifespan, then either a poly with gauze or a fine mono base would be the best choice. However, if you want light density and a natural appearance then either the French lace or a clear thin skin hair system would be the best option. 

 

Another factor affecting the lifespan of your hair replacement system is how well you look after it. 

 

It’s important to maintain your hair replacement well, not only to keep it looking at its best but also to extend its lifespan. 

 

The frequency of hair maintenance appointments depends on your needs, preferences, skin type, lifestyle and the products you use. 

You can have an appointment fortnightly, every three weeks or monthly. Depending on your needs. 

We recommend you have a professional hair system maintenance appointment at least once a month, regardless of your lifestyle, as it helps to keep hair system at its best. 

 

As well it’s essential that you have two hair replacement systems, so you can alternate the wear of each system and extend the lifespan of each. 

 

If you would like to see samples of KA Hair Solutions hair replacement systems or ask any questions, then please book your free consultation now.