What are the different hair topper bases?

Did you know that the construction of the hair topper base (cap), is extremely important? It is especially important to understand which cap to select when purchasing a hair topper. Hair toppers are also known as hair systems, integration pieces, hair pieces, and hair restoration systems.

There are some toppers that are only used to clip on and off, since the base is fragile, and will not withstand gluing, or other types of semi-permanent applications such as our beaded matrix system.  

Other toppers are made with a durable fabric such as "mono lace," "poly skin," "mesh," and "full lace." When attaching, it is important to have a lace, or polyurethane perimeter, this ensures strong cap construction.

Below is a breakdown of different toppers, and how they should be attached.

1) Monofilament is soft on sensitive scalps, and the hair is hand-tied. Mono allows for free multi-directional hair parting.  

      a) Clip on & off

      b) Beaded matrix

      c) Perimeter glue down, or tape.

2) Full silk base is the most natural-looking base since it looks like the hair is growing directly from the scalp. This base tends to be a bit fragile and should never be glued down. If you like this base, please understand it will last up to 6 months with daily wear when attached with beads. Other stronger bases can last up to one year with proper at-home care. It is best suited to be attached with a clip-on system since you can take it on and off. We do attach these to many of our clients, but extra care is a necessity.

        a) Clip on

        b)  Beaded matrix

3). Poly skin is the most realistic-looking cap and is best attached with glue or tape down system. This base is best for complete baldness where gluing will not damage hair follicles. Many men opt for this base for a realistic look.

          a)  Glue

          b) Tape

4) Lace: Includes Swiss Lace, Full Lace, M Mesh, and Front Lace. This material is the most breathable, and comfortable for the wearer. The nature of the lace allows for free parting and natural hair movement. Many lace toppers have a PU (polyurethane), or ribbon perimeter. The perimeter makes it easier to attach, and very durable.  

           a) Beaded Matrix

           b) Glue or Tape on the perimeter

Lace front allows us to cut the front of the wig, or topper, to create a natural hairline. The full lace is available for those who find PU to be too stiff. Most of our lace toppers have a delicate ribbon perimeter which is flexible, durable, natural looking, and comfortable.

I am not an advocate of gluing any of these hair systems to natural hair since it will damage hair follicles, is very painful to remove, and will also damage the hair system.

5). Full or Partial Hair Integration systems are best suited for those with diffuse hair loss and who would like breathability. A partial integration system works best for those who have a thinning hairline. You can pull your natural hair through the integration mesh, but I find this cuts down the life span of the topper. I do pull hair through when a client has curly, or high-density hair. The mesh webbing can be customized to smaller, medium, or larger hole sizes.

It is important to seek a professional when seeking a hair loss system, we will evaluate your hair loss and give our best advice as to which base will work for you. There are other types of combinations of hair toppers, but these are the main materials used.  There are other factors when selecting a hair loss system; i.e. hair density, color, length, and texture.

Always ask for a free consultation, and remember, you do not have to purchase two systems up-front! Also, most people have insurance for these, and an insurance provider will reimburse you if you have most hair loss conditions.  

 Hair Loss background

With Alopecia Areata, fungal infections, other autoimmune diseases, thinning hair by Trichotillomania which removes hair follicles by physical means. At Noelle Salon, we cover the various approaches to hair solutions to treat hair loss, female pattern baldness, balding spots, and other conditions to which you lose hair. At Noelle Salon, we focus on hair growth techniques. Hair systems and hair extension maintenance is part of the journey while wearing them. For Trichotillomania, as our hair grows they both will loosen, and service is required. The difference between a hair system and hair extensions for Trichotillomania clients varies based on the location of hair loss.