A hair replacement system is a sound hair loss solution for those who have thinning hair and bald patches. A safer and more affordable alternative to hair transplant, hair systems do not entail surgery or any invasive procedure. Hairpieces can be shampooed, cut, and styled like natural hair. It doesn’t need to be removed when swimming, exercising, or doing outdoor activities.
The hair replacement process takes less than two hours and involves no pain at all. It entails taking a hairpiece, made of natural or synthetic hair, and affixing it to the scalp using adhesives or bonding materials. Today, there are four common methods for hair bonding or hair attachment for thinning hair, to ensure that the hairpiece stays secure even as you go about your daily activities.
Read on to find out which hair replacement technique would work best for your personality and lifestyle! Interested in hair replacement systems? Learn more on Aremyhair Singapore’s FAQ page and be on your way to a full head of hair that looks so natural, no one can tell the difference.
HARD BONDING
Hair replacement systems that are attached through hard bonding stay in place the longest. Hard bonds are basically superglue for hairpieces and wigs or toupees. They can hold hair systems in place for up to 6 weeks, even in humid climates. This super-hold adhesive is ideal for those with active lifestyles and spend a lot of time outdoors.
A hard-bonded hairpiece stays secured until it’s removed intentionally or loosens when the existing or natural hair grows out. Removing the hairpiece can be tedious, even painful, hence, it should be left to professionals. Acetone is used to detach the glue, which may irritate the skin or damage the hair.
To apply hard bonds, the perimeter of the scalp with hair loss is shaved, leaving only ⅛ inch of hair stubble. The glue is then applied to the hair stubble, and should never touch the skin. This type of adhesive becomes rigid as it dries out, which may be uncomfortable for the wearer.
| Pros | Cons |
| Most secure attachment method; strongest adhesive for hairpieces/hair systems | Dries very quickly, leaving little time for adjustments |
| Hairpieces stay in place for up to 6 weeks | Shaving the areas with hair loss is required |
| Can be used on thinner hairpieces for a more natural look | Some glues may contain ingredients with harmful side effects |
| No compromising on your usual daily routines because hairpiece stays secured | Professional application and removal is recommended; DIY is discouraged |
| Hard–bonding glues are not water-based, so they don’t break down over time | Becomes hard when dried; can sometimes be uncomfortable and stiff |
SOFT BONDING
The soft bonding technique makes use of flexible glues and adhesive tapes. Hairpieces that are attached through soft bonding can stay on for up to 4 weeks. Although slightly less adherent than hard bonding, soft-bonding glues and tapes are also quite secure, so the wearer need not worry about the hairpiece being displaced.
In most cases, it’s the wearer who decides whether they prefer hard or soft bonding. The choice generally comes down to hold time, ease of application, and the feel of the adhesive on the skin. Many soft-bond glues are water-based, hence, can be applied directly on the scalp.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong but flexible hold | Not as lasting as hard bonds |
| Hairpieces stay in place for up to 4 weeks | Shaving the areas with hair loss is required |
| Easier to apply and remove than hard bonds | May feel sticky in high or humid temperatures |
| Can be used on thinner hairpieces for a more natural look | |
| No compromising on your usual daily routines as hairpiece stays secured |
CLIPPING
Back in the ‘60s, attaching wigs or toupees with clips was the norm. With this technique, the hairpiece is affixed to the wearer’s natural hair using tiny clips. Wig clips look a lot like small combs or miniature barrettes. These are fastened to existing hair around the perimeter of the thinned-out area or bald patch that will be covered up by the wig or toupee.
There are wigs sold over the counter that come with pre-sewn clips, although attaching it by yourself could be tedious. It may still require some amount of adhesive for the hairpiece to stay in place. The clipping technique is more commonly used on lace or lace-front wigs. These are hairpieces that are tied by hand to a sheer lace lining, which is then fitted onto the scalp.
Hairpieces attached through clipping tend to have a very thick base. The hairpiece has to be dense to conceal the lining and the clips, therefore, it may look bulky and unnatural. When the existing hair gets pulled off, the hairpiece should be replaced with one that has a bigger coverage area.
| Pros | Cons |
| No need to shave off the wearer’s existing hair | Wearer must have existing hair onto which the hairpiece will be attached |
| Attaching the hairpiece can be done at home, by the wearer | Wearer has to be careful not to exert too much force on the hairpiece, lest it gets displaced |
| Easier to take off the hairpiece, wig, or toupee | Existing scalp hair may get pulled out in the long term with frequent hairpiece removal |
| No chemicals involved in attachment method | Wearer should avoid swimming, windy places, wearing headgear/helmets |
| Hairpiece does not look natural, especially when clipped on improperly |
WEAVING
Hair weaving traces its roots to the 1950s, but the more modern methods emerged only in the ‘80s. Weaving entails tying individual locks of hair onto existing hair, mostly using upholstery thread or other types of durable thread.
The weaving technique adopted for hair systems is different from what’s used to add hair extensions Weaving for hair replacement systems involves tying an ENTIRE hairpiece onto existing hair. For hair extensions, micro rings, micro beads, or micro loops—usually made of aluminum—are used to affix locks of hair onto sections of natural hair, then tightened using a specialised clamping tool.
The weaving technique is not advisable for people with very thin hair or bald patches, as the entire hairpiece can only be woven onto what’s left of the natural hair. In time, hair loss can occur along the perimeter of the hairpiece due to the force exerted during weaving. Weaving could also lead to traction alopecia, and you’ll end up with even less hair than what you had before.
| Pros | Cons |
| No chemicals used | Process can be painful |
| No need to shave hair | Requires existing scalp hair for attachment |
| Adds some volume and length to existing hair | Hair breakage may occur |
| Existing hair may be pulled out if too much force is applied to the hairpiece | |
| Wearer should avoid strenuous activities, swimming, exercising, windy places, helmets, caps/hats | |
| Does not look natural | |
| Hairpiece may loosen as the wearer’s natural hair grows out |
WHERE TO GET A HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM IN SINGAPORE
At Aremyhair Singapore, most of our clients come to us thinking that their hair does not truly represent who they are, the way they feel, and how they see themselves. Simply put, their hair doesn’t do justice to their vibrant, fascinating, and fantastic personality.
Here at the studio, we don’t just sell you the hairpiece, we put it on you and make sure it won’t blow off or slip off. Aside from the professional monthly maintenance you get at our service centres, we’ll also give you tips on caring for your hair, so you can enjoy 7 weeks of continuous wear.
So, if you’ve exhausted all means to cover up your problem areas and are looking for a quick, affordable, and easy-to-maintain solution, check out what a hair replacement system can do for you!
