In order to take full advantage of the latest technologies in hair replacement systems, it is important to understand the components of modern hairpieces, specifically in men’s hair replacement. The two main components of a hairpiece are the base and the fibers. In both cases there are advantages and disadvantages, including hair replacement system cost, that should be considered before choosing a particular hair replacement system.
Choosing the Base
In general there are two main base types: synthetic fabric mesh and plastic polymer. If a natural look and high quality are the main concerns, then a fabric base is the best choice. The fabric bases can be fashioned to give a very discreet hairline and a comfortable feel. Unfortunately the fabric bases are less durable than polymer bases. Plastic polymer hair replacement bases are less expensive and more durable, but may leave the wearer with a detectable hairpiece. Understandably, the prices and quality vary across both types of bases.
Picking the Right Fiber
Perhaps the more important choice in men’s hair replacement is which fiber will be used to recreate the hair. In this case there are even more options and issues to consider. Human, animal and synthetic fibers are the three main fiber types. Again if cost is secondary to quality, a hairpiece made of human hair is the most natural looking and virtually always the best choice. Among human hair donors, ethnicity of the donor predicts quality (and price). The most coveted hair is derived from people in Eastern European countries. Hair from Asian people is among the most durable and thick, but is limited in terms of color choices (essentially there is one color option).
Hair replacement systems made of animal hair (such as goat or horse) offer a less expensive alternative to human hair but still look quite natural. Synthetic fibers are the least expensive choice of the three, in general, and more natural looking fibers generally cost more.
Aesthetics and Durability
Generally speaking, there is a trade off between aesthetics and durability in hair replacement systems. Hair from a human or animal, while more natural looking, breaks more easily than synthetic fibers. This trade off extends to different synthetic fiber types, as well. For example, Kanekalon looks realistic but is prone to matting and tangling while Toyokalon fibers move like natural hair but appear synthetic upon close inspection. Often the best choice or compromise is to choose a hair replacement system that is a composite of natural and synthetic fibers. When created properly, the look can be both natural and durable.
The Final Details
Other decisions inherent to men’s hair replacement are attachment methods, choices of hand sewn versus machine made, the density of the fibers, and whether each fiber is tied/sewn to the base or if an adhesive is used. When performed by someone skilled in the construction of men’s hair replacement pieces, hand-crafted systems offer unparalleled quality. However, handmade hairpieces are much more expensive than machine crafted systems. There is also a “sweet spot” in terms of hair thickness or density. If the hair replacement system is too densely packed with fibers, the hairpiece could look like a “rug.” On the other hand, if the hairs are too sparsely packed the overall effect is diminished and the base could be clearly visible. Finally, fibers that are sewn to the base tend to move or behave more naturally than fibers that are glued. Again with all of these choices, quality comes with a price tag.
