How to attach your hair replacement system
Supplying a template of your hair loss area is a fundamental part of ordering a bespoke hair replacement system. The template will be used as a model from which we will derive the correct size and shape of your hair loss area. This will ensure we make a system that is a perfect fit for you.
Time Required: 45 Minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
Tools required:
- Headband
- Eyebrow pencil (brown or black)
- Black eyeliner pencil
- Application brush
- Liquid adhesive
- Scalp protector
Preparing your scalp properly
Cleaning and preparing your scalp before you attach your hair system is essential to a secure bond. Follow the step-by-step instructions below carefully to ensure your hair system is properly attached.
STEP 1: Remove adhesive residue traces
Begin by wiping all visible traces of hair system adhesive residue from the perimeter of your hair/head with a wet towel or cloth. Using a paper towel and adhesive remover rub vigorously until the perimeter of your hair/head to clear off any residue.
For best results, spray a liberal amount of Amber Release/Lace Release on your scalp then wipe off completely with a towel. This will help the soap to emulsify the oil-based adhesive remover.
STEP 2: WashNext wash your entire perimeter (head) area thoroughly at least two times. Thoroughly scrub your perimeter area with soap (we recommend using an exfoliating glove). Rinse and repeat 4-5 times. This will help ensure any trace of hair system adhesive residue is completely eliminated.
For best results, you can also finish washing your scalp and hair with Deep Cleansing Shampoo . This will help balance the pH in your skin.
STEP 3: DryAfter washing, be sure to fully dry your perimeter area and if applicable your hair and scalp with a towel and/or blow dryer to remove all excess moisture.
We recommend that this would also be a good time to remove or shave any hair or stubble from the bonding area as you will get less wear time if the system is bonded onto natural baby hairs. STEP 4: Clean
Next thoroughly cleanse the bonding area with alcohol based cleanser and cotton wool. For best results repeat 2-3 times or until area is totally clean.
STEP 5: LocatingUsing a light colored eyebrow pencil, trace the contour of the lace system by making a few dots all around the edge of the system.
This is very important. As a rule you should position your hairline 4 fingers above your eyebrows. Hair systems have improved so much over the last few years that natural looking hairlines are easily achieved. You should never place the front of the hair system on your frown line, that is far too low and hair doesn't grow naturally from there. Look in a mirror and feel your head. Visually your fingers should show if they're on your forehead or at the front of your scalp. To summarize, the hairline is 4 fingers from your eyebrow and NOT on your frown lines.
STEP 6: TipsLast, we highly recommend applying a layer of waterproof sealant, such as our Scalp Protector, to your skin. This will help protect your skin as well as encourage adhesion with the tape or adhesive. (Allow the Scalp Protector to completely dry before moving to the next step).
After you have completed the scalp preparation, and only after, you will then be ready to attach your hair system!
APPLY ADHESIVE AND ATTACH HAIR SYSTEM: ACRYLIC ADHESIVE ATTACHING GUIDE: STEP 1:Next apply two thin coats of adhesive to the hairline area of your scalp allowing 5 minutes between coats. Brush adhesive down to the dots, but do not cover the dots. When applying the liquid adhesive, only use thin, even coats and remember to paint in both directions - horizontal and vertical.”
Allow adhesive to dry... tacky (but for acrylic adhesives such as Ultra Hold- normally wait for approximately 10-15mins after you have applied the second coat. For silicone adhesives such as Secure- normally wait for approximately 5-8mins after u have applied the second coat). The solvents must evaporate properly to ensure a secure hold. If more adhesive is desired use thin multiple coats, (we strongly recommend not to apply more than 3 coats, maximum 2 coats is normally sufficient) but make sure the previous coat has dried tacky before applying the next coat.
For best results, when attaching a polyurethane (Thin skin) system, use a corresponding coat or coats on the scalp as well as the system. Again, it is essential that the adhesive is completely dry before applying your hair system.
Never try to apply liquid bond directly to a lace system. Instead, apply it on your scalp and place the unit on your head.
STEP 2 :Carefully wipe the dots off your forehead.
STEP 3:When adhesive has dried tacky, begin by applying either scalp protector or Adjust-A-Bond directly to the perimeter of the lace (this only applies if you are using an acrylic adhesive. You do not need to do this if you are using a silicone adhesive).
Then progress with this attachment process all around the rest of perimeter area. PLEASE NOTE IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR SYSTEM DRY AND PERSPIRATION FREE FOR 24 HOURS AFTER ATTACHMENT.
NOTE: Silicone and Acrylic adhesives provide 2 to 5 week wear time, for extended wear of up to three months please refer to ULTRA HOLD.
Tips for acrylic and silicone adhesives: adhesive applying guideThe 2 Most Important Things to Know About Liquid Bonding Whether you're using solvent or water-based adhesives, one of the most essential things you need to realize is that the adhesive must be dry before you attach the unit.
We all know the more adhesive you use the longer the bond will last. But a vital tip to remember when applying liquid adhesives to your hair system is to use multiple thin layers rather than just a few thicker layers.
Applying a very thin coat or layer of liquid adhesive first makes it easier and quicker to dry but also prevents the adhesive from seeping through the base into your hair after you attach the unit. Caking the liquid on in thick layers will exponentially increase the amount of time it takes to dry and will also make cleaning the hair system much more difficult after you remove it.
WATER BASED ADHESIVE ATTACHING GUIDE: STEP 1:Apply two thin coats of adhesive to scalp allowing 3 to 5 minutes between coats or until it dry's clear. Brush adhesive down to the dots, but do not cover the dots. When applying the water based adhesive, only use thin, even coats and remember to paint in both directions - horizontal and vertical.
Allow adhesive to dry ....clear. The solvents must evaporate properly to ensure a secure hold. If more adhesive is desired it is important to apply the adhesive using thin multiple coats (we strongly recommend not to apply more than three coats. Two coats are normally sufficient). Make sure the previous coat has dried clear before applying the next coat.
Never try to apply water based adhesive directly to a lace system. Instead, apply it on your scalp and place the unit on your head.
STEP 2:Carefully wipe the dots off your forehead.
STEP 3:Gently position the system on your head over the adhesive. Place the system in the correct position and once you are satisfied with this position, use the flat edge of a comb to firmly press the unit on the scalp for 1 minute. Use a flat comb as this will give a better finish than using your fingers. Plus your fingers will carry a natural residue that will affect the bond.
Then progress to this attachment process all around the rest of perimeter area. PLEASE NOTE IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR SYSTEM DRY AND PERSPIRATION FREE FOR 24 HOURS AFTER ATTACHMENT.
NOTE: Water based adhesives typically provide up 2 week wear time, for extended wear of up to three months please refer to ULTRA HOLD.
EXTENDED WEAR HAIR SYTEM ATTACHMENT TIPSIf you wear your hair system for more than 1 week at a time before taking it off, use the tips below for a stronger, longer-lasting hair replacement bonding.
1. Always clean and prepare your scalp properly before attaching the hair system.
2. Baby hair always grow back, so shaving it from the perimeter area to expose skin will benefit your wear time as the adhesive is applied onto skin rather than hair.
3. If you use liquid adhesives, blue liner hair system tape or Pro Flex bonding strips, it's important to apply red tape to the polyurethane surfaces as an undercoat to accommodate easy clean-up.
4. After showering or working out, the bond might seem like it is weakening. This is expected, your hair system is still attached securely, but the bond has softened a bit due to extra heat and moisture. Don't touch the hair system, as your body cools, the bond will harden again.
5. Airborne dust will attach itself to the hair system adhesive in the front edge of lace units and may become visible over time. Immediately after a shower is the easiest time to clean this area because the hair system adhesive is pliable. Spray a liberal amount of Adjust-a-Bond on the tip of a double folded tissue. Hold your hair system back with one hand and wipe the edge of the lace using the saturated tissue with the other hand. This trick will help keep your lace front edge invisible at all times.
DRYING GUIDE FOR USING LIQUID BONDING ADHESIVESWhen using liquid adhesives, there are two very important things you must know. First, proper scalp preparation is the key to getting the most out of your bond. Failing to properly clean and prep your scalp before attaching your hair system will significantly decrease the length of time your system will stay secure.
The second thing to learn about is appropriate drying times so that you can fully understand when and how to attach your hair system for optimal performance.
Drying time for liquid adhesives is mostly dependent on 3 factors: 1. Air Temperature 2. Humidity Levels 3. Thickness of adhesive application 4. Individual Body Chemistry (do you have oily skin or sweat heavily?)
These factors must all be considered when you're trying to determine how long before the liquid has dried. Of course, water-based hairpiece adhesives are white when you put them on, but turn clear when dry so it's much easier to tell than if you are using solvent-based.
When using any type of liquid bonding (but especially solvent-based) we recommend using a hair dryer to expedite the drying time of each coat. However, because extremely hot temperatures can damage the hair in hair replacement systems, remember to use a lower heat setting.