Poly VS Lace Hair System

Toupees continue to become more popular with time. Many men are getting more knowledgeable on the positive effects of wearing a toupee and the demand to own one is soaring. It is a great feeling for men who have a receding hairline, experiencing hair thinning, or balding have a non-complicated solution with the use of a non-surgical hair system. They are affordable and will revive one’s hair look at the same time boosting one’s self-confidence.

Toupee factories have over the years continued to create high-quality toupees and there is now a vast variety of toupees to choose from. Whether your client is a first-time wearer or a returning client, they might not be too sure what toupee to choose. Both poly and lace hair systems are both popular terms within the hair industry therefore the first thing men will come across when searching for a toupee.

“ Poly or Lace, which one is best ?” is a common question from curious men who do not know what toupee they should get. Most cannot differentiate which one to choose from as they are unaware of the distinct features each has. It is important to break down the two most popular base materials so that your customers can have an amazing experience with their chosen men’s hairpieces.

We first and foremost want to mention that no toupee is better than the other. As long as the base material is well constructed to support the men’s hairpieces, both lace and poly are great. Deciding what is best is based on individual needs. Both materials are fantastic and unique in achieving optimum results and choosing the right base will depend on; Lifestyle(do you have a physical job, do you work out a lot, or do you live an active lifestyle?), hair length, hair density, versatility, durability, or lifespan.

Below we candidly discuss both lace and poly hair systems.

Poly Hair System

The poly hair system is made of polyurethane material that gives the illusion of human skin and hence poly is also referred to as skin base. The poly base material is see-through and is similar to the way contact lenses function. It is made to look as if it is part of the scalp as it is made of thin base that can go as thin as 0.03mm, 0.08mm, 0.10mm etc to give that outstanding illusion that the hair is growing directly out of the scalp. 0.03mm thin skin men’s hair piece is the thinnest and most undetectable of all base materials.

Additionally, due to the very thin skin material, when touching the poly skin hair system on the wearer’s scalp it feels like normal skin. But the thicker poly skin hair system is non-porous which means it is water-resistant so air, sweat, or water will not get through the poly bases.

Unlike lace material, the poly skin hair system is V-looped, single knot and injected into the polyurethane giving that illusion it is growing from their head. The poly base has a lifespan of 1-6 months and takes up a light to medium density.

Strengths

• It is extremely versatile when it comes to styling.
• It is lightweight.
• It is very easy to put on.
• It is very easy to clean due to its solid surface and no mesh holes.
• Once correctly attached, no hair is coming out of the underside of the base.
• It still looks full after a few months of shedding because it can take more density.
• Even scratching the hair feels like normal skin.
• No bleaching of knots is needed.
• Easy attachment and removal especially because the poly base takes glue very well.
• Gives the most flawless realistic hairline appearance compared to most bases.

Weaknesses

• Not as comfortable as lace.
• If sealed in and with no holes, it can raise your body temperature and leave you feeling hot.
• Not very breathable
• If not secured properly, sweat will fight adhesive and begin to break down the bond.

Go to Bono Hair’s Poly Hair System

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Lace Hair System

When it comes to selecting the toupee that is extremely breathable, lace is at the top of the list. This is because the lace is made of finely knitted mesh that has very minuscule holes that allow for breathability and air circulation. This is what makes lace hair system very popular amongst toupee wearers.

It is also the most comfortable and most natural base. This is all thanks to its lightweight soft material that has a luscious soft feeling on the wearer’s head. It is ventilated either through wefting or hand-tied knots. Its lightweight mesh material also gives the poly hair system its natural-looking hairline and is an undetectable hair system.

There are 2 types of lace:

• French lace

This is very soft, breathable, and has a lightweight feel. It has a seamless look to the hairline as the front lace is ventilated using single split knots that are small and practically invisible. The french lace hair system can take light to medium density. French lace is great as it has the ability to be carefully stretched to be molded to perfectly fit the head shape of the wearer. It is a great men’s hairpiece for a new wearer who is worried about sweating because it does well in hot or humid weather due to its lightness and breathability and it will not feel heavy on the head. The french lace hair system has a lifespan of 3-4 months.

• Swiss lace

In comparison to French lace, it is lighter, softer, more undetectable, finer, and more breathable. However, it is much more delicate than French lace. It has a short lifespan of 1-2 months and only takes a lighter medium density.

Strengths 

• Great for the summer weather.
• Natural and seamless appearance.
• Great if you live an active lifestyle, work out, or sweat a lot.
• Super comfortable on the head
• Great breathability.

Weaknesses

• Very delicate and can tear easily therefore cannot take heavy density.
• Not the easiest to attach and remove in comparison to poly.as lace is not easy to attach to the tape.
• Not easy to clean and maintain as the adhesive can get stuck in the holes.
• Knots most times have to be bleached so as to be invisible and give that more natural appearance.

Go to Bono Hair’s Lace Hair System

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Poly Lace Combination Hair System

Combining 2 base materials of poly hair system and lace hair system is a great way for the toupee wearer to enjoy the advantages each base provides at the same time reducing the weakness of each base material when worn on its own. What does combining poly and lace offer?

• The lifespan of the toupee is much longer.
• The hairline is more undetectable with a thin skin base or bleached knot lace base at the front and there is more breathability with the lace base combined.The toupee can take on a much higher density.
• The materials which are individually delicate are now more durable as a combination.
• Can be worn comfortably in any weather.

Every toupee owner should know the importance of keeping the hair system clean. It determines the lifespan of the toupee. A well-maintained hair system is clean, tangle-free, moisturized, and loses less density and shine of the hair during its lifespan. Failing to clean the hair system can compromise the integrity of the hair system. Aim to wash your hair system at least once or twice a week. If your clients cannot clean and maintain it themselves,  you need to help them maintain the hair system as a professional toupee specialist.

Leaving glue too long is not good. Toupee adhesive starts to break down, it compromises the base material and the residue begins getting into the holes and knots of the hair. The wearer will begin to struggle with the toupee and eventually ruin the structure of the hair system. If the lace base is not cleaned or well cleaned the adhesive, dirt, or sweat can clog into the holes of the material and over a short term will ruin the toupee. Lace hair system is also delicate and can easily tear therefore it is important to take your time and be extra gentle. As for poly base as there are no mesh holes and just a solid surface so it is extremely easy to clean.

Other than that the cleaning steps of the hair systems are very much similar.

1. Remove the Tape/ Glue

Take your time and be gentle so as not to compromise the structure of the hair system. Use a little pressure to gently remove the tape off the scalp so as not to rip the base.

If using glue, use an adhesive solvent to carefully remove the poly/lace hair system from the head. With the tiny holes in the lace material, some adhesive can be stuck, use an old toothbrush with a bit of adhesive solvent to help access the holes to clean the hair system.

If any stubborn residue is left on the poly or lace hair system use a microfiber towel to gently clean the hair system.

2. Soak the Ploy And Lace Hair System

Remember adhesive is very strong and water-resistant. Soak the hair system in warm water with dish liquid soap for around 30 minutes to help remove any stubborn adhesive residue that is stuck on the base material. Do not soak overnight as the hair will be left limp and tangled up. Gently rinse the hair system with warm water twice.

3. Shampoo

Shampoo the hair system with a gentle shampoo and thoroughly clean the hair system. Rinse with warm water.

4. Conditioner

Use a moisturizing conditioner to add back lost moisture to the hair. Use this time to gently detangle the hair with a detangling brush or comb. Rinse with cold water.

5. Dry

Use a microfiber towel to get rid of excess water and leave the hair system air dry. Style as desired.

Whatever poly hair systems, lace hair systems or combination hair systems, remember that no base material is better than the other. They serve different purposes but ultimately enhance the wearer’s experience. Hair system wearers should choose one that suits them or even get all and alternate them for their different lifestyle needs.