Hair Density—Why You Should Be Mindful Of It

You might have heard about hair systems as a non-invasive solution for hair loss, but... you're still unsure. Will it look natural? Can anyone tell you're wearing it? Questions like these can bring up fears or doubts, especially when it comes to hair density, realism, and cost.

Fortunately, hair systems have advanced significantly in technology, offering increasingly realistic and accessible solutions for men who want to regain their confidence.

 

What is Hair Density in a Hair System?

Hair density refers to the number of hair strands covering the surface of the base of a toupee. In skin bases, hair may be injected, while in mesh materials like lace or monofilament, hair strands are knotted.

A higher density means more hair on the base, giving a more voluminous look. On the other hand, a lower density refers to fewer hairs, which may be better suited if you prefer a more natural or less voluminous appearance.

 

Factors Affecting Density

Type of Hair Loss:

If your hair loss is partial and your remaining hair is not very thick, you may prefer a lower density in your hair system for better integration.

Age:

For younger men, a higher density may be preferred, while older men may find a lighter density to be more suitable for a subtle and natural finish that matches their age.

 

How is Density Adjusted in a Hair System?

Hair systems are made with a standard density that corresponds to a medium-light density (100%) that works for most men with male pattern baldness. Each toupee user is different, so specialists can adjust the density based on the desired style and hair loss pattern. This ensures that the final result looks as natural and in line with your appearance as possible.

Pro Tip: If you're looking for a customized hair system with a personalized density, make sure to request a bespoke model to make precise adjustments so it matches your natural hair.

How Realistic are Hair System for Men?

One of the biggest concerns men have when considering a hair system is whether it will look natural or if anyone will notice they're wearing one. Fortunately, modern toupees for men are highly realistic, and manufacturing techniques and materials have improved considerably. Let’s take a look at some types of materials and technologies used in hair systems for men:

Hair Type:

Many hair systems are made from human hair, giving them a more natural appearance as they mimic the texture and behavior of real hair. However, there are also synthetic fiber options that look very similar to human hair and require less maintenance.

Hairline Type:

The hairline is one of the most important features, as it is visible to everyone. One advantage of thin-skin hair systems is that the injected hair resembles hair growing directly from the scalp.

In the case of lace or monofilament toupees, the hair is knotted, and these small knots are bleached to ensure they are completely unnoticeable. An impressive feature is that the hair knotted in the hairline is done gradually, creating an even more realistic appearance of hair growth in that area.

Base Material Color:

The base’s tone should match your natural skin tone. In the case of lace bases, you can choose from different shades, ranging from flesh tone to dark brown. Skin materials are more versatile, as they come in transparent or opaque colors, making them ideal for any skin tone.

Attachment Technology

Hair systems use advanced attachment technologies, such as special adhesives, to keep them in place without compromising comfort. These attachment methods ensure that the hair system stays secure, even during physical activities or in extreme conditions such as sweating or humidity. The most common adhesives are double-sided tape or liquid glue.

Important: Although adhesives for hair systems are specifically designed for wigs, it is important that, before applying them to your scalp, you test them on another part of your skin to ensure there are no allergies or irritations. If you want extra protection, you can apply some scalp protector before placing your unit. This will act as a protective layer between your scalp’s skin and the base of the hair system.

 

Factors Influencing Realism

Color and Texture:

Real hair has numerous highlights, so it’s important to match the hair color of the system to your natural hair color. It’s also essential to match the hair’s texture (straight, wavy, curly, or afro) to ensure it looks as similar as possible to your pre-hair loss texture.

Haircut and Styling:

An appropriate haircut plays a crucial role in realism. The styling of the hair system should suit your face shape and lifestyle, whether you're going for a modern look or a more classic style.

Integration with Natural Hair:

It’s essential that the base size matches exactly the area of hair loss you want to cover. A system with too small a base will create visible edges between the base and your existing hair, making it look unnatural. The purpose of a hair system is to blend seamlessly with the remaining hair, ensuring perfect integration. This is especially important when hair loss is partial or in specific areas, such as the crown or the recession of the front hairline.

Pro Tip: Look for testimonials or examples of previous work from toupee specialists. Many professionals can show you before-and-after photos of similar cases to ensure that the quality and realism of their work meet your expectations.

Hair Systems Prices

One of the biggest concerns when considering a hair system is the price. High-quality toupees can have a significant upfront cost, but it's important to understand that in many cases, this investment is much more affordable than other long-term solutions, such as hair transplants. It's important to note that the price depends mainly on the following factors:

Base Material:

Toupees with thicker bases like monofilament will be more affordable than those with thinner materials such as skin or lace, due to the realism of the base. Some systems combine two or more base materials (hybrid type), which increases their cost.

Base Size:

Smaller systems, such as patches or frontals, are less expensive due to their reduced size. Standard-size (topper or partial) systems are priced slightly higher. Larger systems (greater than 8” x 10”) that cover a larger area of the scalp are more costly; these are considered custom-made.

Hair Systems Custom Made:

Custom toupees come at a higher price because users can choose from more than 16 customization options. Occasionally, base dimensions may be irregular, adding extra costs. For example, customized units start at $330 USD and will increase according to the specific characteristics you want to add.

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair:

Human hair systems are more expensive than synthetic ones because they provide a more natural and realistic look. The most commonly used type of hair for toupees is Indian hair, which is silky, thick, and shiny. The highest quality hair is Remy, which is not chemically processed and keeps its cuticles intact, preventing tangling and providing a soft, manageable texture.

Durability:

Hair systems can last anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the material and care. Some toupees may require periodic adjustments, but with proper maintenance, durability is generally high.

These are estimated prices in the market and durability for ready-to-wear hair systems for men, according to their base material or design:

Pro Tip: If cost is a concern, explore payment plans or financing options that some hair prosthetic providers offer so you can spread the cost over time without compromising your budget.

 

Is the Investment Worth It?

For many men, a hair system is more than just an aesthetic solution; it's a way to regain self-confidence. The positive impact on self-esteem can easily justify the investment.

How about care and maintenance?

Good question. A hair system will require care and maintenance. The purpose is to extend its lifespan while also taking care of the scalp's skin. Generally, it is recommended to remove the unit entirely every 1 or 2 weeks. This involves removing adhesive residue from the base, washing the hair, and letting it dry at room temperature. As for the scalp, it should be washed and shaved to remove any existing hair that may have grown. This way, you'll feel fresh when reattaching your unit. This routine can take about 30 minutes to do at home and is not complicated.

Conclusion: Hair Density—Why You Should Be Mindful Of It

Hair systems for men not only provide a realistic solution for hair loss, but they also allow you to enjoy a natural and high-quality look. While the price may seem like a barrier, it’s important to consider it as a long-term investment that’s worth it, especially if you want to regain your confidence and lifestyle. Additionally, advancements in technology and materials have made toupees more accessible and durable than ever.