Lace is the most breathable and gives the most natural, undetectable hairline — ideal for warmer climates or all-day wear, though it's more delicate. Poly (polyurethane/skin) is thin, durable, and easier to attach and maintain, with a slightly less airy feel. Hybrid bases combine a lace front with a poly perimeter, aiming for a natural hairline with the added durability of poly around the edges. The right choice depends on your climate, activity level, and how much maintenance you want to take on.

With proper care, most systems last several months to around a year before the hair itself needs replacing, though this varies by base type, hair quality, and how well it's maintained. The base attachment typically needs reapplication every 2–6 weeks depending on the method used. Regular cleaning and gentle handling extend the life of both the base and the hair significantly.

Density describes how much hair is knotted into the base, usually shown as a percentage (like 100% or 120%) compared to a full natural head of hair. Lower density looks thinner and more natural at the hairline; higher density gives more volume but can look less natural if it doesn't match the density of your existing hair. Matching density to your own hair — rather than just choosing the fullest option — is what makes a system blend in.

Colour matching works best in natural daylight, comparing a color ring directly against your own hair at the roots (not the ends, which may be lightened by sun or styling). Many people find their exact shade is actually a mix of two adjacent colors, which is common and why systems are often available in blended tones. If you're unsure, sending us a clear photo in natural light is the fastest way to get a reliable recommendation.

Human hair looks and moves the most naturally, can be styled with heat tools, and can be colored — but it requires more maintenance and typically costs more. Synthetic hair holds its style in humidity and rain without extra effort and costs less, but it can't be heat-styled and tends to look less natural over time. Most of our systems use human hair specifically because it blends more convincingly with a client's own hair.

A proper measurement covers front-to-back length, side-to-side width, and the shape of your hairline and crown — usually taken with a flexible tape measure or a template traced directly on your scalp. Because a system that's even slightly the wrong size won't sit or blend correctly, we recommend getting measured by a stylist when possible, or following a guided measurement process with us before ordering a custom system.

Regular gentle washing with sulfate-free shampoo, avoiding excessive heat, and brushing carefully from the ends up all help extend the life of a system. The base also needs periodic cleaning where it meets the scalp to prevent adhesive buildup. Most systems benefit from a consistent care routine rather than intensive occasional cleaning — little and often keeps both the hair and the base in better condition.

Attachment is typically done with adhesive tape or liquid bonding agents applied to the perimeter of the base, pressed and held until secure. Removal uses a dedicated adhesive remover to gently dissolve the bond — pulling the system off without one can damage both the base and your natural hairline. If you're new to self-application, we're happy to walk you through the process or recommend a local stylist for your first few applications.

Beyond base material, systems vary by coverage — full cap systems replace all the hair on top, while frontal or partial systems target just the hairline or crown. There are also toppers, designed to blend with a full head of existing hair rather than replace it entirely. If you're not sure which category fits your situation, this is usually the first thing to figure out before looking at base type or color at all.