When you’re designing your hair system, there are numerous variables to consider, such as sizing the base, perfecting the hairline, and choosing the correct density, color, and texture.

All of these elements require careful thought and planning. The hairstyle you choose for your system is no different —a hairstyle that works well for you and for your system will help you get the natural look you want. Below, you will find tips and suggestions to keep in mind when choosing a hairstyle for your hair system.

When deciding on a hairstyle for your system, take the shape and size of your base, as well as the density of the hair, into consideration. For thicker base materials, such as bases with poly perimeters, it’s best to avoid brushed-back hair or any style that exposes your front hairline. This is because the thicker base can create a detectable edge, though under-venting hair around the perimeter is an option. If your base is made out of different materials and you have lighter density hair, you may want to avoid a hairstyle with a part, as the transition from one material to the next may be visible in the part area. That said, if you have a light density we can increase the density in the part to help cover the material transition.

Partial Hair System Tips

For short hairstyles, avoid ordering extra length to provide coverage for thin sides and back. Doing so will typically create an unnatural look that doesn’t blend properly, and can be visible (especially when the wind blows), making it obvious that you’re wearing a system.

We recommend choosing at least 3/4 to 1 inch of length for your hair system, so the hair lays properly and to prevent early shedding. This means where the hair in the system overlaps with your growing hair, your own hair needs to be at least 1/2 inch or longer.

For proper blending, we recommend that the hair along the edge of your system is a little longer than the bordering, growing hair. With this technique, the hair will blend properly when you receive the system, and will also give you about a month before you’ll need a haircut.

If you would like very tapered, short lengths on the sides and back, you may have to limit them to areas closer to the ears and nape of the neck, so you have enough length for proper blending where the system and your hair meet.

Although this is the case with most styles, it is not needed with all. For example, undercut styles, where the sides and back are clipped very short and the top is left long (usually to be gelled or waxed back), do not have to take the length of growing hair into consideration, because the longer hair is completely disconnected from the remainder of the style.

Full Cap Tips

A full cap is very versatile, but be mindful of the perimeter hair lengths. Keep hair lengths to at least 3/4-inch around the perimeter to mask the edge of the base, and possibly longer if your base has a poly perimeter. Very short cuts, like buzz cuts, are not an option.

Keep the cut simple

We suggest you choose a relatively simple haircut so it can be easily replicated. If you’re rotating two or three systems at once, you'll need the cuts to be exactly the same. If you only wear one system at a time, and don't mind a noticeable change every few months, then there’s no need to worry about it. For complicated styles or something that needs to be very precise, it may benefit you to have your hair system cut-in locally.

Also, if you’re trying to create the appearance of hair growing out over time, be sure to let your hair replacement consultant know, so we can be sure to cut the new one a bit longer.

Minimize styling products

It’s best to avoid hairstyles that depend on styling products. If you want a spiky style, or a messy look that requires gel, wax, mousse or hairspray daily, you’ll likely shorten the life of your hair system and/or end up with stiff, unnatural hair. Styling products typically need to be shampooed out every day, causing more wear and tear on the hair. Many products also contain harsh alcohols that cause the hair to become dry and brittle, leading to faster shedding. If you don’t want to change your hairstyle or eliminate products, look for products that are water soluble and know that you’ll need to order more systems a year than you would with a lower maintenance style. That said, we sell products that are safe for hair systems in our Store, and utilizing the right products can really cut down on damage to the hair.

Minimize heat styling tools

Regular use of heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, will cause your system to dry out quickly, leading to premature breakage and shedding. It’s best to allow your system to air dry as often as possible. If you do need to use heat styling tools, use them on the lowest setting with a product that offers thermal protection, and using safe blow-drying methods.

Contact us for further help

These suggestions are meant to help give you the best experience possible. It’s important to understand what issues may arise so you can be realistic and strategic when choosing a style for your hair system. Feel free to experiment, but be prepared to order more systems than you may have anticipated if you choose a style that puts wear and tear on your hair.